Since 2011, Nova Terra have welcomed many individuals, leaders, coaches and HR professionals through our doors. Each bringing their humanity, with their own story, their own chapter that took place within our journey. Where are they now? How are they feeling? Who have they become? And what would they tell the younger version of themselves who set sail with us all those years ago?
How have you been since we last saw you at Nova Terra?
Margot: It’s been quite a journey for me. After experiencing burnout in the same role some years before, I made the decision to leave my job a year later. Although some advised against quitting without securing clients first, I found it impossible to plan my future career while still drained from my previous job. So, I decided to take some time to travel and then redirected my energy toward building a coaching career in 2023.
Where are you now?
Isabelle: At SyDe, I accompany transitions by fostering human interactions, facilitating the emergence of solutions, and promoting resilience and autonomy. My work spans across organizations, teams, and individuals, where I blend different methods and tools to meet specific needs.
Margot: Since the end of 2023, I've launched a coaching platform called INSPIRITE Coaching, designed to connect companies with expert coaches. Recently, I also became a business partner with another coaching company. Today, I manage and develop the portfolios for both MicroMégas and INSPIRITE. This includes overseeing coaching projects, creating tailored coaching programs aligned with organizational goals, and monitoring the progress of each portfolio to ensure their success.
How are you using coaching currently?
Isabelle: Online or onsite, I support personal and interpersonal development using a variety of coaching approaches to help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.
Margot: I integrate coaching into my daily life as a mindset and approach. I also actively promote coaching within my networks, sharing its benefits and applications with others.
How does that make you feel?
Isabelle: I feel curious, enthusiastic, and eager to continue learning.
Margot: I’m consistently impressed by how coaching impacts various fields and levels. For example, in a recent business sales training, I found the approach closely aligned with coaching principles—such as active listening, setting objectives, asking open-ended questions, and identifying obstacles throughout the meeting. These skills are similar to those we practice at Nova Terra, underscoring that coaching is a powerful tool for enhancing any area of life.
What did you appreciate most about your time at Nova Terra?
Isabelle: Nova Terra offers a comprehensive and high-quality training program that skillfully combines the rigor of ICF standards with the flexibility of its trainers. It is a potentially transformative experience where peer groups play a significant role.
Margot: I truly valued the authenticity of the environment, which allowed us to be ourselves within a supportive group. The trainers were fantastic, with an incredible knack for uncovering and fostering our potential. I’ve stayed in touch with several people from the group, and my experience there was a major turning point that set me on the path to a new life and career.
What would you have done differently?
Isabelle: I wouldn’t change anything. I have no regrets because the experience was enriching and well-suited to my needs.
Margot: I wouldn’t change a thing; everything happened as it was meant to. I’m glad I completed both phases at Nova Terra, as it allowed me to delve deeper and build genuine connections with others as well.
What did you learn most about yourself whilst following the Mastery & Art of Coaching?
Isabelle: I discovered that the most essential tool for coaches is themselves. One of the key ways I enhanced my approach was by understanding the importance of systematically scheduling time in my calendar after each coaching session.
Margot: I discovered that coaching requires a fundamentally different approach compared to consulting. I had to unlearn my habit of immediately providing solutions to every problem and instead focus on creating space for others to find their own answers. Additionally, I learned to trust and act on my intuition, rather than simply acknowledging it without taking action.
How has that supported you in your current endeavours?
Isabelle: This practice helps me avoid back-to-back meetings and ensures I have time for reflection. Having dedicated time for introspection allows me to assess what went well, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues during supervision.
Margot: I've become more attuned to listening to my intuition and taking action based on it. When I don’t follow my intuition, I often face consequences, so I’m learning to trust and act on it more consistently.
What would be the one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering the MAC?
Isabelle: Be curious when researching this program and trust your intuition.
Margot: I’d recommend to schedule discovery sessions with different coaching schools, and going with your gut feeling about which one is the best fit. It’s essential to evaluate aspects like certifications, trainers, location, experience, and cost, but the key is to choose a school that resonates with you personally.
Would you do it all over again?
Isabelle: Absolutely
Margot: Definitely, without hesitation! I think everyone benefits from taking coaching courses.
What would you say to the younger you as you stepped through our doors for the first time?
Isabelle: Take your time. Ensure you arrive prepared and available for training weekends and make time for practice between modules.
Margot: You’re on the right path. The caterpillar will soon become a butterfly.
How are you feeling about your future?
Isabelle: I feel confident. Moving forward, I plan to continue coaching, experimenting in a safe environment, and expanding my network.
Margot: I’m excited about the future with so many things to do and learn. There are some really thrilling projects ahead!
In three words - describe who you are, right now.
Isabelle: Curious, resilient, coach. I'm a curious and resilient coach!
Margot: Excited, nervous, curious.
Is there anything else you’d like to add, that someone reading this ought to know?
Isabelle: I highly recommend this comprehensive training. It requires energy and commitment but truly facilitates personal and professional growth, making the journey worthwhile.
"The greatest gift you can give yourself is the gift of self-discovery." - Neale Donald Walsch
How would you like to close this interview?
Isabelle: I’d like to end this interview on a positive note by expressing my sincere gratitude. Thank you very much!
Margot: I'm truly grateful to see coaching gaining recognition and becoming increasingly used in various relationships. It's inspiring to witness people growing and thriving. I appreciate Nova Terra's contribution to this field and am confident that coaching will become a standard approach in how we interact and grow.
