Since 2024, I have been working and studying with Lisa Marie Hayes and The Coaching Guild, and it has enriched my life. After 40 years of teaching in Higher Education, trying to plan my second act has occupied most of my thoughts. My connection with Lisa has not only helped me plan a course of action but has enriched my life both personally and professionally.
Because of the training I’ve received from The Coaching Guild, I’ve become a better listener. My mind moves quickly, and I often have trouble controlling my automatic responses as I engage with others.
The Guild’s concentration on listening has made me a better professor and a better friend. Through the Listening Labs exercises, I’ve learned to listen, not to respond, but to understand others by staying in the moment, not running ahead to find solutions.
The cohort of students the Lisa assembled was diverse, wise and interested! This learning community provided the support that is needed as The Coaching Guild program involves deep self-examination which is necessary for growth.
Going through this process has given me friends and colleagues which I treasure. Each of us shared and received knowledge, insights and wisdom. As a Black American woman,
I felt welcome to speak, even when my views were in conflict of some of the ideas at the base of coaching thought. My viewpoints were not only validated, the merits of these thoughts for people across all cultures.
The Guild program taught methods of self-care that went beyond a mani-pedi. I learned how to self-regulate in ways that actually made my life more focused and hopeful. When I began my work with Lisa, I was fearful of my impending retirement and was looking for a way to continue to live a connected, purposeful life.
I am confident that my future will allow me to continue my work with others by putting myself first. I am excited about what comes next!
I look forward to my continued engagement with The Coaching Guild, Lisa Marie Hayes, knowing that my work will be acknowledged, supported, and shared.