KAY PEARSON (ABOUT ME)

Professional background

I am a professionally trained Personal Performance Coach, having trained with The Coaching Academy and have 15 years experience in careers advice and consultancy, working in Higher Education (University of London, University of Cambridge, LSE), for a large private law college (The College of Law) and freelance for both individuals and organisations.

My early career (nearly 10 years) was spent in banking and investment management, following graduation from Cambridge University with a degree in Geography.

Life experience

Outside work, I have a family and am actively involved in my local community and church. Issues that have touched my life include parenting, the work/life juggle, stress, eating disorders, children's learning problems, relocation and time management. Resources that have helped me include coaching, my faith and learning about personality type/becoming a trained user of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

How coaching has changed me

After many years working in careers advice and consultancy, I wanted to work differently with clients and to undertake training that would change the way I approached life's issues too. For me, coaching sits perfectly between the disciplines of counselling and advice. It's forward looking, focuses on the solution rather than the problem and allows you to break down your goal or issue into manageable chunks. As a result of coaching:

I now set goals rather than going around in circles thinking about how to a resolve an issue

I don't get bogged down just thinking about the problem but quickly move on to considering options for change

I have a more positive outlook on life and my potential.

Why work with me?

Coaches come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own personal style. It's helpful to know something about the style and approach of your coach, so that you feel comfortable working with them and can get the very best out of your coaching sessions.
My style is highly supportive and encouraging, while challenging when necessary. I try to bring out the best in my clients and to affirm their strengths and gifts. Key words that clients use to describe me include; 'trusting and supportive', 'highly professional', 'calming yet challenging', 'gently nurturing and encouraging', 'patient' and 'thoughtful and considered'. [see testimonials]

Practicalities

Coaching can be either face to face, by phone or a mixture of the two. Face to face sessions would usually take place at my home office in the Weybridge/Walton-on-Thames area. Telephone coaching allows you to be coached at work or home, subject to finding a quiet space.

Sessions can take place during the day, evening (subject to agreement) or at the weekend (Saturdays only). Each session lasts up to 60 minutes and can be arranged at weekly or fortnightly intervals. Everything discussed in sessions is completely confidential between client and coach.