Coaching

“You should really get a coach, Zach.”

Kevin had been imploring me to get an executive coach for months now, yet I never felt “ready” to do it. This time it finally felt different.

“Okay, you know what, I’ll start talking to people in my network and see who can recommend a coach. I don’t really know what I want (or need), but you’ve been raving about your coach for months, so I’ll give it a try and report back.”

Thanks, Kevin, getting a coach was a game-changer!

My Journey: Why I Became a Coach

After a difficult breakup left me feeling lethargic and adrift, I took a leap of faith and began interviewing coaches. Therapy was great and helpful, however something felt lacking.

I needed help breaking out of the past.

I needed help staying accountable.

I needed help making progress.

During the interview process, I met Amy Pooser—a coach whose genuine human connection and holistic approach changed everything for me.

With Amy, I discovered that coaching isn’t just about professional milestones; it’s about nurturing the whole person. She crafted a safe, collaborative space where we could dive deep—not just into work, but into all aspects of my life. Amy saw me for who I truly was and pushed me to unlock my full potential. One of my most memorable moments was when I shared my ambitious 2025 goals with her. Rather than just cheering me on, she offered a bold challenge: to lean more into “being” rather than always “doing.” As a natural doer, that insight was transformative. It wasn’t just advice; it was a powerful invitation to explore a part of myself I’d been too busy to notice.

Amy’s approach taught me that the work is on my end—and that a coach is there to help me get unstuck while also offering a sharp, business-savvy perspective when needed. This blend of deep personal insight and pragmatic strategy is now at the heart of my coaching practice. I have been fortunate to take courses at Co-Active Training Institute to hone these skills.

What Is Coaching?

Coaching is a dynamic partnership built on trust, clarity, and a shared commitment to your growth. In our journey together, we will:

Establish Clear Communication: Create a supportive dialogue that lays the foundation for real progress.
Clarify Your Vision: Define what you want to achieve—whether that’s professional advancement, personal development, or something in between.
Create a Tailored Action Plan: Develop practical strategies and actionable steps that empower you to overcome obstacles and move forward with confidence.

My approach is deeply inspired by the whole-person philosophy I experienced with Amy—because your professional success is inextricably linked to your personal well-being and growth.

Coaching vs. Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Both coaching and therapy help you move forward, but they serve different purposes:

Forward-Focused: We work in the present to build a future that excites you.
Action-Oriented: Through powerful, direct questions, coaching helps you overcome internal saboteurs and chart clear, measurable progress.
Structured Process: Typically, coaching involves a set timeframe (often 3–6 months) with actionable assignments to keep you on track.

Therapy

Exploratory: Therapy often delves into your past to uncover how previous experiences influence your current life.
Deep Emotional Work: It’s designed to help you process significant emotional challenges like trauma, grief, or depression.
Flexible Timing: Therapy sessions adapt to your pace and continue as long as needed to heal and grow.

Many people benefit from a combined approach—starting with therapy to build a strong emotional foundation and then transitioning to coaching to propel them toward their goals.

Do I Need a Coach, a Therapist, or Both?

Only you can decide what kind of support you need. Here are a few questions to help guide you:

Overwhelming Emotional or Mental Health Challenges?
If you’re dealing with intense emotional pain or unresolved past issues, therapy may be the right fit.
Focused on Achieving Specific Goals?
If you’re ready to set clear objectives—whether for your career, personal growth, or leadership—coaching can provide the structure and accountability to help you succeed.
Feeling Generally Okay but Seeking More?
Even if life feels stable, if you’re yearning for that extra spark to unlock your full potential, coaching might be the perfect next step.

I will note, I personally have the following support network (beyond family and friends):

Mentors
Advisors
Therapist
Coach

Your needs may be different than mine. There is not “right” answer here.

Ready to Move Forward?

You don’t have to navigate life’s complexities alone. My coaching practice is built on the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, understood, and empowered to achieve their dreams. Whether you choose coaching, therapy, or a blend of both, I’m here to help you transition from feeling stuck to stepping boldly into the future.

Let’s begin this transformative journey together.

Send me an email at zach@shefska.com to get started.