Such an interesting start to 2023...

Everyone is wanting a face to face this year. After years of zoom meetings predominating, I'm finding that almost all of my new coaching clients this year are keen to have a "real" meeting. I'm delighted of course - zoom meetings are convenient (for both coach and client) and of course they are always an option. But still, there is something about the energy when you are both in the same room. What do you think?

I decided last year that I wanted to give my clients this option so I've been trialling co-working spaces in Sydney's CBD - which is really fun. Currently at The Commons in George St on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and loving the vibe.

Feel free to reach out if you're interested in support through coaching in 2023 to tess@nextcoaching.com.au. Always happy to have an obligation (and cost) free chemistry chat to see if we're a good fit together. It can be a first small step to a big year.

“I had these giant ideas and then you get older…”

Jennifer Coolidge gave a very funny speech after winning a Golden Globe for her work in The White Lotus last week. It’s worth a look (so is the series) and you can view it at bit.ly/3CFOZ03

“I had such big dreams and expectations as a younger person but what happens is that they get sort of fizzled by life or whatever” she says. You can tell she is thrilled and kind of surprised that she’s won her first Golden Globe at the age of 61. Perhaps she thought she was past it. She’s just beginning.

The fabulous Michelle Yeoh, age 60 and Angela Bassett, age 64 also won on the night.

I feel that – right now – mature women are really starting to feel and use their power. Role models are critical - after all, if you can #SeeHer you can be her. Yet so often I’m coaching older people who are worried that they’ve left their run too late. Or that they’re past their prime.

You get old when you stop growing. 

I’ve taken a few risks myself over the past few months. As a coach I know we have to avoid stagnation - and the slow rot that accompanies it. The truth is that change is usually hard - but also necessary and kind of exciting. 

My advice is to keep learning, don’t be too safe and maybe take the occasional (considered) risk. At any age.

It’s not over, until it’s over. 

And that's a wrap

After 7 years as an Associate at Randstad Risesmart, I’m leaving this week.

I’ve had an amazing time and have absolutely loved facilitating workshops galore and coaching many 100s of participants and executives – it has been a privilege to play my small part in their life and work journey.

And the people I’ve worked with have been incredible.

I’d like to especially acknowledge the amazing Alison Hernandez and Catriona Byrne – founders of Sageco where it all began. Working with their magnificent energy, drive and purpose has truly inspired me.

I’ve had so many great colleagues - some of whom have become friends. You know who you are. I know we’ll continue to advise, encourage and support each other going forward.

Way back in 2015, I was first interviewed by the divine Jaime Halward. We clicked in that very first conversation and we’ve been clicking ever since! Her friendship, generosity, loyalty and general joie de vivre have added immeasurably to my life. She was there on the first day and – as you can see in this photo - she was there on the last day too! Thank you.

What’s next for me? Part of my time has always been dedicated to my own business and I am now so excited to focus fully on it and explore other professional opportunities that come my way. If you’re interested in exploring coaching or workshops for your team in 2023, please reach out to me at tess@nextcoaching.com.au

You're welcome

"Thank you for equipping me with the tools and confidence to pursue this amazing job". 

I love being a coach.

Purple rain

I love Jacaranda season in Sydney – it’s absolutely my favourite time. Now the purple pathways are signalling that it’s almost over for another year – one good storm and that’s it for 2022.

Every year it goes so ridiculously fast and (not to sound macabre) it makes me ask myself, how many Jacaranda seasons have I got left? Maybe I’ve got 30, but maybe I’ve only got 10….

Our time is not unlimited – but we all tend to forget that immutable truth. Forget New Years, it’s Jacaranda time that makes me ask myself the big questions – what do I want? Who do I want to be? How do I want to live my life?

Memento vivere.

What's next for you?

I love this quote by Eckhardt Tolle – maybe it resonates with you too? Honestly if you’ve been complaining about your job for a while now, then perhaps it’s time to leave. And see what else life has in store for you.

As 2022 comes to a close, it can be a good time to reflect on what’s next for you.

Work friends (are worth working on)

Someone shared in a coaching session with me recently that they had worked in the same organisation for decades and hadn’t really made any friends. It struck me as such a wasted opportunity.

“I’ve got enough friends” is also something I sometimes hear and never really know what to do with. Can you ever have enough real friends?

Finding your tribe at work just makes work (and life) so much better – people who ‘get’ you and really like you, challenge and support you, make you laugh, have your back and remind you who you are.

The career coach in me also knows that your friends are your very best network. Time spent on building friendships is not wasted. They’ll help you, promote your brand and keep you in the loop. But only if that’s not the reason why you became friends in the first place.

Making real friendships requires a little vulnerability and a whole lot of honesty – no one will truly connect if they don’t really know you. A ‘version’ of you is not going to make the cut.

For leaders, this exposure can be a challenge. So many HR professionals I’ve worked with struggle with this too. Secrets come with the territory.

It also requires time and opportunity. Which can be tricky in a hybrid working environment.

It’s worth it though – don’t you think?

Connect. Reflect. Expand

Such a great afternoon at the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Australasia workshop in Sydney on Tuesday. Loved the speakers and topics and the chance to meet some new people, discuss ideas and reflect on concepts that will make me a better coach.

Everything is better with good company and it was great to attend (in person not zoom!) with my work mates (and good friends).