How to Find the Right Coach for You

Finding the right coach can feel overwhelming—especially in recent years, when it seems like everyone is calling themselves a coach. With so many options, how do you know who is the right fit for you?

Here are a few things to consider as you begin your search:

🔹 Get clear on what you need

Coaching is most effective when you have a sense of what you want to work on, even if you’re not entirely sure what the end result will look like.

Before searching for a coach, take a moment to reflect:

• Are you navigating a career or life transition and need clarity on next steps?

• Are you facing a leadership challenge and want to explore solutions that align with your values?

• Are you feeling stuck but unsure what needs to change?

• Is there an area in your personal or professional life where you want to grow—such as shifting your mindset, becoming a more confident leader, improving work-life balance, building resilience?

• Do you have a specific goal and need supporting staying accountable and overcoming challenges?

• Is your team struggling with trust and communication and would benefit from a team coach?

• As a leader, do you want your management team to have coaching support as they work towards larger team goals or a new initiative?

Once you have a better sense of what you need, consider what kind of coaching approach resonates with you and would be feasible:

• Do you need short-term support for a specific decision or are you looking for long-term coaching for personal or professional growth?

• Do you prefer a structured, goal-oriented approach or something more reflective and exploratory?

• Would online coaching work best or do you prefer face-to-face sessions?

🔹 Check for Professional Standards and Experience

 Since coaching is an unregulated profession, anyone can call themselves a coach. However, qualified coaches will have:

• Accreditation from a recognized body such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC)—ensuring they meet ethical and competency standards.

• Experience coaching individuals with challenges similar to yours. You don’t necessarily need a coach with your exact background, but it helps if they understand your context.

• A clear coaching philosophy and approach that aligns with your values and learning style.

🔹 Have a Conversation Before Committing

 Most coaches offer a free consultation or discovery call, giving you the chance to ask questions and get a feel for their style. During this call, pay attention to”:

• Do they listen deeply and ask thoughtful questions, or do they jump into advice-giving?

• Do you feel comfortable in the conversation, or does something feel off?

• Do their responses and approach align with what you’re looking for?

Trust your instincts—coaching is built on trust and connection, and you should feel confident in your coach’s ability to guide the process.

🔹 Want to Learn More About Coaching Before Choosing a Coach?

 If you’re still figuring out whether coaching is right for you, check out my earlier blog on: Is Coaching Right for You? Here’s What It Is (and What It’s Not)

🔹 Final Thoughts

The right coach isn’t just someone with a title. It is someone who can hold space for your growth, ask powerful questions to challenge your thinking, and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and choose a coach who feels like the right fit for you. When you find that alignment, coaching can be a truly transformative experience.

If you do want to explore coaching and still not sure, I’d love to chat—no pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest conversation to help you understand if coaching is right thing for you and what kind of coach might be the best fit.

Ashley is an Associated Certified Coach (ACC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation and a global education specialist with over 30 years experience. She also is the founder of Rippletree, a social impact company that provides coaching, facilitation and consulting services to non-profits, schools and organizations.