We would like you to take you through experiences of real people through their journey of transformation. What can coaching do for a person, is it worth a try? Do you come from a culture where coaching is not something normal. Are these some questions you have? Then you need to read this story.
Meet Aishwarya Ashok and soak in her organic journey.
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 28 year old woman of Indian Origin living and working in the Netherlands. I moved to the Netherlands about ten days before the 1st lock down in 2020 to join my husband who was already working here. I had an arranged marriage and also moved countries to be in a new home, new city and also a new husband. Along with my luggage I came with big dreams to immediately find the perfect job and/or life and integrate quickly; none of which happened. Looking back I can say that I was being too hard on myself, expecting too many things in too short a time span. 2020 was a hard yet fruitful year where I did a lot of homework on myself and learned to start small. Now, after a year and one month and several volunteering and pro bono roles later, I landed myself a job that I enjoy and I can say that I am happy and most importantly at peace.
When did you decide to take up coaching sessions and Why?
After about 6 to 8 months of job hunting and having moved to a new country, I felt stuck and was thinking of doing a career transition or more so I felt like I needed to know where I was headed with my career. I was extremely anxious about everything and was constantly second guessing myself and was feeling under confident.
What did you want to achieve through coaching?
I wished to know myself better and have clarity of thought. I hoped to understand or for someone to tell me what my strengths were and how they could be aligned to or for a particular role. More than anything looking back, I wished to be heard and understood.
What were the immediate effects you could see after the first session?
I immediately saw that I was being too hard on myself which was completely unnecessary and which was also having a bad impact on my mental health. I was beginning to see things as is versus ‘what I kept telling myself’ for example: I am not good enough, I am not a suitable candidate for the job, there would be other candidates more suited for the role, etc.
What changes do you see in yourself after your coaching sessions?
I am way more confident and coaching helped me identify my key strengths and skills. My mindset changed and I felt good about myself and understood the importance of taking small steps everyday and to stop seeking perfection and end the people-pleasing attitude. Veena helped me uncover some things about myself that I didn’t realize were actually good traits for particular jobs.
What are some limiting beliefs you tacked through coaching?
That I was not good enough and/or that I did not have the right skills or CV for the job. That I was an imposter 🙂
What would you say to someone who has not experienced coaching?
I would say that everyone should give it a shot as you never know what you would find out about yourself. It’s so much easier when the fog lifts and you can finally see and think clearly. I think the best part is when Veena asks you questions that you thought you don’t have the answer to, but after a couple minutes the truth just spills out and you surprise yourself with your own answers; basically a lot of ‘aha’ moments and that’s just great! I highly recommend it.