Personal Development is something that has always been close to my heart. 

I’m someone who loves helping people see their potential and I’m used to facilitating learning and supporting others, but recently I gave myself permission to grow and put my own learning first. And it has been a humbling and enlightening experience!

I decided to take on a coaching qualification (ILM Level 5 Certificate & Diploma in Effective Coaching & Mentoring to become a Coach Practitioner), and I knew it was going to be a challenge. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d develop, both personally and professionally, along the way.

Choosing myself for a change.

I’ve done additional qualifications in various areas over the years, where I learned a lot, but I always felt there was something missing. Accreditations like ‘Mental Health First Aid Trainer’ felt more like a business skill, something I could apply in a professional context, rather than something deeply personal that could really make a difference on a human level. This led me to explore coaching.

It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but more of a personal revelation, as I believe everyone has the capacity for growth. I realised that coaching was not only a way to help others reach their full potential, but it turns out, while I thought I was learning to coach others, I’ve ended up learning a fair bit about myself too.

Coaching realisation.

My why is rooted in a deep belief that everyone has the capacity to grow. I facilitate and coach to create clarity, foster self-awareness and empower individuals and groups to confidently navigate challenges and step into their full potential.

What’s become even clearer to me through this journey is just how much coaching has already been a big part of what I do. I’ve known for a while that coaching is one of things I enjoy most about my job, especially during one-to-one sessions in our leadership programmes at PeopleUnboxed, but I wanted the reassurance that I was doing it right. More than that, I wanted to push myself further, to really deepen my understanding and build on the foundations I already had.

It’s incredibly rewarding to help people overcome their limiting beliefs, shift their perspectives, and realise their full potential. This process  has also deepened my understanding of the people I work with, allowing me to tailor content that truly resonates.

So, I decided to pursue this qualification, not to start from scratch, but to enhance and refine the skills I already had. It’s been a perfect blend of theory, reflection and practical application, and every step has helped me grow as both a facilitator and a human.

Supportive company makes all the difference.

When choosing a provider for my coaching qualification, I knew it was crucial to find the right fit. I explored several options before Leah Steadman, connected me with Amie Nazaruk-Wheeler at Grow Development Solutions Ltd.

It was clear from the outset that this was a partnership that was meant to be. They offer a truly supportive, reflective environment that foster trust and vulnerability, something I hadn’t quite expected but has been such a valuable part of my growth. The learning has been intense, with workshops every two weeks and regular reflection in my learning journal, but I’ve never felt alone in the process.

PeopleUnboxed, and the team here, has been equally supportive. Balancing the demands of work and study has been a challenge, as I’m sure many of you can relate. There’s always that pull to focus on the day-to-day work, but with the flexibility that PeopleUnboxed offers, I’ve been able to prioritise my personal development.

My colleagues and managers have been incredibly understanding, encouraging me to carve out time for my studies, while also providing feedback and support along the way. For example, Tony, supported me with my reports and helped me see how I could break things down using mind maps and bite-sized thinking, which not only made my studies easier to manage, but also improved my content writing in a business sense too.

It’s not always easy, but knowing I have a team that’s got my back makes all the difference.

Becoming my own best-case study.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of this process has been learning to step into the role of both coach and coachee. Participating in both peer and individual supervision sessions has been highly beneficial. These sessions have provided me with different perspectives and valuable insights into my own methods and approaches.  Coaching involves both helping others and experiencing personal growth for myself throughout the process.

For me, the most fulfilling moments are when someone I’m coaching has a breakthrough. It’s particularly rewarding when they ask, “How did you do that, Arlene?” Coaching is about fostering an environment to explore thoughts, challenges, and aspirations openly. It involves asking powerful questions that open new possibilities and help individuals unlock their potential.

One individual I have coached started off quite closed, but gradually, I’ve seen them open up with incredible vulnerability. Building that deeply trusting and supportive connection has been immensely rewarding, and witnessing their transformation has been a highlight.

Coaching beyond the job title.

What’s been fascinating is how coaching has naturally started to show up in my everyday life too, not just at work. I’ve found myself coaching friends without even meaning to, asking the right questions, challenging their thinking, and helping them shift into more of a growth mindset.

It’s made me realise that coaching is not a skill you switch on and off, it becomes part of who you are. And when it clicks, it’s powerful.

Journey worth taking.

I am now partway through the qualification and onto the really fun part… delivering the learning and continuing to coach.

The journey hasn’t always been easy. There have been overwhelming moments, self-doubt and the challenge of balancing work, personal life and study. But with the support of PeopleUnboxed, it’s been a journey worth every ounce of effort. Coaching is not only enhancing my facilitation skills and personal conversations, it’s also helping me realise the power of vulnerability, trust and the importance of always striving to be better.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience so far, it’s that I’ve seen how much unboxed potential there is in every individual and how impactful the right coaching guidance can be.

If you’re considering a similar journey of personal development, within coaching or another path, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s been the most fulfilling professional and personal experience… and I can’t wait to keep going and make an even bigger difference in the lives of those I work with.

Personal development takes commitment, vulnerability and a bit of bravery, but the result? Growth you never imagined. Good luck!

And if you want anymore information about coaching please reach out via email or LinkedIn!