
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE
I recently heard an interview on ‘Later with Jools Holland’ with the 2020 Mercury prize winner Michael Kiwanuka. It was interesting to hear how he was inspired by a number of great musicians including the American singer-songwriter, Bill Withers.

KEEP IN TUNE – Your Compass
Michael had the opportunity to meet Bill Withers and he asked him “Bill, as an artist, what would your advice be?” Bill Withers responded by saying “Just be yourself; be who you are and that will be your compass.”
He titled his award-winning album Kiwanuka because – “This is who I am, rain or shine. I am completely myself. I am not an imposter.”

OUT OF TUNE
Bill Withers’ advice was simple but on the button. As coaches we support people as they identify and then nurture their true selves. This is so often suppressed by factors such as work environment, peer pressure and upbringing thus preventing development of our genuine strengths and talents.
If we can truly be ourselves and follow our compass, it will enrich how we feel and reveal our true identity.
BEING IN HARMONY
On a personal note, I love what I do, I love coaching, so that people who currently might be struggling can identify a route forward using their natural talents. It is so rewarding to see that “spark” as they realise what they are actually capable of, and what their true worth is. Especially so, as they work this out for themselves.
THE MELODY
I continue to nurture my own coaching expertise. This includes recently becoming accredited as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. This requires having PG coaching qualifications, over 500 hours of logged coaching experience (currently 1,200 hours to date), and successfully completing a Coaching Knowledge Exam. The full works! This reassured me that I am doing the right thing and following my compass.