Interview with Lauren - Individual Coaching

How long have you been doing what you’re doing, and how did you become a Career & Business Coach?

Through a long and varied corporate career, I’ve actually always coached and mentored others to be more successful and happier in their existing roles, or to find ways to change their situation so they could enjoy work more. It didn’t matter whether it was part of my job description or not; people naturally came to me for career-related questions, and I found each of their “puzzles” a new, fun challenge to help someone solve. I’ve also “reinvented” my own career several times. I have first-hand knowledge of and tremendous respect for the commitment it takes to proactively change your life circumstances.

Over 10 years ago, I fully embraced what I love to do – to help people become more successful, happy, and balanced in their businesses and careers. I launched my own business as a coach / consultant in 2006, and have been working with individuals and organizations to get them great results ever since.

Who do you work with?

Our clients are self-motivated, own their decisions and actions, have a positive attitude, and are willing to work hard for what they really want. They are open to new perspectives, ideas, and possibility. Beyond that, they are at all stages in their careers; they are from a wide variety of backgrounds, fields and industries; some are business owners or executives, others navigating the corporate environment. They have aspirations, want to achieve more, and appreciate having objective feedback, accountability, and the brainstorming partnership of a coach. They value themselves and their family, and won’t sacrifice important relationships to get ahead. Instead, they seek out skills and tools to move progressively toward their dreams and goals. See our For Individuals page for more details.

Careerevolution Group also works with organizations that truly value their people, want to attract and retain the best and the brightest, and are willing to invest in the business and achieving its vision and objectives. We help business owners and teams to align their own goals, strengths, and motivations with the direction of the organization. See our For Organizations page for more details.

Do you specialize in any one field or industry?

Our clients come from many different fields, backgrounds, and industry sectors. We appreciate and embrace the diversity of their experiences.

What do you do, and what is expected of me?

You can expect your coach to:

• Commit to an open, honest, collaborative coaching relationship.
• Listen openly and actively to what you say and ask questions to provoke awareness.
• Be a partner in bringing out the best in you, with your best interests at heart.
• Expand your view of what is possible and promote discovery of new insights and perspectives.
• Give you input, straight feedback or operate as a sounding board.
• Be a resource for you to use in accomplishing your goals.
• Respect the confidentiality agreement we make, to the extent permitted by law.
• Trust you to make your own decisions.

We expect you, as our client, to:

• Commit to an open, honest, collaborative coaching relationship.
• Be honest with yourself and with your coach.
• Schedule your sessions with a frequency that will move you forward most effectively.
• Arrive for your sessions on time and ready to fully engage.
• Commit yourself to goals that are truly meaningful and significant to you.
• Experiment with new approaches, perspectives, and practice new behaviors.
• Provide ongoing feedback on whether the coaching is valuable and meeting your needs.
• Be open to hearing my feedback and letting me know whether it fits.
• Take ownership for your progress, decisions, and accomplishments.

How long do you typically work with someone?

We offer programs from 4 weeks to 6 months, but we often have clients get so much value and find our process to be such a support, that they return again and again at various stages of their career or business. Whether you go through a shorter program or become one of our long-term, ongoing clients, we value you and the investment you are making in your future.

Is there a set process? How would you approach my particular situation?

Our programs offer a process and a foundation to which each person or company’s unique situation can be applied. So the outcome becomes completely individualized, completely your own, but it is based on proven tools and techniques.

Does this really work?

Yes! When you commit to change and growth, and build accountability into your process, you have already made an important step that most people never take. When you approach the coaching engagement with dedication, honesty and perseverance, you will see results.

What type of person or company does this not work for?

Well, you should be aware that we are selective about the clients we work with. We offer a complimentary Getting Acquainted session so that you can see if we are a good fit for you, and vice versa. If our style, approach, or systems aren’t quite the right fit, we would rather you find a coach that will be a good fit. We can sometimes provide referrals to other professionals when appropriate.

How do I make sure this is right for me?

The first step is to have your complimentary “Getting Acquainted” call, so we (usually Lauren) can speak with you directly to understand your particular situation and see how we can help. We will also use this time to match you with the coach best suited to help you achieve your goals and aspirations. Click the button below to schedule online if you have not already done so. Once you confirm your appointment, you will receive an email confirmation, so please look for that in your Inbox.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Getting Acquainted call is complimentary and will cost you nothing other than your time; once we discuss where you are and what will help you move forward, you will be provided with a quote containing some program options, as well as an option to speak to your recommended coach. Specific programs are priced according to length, as well as the various tools, workbooks, assessments, expertise and other resources provided as part of the program. It is difficult to share exact costs until we have talked to you to determine your specific needs, but we generally provide 2-3 price-points as options for you to choose from based on your budget. We strive to provide outstanding value for money with all our programs.

OK, I've had my call and I'm ready to get started... now what?

Congratulations! Once you confirm the program that is right for you, you will receive a Welcome email with all the details you need. You'll receive online access to your intake questionnaires which will provide us with both with some important information and clarifications that will focus your coaching engagement. 

HOW WILL WE WORK TOGETHER?

We will establish a frequency for our sessions based on your goals, and you will schedule your sessions using our online scheduling tool. We recommend scheduling your sessions at the beginning of the engagement, then your preferred session day/time is reserved for the duration of the engagement, though you can always reschedule a session if necessary. Virtual sessions are usually conducted over the phone, but video chat can be arranged if desired. In-person sessions are held at a location of your coach's choosing - usually their office or workspace.

When working with organizations, management alignment sessions are conducted in person or via video conference whenever possible. When several employees are engaged in coaching programs at the same time, we can also arrange to conduct sessions at your office, if desired. Between sessions, we offer email support based on availability and within reason. If the topic seems like something that is better addressed during a session, we will let you know.

If I’m not sure I’m ready to get started, how does that work? 

If you've had your Getting Acquainted call but you're still not sure it's the right time to engage with us, that's completely fine --we recommend you simply stay in touch.  Let us know if you'd like us to check in with you periodically. Connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn (see links at the bottom of the page). Then, when you’re ready, let us know. We are here when you need us.

How do I pay?

Once you select the program or package that is right for you, you will have the option to pay online. It’s simple and secure, and we never see any of your credit card details.

OK, I’m ready, but I have a couple of additional questions. Can I call you?

Of course! Call or email with any questions, whichever you prefer.