Ask the Expert

Answers from Clara O’Keeffe,

July Coach of the Month

PSG: How do you keep up the level of courage and energy necessary to meet your stretch goals?

Clara: I hold myself to the same account as I would my clients. It’s about walking your talk, especially when you’re having an “off-day”. I bring myself back to my values and look at the rewards achieving my stretch goals will give me. It’s difficult to argue with data, so I spend some time looking at what’s driving me to work towards the goal and what it will look like when I get there. By the time I’ve all that done, I’ve long forgotten what was getting in the way in the first place. It becomes a no-brainer.

PSG: What have been your best ‘support systems’ in terms of keeping you motivated to continually learn and grow?

Clara: Joining QCC has definitely been a great support in terms of learning and growing. It’s a great way to keep yourself relevant as a coach and be privy to the latest thinking and hot topics in the industry. It’s like a safe space for coaches just like you where you share and learn together. Staying connected with PSG has also been a great support. I’m no sooner finished one course and I’m signing up to the next. It’s a great way to check back in but also adds something new. I keep regular contact with a coach that trained with me and we meet when we can to check in with each other which is a great support system that I’m lucky to have.

PSG: What can we do as coaches to honour our true selves in our coaching practice?

Clara: For me, it’s about doing a thorough chemistry check. Make sure you are the right coach to serve the client and that their agenda is a coachable one. If you don’t do a proper chemistry check you could end up in a coaching relationship where you can’t be true to yourself or the practice. We also need to lean into our values in every interaction and show up ready to engage with the beautiful human who has trusted us with moving them forward.

Bio: Clara O’Keeffe

Clara has an Advanced Diploma in Executive, Life and Neuroperformance Coaching as well as a Certificate in Neurowellness Coaching from PSG. She continues to learn and grow as a coach through CPD to bring her clients the latest thinking in coaching. She is an experienced trainer and L&D professional with a passion for people and their development. Clara is an assistant facilitator for student coaches working towards their diploma with PSG in Cork.

Contact info:

Clara O’Keeffe

0851208012

CoachingwithClara@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/clara-o-keeffe

WACN: https://www.wacn.global/licenced-coach/clara-okeeffe/