In this episode of the GP+ Careers podcast, host Dr Sophie Lumley is joined by Dr Sarah Goulding, a portfolio GP and career coach for medical professionals. Sarah shares her journey to becoming a coach, which was fuelled by her own experience with burnout and a desire to support others, and details how her coaching work fits into her flexible portfolio GP career. Furthermore, the episode addresses practical considerations for aspiring coaches, such as the value of obtaining a coaching diploma, the importance of supervision for self-care and professional development, and the entrepreneurial challenges of setting up a private coaching business.
Top Tips
Experience coaching yourself first
If you are considering becoming a coach, the single most important initial tip is to have some coaching yourself so that you understand what it actually is. It is important to know what you are getting yourself in for, as there is a very diverse range of coaching available.
Training and Development
- A qualification is not mandatory, but learning the basic coaching techniques is highly recommended. Coaching is not a regulated industry, which can be uncomfortable for medics who often like a piece of paper to validate their skills.
- Personally, Sarah recommends training, noting that it provides a wider range of tools, a more academic approach, and helps with disciplines like knowing how to ask useful questions and how to leave space.
- When choosing a course, look for one that "speaks to you" and fits how you learn best, such as an experiential course in Sarah's case.
- Coaching training at the diploma level often costs between £2,000 and £6,000 or more, so it is a significant investment.
- Explore funding options, potentially through a limited company as a form of CPD (Continuing Professional Development). You might also access funds through local resilience funding if you can pitch how using coaching skills will benefit your local workplace.
Find your niche and community
- Find your "tribe" - either an aligned organisation or group where you can ask questions, get advice, and speak to experienced people.
- Consider working out who you are really passionate about working with; this passion often dictates how you form your business.
- Look into the three main accredited organisations, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which offers links to various training providers.
- Listen to podcasts and immerse yourself in the coaching space to see if it is something you would enjoy.
Prepare for the business and entrepreneurial side
- If you plan to work independently rather than for an organisation, you must be prepared to set yourself up as a business entirely from scratch.
- This involves learning new entrepreneurial skills, such as:
- Creating your own website and developing branding.
- Being very organised (e.g. using tools like Calendarly)
- Working out how much to charge and how to send an invoice.
- Getting comfortable with charging people money, which is often difficult for those used to the NHS model.
Prioritize self-care through supervision
- Engaging in supervision is strongly recommended once you begin coaching.
- Supervision is a safe space (unlike appraisal) to address issues concerning your skills, worries you may have about clients, or techniques you want to practice.
It is a necessary practice because coaching involves working very intimately with people, and you need to look after yourself as part of it.
