About me
I often think that my working life best makes sense in the rearview mirror
To have formed an intention to become a speech and language therapist, a paediatric audiologist, an OD practitioner, a career coach and a driving instructor would have been considered ambitious at best (and several other things besides). In retrospect, however, the golden threads are evident. Despite the varied labels and job titles, I have essentially spent three decades examining and being fascinated by human behaviour; by the power of language; by the potential of hidden strengths; and by a seemingly universal need for connection and purpose.
Growing up in West Dorset, being able to drive meant independence and choice. The day I passed my test, I drove into the countryside alone, thrilled with the sense of freedom. On that occasion, I did nothing more than drive around for a while, deciding where to pull over and when to come home again! Despite having more purposeful reasons to get behind the wheel since, I still feel the same thrill of agency and self-determination when driving as I did then. Furthermore, there is no doubt that being able to drive with confidence in multiple vehicles, environments and climates has afforded me opportunities in life that I might not otherwise have had.
As a coach, however, I noticed this was not a universal experience and that for some people, particularly some women, their aspirations, potential or choices were being constrained by a lack of confidence in their ability to drive. One had a licence but had never owned a car; some had relied upon (or given way to) partners who were no longer present or able to drive; some had only driven locally for years or had had a near miss and lost their confidence; and one built in so much extra time to avoid certain road types, traffic conditions and failing light that she was barely able to reach the office before it was time to start home again. I began to realise that, in some cases, enabling workplace potential might not only be an exercise in encouragement and reframing of strengths but in facilitating the practical ability and confidence to drive a car.
The driving part
My approach to coaching – arising from my continuing role in healthcare - is fundamentally based on compassion. To be clear, however, this is not a ‘soft’ option. Compassionate coaching is an approach that commits to growth and wellbeing even when, or especially when, it feels hard. Brene Brown’s “clear is kind, unclear is unkind”; Kristin Neff’s “fierce self-compassion”; Michael West’s empathetic action to alleviate suffering based on need, not want – these are the lenses on compassion that, in my view, offer the greatest value in a coaching relationship.
To take this approach requires deep rapport and trust - rapport as a portal to an authentic and intuitive connection; and trust that we are in this together, focused on your best interests and desired outcomes. Without rapport and trust, a compassionate challenge could feel overly critical or too vulnerable and result in defensiveness over discovery. Holding up a mirror, dislodging fixed mindsets and acknowledging our impact on others for better and for worse can produce great results but is not always easy.
One of the objectives of the (free) introductory session is for us both to assess whether we can work well together in this regard.
The coaching part
‘Drive for Life’ invites many interpretations.
Taken literally, it means I will teach you to drive well, beyond simply passing the test. It could also mean refreshing or maintaining safe driving years after gaining your licence; or it may relate to developing your confidence on the road to open up more life choices. Viewed metaphorically, it conveys an energy for lifelong learning and a desire to carve your own path unrelated to the physical act of driving.
Whatever your interest in coaching, driving or both, Drive for Life reflects my passion for identifying, embracing and maximising strengths and opportunities over time and, on that basis, I look forward to hearing more about yours.