As a coach myself, I often work with many other coaches and counsellors to help them grow and develop their businesses.
One of the most common misconceptions is that because coaches are trained to guide others, they don’t need coaching themselves. In reality, coaching for coaches is just as important as it is for any client, perhaps even more so.
Running a coaching or counselling business brings unique challenges, from finding and building confidence in your niche to marketing your services effectively and identifying new opportunities. That’s where coaching for coaches comes in: having a trusted professional to guide, challenge, and hold you accountable can make all the difference.
This month, my spotlight is on Elizabeth Harding-Massey of Straight Talking Career Coaching. Elizabeth offers career coaching and consultancy to individuals looking to progress in their careers, as well as organisations aiming to improve outcomes for their staff.
Over her career, Elizabeth has built a wealth of experience, having worked with the British Council in Kuwait and spending over 20 years in education as a careers adviser. She specialised in supporting clients with special educational needs, and later qualified as a teacher with a literacy and language specialism before training in coaching. Her expertise and insight make her a standout professional in her field.
Despite her extensive experience and professional knowledge, Elizabeth recognised the value of coaching for herself. She chose to work with me to gain fresh focus and confidence, and to have the structure and accountability to move her business forward. She said:
“Coaching with Sam has been an invaluable part of deciding the direction of my business and identifying new markets and opportunities. Having the accountability to action the goals we agreed has also helped me to get out of my comfort zone.”
Why do coaches need a coach?
Elizabeth’s experience highlights one of the key reasons coaching for coaches is so vital. Even the most experienced professionals benefit from an external perspective. It’s easy to get caught in familiar routines or feel uncertain about branching into new areas. A coach provides a safe space to explore ideas, challenge limiting beliefs, and clarify goals, all while offering structured accountability to ensure action is taken.
For coaches and counsellors, running a business is about more than just having expertise. It’s about positioning yourself in a competitive market, attracting the right clients, and building a sustainable business model. Coaching for coaches helps to identify opportunities for growth, uncover new markets, and develop strategies that work specifically for your unique skills and goals. It also supports confidence building, which is crucial when promoting your services, networking, or making business decisions.
Stepping outside your comfort zone
Another important aspect of coaching for coaches is the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone. Many coaches naturally focus on supporting their clients, often putting themselves second. Working with a coach helps you prioritise your own development, set actionable goals, and maintain momentum. It’s a reminder that even experts need support to continue growing and evolving.
Elizabeth’s journey illustrates how coaching for coaches can transform a business. By gaining clarity on her business direction, identifying new opportunities, and receiving guidance on how to implement changes, she has been able to move forward more confidently and strategically. This kind of structured support accelerates growth and ensures that you’re not navigating challenges alone.
If you’re a coach or counsellor looking to develop your business in 2025, consider how coaching for coaches could help you achieve your goals. Whether it’s clarifying your niche, identifying new markets, building confidence, or creating actionable strategies, having a coach by your side gives you perspective, guidance, and accountability.
Even those who spend their careers coaching others benefit from the insight and support that coaching provides. Working with a coach ensures that your own professional growth doesn’t stagnate and that you can continue to provide the best service to your clients.
Are you ready to be coached?
If you’re ready to invest in yourself and your business, get in touch to discuss how coaching for coaches can help you take your business to the next level. Like Elizabeth, you too can gain clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies to move forward in 2025.