Coaches Corner with Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Leyman
STEPHANIE WHEELER
1. Who or what inspired you to do what you do?
A coach with whom I worked while I was still a lawyer, Emma Skitt, who showed me the potential positive impact of coaching. Later, a long period of illness of one of my children which led me to explore positive psychology and its practical applications to live a good life in challenging circumstances. I wanted to use the learnings from my experiences to be of service to others and followed a long-held dream to be a coach.
2. What do you find the most challenging about your work?
Like many coaches, I'm a knowledge magpie; the old saying 'the more you know, the more you realise you don't know' rings very true and there is more to learn than there is time available.
3. What’s the biggest lesson you have learnt in recent years?
To both recognise that coaching represents a life-long learning journey and trust that where I am at in the moment is enough and to be patient with my personal and professional development.
4. If you could wave a magic wand and have one wish for you or your coaching practice, what would it be and why?
That I wouldn't need to think about business development and the people to whom I could be of most service to would turn up magically at my door (or inbox) without any further thought or effort on my part!
5. Tell us a fact that not many people know about you …
Many moons ago I swam in the sea off Antarctica
TERESA LEYMAN
1. Who or what inspired you to do what you do?
People, I genuinely like people and seeing them thrive. I am a big fan of Nancy Kline. Keeping your mouth shut and holding a space for another with full presense, acceptance and curiosity can be the best gift you can give. Then adding your input when invited can be useful or not.
2. What do you find the most challenging about your work?
People understanding and realising the benefits of coaching. Currently as a profession it feels a little like where dentistry was back in 1900s - it was considered a fringe practice and a very odd concept to take care of your teeth. I think coaching is a bit further on than this but it's still not mainstream and sometimes considered something for the precious few executive leaders or high flyers. I want to scream it can help in so many ways and integral to improving business, people and the planet.
3. What’s the biggest lesson you have learnt in recent years?
To use a Game of Thrones term " you know nothing John Snow". The more you learn the more you know you don't know. Being present, curious and bringing buckets of love and belief can be hugely resourceful and transformational for another to experience. If I have picked up some information along the way that is useful to you, you are welcome but the biggest gift I bring - you get to know yourself more and that’s priceless.
4. If you could wave a magic wand and have one wish for you or your coaching practice, what would it be and why?
To help create even more transformational change globally. My background in hi-tech and change management has shown me there are so many problems to be solved and yet people are not equipped to really tap into their ability to co-create and synergise with others. The world is complex and we need this more than ever. Coaching has a part to play. The more adept everyone is in the art of coaching the better. I'd like to contribute more in this area.
5. Tell us a fact that not many people know about you …
I have worked with Stephanie for a few years and never knew she has swam in the sea off Antarctica. Who knew we had the ocean in common, not quite the Antarctic but the Irish sea. At 16, I found myself by mistake winning the opportunity to join a young person's initiative sailing from South Wales to Scotland. I thought we were going on a cruise, it was a working ship! We found ourselves in a storm force 12 and the captain shared he'd never done the trip so fast! I was as sick as a dog, hated the first week and yet when the two weeks ended, I cried as I didn't want to leave! Sometimes the toughest, unplanned adventures are the best. I try to remember that when I'm in the unchartered and stormy waters.