Why We Coach

As coaches, we focus our complete attention on our clients. Helping them articulate goals, get “unstuck” and take steps on their new path forward, that’s how we view our purpose. 100% client-centric.

As coaches, we also take time to keep our skills cutting-edge – understanding behavioral science, best practices, and latest learnings in our particular industry or area of practice.

Yet, during a recent conversation, we realized that we don’t always stop to reflect upon ourselves. Why are we drawn to coaching? Why do our clients gladly refer us to others? What value proposition is the essence of our experiences, our expertise, and our beliefs? What are those elements that we bring of ourselves, outside of coaching techniques, that lead to positive outcomes? And, when imposter syndrome strikes, how do we know we can keep adding value?

But we don’t struggle only with slowing down to reflect. The challenges we face as coaches are very similar to the ones we face as entrepreneurs. They also remind us of the challenges our clients bring to us.

So together, we stepped back and reflected upon what we love about coaching, how our identities as entrepreneurs and business people translate into our identities as coaches.

Why did Niklas decide to focus on coaching Founder CEOs, while Tracy chose to specialize in coaching and consulting with scientists and first-time C-Suite leaders?

Niklas: “I’m a sucker for the entrepreneurial experience. It’s better than any movie. I like to be in the thick of it with my client, be entrusted with the stuff they don’t tell anyone else. I know how lonely you can feel as an entrepreneur, because I’ve been through that experience so many times myself. I have genuine empathy and compassion that is transformational for the founders I coach. This is the best foundation of doing work together – connecting business with the human side. We can quickly have a very strong impact.”

Tracy: “That moment when a client suddenly sees a path forward. A clear solution…an idea to try…an approach to experiment with. It’s like a perfect musical note. Being a trusted partner for clients is incredibly rewarding. I’ve worked through so much complexity in my career – as a scientist and businessperson - that we efficiently eliminate the noise and get right to the root cause of each challenge. Then it’s all about the listening, the empathy, and reflection, allowing the client to create their own solution. So powerful. The clarity of their path forward is amazing!”

At the heart of why we love coaching is watching our clients move forward. Small steps at first, perhaps, then longer strides, with confidence. To achieve goals that they could only imagine at the outset, and perhaps couldn’t even articulate. We’re so grateful to be a part of that journey!

Let us know what you love about your current role (any role, not just a coach).