What does a coach do behind the scenes?
Ever wondered what goes into a professional coaching session - beyond the conversation itself?
Before I trained as a coach, I thought coaching was just an hour-long conversation.
Now, I know: It’s an ecosystem—where preparation, presence, and follow-up shape every session’s impact.
As a professionally certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, I take my responsibility to deliver high-quality coaching seriously.
Here’s what happens behind the scenes to ensure my clients get the most value from each session
1. I optimise my state so I’m 100% present to my social impact coaching clients.
Great coaching requires deep presence and focus. To ensure I show up at my best for every session, I
Manage my emotional and mental well-being. This is important as I need to be centred and present for what my client brings (rather than being in my own world). I follow daily routines combining meditation, a specific set of physical movements, and exercise.
Attend coaching supervision - a process where coaches reflect on their practice with a trained supervisor.
Invest in advanced training. I pursue training that deepens my coaching skills and fuels my curiosity. Check my About page to see all the coaching certifications I hold.
2. I dedicate time before and after each coaching session to prepare and support my client.
I am invested in my client’s coaching goals. For that, I intentionally prepare, follow-up with my clients and also reflect on my coaching sessions.
I have pre-defined calendar slots for client work, so I have at least 30 min before each client to prepare myself. I also have a maximum # of sessions I plan on any given day.
Before each session, I
Review past notes and my observations. Before each session, I read over my notes and observations.
Do exercises to open my awareness, presence and intuition to what my client will present to me.
After the session, I
Take notes about what showed up during the session and emerging things I notice.
Follow up with resources I promised the client.
Additionally, once a week or fortnight I reflect on my sessions using the supervision coaching deck deck by Barefoot coaching. E.g the last question was: “Thinking about a specific coaching client, how does the client present their issues to you? What do you learn from the way in which they tell you about themselves and their coaching issues”? These questions help me to see a different perspective and reflect on my coaching practice.
3. I stay connected with my clients between sessions to keep them in action.
Coaching isn’t just about what happens during the session—it’s about applying insights in real life. Between sessions, I:
Check-in with my clients based on the agreed accountability structure.
Respond to emails or WhatsApp messages.
Share additional resources depending on questions or reflections.
Most people don’t realize how much behind-the-scenes work goes into delivering a powerful coaching experience.
Did you ever thing what goes on before/after a coaching session?
Book a 45 min discovery call to discuss how coaching can support you. We’ll discuss your biggest challenge, what overcoming this might look like and if my coaching is a good fit - no strings attached.
