The Power of Finding the Right Coach

Case Study Testimonial: Written by Ebony-Storm Halladay | Freelance Writer, Editorial & Marketing Consultant

When you’ve been freelance since the age of 20, bringing someone else into your business feels deeply personal. I am so glad that someone was Joe – she was exactly the person I needed, at exactly the right time. Let me explain why.

Challenges

When I first met Joe, I was feeling stagnant and insecure. After I’d tested out a new venture that was ultimately unsuccessful, I realised I no longer had clarity on what I wanted out of work. I craved a new direction – something to energise and fuel me. But I had no idea what that should look like.

I was extremely sensitive to social comparison and would feel racked with guilt any time I saw someone else doing impressive things that I thought I should be doing too. I’d forgotten why I started freelancing in the first place (more freedom! more fun!) It was simply a means to an end.

Coaching

Many of these challenges came about because I wasn't in touch with my values. Joe recognised this immediately, along with the disconnect from my true creative self.

Joe has an almost supernatural ability to choose the right exercises at the right time. Through visualisation and deep values work Joe helped me navigate the path back to my creative self.

Now I know what matters to me, I’m developing myself and my career in alignment with my values. It’s foundational work – the stuff you should really do before you start a business. But these were things I overlooked in the beginning, and Joe guided me back to them so that I could go forward more authentically.

This work can feel overwhelming and emotional. But Joe has a steady, compassionate, and empathetic disposition that makes you feel safe to explore complex themes.

One of the things I love most about Joe is her respect, admiration, and deep love for creative work. I felt understood from the first session. I never needed to justify my urge to be more creative or explore new avenues – Joe got it, immediately.

Outcomes

Thanks to our work together:

• I respect the relationship I have with myself as much as the ones I have with others.
• I’m slower and more measured about decision-making, and less reactive to negativity.
• Joe has helped me foster a sense of security within myself that I’m sure influences how other people perceive me. It’s no coincidence that I’ve secured speaking opportunities in 2024 – something I hadn’t even considered an option until I met Joe.
• I’m in a completely different place now. I have a calmness, peacefulness, and quiet confidence that verges on uncharacteristic! I’ve always known myself to be impulsive, reactive, and scattered. I thought those were traits, but I’m learning they were just mechanisms to navigate what I saw to be an intimidating world. Joe has helped me find a healthier perspective.

Conclusion

Coaching isn’t a crystal ball – you don’t get to see into your future. But with Joe, it does something much better – it shifts your perspective on the future.

I’m more excited by the unknown than fearful of it. I have a renewed confidence and assertion in my ability and identity. I know my value as a human being, and I know I can handle whatever comes next.

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