CM: When did you complete the Transformative Coaching Essentials program and what are some of the most valuable things you got out of it?
JJ: I graduated with the ’21-’22 class. The most rewarding piece I got from this course was a deep and profound connection with classmates I would otherwise probably never have met, and now cannot imagine a life without. I also learned a lot about my world and how I show up in it, how I view it, and all the ways that I have limited myself in my own life.
CM: Do you consider yourself a life coach? If no, how would you describe who you are professionally?
JJ: Yes, I do consider myself a life coach, or more specifically, a transformation coach. I’m not afraid of the beliefs and stories that individuals may have around the “Life Coach” title. I describe myself as a partner in their transformation; someone that listens with no judgement, asks questions with curiosity, and reflects beliefs and worldviews in a way that allows for self-awareness and self-discovery.
CM: What would you say to somebody who told you they were thinking about becoming a life coach?
JJ: The first thing I’d do is ask questions about what being a life coach means to them and why they find themselves drawn to it. I’d explain how it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Finally, I’d ask them if they’d like to hear more about my experience or the program I went through.
CM: What is one misperception you believe people have about coaches (whether designated “life coach” or something else)?
JJ: I think the largest misconception about coaching is that a coach has the ability to tell an individual what’s best or what they “should” be doing in their life. There is no way that I could teach someone something they don’t already know about their life. The learning that typically occurs is a client discovering new actions or beliefs about themselves from their own words being reflected back to them.
CM: What is your coaching specialty?
JJ: Transformation. Working with individuals to support them in their movement from where they are now; whether it is a state of mind, a physical place, habitual thoughts, disruptive patterns, negative beliefs, non-rewarding jobs, relationships, etc. to the place or state of mind they desire to be.
CM: Are you a full-time coach?
JJ: No, I currently am not. That may or may not change.
CM: What do you do other than coaching?
JJ: I am a professional animal trainer, entrepreneur, sales rep, wife, mom, daughter, teacher, woman, lesbian, friend, and conservationist….
CM: Do you have a website dedicated to your coaching business?
JJ: Not yet. Although Leo Rising Coaching has a logo and is in the process of creating a website. The website will be www.LeoRising.life.
CM: Do you have social media accounts that you use primarily for your coaching business?
JJ: No. Not Currently.