Working with a coach has changed my mindset

Candidate Marketer, Lucy, explains how working with a coach has helped her since joining Co-op.

I started at Co-op at the start of 2024 after previously working at a marketing agency of about 120 people. When I started, the size, scale and diverse businesses of Co-op were unfamiliar and a little intimidating. I wasn’t used to meeting and working with new people every day, and being a part of such a large, multi-faceted business. I knew I needed support navigating my transition into Co-op and so turned to a coach to help me with this, and to bring back the confidence I had in my skills and work. As time went on I also wanted to improve the way I was showing up as an SME in my team, and work on my communication with stakeholders and presenting.

Finding a coach

I looked through the information on the Development Hub, and decided coaching would be beneficial to me based on my objectives. I filled out the form to sign up for a coach, and was contacted the next day by the team matching me with a coach. We had an initial session to get to know each other and figure out if we would work well together, before committing to the 6 session programme. The whole process was a lot easier than I'd thought, and I was really impressed with how quickly I was put in touch with someone.

My confidence has grown

My coach and I have a great working relationship, and he has really made an effort to understand how I work, what I feel and the strengths and challenges that I have. It's great to have a coach that is also a Co-op colleague, as it helps to have that knowledge of the business to contextualise things. He's brilliant at making me see things in a different light, and encouraging me to recognise how I'm adding value. We've worked through different coaching methods and practices to figure out what works best for me, and we're always reflecting on the progress I've made against my goals.

I've gained an increased sense of confidence in myself and my skills, while developing myself too. My coaching sessions have been a safe space for me to be open and honest, and I have genuinely enjoyed working with my coach and look forward to the session. It's been validating to see my own progress against my goals, and to have carved out time to spend reflecting on progress and what I've achieved in terms of my personal and professional growth.

I'd absolutely recommend it

It's really valuable to be able to slow down for an hour, and spend time breaking down where you've been and where you want to get to. For anyone considering signing up to coaching, I'd absolutely recommend it. There will be a coach for anything you want to work on, and it's great to feel that there's someone in your corner supporting you to achieve what you want to achieve.

If you want to explore the opportunities you have to work with a coach or mentor as an Co-op colleague, visit the Development Hub. 

Lucy Hodgkin, Candidate Marketer.