Finding Her Why: Part 4
A couple weeks later…
The crisp air stings Flo's cheeks as she rounds the familiar corner. These early morning runs are her problem-solving potion, a guaranteed dose of focus and inner peace. This isn't the first time Flo's laced up her shoes at dawn, head pounding with a decision. It probably won’t be her last either. With a determined push, Flo picks up the pace, her legs finding a rhythm of resolve with each stride. She hopes today’s run maintains her winning streak and clarity awaits her at the finish line.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the thought of hiring a career coach seemed absurd. After nudges turned to pushes from Keisha and Malik, I finally went ahead and scheduled a consultation. Then I met with the coach last week. Fast forward to now, and I’m actually considering hiring her.
The consultation wasn’t as cringeworthy as expected. Actually, it was nothing like I expected. First, the session was super strategic. I expected something touchy-feely, more motivation than practical, but that’s not what I got. The coach’s experience as a business leader shone through in her focused, methodical approach. As I explained the situation at my job, she made connections and asked questions to push my thinking and show where I had agency. Afterwards, she followed up with a plan of actions and milestones for us to work on my goals, highlighting how they connected to priorities I mentioned on the call.
Thankfully, our time wasn’t just transactional either. She created an environment that felt warm and transformational. For the first time in recent memory, I could be honest about work. She held space for my raw, unfiltered thoughts. And it got more raw than I could have imagined. I even got emotion while telling her about the conversation with my boss. I might have shed a tear or two…but it was dignified like Denzel in Glory. She helped me identify the feelings this situation at work triggered in me. Then, she encouraged me to consider how my perspectives and actions might shift if I acted from a place of clarity and confidence rather than fear and frustration. Imagining that new normal gave me hope.
And, of course, the coach Keisha recommended is a Black woman like me! I’m no expert about coaching but even I know that Black folks are underrepresented in the field. And this coach isn’t just Black, she’s a Sista. I’m talking Blackity, Black Black! She described her style as ‘strategy meets soul’, combining strategic coaching with support and resources that address the unique considerations of Black women. Our consultation was the first time I spoke about my career goals while acknowledging how being in this body… navigating this world… at this time impacts my walk with work.
So like I said, the consultation was nothing like I expected. Now I’m seriously considering working with this coach to create my career game plan. When we wrapped our consultation, she asked a question that’s been on my mind ever since. She asked,
“What one decision can you make right now to begin transforming your career?”
I’ve been trying to answer this question my entire run. As I see my building up the street and begin to slow my stride, the answer becomes clear and I smile from the sweet satisfaction that my winning streak remains undefeated.
It’s official. I’m getting a career coach.
