FAQ

These are the questions that come up most before an orientation session. If something isn’t covered here, drop me a line!

Before you start

Do I need to know what I want to work on before reaching out?

No. It’s helpful to bring something that’s been on your mind, but it doesn’t have to be fully formed. “I feel stuck and I’m not sure why” is a common starting point.

I’m not a manager yet. Is this still for me?

Yes! A lot of the work I do is with individual contributors who are preparing to step into leadership, building confidence, or just trying to figure out how to have more impact and growth in their current role. Leadership skills are useful at all levels, and I work with people at all stages of their careers.

I’ve never worked with a coach before. What should I expect?

After we decide we want to work together, the first session will feel like a conversation. I’ll ask a lot of questions. I’ll reflect back what I’m hearing and ask more questions. By the end you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s going on and some things to try. There’s more detail on the is coaching right for me? page if you want it.

How is this different from talking to my manager?

A few ways. I don’t have any stake in your current job situation, which means you can be more honest about what’s hard. I’m not evaluating your performance, and the conversation is entirely focused on what you need, not on what’s useful for your team or your company.

Logistics

How does scheduling work?

Fill out the intake form and I’ll reach out within 2-3 business days to find a time. Sessions happen over video call (Zoom unless you prefer something else). I’m in EST, but I work with people in all time zones and will do my best to find a time that works for you.

What if I only need one or two sessions?

We can still work together! I find its helpful to start with at least 4 sessions to get things going, but I’m willing to work within your constraints. I also offer a 6-week program that includes 6 sessions and some extra support between sessions.

What happens between sessions?

You can send me questions, flag something that came up at work, or share something you want to think through before our next session. I respond within 24 hours on weekdays. You’re also welcome to share wins and progress, even if it’s not related to what we talked about in sessions. I want to celebrate that stuff with you.

Do you offer sliding scale or reduced rates?

If you’re early in your career and budget is a real constraint, reach out before filling out the intake form. I’d rather work something out than have cost be the reason someone doesn’t get support they need.

Paying for it

Can I expense this through my company?

Probably! Many companies have a professional development budget that covers coaching. I can provide a formal invoice, and a description of services for reimbursement purposes. Ask your manager or HR about your company’s policy.

How do I pay?

I accept Paypal or Venmo. Invoices are via PayPal. Payment is due before each block of sessions.

Working together

What if something urgent comes up at work between sessions?

Let me know. If it’s significant enough to change what we work on in our next session, we work that instead. The agenda isn’t fixed and I’m here to support you with whatever you’re actually dealing with, not just the stuff you thought you needed help with when we started.

What if I try the things we talked about and they don’t work?

That’s useful information, not a failure. We debrief what happened and figure out what to try next. Most of the real learning comes from trying things and seeing what actually happens in your specific context.

Is what we talk about confidential?

Yes. What you share in sessions and messages stays between us. I don’t share client information with anyone.

What if the coaching isn’t working for me?

Tell me. Let’s talk about it. If something about how we’re working isn’t landing, I’d rather know so we can adjust. If it’s genuinely not the right fit, I’ll say so and help you find something that is.