The Academies is pleased to introduce you to an alumnus of our neuroscience-based coaching courses, Shelly Spoeth. Shelly is the founder of Courage of Change. She earned her ICF ACC Credential as part of our Level 1 ACC Career Pathways program, where she completed the Certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach (CELDC) and the Academies-Certified Strengths Coach (ACSC) courses. Read on to learn more about her coaching journey and her experience with The Academies!
Tell Us About Your Experience With The Academies Leadership & Career Coaching Program
I loved learning from The Academies. Having spent 30 years in the marketing and communications industry using behavior change theories and techniques, a neuroscience approach to coaching was important to me. It’s why I chose The Academies. And they delivered! During the courses, I always felt like the “why” was included and explained using neuroscience, which helped me understand the concepts better.
How Has Coaching Influenced You?
Learning to be a coach has changed so many things about me personally and professionally. I show up differently both with my colleagues and with my kids and family. I am a better listener. I ask better questions. I slow down when I’m talking and even decide not to talk sometimes, which was a good lesson for me. I had a lot of awakenings through the program, some of them through the lessons themselves and some of them through being coached. I was able to see where I was stuck and why. Being on both sides of the coaching experience was instrumental in my development.
How Does Neuroscience Influence Your Coaching Style?
One of the main ways neuroscience influences my coaching is through the concept of the Red Zone | Blue Zone. That concept has helped me see when clients come to a session in the Red zone and given me an understanding of both what is going on and how I might need to approach the session differently. I have even introduced the concept to some clients so we can use it when needed.
What’s A Memorable Win You’d Like To share?
The best part of coaching is when you see or hear the client have a true “aha” moment and I feel like that became clear to me the more we practiced in classes and then as I coached my buddy and during mentor coaching. I really appreciated the space to see that.
One of my favorite stories about my experience with The Academies is about someone I met on my first day in my first class. I joke, it is like who you meet on the first day of Kindergarten and remain friends throughout school. Beth and I met during that first class and became buddy coaches. We were drawn to each other due to our similar career industries but soon found that we were similar in many of our life situations, too. We continued buddy coaching for the last year, each of us coaching the other through some difficult times at work and in our personal lives. In October, I had the chance to visit a friend near where she lives (I’m in GA and she’s in NY) and we met in person for the very first time. We talked endlessly over coffee and breakfast and it was an amazing experience (see attached picture). So, along with a great course and recently earning my ACC, I also have had the fortune of gaining a friend and a great buddy coach.
Would You Recommend Our Programs To Others?
Yes, I already have. I believe the neuroscience focus as well as the small groups were super helpful in learning.
What Have Clients Said About Your Coaching?
“Working with Shelly at Courage of Change was a catalyst in my career journey. Shelly helped me slow down, get clear on what mattered, and chart a path that actually felt right. Her ability to ask the right questions at the right time was transformational. I left each session with actionable steps and a renewed sense of purpose. I can’t recommend Shelly enough for anyone at a professional crossroads.”
– Kate D., Director
Thank You For Sharing Your Coaching Journey, Shelly!
You can find Shelly via these channels:
Website:
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellyspoeth/
Instagram:
@shellyspoeth