The Academies is pleased to introduce you to an alumnus of our neuroscience-based coaching courses, Esther Ra. Esther has her own coaching & consulting practice, ERa Coaching & Consulting. She started her coach education journey with our Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC) followed by Certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach (CELDC). She then went on to complete the remaining components of our Level 2 Program, by completing our advanced courses Academies-Certified Strengths Coach (ACSC) and Certified Leadership Engagement and Impact Coach (CLEIC). Read on to learn more about her coaching journey and her experience with The Academies!
Tell Us About Your Experience With The Academies Career Coaching Program
It is hard to put into words the wonderful journey of discovery I have been through while taking The Academies’ courses. I have loved the challenge of learning, the joy of collaborating with cohorts and buddy coaches from all corners of the country, and the connection with fantastic teacher coaches who have
helped hone my coaching practice and presence. All in all, I see the impact these lessons have made on my own journey as a coach, as well as the journeys of my coachees.
How Has Coaching Influenced You?
Coaching has influenced me to think more critically and create a consistent space for reflection. It has helped me be a stronger, firmer leader, and provided the tools to help other leaders strengthen their own practices in intentional, actionable ways.
How Does Neuroscience Influence Your Coaching Style?
Neuroscience grounds my coaching in how change actually happens. Understanding how the brain responds to stress, uncertainty, and growth allows me to normalize resistance, reduce shame, and design conversations that feel psychologically safe yet forward moving.
Rather than asking for insight alone, I listen for regulation, cognitive load, and patterns of threat versus reward. When clients feel safe and supported, the brain becomes more flexible — and sustainable change becomes possible though tangible, actionable goals.
Neuroscience-based coaching helps guide my clients to work more effectively by utilizing the brain’s natural mechanisms to overcome mental barriers, clarify decision-making, and create an unimagined future of hope.
What’s A Memorable Win You’d Like To share?
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my buddy coaches along the way. I looked forward to the sessions with each of my four buddy coaches and learned a great deal from them. Thank you to James Beeman MCC, Stacy Duhon PCC, and Jennifer James PCC, for their patient, thoughtful teaching. I am also grateful to Susan Britton MCC for her mentor coaching and her consistent encouragement to finish the program and make the difference in my world I came to The Academies to make.
Would You Recommend Our Programs To Others?
Yes! I would highly recommend The Academies to anyone interested in deepening their coaching practice and learning from a fantastic group of instructors!
What Have Clients Said About Your Coaching?
“Esther has made such a huge impact on my career journey. My brother and aunt said she would be a great fit and support helping me figure out my next steps in my career. And they were right! From the first meeting, we connected immediately! She is a fantastic listener and helps you filter your ideas and thoughts and turn them into an action plan. As a verbal processor, it’s extremely helpful to have someone to bounce ideas off of who has experience in the field and send you on the path to success. She has helped me be even more confident networking and conducting informative interviews. I’m exploring career fields I never thought were possible. She makes me feel like a superwoman! Her constant support and encouragement fills me with joy and is my constant motivation to continue moving forward. She is more than just a career coach. She is a friend and a mentor and I truly enjoy our meetings and always look forward to them! She is always available for questions and my many emails of updates of networking opportunities and she never fails to answer them quickly with so much detail and great questions to think about. What a fantastic partner in the extensive journey of career networking and development. So if you need help in that department, certainly reach out. It’s a worthy investment!!!” – Lydia Rice (client)
Thank You For Sharing Your Coaching Journey, Esther!
You can find Esther via these channels:
Website:
https://www.drestherra.com/