I first spoke with Jules in May 2022 after my boss had put me in touch. Initially I was hesitant of 'this coaching mumbo jumbo', but I handed my number over... within fifteen minutes of the first phone call I truly felt more understood than I have felt with colleagues I'd known for years!
Jules is warm & friendly with a very gentle way about her, and importantly made me feel safe to express.
I'm a talker to say the least, so encouraging me to share wasn't really the issue! Rather, Jules allowed me to focus my talking initially, putting me in a space where she'd listen and guide - keeping me on subject - encouraging me to consider and be open with myself as I looked to grow and develop as a partner, father and professional.
With a lot of guided self reflection and a clearer understanding of true sincerity, Jules helped me realise and understand a lot of my own strengths and weaknesses. I've always been an over-thinker, pre-empting the response of the person I'm speaking to, I'd often adjust 'my bit' accordingly, based on assumptions... I very quickly realised the downside of this way to communicate. A lot of imagery was drawn up on Jules' A1 paper, I think she clicked that I can be quite visual in learning, the diamond (me) and squiggles (paranoid thoughts) covered in nail polish (putting on a false persona to cover up the other stuff) still sticks with me as a reminder to act with transparency - and tact - in all conversations personally and professionally... I suppose you have to be a part of that session to understand properly...😁
After we'd worked through the importance of transparency in communication, my listening was the next hurdle... Over a few sessions, we discussed the different types of listening and, honestly, I realised just how terrible at listening I'd been until that point! I felt a little embarrassed, which Jules quickly absolved, but through those few sessions I understood the difference between not listening, actively listening and easy listening. The difference this has made on a personal level is remarkable as well as in sales conversations, to build rapport and relationship with customers.
Practically, the key was putting everything I learnt into practice. Through simple things, like the change of a desktop background on my laptop and a physical reminder of 'my diamond' (which I still have next to my computer), I've put simple tools in place to remind myself of the education I had with Jules. Don't get me wrong, I do still have my moments, but overall, being more self aware in communication comes a lot more easily with these tools.
To finish, my time with Jules has increased my productivity, efficiency, communicative ability and - on a personal level - relationship with family more than a few paragraphs can describe. From feeling anxious about planning and constantly questioning my self worth as a professional, I'm now much more relaxed, confident and content in all aspects of my work, and personal life.
Thank you, Jules, it was honestly life changing.
She's become one of the UK's top coaches in this field by following her own path to authentic confidence, as well as spending thousands of hours studying self-belief and the human brain.
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