“Sometimes you just need a conversation that helps you hear your own voice again.” That single line sums up what coaching truly is for me.
When I attended my very first coaching session, I went in with expectations of receiving answers, tips, guidance, even a little hand-holding. I got all of that... but not in the way I imagined.
My coach didn’t give me the answers.
Instead, she introduced me to someone who held all the resources I needed: myself.
That experience made me pause and reflect. It made me reframe my way of thinking...
I went deep into reflection - a skill we underestimate ever so often.
I journaled. I walked. I spoke to the people I trust. And somewhere in between all of that, I experienced something magical - the moment when your thoughts finally untangle... when everything aligns like a number lock... and you hear that soft, unmistakable click inside.
That’s when I knew: Coaching is powerful.
Once I gained clarity and alignment, I embarked on the path of becoming a coach. And almost immediately, I met something uncomfortable: The need to unlearn.
My cup was full. Opinions. Ideas. Experiences. I was attuned to doing things a certain way. But without pouring out the rigid thoughts, there was no way to learn something new.
Unlearning is messy. And it must be deliberate.
It can feel frustrating. But it is the only way forward...
Once we start learning about coaching, it is like knowing the ingredients of a recipe:
We’re even given the recipe.
But cooking it up? That requires something beyond technique.
Did you ever wonder why a takeaway meal, no matter how good, can never match the nourishment of your grandmother’s food? There’s something almost magical about it. The human touch, the intention, the deep sense of connection woven into every step... it changes everything.
Coaching feels like that.
It’s not just about techniques or tools. It’s the presence, the care, the conversation that’s made for you and that’s what makes it truly transformative.
It takes someone experienced to guide you through the nuances.
It takes self-awareness like never before.
It takes the intention to become selfless.
It takes courage to open your heart so you can hold space for someone else.
And like acquiring and honing any skill, it takes practice... practice... and more practice. As I continue on this journey, one truth stands out, becoming a coach requires time, effort and dedication.
Before stepping into this profession, ask yourself:
Remember: Coaching is about being.
And that can be confronting. There is no instant recipe. It is slow cooking. Takes patience and time for the flavors to develop the craft and become a masterful coach.
For me coaching worked because I was ready - ready to change, ready to do the work, ready to take charge.
Without readiness, coaching becomes frustrating. It might not even be the right option.
This is where understanding the difference between coaching, therapy, counselling, mentoring, and consulting becomes essential. We need to know what we are looking for and be clear on what coaching offers.
In my case, I didn’t need a deep dive into the past.
I needed:
That’s where coaching fits beautifully.
Whether you’re a coach or a coachee, what truly matters is this:
Give yourself the space to hear your own voice again.
Sometimes, to move forward with meaning, all we need is a moment of stillness - a moment to sit down, sip that warm soup, and savor life, one gentle bite at a time..
ABOUT KABERI
Kaberi brings over 20 years of global experience across Asia, Europe, and Australia, working in the technology space across finance, retail, and healthcare, including leadership roles at one of Australia’s four large banks.
Her career spans technical delivery, project management, and people leadership, always with a focus on enabling others to grow and succeed.
She is currently working toward becoming an accredited coach, and brings her breadth of corporate experience into conversations that help individuals and teams find clarity and lead with confidence.
To follow and connect with Kaberi on LinkedIn, visit her profile.