I’m guessing you’ve heard of Speed Dating? Even Speed Networking? Well how about Speed Coaching? I’ve done the networking before but not the dating, (otherwise I would have some explaining to do...) and I’d never even heard of Speed Coaching until I was invited to be a coach at an event that was run here in Orange Country by the Integrous Women.
I really had no idea how it would work, or if it would. But, much to my delight, it did, and not only did it work, it was so much fun. What a fantastic way to find out more about the people we meet at networking events but never really have one to one time to get to the core of that person.
We were there for 3 hours and during that time I met 8 amazing women, all with slightly different questions or challenges they were facing. The greatest thing for these women was being able to get so much feedback and time to talk with 8 coaches, all with a variety of backgrounds and talents. How often do you get a few hours to focus on your own needs with the benefit of a range of different coaches for a low, low cost of $20?
Of course there was a lot of planning behind the scenes and the time management on the day, but for us attending the event, coaches and coachees, we just had to turn up and be our best selves.
It wasn’t as exhausting as I had expected either, we had a few moments between each session to regroup and catch our breath, and as I love listening to peoples stories and dreams, I found it more inspiring that tiring. Coaching is not about having all the answers, so there’s no pressure to come up with great words of wisdom or find solutions for people, but being the ear and the inquisitive voice is such a gift for those with busy minds who can’t find their way through the fog.
I saw a number of light bulbs go off for people and have no doubt that it was happening all around the room.
What a gift it was to be part of this revolutionary event. I hope to see it become successful as a recognised event, so when I attend the next one, my husband believes there is such a thing and doesn’t think I’m attending something that could result in swiping left, or right (I never know which way is which to be honest).
Written by Viki Johnston, a Brit, who recently moved to Southern California with her family, is a self-confessed learning junkie. Having flunked out of school at 16, she spent the next 30 (cough) years trying to figure out why learning stuff is so hard. She made it her mission to help others believe in their abilities and achieve more than they thought possible. Now through her coaching and business focused training she helps others to experience the “light bulb moment” and strive to greatness.
Her heroes are Sir Richard Branson and Brené Brown for their inspiration, and her Husband, whom without she would never have been able to live a life full of her own “light bulb moments”.