Coaches Corner with Julia Carden

1. Who or what inspired you to do what you do?

Several years ago, I attended the CIPD annual conference when coaching was still perceived as part of HR remit and part of the CIPD area of focus; I heard Alison Hardingham speak – she inspired me to find out more about coaching and follow my passion.

Recently I have been inspired by reading the “Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu

2. What do you find most challenging about your work?

The continual and non-stop work on self and giving this the time it deserves.  There is always so much more to learn, and the journey is never ending.·

3. What’s the biggest lesson you have learnt in recent years?

The value and importance of self-connection, self-acceptance and knowing I am doing ‘my best’. I wish I had started therapy when I started my coach training. 

And, the realisation that being a coach is ultimately fulfilling needs in myself that aren’t being met elsewhere in my life.·

4. If you could wave a magic wand and have one wish for you or your coaching practice, what would it be and why?

Primarily, to bring my research to the forefront and have ‘coach self-awareness’ as a core competency across all the professional coaching bodies and ensure that coach training gives as much time to coach self-awareness as it does to other competencies.

Secondly, to work with many of the line managers who send their team members for coaching when really it is them that need the coaching!  

Wish for myself is to create more spaciousness in my calendar.

5. Tell us a fact that not many people know about you ……

My inner critic is a “squawky parrot”!