WHY I AM A CONSULTANT... NOT A COACH

By: Cathy Droz

Consulting vs. Coaching: Understanding the Difference and Why I Am a Consultant

The terms "consulting" and "coaching" are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different in approach, purpose, and execution. As someone with decades of experience in the automotive industry, I define myself as a consultant, not a coach. While both professions aim to improve businesses and individuals, I personally feel the distinction lies in the expertise, guidance, and methodology employed.

Cathy Droz Consulting: Expertise-Driven Solutions

A consultant is an expert in a specific field who provides professional advice, strategic direction, and actionable solutions to businesses or individuals. Consultants are hired for their knowledge, industry insights, and ability to solve problems efficiently. They analyze existing structures, identify gaps, and implement strategies that drive measurable results. At least that is what I do. [email protected]

As a consultant, my expertise lies in bringing women into male-dominated industries specifically automotive dealerships and auto repair facilities. My work is backed by firsthand experience, including:

• Owning an Automotive Advertising Agency – Giving me insight into the industry's marketing, sales strategies, and consumer engagement. All my clients at one time were dealerships.
• Test Driving Over 700 Cars for Manufacturers – Providing an intimate knowledge of vehicle features, branding, and consumer expectations. Guiding women to the best dealerships to purchase or test drive a vehicle. I've already vetted them. The same holds true for auto repair shops.
• Authoring a Book to Empower Women in Negotiations – Addressing one of the most challenging experiences women face: buying a car with confidence and competence.
• Training Dealerships on Customer Experience – Understanding what women want when making major purchasing decisions and how businesses can meet these expectations.
• Working Hands-On in Various Dealership Departments – Immersing myself in different roles to understand operations from sales to service, allowing me to provide practical, experience-based recommendations. My favorite is the service drive !!!
• 50 Years in Business from New York City to Phoenix – Developing a deep understanding of industry trends, consumer behavior, and business growth strategies. How social media can be used properly to enamor a business.
• Confidence and Strong Business Relationships – I appreciate and work well with men, building meaningful collaborations that drive success. My analytics show my audience is 80% men.
• Commitment to Over-Delivering – I exceed expectations in all my transactions, ensuring that my clients receive maximum value.
• Legacy of Impact – I am determined to leave a lasting mark by making a difference for women in manufacturing, dealerships, and the auto repair industry.
• Developing an Events Arm to My Consulting – Hosting events at dealerships and workshops at repair facilities specifically for women has been a unique and successful way to introduce them to the industry in a welcoming and engaging environment. These events help women see firsthand that dealerships and repair facilities can be friendly, approachable spaces where they can feel comfortable and confident.

Consultants don’t just guide, they implement. My role is to assess a business, identify opportunities for growth, and create tailored strategies that lead to increased engagement with female consumers, improved workplace dynamics, and ultimately, a stronger bottom line.

Coaching: A Process of Discovery and Development

In my opinion coaching, on the other hand, is about guiding individuals or teams to discover their own solutions, improve personal development, and enhance their performance through structured conversations and goal-setting. Coaches do not necessarily need industry-specific expertise but rather strong communication and motivational skills to help clients unlock their potential. Coaches are important to growth, I wish I had started with a coach... I had mentors.

Why I Am a Consultant, Not a Coach

I do not consider myself a coach because I am not guiding individuals through self-discovery, I am providing expertise-driven, actionable strategies. I work with companies that want to increase their female clientele and improve their workplace environments to be more inclusive and appealing to women. My approach is hands-on, rooted in industry knowledge, and focused on delivering tangible results. I deal in "what women want in a retail transaction."

A coach might help a female salesperson develop confidence in her role, but a consultant like me will train the entire dealership on best practices for engaging female customers, ensuring that confidence translates into a customer experience that benefits the business as a whole.

Conclusion

While coaching and consulting both play valuable roles in business development, they serve different purposes. A consultant brings expertise and provides solutions; a coach facilitates personal or professional growth through guidance and reflection. In my field, where breaking barriers for women in male-dominated industries requires knowledge, strategy, and implementation, consulting is the right approach. I am not a coach, nor do I aspire to be one. Instead, I am a consultant who delivers results-driven strategies that create real change in the automotive industry and beyond with a touch of humor.

If you are considering a consultant I might be a good fit. [email protected]