174 Behind the Scenes of 2024
2024 has been a year of growth, challenges, and meaningful evolution.
In this intimate and reflective episode we share a behind-the-scenes journey through 2024 in our coaching business.
The year kicked off with a significant milestone: hiring a team of qualified coaching supervisors to support learners completing their coaching qualifications. Reflecting on this process, we share how our initial concerns about recruitment—"Would anyone want to work with us?"—were quickly replaced by excitement as we met a wave of talented, passionate professionals eager to contribute. This expansion not only enriched the team but also enhanced diversity, strengthening our learners’ experience with fresh perspectives.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Jo humorously recounts a roof disaster that began as a minor patch-up job and spiralled into a two-week replacement, offering listeners a glimpse of life's unpredictability. Similarly, Zoe shares her challenges juggling family expectations during the summer when work had to take precedence, highlighting the delicate balance between business growth and personal life.
We celebrate major achievements, including the launch of two significant programs:
- Group and Team Coaching Program: A natural next step for coaches looking to expand their impact.
- Neurodivergent Inclusive Practitioner Training: Designed to help coaches create truly inclusive spaces.
Throughout the year, we also ran standout events like the Coaching Summit and the Emotions Coaching Summit, which attracted over 1,000 participants each. We also share how we spontaneously added a new initiative—a coaching challenge—born from a 4 a.m. idea. This experiment proved to be a joyful success, offering simple ways for participants to engage, learn, and grow.
On a personal note, we share how we both invested in their own development: Zoe attended a spiritual retreat in California, deepening her exploration of consciousness and systemic influences, while Jo explored sound healing and body-oriented coaching. Our reflections reveal a shared value of lifelong learning, not only for our clients but also for ourselves.
The episode concludes with warmth, gratitude, and a reminder that growth often comes through new experiences, creative experiments, and embracing the imperfections of life and business.
Whether you’re a coach, entrepreneur, or someone curious about the realities of running a thriving business, this episode is an inspiring and relatable listen.
Key Lessons Learned:
- Growth is rarely seamless: Hiring, expanding, or trying something new brings challenges, but it’s worth it for long-term success.
- Diversity enriches community: Expanding perspectives improves team dynamics and learning outcomes.
- Balance is a constant work in progress: Business growth and personal responsibilities require intentional navigation.
- Spontaneous ideas can spark success: The Coaching Challenge was a hit because we trusted our instincts and kept it simple.
- Your environment matters: A creative, supportive space fuels productivity and inspiration.
- Investing in yourself fuels your business: Retreats and personal development deepen your capacity to serve others.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t let perfectionism stop you—take action and refine as you go.
- Experiment with new initiatives like events, challenges, or programs. You’ll learn what works and evolve.
- Prioritise diversity when growing your team; it strengthens perspectives and relationships.
- Invest time in personal development—it’s not separate from business success.
- Life isn’t perfect. Balance business with family, and remember to show yourself compassion during setbacks.
Timestamps:
- 00:03 – 00:45: Introduction—reflecting on the highs and challenges of 2024
- 01:14 – 02:39: Hiring supervisors: fears, joys, and the impact on their learners
- 03:05 – 05:18: Challenges with new processes and improving learner experiences
- 05:46 – 06:41: Recruiting full-time team members and onboarding Heather and Gwen
- 06:41 – 08:05: Balancing summer work and family life—realities of running a business
- 08:32 – 09:28: Celebrating 13 years in business and reflecting on milestones
- 09:28 – 10:54: Launching the Group & Team Coaching Program and Neurodivergent Inclusive Training
- 11:23 – 12:21: Community growth: new faces and expanding their coaching audience
- 12:49 – 14:11: Events: The Coaching Summit, Emotions Coaching Summit, and a successful Coaching Challenge
- 15:01 – 16:54: Following spontaneous ideas and keeping experiments simple
- 20:28 – 22:21: Office challenges: Zoe’s new professional space vs. Jo’s repeated floods
- 23:45 – 25:40: Personal growth: spiritual retreats, sound healing, and CPD
- 28:27 – 28:55: Reflections on team relationships, dogs, and gratitude for their community
- 28:55 – 29:23: Closing thoughts and a message of love, health, and safety for the listeners
Keywords:
Behind the scenes coaching business, How to grow a coaching business, Group and team coaching, programs, Neurodivergent coaching training, Coaching supervision and support, Running coaching events, Balancing business and family life, Personal growth for coaches, Coaching retreats and CPD, Building inclusive coaching spaces.
Links:
COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma
COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma
Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r
Neurodivergent inclusive coaching programme: http://www.igcompany.co.uk/nd
Resources:
Take our FREE Quiz 'Which Coaching Course is Right for Me?' https://www.mycoachingcourse.com/
Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/
In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/
Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a
Check out our Instagram https://www.Instagram.com/the_coaching_crowd
Work with Jo Wheatley as your Emotions Coach https://www.jowheatley.com
Connect with Jo Wheatley on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jo_wheatley_coaching/
Connect with Jo Wheatley on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joannewheatley
Work with Zoe Hawkins as your Courageous Leadership Coach https://www.zoe-hawkins.com
Connect with Zoe Hawkins on Facebook https://facebook.com/zoehawkinscoach/
Connect with Zoe Hawkins on LinkedIn https://uk.linkedin.com/in/zoehawkinscoach
Connect with Zoe Hawkins on Instagram www.instagram.com/zoehawkinscoach
