Meet Lucy James
Lucy James has been a member of the Motion coaching team since 2019, but we’ve only just had a chance to catch up and find out what’s going on in her world. There are good reasons she’s been so busy, as you’ll see below.
1. So, what are you up to this week?
I had a baby 4 months ago, so like most weeks at the moment, this one is joyful and exhausting in equal measure! A few mornings this week, I am coaching clients and I’m also having some planning conversations with an organisation that I’ve worked with for over 6 years, to do some more team coaching in January.
I have to be careful not to take on too many coaching assignments at the moment, which is tempting because I enjoy my work so much. It helps that since the start of the pandemic, I have been working from home, but it’s all about balance which is essential with a 3 year old and a baby!
Also this week, a friend of mine is training to be a stylist so I’m her guinea pig and we are in the process of a big wardrobe clear out. She is teaching me Marie Kondo folding!
2. What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
I find it particularly exciting at the moment working with my maternity clients - it’s such a privilege to partner with them through such a huge life transition. The scope of the coaching conversations are often very broad as we explore so many different aspects both professionally and personally that will change as a result of becoming a parent. I enjoy that we work together over quite a long period, often starting our coaching when they are in their second or third trimester and finishing a few months after they return from maternity leave.
3. How are you finding your clients are coping with 2021?
I think it has been a tough year for all of my clients in one way or another. But I do believe that we as humans are resourceful and people have adapted as well as they can. On the whole, my clients are finding this second half of 2021 easier since restrictions have been eased. Whilst it seems that most people want flexibility in how they work, there seems to be an appetite for teams to spend some time in the same room together and to have more human contact.
4. How do you help them?
At the heart of coaching is listening. So, as a starting point I listen to what my clients actually want to achieve from coaching. We work together to understand why it’s important and the impact it will have for them personally and professionally, when they achieve their coaching goals.
I see my role as a thinking partner – someone to listen without judgement but also to challenge and ask questions that give them a different perspective and the opportunity to make different choices.
5. Tell us a bit about your own background and experience
I started my career on a Business Leadership Development programme within the financial service industry. I was responsible for driving online revenue and managing high profile marketing campaigns in target-driven, often pressurised environments.
Keen to take my learning around high performance and leadership development into a completely new environment, I swapped Canary Wharf for a socially deprived part of London, helping to transform a failing secondary school to become Ofsted-rated as ‘Outstanding’ in all categories. Whilst working full time, I also completed 2 years of person-centred counselling training.
These experiences ignited my passion for creating change and led me into a career as a coach in 2012. I love what I do, it’s a real privilege and I really can’t imagine doing anything else!
6. How do you draw upon it when coaching?
Having a diverse career across the public, private and voluntary sector has given me good insight into the dynamics of high performing organisations. I understand many of the challenges and issues within these varied environments.
Without doubt, my counselling training has built on my empathic understanding and listening skills, which have hugely influenced how I work.
7. How would you describe your coaching style?
I find it hugely rewarding to connect with people and help them create change in their lives. As a coach, my belief is that my clients are creative, resourceful and whole and do not need ‘fixing’. Whilst the subjects we are talking about are often serious, I try to keep the coaching sessions stimulating and enjoyable, and this can involve a healthy dose of humour too! My natural style is upbeat and empathic. Clients feed back that they find this approach constructive and anticipate their sessions with enthusiasm.
8. What tips do you have for executives who are struggling with mental wellbeing
Often I think it’s about going back to basics and focussing on the things you already know but have perhaps got in to bad habits around eg. food, water, sleep, exercise. Think about which of these could have the biggest impact for you right now and who your support network can be in creating some new habits.
9. How do you manage your own mental wellbeing?
I try and get outside in the fresh air every day and if possible have a walk on my own. This was particularly important during lockdown and I always feel better for it, even if it’s sometimes hard getting out of the door.
10. What are you looking forward to most?
A friend and I are planning a child-free spa trip for later this year. This feels wildly exciting!
11. What’s the one secret you think everyone should be aware of?
That the power of listening and being present can be transformative. I love this quote that I stumbled upon recently from the Psychotherapist, Esther Perel: “Just listen. You don’t have to agree. Just see if you can understand that there’s another person who has a completely different experience of the same reality.”