About Barbara
I came into coaching initially because I wanted to make changes in my own life. Our children were grown and gone, I had a safe, worthwhile part time job in adult education, managing vocational qualifications, and enjoyed helping my husband run our training business. But I found myself increasingly dissatisfied, wanting to do something more but lacking confidence, and asking that perennial question 'what shall I do with the rest of my life?!'
Through being coached myself I found the confidence to start my own consultancy as a Business Companion, helping people through the early stages of setting up on their own, and last year was able to give up my day job completely, so I know first hand that coaching works! My passion has always been about helping people to live free fulfilled lives and for me coaching has proved the most powerful way to do this. I now also offer Coaching Companion programmes, aimed at supporting trainee coaches through their qualification and into their own business.
I've lived in East London most of my life and love the buzz and vibrancy of the City. Our training & personal development business Teleos Training has been going since 2001 and I'm delighted that Coaching is now an integral part of what we do.
If you are serious about your journey and would like a friendly and experienced companion along the way, I'd love to work with you!
Experience
I began training with the Coaching Academy in 2011 and qualified with a Distinction in Personal Performance early in 2014. That included taking nearly a year out to deal with various family crises - and nearly giving up several times - so I know first hand about the difficulties and struggles of trainee coaches! Previously I managed vocational qualifications for a local adult education institute and I have 15 years experience of running a business part time, so working with newly qualified or trainee coaches as a Coaching Companion is an ideal way to combine the three strands of my career.
I also offer DISC assessments and feedback sessions and am currently studying for the Diploma in Small Business Coaching.
Coaching style
I've had a triple career: education, coaching and business so I love any opportunity to combine my skills. My main expertise is in coaching people through professional qualifications and career change, especially the exploratory/ early stages of setting up in business. I'm good at helping people sort out what they really want and work through different scenarios and possibilities, finding a way through the maze of 'what ifs'! I also understand what it's like managing multiple roles/jobs and the practical issues of business start up.