Coaching’s a powerful business tool, widely used today and Rachael North, LegalEdge’s People & Culture Lead has a wealth of experience in this area. She’s a seasoned coach, with a legal background, having supported in-house lawyers for over 20 years. She also founded a company and partnered in a scale up business that reached a successful exit. She understands the dynamics of legal and entrepreneurial environments, making her coaching approach insightful and effective.
We’ve seen the rise in coaching and experienced its benefits first hand, so we asked Rachael to shed some light on what’s involved and its transformative impact. Here’s what she said:
What does a coach do?
As a coach, I offer bespoke services tailored to each clients’ needs. My focus is on guiding them through a process of self-awareness to build essential skills, behaviours and strategies. I leverage a full ‘toolbox’ that combines executive and personal development coaching with behavioural science, such as DISC and NLP, enriched by years of legal and business experience.
Specifically, I stand in my clients’ corner, ask lots of questions and show clients what they’re capable of. My approach emphasises open communication, active listening and innovative solutions and I always adhere to a professional code of ethics and behaviours, set by the International Coaching Federation.
Also, it’s worth saying coaching’s no longer just for top or leading executives, senior lawyers and founders. It’s beneficial to anyone seeking personal and professional development. Certainly, my aim is to make coaching accessible to all high potential professionals, who want it.
Why coaching’s a no brainer?
The impact can be profound and one of the most powerful ways to accelerate professional and personal transformation.
For example, Rebecca, a young entrepreneur, Forbes 30 under 30, founder and CEO was searching for coaching and mentorship, after being introduced to Rachael, via a legal investor. Working together, she built her pitch confidence and learned to tell her story effectively, secure investments and grow her e-commerce business.
Damian, a Global GC at one of the world’s largest/best funded startups in games, used coaching because he wanted to make an impact and stay focused in fast paced situations, avoiding stress and burn out during his first 100 days and beyond.
Coaching also had a significant impact on Alex, former partner at magic circle law firm. It challenged her thinking and, increased her career options, by focusing on achievements and fostering a confident, growth mindset. Her newfound self-belief led to another incredible career opportunity and she’s now a partner at a global US law firm.
Last, in today’s fast paced and ever evolving legal and business landscape, coaching can be so helpful when navigating change. We spend so much time at work and it’s vital to prioritise career planning, personal and professional development, and healthy relationships – the keys to overall happiness.
What are the benefits of coaching?
It varies. It depends on individuals and their requirements, but the impact is usually pretty profound. Clients regularly feedback they have found coaching sessions ‘powerful, strong and directive’.‘
For businesses, coaching can really drive performance, operational excellence and talent retention. It can also enhance leadership, goal setting, team dynamics, strategic planning and organisational culture.
For individuals, coaching, especially early, can play a pivotal role in multiple areas. For example, boosting confidence; navigating professional roadmaps; leadership skills; improving emotional regulation; communication and conflict management as well as improving resilience, moving clients from surviving to positively thriving!
Practicalities?
A typical coaching programme consists of 7 one-hour sessions, scheduled over a six-month period although programmes can extend over several years, if needed. Meetings take place both in person and via Zoom, with additional contact in between for sound boarding conversations.
Coaching is an invaluable investment in your personal and professional development however, quantifying the value of a ‘successful’ career, business growth and/or a ‘happy’ life is pretty near impossible! The commitment you make to coaching can yield significant improvements, impacting your career success, business growth and overall happiness. It’s a continuous journey with both immediate rewards and long-term advantages.
How can we help at LegalEdge?
If you’re a high potential professional, senior legal leader, member of the C-suite, founder/business owner or individual looking to enhance your impact and effectiveness please speak to Rachael at rachaelnorth@legaledge.co.uk and schedule a free Discovery Session. Services are offered on an individual or group basis.
