12 Nov Leadership coaching – A privilege, a responsibility, and a gift

Leadership coaching has always been more than a job to me — it’s a privilege and an honour.

My journey towards leadership coaching didn’t just happen overnight.

It was shaped by experiences, mentors, and an unwavering desire to help others find the best within themselves.

Today, as an Executive Coach, I know I’m exactly where I need to be. I’m fulfilling a role I once dreamed about for many years.

Every day, I’m reminded of why I do this work and how lucky I am.

As we expand our leadership programmes at Accipio, I’m excited to help even more people unlock their true potential.

The Journey to Becoming a Coach

My path towards leadership coaching started a long time ago.

In my early years, I was often the person that my friends turned to for advice and support. I learned quickly that I had this natural talent for listening and empathising. I remember being in situations where I felt I could help others see a path they hadn’t considered before. It always gave me a profound sense of purpose.

I was drawn to the idea of helping people see beyond their obstacles, of being the catalyst for positive change in their lives.

Over time, this initial passion solidified into a career goal.

I trained rigorously, sought certifications, and worked under inspiring mentors, who taught me the principles of effective coaching.

One pivotal moment stands out during my early training. I witnessed a coaching session where the client had a breakthrough. This client suddenly changed their perspective on a long-standing issue. I knew, in this moment, that I wanted to dedicate my career to guiding other people towards these kinds of realisations.

Helping others gain clarity and direction felt like meaningful work.

I’ve never looked back.

Becoming an Executive Coach felt like a natural evolution in my journey. It’s a role that allows me to work with leaders, visionaries, and professionals.

One thing these people all have in common is their aspiration to make a difference. To transform the lives of those they lead.

The Privilege of Coaching

I’ve always believed that coaching is a privilege.

Each person I work with brings their own unique perspectives, strengths, and challenges. I’m entrusted with helping them navigate their journey. This responsibility isn’t something I take lightly.

It’s humbling to know that clients place their trust in me. That they feel comfortable discussing their goals, fears, and dreams. Each person I coach has my full attention, commitment, and dedication. I always aim to leave them in a better place than when I first met them. Even if it’s just one step forward.

One of the greatest rewards of coaching is hearing feedback from clients.

I have been very fortunate to hear some lovely feedback over the years. I never take this for granted. Instead, it motivates me to keep improving. To keep learning. To ensure that I’m providing the best support possible.

Leadership coaching isn’t just about skill – it’s about empathy, authenticity, and presence. To know that the people I coach feel valued and understood is one of the highest compliments I can receive.

For me, coaching is about seeing people through a lens of possibility and potential.

Each session is an opportunity to help them reframe their challenges, find renewed focus, or uncover strengths they didn’t realise they had.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing a individual’s breakthrough moment, that point when they realise they can achieve more than they initially thought possible.

Those moments remind me of why I coach, reaffirming my commitment to this profession.

Evolving Programmes at Accipio

At Accipio, we’re constantly seeking to evolve and enhance our coaching programmes.

As a team, we believe in staying adaptable. We always strive to meet the changing needs of our apprentices and learners. The feedback we receive from our apprentices is invaluable. It’s a guiding light that shows us where we can improve and where we can make the most impact.

Our approach to programme development is rooted in this feedback. We don’t just listen to our apprentices — we actively incorporate their suggestions into our curriculum.

For instance, recent feedback highlighted the need for more focus on emotional intelligence and practical leadership skills in our leadership programmes. In response, we’ve expanded those sections, providing learners with real-world tools and insights that they can immediately apply in their professional lives.

In recent months, we’ve also deepened our focus on leadership and management. This ensures that our programmes are comprehensive and transformative. From self-awareness to delegation, from stakeholder relationships to operational management, we equip our apprentices with a toolkit they can carry throughout their careers.

We’re hearing from learners that these enhancements are making a real difference. Giving them the skills and confidence to lead effectively.

Our commitment to continual improvement extends beyond curriculum development. We’re exploring innovative approaches, from leveraging digital tools to incorporating experiential learning. This ensures our programmes are as engaging as they are educational. At the heart of this evolution is a commitment to creating experiences that leave learners feeling empowered, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.

The Impact of Coaching on Clients and Organisations

The impact of coaching isn’t just limited to the individual. In my experience, effective coaching can also create a ripple effect throughout an organisation. I’ve seen individuals who, after working on their leadership skills, start to cultivate a more open and inclusive environment for their teams. They become more attuned to the needs of others, more capable of inspiring and motivating their colleagues.

One individual, for example, came to coaching struggling with self-doubt in a new leadership role. Over the course of our sessions, they discovered their authentic leadership style. They found new ways to engage their team and built a renewed sense of confidence.

Today, they’re not only thriving in their role but also inspiring those around them to transform their own potential. Stories like this remind me of the profound, far-reaching impact that coaching can have – not just for individuals but for entire teams and organisations.

The feedback we receive at Accipio affirms this broader impact. We hear from managers who see their apprentices becoming more decisive, confident, and innovative in their approach.

We see professionals who, through coaching, are equipped to lead more effectively. To make informed decisions and drive meaningful change.

The work we do is not just about upskilling people. It’s about fostering a culture of growth, resilience, and leadership that benefits everyone involved.

The Future of Coaching at Accipio

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of coaching at Accipio.

We’re continually exploring new ways to expand our offerings, bringing new tools, frameworks, and resources to support our apprentices.

We’re also developing new courses and modules, tailoring them to meet the specific needs of modern leaders.

Today’s workplace is rapidly evolving, with remote work, digital transformation, and diverse, multigenerational teams. Our programmes are evolving to address these new dynamics, ensuring that learners are prepared not just to meet today’s challenges but to lead into the future with confidence and insight.

The future of leadership coaching at Accipio is one of growth and innovation. We’re committed to expanding our reach, empowering more leaders, and creating a lasting, positive impact.

For me personally, this journey of growth is incredibly exciting. I’m honoured to play a role in shaping the future of coaching, and I’m inspired by the potential we have to make a difference.

Closing Thoughts: The Legacy of a Coach

As I reflect on my journey and the impact I hope to have, I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

Coaching has allowed me to fulfil my purpose, to help others unlock their potential, and to make a tangible difference in their lives. The legacy I hope to leave is one of empowerment, compassion, and positive change. I want individuals to look back on our sessions as moments that helped them grow, overcome obstacles, and realise their dreams.

My commitment to coaching is lifelong. I’m constantly learning, developing, and refining my approach to ensure that I’m the best coach I can be. For me, growth is a continuous journey, and I’m dedicated to being an ever-better resource for those I support.

To anyone considering coaching — either as a profession or to enhance their personal and professional lives — I wholeheartedly encourage it.

Coaching has the power to transform, to elevate, and to inspire.

It’s a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and fulfilment. Whether you’re a coach or a coachee, you’ll find that the impact of coaching extends far beyond the sessions themselves.

It’s a privilege, a responsibility, and a gift – and I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to walk this path.

By Mark Ellis, Leadership and Coaching Success Manager, Accipio

Mark Ellis specialises in coaching and leadership. He has Masters degrees in both areas, plus, a Level 8 CMI certification in Strategic Leadership. Mark has worked in the education, business, charity, and training sectors for over 25 years.

Read more of Mark’s Leadership blogs.

Next steps

Inspired by Mark to become a coach, or to adopt a coaching mindset in your organisation? Accipio offers a wide range of CMI-accredited leadership courses.

Contact us today, to find out how Accipio can help you.