My professional development journey with The Coaching Institute

I first enrolled into The Coaching Institute in November 2014 after researching for more professional development in human psychology...

Rebecca Fox, TCI Accredited Professional Coach
Rebecca FoxAccredited Professional Coach

I first enrolled into The Coaching Institute in November 2014 after researching for more professional development in human psychology

I looked into post graduate courses across Australia in positive psychology at a Masters or PHD level. However, TCI was introduced to me through Facebook and I talked to two friends who had completed it. I was attracted to the course flexibility, energy and scope of learning. With little hesitation I enrolled into the Master Practitioner of Coaching Program, later upgrading to Professional Coach.

I completed the Foundations of Coaching Success intake in January 2015 which confirmed that I was in the right place, not that I needed much convincing. Positive phrases and quotes on walls, energy and great facilities. And it was my type of environment - one I felt immediately comfortable, energised and inspired to be in.

I love and learn best in a fun, stimulating, engaging, positive, team focused, supportive, challenging, and adventurous, goal orientated place. Because it will stretch my mind, create creativity and flexibility and with a serving environment to help others be their best. The Coaching Institute was all of this and more.

"I completed the FOCs intake in January 2015 which confirmed that I was in the right place, not that I needed much convincing. Positive phrases and quotes on walls, energy and great facilities. This was my type of environment . . ."

Rebecca Fox, TCI Accredited Professional Coach
Rebecca FoxAccredited Professional Coach

I previously worked as teacher, outdoor educator...

And manager of multiple programs for over 27 years and studied a Masters dissertation in the area of Wilderness spiritually experiences for women. (Yes I am a bit wild!). In 2014, I was in a stable job in my 16th year as a founder and manager of an outdoor education centre in Brisbane.

In 2013, a marriage separation after a 19 year long relationship ended poorly and I spent 18 months going through a very volatile and a messy divorce. As a result it was extremely draining and placed me in a very tight financial and emotional fragile situation. That was an experience!

This separation legalities, solicitor fees and dramatic change placed me in a very vulnerable situation. I was juggling children’s psychological effects of DV and separation, (and my own!), managing school hours and private school fees and tasks, personal financials, 2 house mortgages, full time work, management responsibility, leading and mentoring others and staying sane. So my fitness, counselling with amazing counsellors, family and an amazingly brilliant coach/mentor and behavioural flexibility was key to survival.

After everything was settled in July 2014, I began looking how I could best serve my children and myself for the future (yes that is my big WHY!).

Being left with only debt after the divorce, and an experience of years of psychological DV and wonderful counselling I was inspired to create a new future, surrounded with what makes me strong. Engage in a dream where people grow, have significance, an inspiring environment and in an area where I can help others to be more resilient and strong. Build a team. Then I must have freedom to create it, have fun, be playful, be challenged, take risks and be with my children in their after school hours for deep connection and adventures.

At the same time, in 2014, my employers had an upper management change and my autonomy and flexible hours were taken away, and micro managing and negativity was widespread. I went from flexible office and home hours (and long hours happily worked) to 8.00am-5.00pm office desk job with need to seek permission to go to any state or national board meeting, workshop, conference or networking.

Needless to say it was suffocating.

I was also employing a full time nanny to bring up my children which certainly grated on my core values. I was heading for a hugely downward spiral, nearly having a mental breakdown in May 2014. This required me to take a 3 weeks leave for stress, (the Dr said I needed 8 weeks, but I returned straight after court appearance settling family Law agreement. You will discover how this was possible in a moment).

"I was inspired to create a new future, surrounded with what makes me strong: Engage in a dream where people grow, have significance, an inspiring environment and in an area where I can help others to be more resilient and strong . . ."

Rebecca Fox, TCI Accredited Professional Coach
Rebecca FoxAccredited Professional Coach

In this time off I sat still for hours in the sun at my sundrenched window looking out at my garden. I was stunned at the inability to move and stop crying for days on end. I remember that moment as I sat and looked at my garden!

I remember the aching heartache I felt, and then the moment of realisation that this was all my own creation.

I had to release my personal identity, my heart and soul from my role as Kindilan Manager (Saviour for all mankind!), and treat it like a workplace position. I recall it so vividly. Like a light bulb moment and WTF have I been doing all these years???? Even given up maternity leave twice to return and be the saviour for all.

It was like cutting an umbilical cord – painful but swift. It helped me get out of that room and that pathetic and unresourceful emotional state immediately. I felt lighter and energised and awakened.. I was not any saviour. (get over yourself!) and if they messed it up, it was all their responsibility and not a reflection of my leadership. And I did not need to get involved in all the narcissistic, controlling behaviour from management above. I had already had enough of that from the marriage and separation.

I now had a strong sense of self-worth, courage and ability, and the success strategy of growing business from scratch, love of family and support all around me. It was the life experience of that mini breakdown that I am most grateful for.

"I now had a strong sense of self-worth, courage and ability, and the success strategy of growing business from scratch, love of family and support all around me . . ."

Rebecca Fox, TCI Accredited Professional Coach
Rebecca FoxAccredited Professional Coach

Now with the guidance and learning’s from TCI I am a sole trader (for now!) And my business is called Exceeding Expectations.

I am based in Brisbane. I am fully responsible for the financial responsibility for my children’s education and extra curricular. I invested all my earnings into the mortgage and kids’ education, sports/dance/music, food, and adventures /trips away. Then substantial investment into strategic marketing and into TCI courses that propel my life coaching skillset.

I Life Coach numerous teenagers and adults, Business Coach in the local City Council and for many local businesses, Team and Leadership Coach in the outdoor recreation sector and relationship coach. I’ve also picked up a substantial contract visionary coaching and advising for Scouts Qld on 20 campsites.. I love diversity.

I’ve completed in my time with TCI Meta Dynamics(TM) I, II & III, Your Success Ambassador, EDISC and Advanced Skills .

I love all the webinars and Online content. I am inspired by Sharon Pearson, Joe Pane, TCI team, events crew and all the students I meet become friends. I now have a TCI family.

My biggest drive is to keep living life to its fullest. To embrace opportunities. Be exposed to vulnerability and face the fear. Be visionary and a leader. Contribute to the betterment of the human nature. Embrace with kisses and hugs daily. Give love. Do what others have not dared to venture…. And ultimately, as my business motto says through Exceeding Expectations: “Be your Best”.

Thank you Sharon Pearson and the wonderful TCI Wow team and community for this opportunity, we need more of us coaches out there, so keep on coaching! Let’s all leave a legacy.

ABOUT REBECCA

Rebecca's life was in turmoil as she struggled with her marriage as well as her career. In her time of time of distress, she discovered her big "why", and decided to enrol into The Coaching Institute with little hesitation as she was attracted to the course flexibility, energy and scope of learning.

Rebecca Fox, TCI Accredited Professional Coach
Rebecca FoxAccredited Professional Coach