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Kate Sandars

Kate Sandars

Kate, please tell us what you wanted to get from a coaching programme, and why you chose Henley

‘I’d felt as if I’d naturally been drawn into coaching for many years as a line manager, but wanted to explore it further and gain some credentials.

‘I explored lots of options, but Henley has a fantastic global reputation for executive education and coaching, and I really liked the way that the Henley course blended the academic and research side of things with the coaching skills practice, especially within the new ICF framework, in which Henley now operates. I didn’t just want a qualification – I wanted to become a really good coach, and this ticked all the boxes for me.

‘I was also drawn to this particular Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching (PCEC) programme because it was being run entirely online, and that enabled me to fit it in with my full-time work schedule. I just wouldn’t have been able to do it without the flexibility that the online course provided.’

So tell us about the programme, and your own highlights

‘We were a small cohort, which meant that even online, we got to connect with each other very closely. So as well as everything I learned from the tutors, I gained a huge amount from the knowledge and experience of others in my group. In that respect it really exceeded my expectations.

‘Henley created a genuinely comfortable, safe and confidential online environment in which we all felt that we could be ourselves, and share our thoughts openly without fear of pressure or judgement.

‘Amongst the highlights was the way we were encouraged to practice and apply our knowledge and capabilities right from the start, using each other as ‘guinea pigs’, but also applying it in our workplaces.

‘Another surprise – in a good way – was the emphasis on self-awareness and reflection. Spending time discovering who we really are was very impactful, and I realised that this was a vital component in preparing our coaching mindset, and not just getting us through the programme.’

What impact has the programme had?

‘As well as now being able to officially call myself a coach, I’ve gained the confidence to take the next steps, knowing that I have a great foundation, having learned such a range of models, tools and techniques. Coaching is now such an important management skill that whatever direction I choose to take, I’m certain it will stand me in good stead.’

And finally, what advice would you give to anyone considering this programme at Henley?

‘Henley is a great choice; it offers a balance of academic, research and hands-on experience. The network of alumni, and resources such as webinars, blogs and other insights, are invaluable.

‘But more than that, Henley is really not just about the course; it will take you out of your comfort zone at times but it genuinely prepares you for a higher level of learning. So forget any assumptions you previously made about coaching – and yourself – and look forward to a great future.’

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