Happi Coach Focus: Jo Gibney

What connects coffee, coaching and making cheese with Michel Roux Jr?

No, it’s not a new category of coaching at More Happi .

(Although that would be pretty interesting…)

Meet Jo Gibney ACC , a life and career coach breaking the mould by bringing “colour” “lightness” and “ease” to coaching – helping humans find life-work balance and avoid burnout.

Since joining More Happi in November 2023, Jo has coached a whole spectrum of organisations – ranging from food subscriptions like Oddbox and HelloFresh , to financial coaching superstars Bippit? and employee insurance legends YuLife .

Jo’s all about helping clients become their brightest, most successful selves as human beings, (not just human doings).

If you're craving a breath of fresh air, Jo's unique approach to coaching could be just what you need. Get ready to dig deep, find answers for a successful, vibrant life, and maybe even swear a little!

Intrigued? Let’s dive in...

Hi Jo! Tell us an interesting story or fact about yourself that not many people know.

I'm a coffee nerd - my dream is to coach the coffee industry! My background is in the charity sector and I re-trained as a coach after burning out. Oh, and I once made cheese with Michel Roux Jr. (It's on YouTube!)

In your view, what distinct qualities or principles define your coaching style? What key experiences shaped this approach?

A friend described my style as coaching with "colour." I don't want to fit into a dull box - I want coachees to find their vibrant, successful life. I bring lightness and ease to the deep work. Laughter helps, but I don't shy from tears or swearing either if it completes their stress cycle. I blend different techniques to help them find their answers.

I don't want to fit into a dull box - I want coachees to find their vibrant, successful life.

Many coaches have a core philosophy or motto that guides them. What's yours and how does it influence your coaching approach?

We are human beings not human doings. I aim to help people find out who they are, and who they want to be, rather than focus just on what they do. Plus, make it fun: it's not therapy!

What core values underpin and guide your coaching practice?

Courage. Honesty. Authenticity. Openness.

How would you articulate the true essence of coaching to someone completely new to it?

Always a tricky one! I like to see coaching as a conversation where I do most of the listening, and the coachee does most of the thinking and talking. The aim is for me to help them feel comfortable and courageous enough to think about their goals and future, and leave more motivated to take action. I sometimes describe it in comparison to therapy: therapy is how your past messed you up, coaching is how you move forward. In contrast to mentoring, coaching helps the coachee find the answers within themselves.

therapy is how your past messed you up, coaching is how you move forward.

What would you say are the top 3 themes or issues you find yourself addressing with coachees at More Happi?

Burnout.

Confidence to take the next career steps.

Finding balance.

Can you share a powerful client story that exemplifies the impact coaching can have?

One of my earlier clients was able to identify the inner blocks stopping them from their professional goals. They realised their goal wasn't truly their own, but what they felt they "should" do. By the end, they had clarity on their creative practice, overcame fears of rejection/failure, and understood themselves deeply. It's lovely seeing their progress.

What advice would you give someone considering working with a coach for the first time?

Be curious. Hold your goals lightly, as your journey may differ from what you envisioned. Be brave and prepared to dig deep. You'll never feel fully ready, and it's okay to want change. Expect to laugh, cry and swear!

You'll never feel fully ready, and it's okay to want change.

From your experience, what tend to be the main misconceptions about coaching? How do you address them?

The biggest is "coaches tell you what to do." In early sessions I explain that I facilitate their thinking to find answers from their own resourcefulness - it's their journey. Another is thinking you can only discuss your presenting issue, when in fact, all life areas are interlinked for many clients.

Can you share an example of a perspective-shifting lesson you've gained on your coaching journey?

I still have my own coaching sessions and learn invaluable lessons from clients too. One client had an amazing gift with metaphors, showing me how powerful they can be for getting unstuck. I'm excited to apply more creative tools from my burnout CPD (Continuing professional development).

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest insights and evolutions in the coaching field?

Social media, coaching organisations, CPD memberships and courses across different specialities like burnout, neurodiversity, and NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming). Emails from Positive Psychology are a favourite resource too!

What have been the biggest growth opportunities for you through the More Happi platform?

I've coached a wider range of clients and topics than in my private practice, helping me identify areas I feel most in flow versus stuck. It's allowed me to narrow my niche and widen my coaching network.

If you had to capture the sentiments of your clients after coaching in 3 words, what would they be?

Calmer, happier, unscrambled.

Last question. If someone played a pivotal role in shaping your path as a coach, who would that be and why?

My first coaching with Lucinda Shaw set me on the path to where I am today. I also hugely respect Emma Taggart, who is transforming the lives of introverts who thought they couldn't be senior leaders because they were introverts.

Thank you, Jo!

You can connect with Jo Gibney ACC on LinkedIn and follow their Instagram (@coachingwithjo ) for more insightful and inspiring content.

We also recommend subscribing to Jo’s brilliant newsletter ‘Unwind Your Grind’!

???What burning question do you have for our coaches? Let us know and we’ll include it in our next feature.

Who are the More Happi coaches?

Our qualified coaches have trained with the top International Coaching Federation , EMCC UK and Association for Coaching (AC) accredited schools. After the 4-part recruitment process, they are continuously verified by More Happi to ensure high quality, and receive further monthly training and supervision from experts in the field.

More Happi enables qualified, professional volunteer coaches to rapidly achieve further ICF credentials, enabling them to achieve their own career goals in half the time.

With over 100 available coaches, covering 15+ specialist skill sets, you can work with the same coach continuously or move around and try different styles to see what works for you. You’re in control.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Discover your perfect coach at https://app.morehappi.com/coaches