Hi there! My name is Samruddhi Patre, and I am really excited to take you on  my career coaching journey - a tale of experiences marked by diversity, surprises and immeasurable wisdom that have molded me into who I am  today.  

What if one started their career in another country yet they are still studying? That was me - a 19-year-old teaching English as a foreign language, taking  up classes while living in Prague, Czech Republic. It was there on the cobbled streets and buzzing classrooms where my love for teaching and  mentoring people was awakened. After teaching in Thailand, Taiwan, China,  and Slovakia I became even more passionate about helping others through  their careers. After teaching in these diverse cultures this idea of assisting  people in their professional path intensified within me. Every other cultural  encounter bore both challenges and rewards – from comprehending various  educational systems per se to molding teaching techniques to suit learners  from diverse backgrounds. Every interaction with each distinct culture  presented its own set of difficulties as well as benefits such as getting used  to different education systems or adjusting teaching styles for students of  varying nationalities. These times served not just in developing how I teach  but also enhanced my understanding of how education can change lives. 

I realized how much more beyond teaching I could do and make difference.  Their stories, as told by my students, friends, and family members while struggling with the decisions made in their professional careers contributed to my exploration of coaching as a means to provide personalised support. The moments of vulnerability and growth were the ones that directed me towards becoming a career coach. 

Teaching in contrast to coaching has its own challenges. As a teacher, I was used to impacting knowledge on others and showing them how to follow a  given curriculum. However, coaching demanded that I shifted from  answering questions and instead focused on asking questions that lead  clients into their own solutions. This shift involved finding the balance  between two roles of mentoring and facilitating without putting ones personal opinions across; this meant having deep thoughts about coaching  techniques. Transitioning from one role of teaching into another one known  as coaching required me to change my mindset from being an oracle of information to promoting individual growths in personal life and work related  domains. Every challenge was turned into an opportunity for growth during  this journey of self-discovery with no end in sight when it came to learning. 

This was a big challenge to balance between being a teacher on one hand and a coach on the other hand; this made me appreciate the value of listening to someone without prescribing on what to do and say and the virtue of observing on how one can be corrected without feeling that one has been scolded. Coaching credentials were incorporated and focused on enhancing all these coaching skills for success. Asking clients and supervisors for their opinions started to play the role of developing the ability to apply the knowledge to improve clients’ lives and trusting myself in this process.  

Establishing a safety net of at least one or two fellow coaches, allied field professionals, and other trusted personnel became my crutch. I benefited from their advice and directions when dealing with conflicts and remembering my reason for being a coach. The application of internet technology made it possible for me to reach out to clients and design customised flexible coaching solutions.  

In all the highs and lows, the most important principle I’ve taken from it is empathy and listening. This element is necessary in order to assign a deeper understanding of my clients’ dreams, their fears, and ambitions, to fulfil career objectives. And it is not just about selling solutions, it is about helping clients find solutions within themselves with the help of existing challenges. 

And here’s something cool, even the least changes in the mindsets might bring the most significant change in careers! Advocating for client shifts in paradigms and pushing them to actively respond to their goals is usually the keys towards large-scale alterations in their career curve.  

My vision regarding coaching is grounded in the precept of empowering people to engage themselves actively. In keepings with the therapeutic values, I consider it necessary to ensure that a client is comfortable enough while pursuing their dreams. Overall, integrating strength-based approaches with broad-based strategies, I prepare clients to confidently manage their life’s careers and trajectories on their own.  

I do not just suggest the solutions to the client, but we together build up the strategies and actions to be taken. Thus, objectives are achieved collectively as well as the obstacles faced, and successes accomplished. When it is mentioned that Engagement is the New Strategy, it is all about the development of a partnership that is based on the mutual understanding between the two parties, mutual responsibility and mutual desire to progress. 

Let me share some inspiring success stories from my coaching journey: - I helped various clients achieve work-life balance by integrating coaching practices into their daily routines, empowering them to take charge of their personal and professional lives independently.  

-One client, a budding entrepreneur, turned her business idea into reality with strategic guidance and support, gaining clarity on tasks and decision making processes.  

- Working with a writer client, I facilitated organizational strategies that increased productivity and decisiveness in her creative process. 

Helping the clients to make career transitions, I get to see the changes when the people take up new careers that they love and can do well. These anecdotes give an idea of how coaching can help people to access power in order to overcome obstacles to do what and progress in their lives according to their plans.  

To anyone dreaming of becoming a career coach, my advice is simple: should always be evolving and progressing. Always go for accredited certifications, identify your area of specialty and get around people you can learn from. Remember this; being able to coach is not just the skill, it is also the good feeling you have about your clients. 

As to the future plans, I would like to broaden my experience as a coach and help as many people as possible all around the world. In this topic, I picture myself employing creative solutions and tools to provide career coaching to everybody who is interested in getting more career guidance to someone who is looking for a promotion. Serving on organizations, as well as participating and authors for industries and advancing the coaching profession, are also on my list.  

Reflecting on my journey, I’m reminded of the incredible individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with. Their stories of growth and resilience continue to inspire me every day. As a coach, witnessing these transformations is the greatest reward.