Even the Best Can Use a Coach
I have always been someone who wants a coach. Not because I can’t do it on my own, but because I want to be pushed to my limits, to be the best version of myself that I can be.
I love learning something new.
One coach can change a person’s future.
After cycling my way through multiple different sports as a child, I finally found something I loved: swimming. When I started my city club at 10 years old, the team failed to hold a coach for longer than one year. I still remember every one of them. Especially Teresa Hamilton. At 12 years old, I naively offered Teresa an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii if she stuck around for more than one year. At her retirement she reminded me that she’s still waiting on that trip. She earned it. She was tough. Those were some of the most brutal workouts I’ve ever had, but under her coaching, I saw her create some of the best swimmers, my sister included. My sister went on to earn a full ride to Boston University.
That need for someone who pushes me harder never left. I skip the group classes at the gym because I want the one-on-one conversation about how I’m improving and how to self-correct. I have someone who I know will show up for me at six o’clock in the morning to gleefully terrorize me. It’s great accountability. And she’s become a great friend.
The Power of Mentorship
In my career, I have had tough bosses and incredible mentors, often one and the same person. I always learned so much from them. When I became a leader, I strived to pass that on. I read an article that said the best bosses are the ones who would be happy to see you promoted over them, and it really stuck with me. To this day, I am still looking for that article, because I would love to share it with the world. I’ve always tried to coach people along instead of handing them answers. I’ve pushed them to raise the bar and think outside of the box. I know it’s worked when I hear someone I worked with say, “I learned so much from you.” It is still the best compliment I get.
I had the pleasure of mentoring Brianna (yes, we have the same name) as part of the Class of 2024 THR Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program
Look for the Helpers
What I didn’t expect is how hard it would be to find a coach as a senior executive. When I was laid off in April, I lost my purpose. The industry I was in was shrinking fast, and I wasn’t keen to go back to the exact same job. This layoff was a new opportunity. The world was my oyster. I could do anything. But what do you do when you are suddenly presented with a blank canvas?
I was lucky to have a great network of friends and acquaintances to help me through the transition. I had an offer to consult two weeks after the layoff. Incredible timing, and a job I am loving. Then Kenny and Dan invited me to be a guinea pig for their new program, Second Act Shift. Two and a half hours a day for two weeks. Little did I know this was exactly the type of coaching I needed. It really helped give me focus on my next chapter. I walked out with a cohort of people who still cheer me on, tools to propel me into my next chapter, and a creative spark I didn’t know I was missing. I now have a long-term plan for something I’m building, and I’ve already hit major milestones. The beauty is, I still get weekly coaching as part of the program.
To be clear, this isn’t a promo. But if you’re interested in meeting Kenny and Dan, hit me up.
Full of Gratitude
To all my old leaders, bosses, mentors and coworkers, thank you. There are too many of you to name. I learned so much from you, and I’ve been able to pass it on.
No matter how senior you are, you still need someone who pushes you to think bigger. If you haven’t had one of those in a while, think about what we always tell kids. Look for the helpers. Look to the people who have always helped you, and the people who are helping right now. There are some good ones out there.
I know I’m not the only one with someone like that in my story. Tell me about the coach or mentor who changed how you work. I’d love to hear.