Those who know me as a manager, trainer, and workshop facilitator are familiar with my habit of sharing personal stories. Context, after all, is key to relatability. This article will be no exception, as I share my personal journey; one that takes me from the Navy through various career changes to working as a coach. I’m opening up about my personal journey, in the belief that if I encourage others to be open, honest, and vulnerable, it’s only fair to do the same.
Building a foundation
My journey began in the Navy as a Communications Information Systems Operator. I enjoyed my role through all its ups and downs as I learned from mentors and built resilience. But for me, it wasn’t just about mastering the job; it was about the fulfilment I found in helping others grow, whether it was troubleshooting systems or mentoring new crew members.
As I gained competence and confidence, my role expanded beyond technical proficiency to mentorship and leadership. Transitioning from being the one learning to the one teaching was a significant turning point. I vividly recall the sense of fulfilment from guiding the newer generation of members through the workplace, setting them up for success just as my mentors had done for me.
Exploration and Self-Discovery
Leaving the Navy was a pivotal moment in my career, marked by uncertainty and a desire for new challenges. Despite offers to stay, I felt compelled to explore different paths, even if I had no idea where some were leading. Without the structured environment of the Navy, I faced the daunting task of defining my career path and identity outside of the Defence. It was a period of self-discovery as I dabbled in various roles, from video teleconferencing, customer service, and telco to retail, searching for fulfilment and purpose. Throughout these roles, one constant remained: I thrived while helping others. However, I ultimately felt that I had not yet found the career for me and realised I needed to invest more thought and energy into my own professional fulfilment.
A New Approach to Personal and Professional Growth
This was a turning point for me. As I took stock of my values, skills, experiences and passions I found my way to a career in Learning and Development. Here, I was able to immerse myself in my passion for guiding others. While working in my first role as a trainer, I was introduced to the concept of coaching, which ignited my desire to empower others on a deeper level.
During this time I experienced significant personal challenges with the loss of my father. It was an immensely difficult time, losing someone who had always been there to support me, but also a time where I discovered my resilience to continue learning and evolving. To this day, my memory of him helps me to remain committed to my journey of growth and self-discovery, recognising the transformative power of learning and development.
For over a decade, I worked in various roles in Learning and Development with Serco, Lion, IKEA Australia, Temple and Webster, L3Harris and CAE, embracing new challenges in every role. I found fulfilment in supporting individuals, teams, and leaders on their paths to growth. I continued my personal & professional development journey, which included lots of reading and audiobooks as I commuted to work. I celebrated personal milestones, including becoming a husband and a father.
Yet, amidst the joys, there was a profound loss with the unexpected passing of my mother. This incredibly difficult experience opened another opportunity to reevaluate my priorities and values and recognise the most important things to me. I charted a path away from a 9-5 office role to a career in coaching; a career that provided more flexibility, allowing me to be more involved as my children grow up through school pick-ups and events and more time spent playing in the backyard.
Supporting Transformation and Growth
My journey from the Navy to various roles in civilian life has taught me valuable lessons. It has enriched my understanding of human behaviour, laying the foundations of my approach to coaching and leadership. I use these lessons in every coaching conversation, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and personal growth. Drawing on my personal experiences, I show the importance of embracing change, overcoming challenges, and pursuing passions. My personal story becomes a tool in coaching to help others navigate their complexities, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. My goal is to empower those I coach to see the value in their journeys, helping them find their strengths, redefine their paths, and achieve their goals.
If my journey resonates with you, or you’re curious about how these experiences inform my coaching, I invite you contact me so we can have a conversation around how I can help you in your journey.