Rewrite
FAQS
Monique answers frequent questions about coaching and her unique approach to career transformation
Coaching is a process designed to facilitate change; moving you from your current situation or circumstances to where you are to where you want to be. This may be actual physical or situational change (in terms of a location or career change for example), behavioural (for example boundaries, interpersonal dynamics and conflict) or interiorly (such as mindset and beliefs).
Coaching is not about advising or telling someone what they should do, it’s about questioning, exploring and observing – playing back themes, making observations, identifying patterns and blocks and then working with the client to move them through their barriers to change (including uncertainty) so they can achieve their ambitions and goals.
I was trained as a Transformative Coach through the Animas Centre for Coaching. You can read about the skills and practice of Transformative Coaching here.
What is coaching?
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Is coaching the same as mentoring?
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In a word: No. A coach isn’t a mentor, therapist, advisor or consultant and there should be clear distinctions between these different practices. A trained and qualified coach will be client-centred (not coach-centred) and will be focused on meeting the client where they are and helping them to create change and move forward.
Coaching differs from mentoring, advising and consulting in that it is not about telling a client what to do, it is about helping them uncover their own route forward.
Your coach will make observations and identify ways to help you achieve your goals, but this will always be in a way that empowers you to decide what is best for you.
My starting position as a coach is that the client contains all of the answers within them - this is a client-centred practice. Equally I understand that it can be helpful to have input and different perspectives as you explore a challenge, so if relevant and appropriate I may also share my experiences. This will always be clearly bracketed from the coaching.
How does career coaching help?
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Often we know something isn’t right but we can’t decide what exactly is wrong or what we should do about it.
Career coaching will help you to find clarity, identify any blocks or barriers, figure out what you really want and support you to create the change you want in your career.
If you find yourself stuck and unable to move forward, a coach will help you get unstuck. If you are confused about what to do next, a coach will help you find clarity and certainty. If you find yourself having difficulty with the same types of people, situations or issues, a coach will help you to figure out what the underlying challenge is and will help you to resolve it.
If you have specific career goals or ambitions but don’t feel worthy or have a habit of getting in your own way, a coach will help you to build confidence, challenge your old patterns and provide you with support and accountability.
Career coaching isn’t just about career change; it helps you manage and navigate all challenges and transitions in your career.
How should I choose a coach?
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There are lots of different types of coaches and one to suit all needs and budgets. Think about the specific goals you have or challenges you face and how much experience or expertise a particular coach will have with those things. For example, if your main goal is to reach the C-Suite, you might want to consider a coach who specialises in this area. Consider their professional history and if that is important or relevant to you. I have a corporate background and worked for one of the Big 4 for many years. A lot of my clients who work for partnerships and management consulting firms value this experience as it creates an immediate shared understanding and language.
Do a gut check – do you get a good feel for their approach and manner? You really need to trust your coach so making sure they are the right ‘fit’ for you is important.
Do you need particular extras like CV writing, interview preparation or LinkedIn profile development? Think about what else you might want from your coach – if in doubt, just ask.
Importantly – do their packages and fees fit your budget? And finally – are they qualified? Coaching is not a protected term, and anyone can call themselves a coach. If working with a coach who is qualified is important to you, ask them about their qualifications and training.
NB: I am a fully qualified, accredited, supervised and insured coach and can provide documentation as needed.
What is your area of expertise?
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Helping people write new stories!
My fundamental focus is on helping people to rewrite old stories that no longer serve them – it’s why my business is called Rewrite.
I am a qualified Transformative Coach with a professional background in Brand Marketing, Writing & Content, and Business Development & Presentation Coaching. I apply Transformative Coaching techniques and methodologies to help clients create change and then, through my passion for brand and storytelling, I like to equip people with the language and confidence to articulate their new story to the world – from shaping their message online to bringing their personal brand to life in the workplace.
What is inside-out career change?
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I call my approach to career change ‘inside-out’ career change. What this means is we focus on your inside story first and foremost; on your personal drivers – like your core values, your needs, the way you want to live, and personal considerations like family and lifestyle. Only then do we build out to the outside story – like organisation, industry, business idea or job title.
Too often, career change focuses on the outside first – like finding the specific job. My approach is to create a career that works for you and how you want to live. We will work to shape your career, so it fits for your life, rather than squeezing your life in around your job.
What are your qualifications?
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I have an Accredited Diploma in Transformative Coaching through the Animas Centre for Coaching and am a Professional and Accredited Member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC). I also have an accreditation in Group Coaching & Facilitation.
I have a Professional Diploma in Marketing and a Professional Certificate in Digital Marketing (both via the Chartered Institute of Marketing). I have a post-graduate certificate in Creative Writing and my undergrad is a BA Fine Arts.
I have well over a decade of experience working in senior brand, marketing, communications and business development roles. My most recent professional role, before leaving the corporate world to start Rewrite was as EY’s Global Insurance Brand, Marketing and Communications Leader.
As a professional and accredited member of the EMCC and an Animas Alum, I continue to attend workshops, training, CPD events and receive Supervision.
What is your complaints procedure?
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I pride myself on being a highly-professional, ethical coach who maintains a commitment to excellence across all areas of my business. This includes a robust complaints procedure which you can read in full here.
Have another question?
If you have another question or want to find out more information, email Monique Shaw directly at hello@rewriterewrite.com or book a free initial consultation here.