I’ve been a professional life and leadership coach for over 14 years, and I can honestly say it’s the best career. But here’s the thing: people are often confused about what a coach actually does — and doesn’t do. That confusion makes sense. Many people call themselves coaches (and that’s their choice), but in reality, they are consulting or mentoring, not coaching.
If you’re thinking a professional coach is like a football coach — someone yelling at you from the sidelines, telling you exactly what play to make — that’s a football coach, not a professional coach. Still confused? Stay with me.
A professional coach helps you figure out what play to run and then supports you in doing it (yes, I’m stretching this football analogy). Let’s put it into a real-world example:
Imagine you’re overwhelmed with work and struggling to manage your calendar. You’re saying yes too often, avoiding boundaries, and finding yourself overcommitted. A consultant or mentor might tell you how to time-block your calendar or simply say, “Just say no.” You’d try it for a few weeks, but before long, your calendar is a hot mess again. Why? Because you never uncovered the real reason your calendar got that way in the first place.
That’s where coaching comes in. A great coach helps you discover the deeper block — the inner reason you’re not setting boundaries, not saying no, or not time-blocking. You don’t need me to tell you what to do (honestly, ChatGPT could do that!). What you need is someone to help you uncover why you’re not doing it. Once you understand the “why,” the “what” becomes much easier. Not only will your calendar change — you will change. And that learning is something you’ll carry into every part of your life.
Here’s why you should hire me: chances are, there’s some area of your life where you haven’t figured out what’s holding you back. And that’s normal — it’s hard to see clearly when you’re stuck inside the box of your own life. I’ve been there too.
What if you had someone who really listened to you — deeply, without judgment, and without simply telling you what to do? Someone who gave you the space to figure things out for yourself? That’s coaching. And it’s priceless.
So, here ends my annual shameless plug. I can’t wait to work with you — call me.
Love,
Certified Professional Coach and Psychologist
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How often have you wished for that person in your life who listens deeply, doesn’t judge you, and doesn’t try to fix you? That person who holds space for you to talk through your struggles, your hopes, and dreams so that you can live the personal and professional life that you truly want? I’m that person. Yes, I’m a psychologist and a professional life and leadership coach but my superpower is listening, deep, empathic, compassionate listening. If you’ve been seeking a professional listener who will help you live the life you truly desire, let’s set up a time to talk. My email is Lisa@LisaKaplin.com.