Tara Alvarez Garcia faced an introspective moment when her sister posed an unexpected question: "What have you done and failed at?" This inquiry arose as Garcia prepared to leave her secure position at Play’n GO to establish TYS Coaching, her own coaching company. While intended to boost her morale, it prompted Garcia to confront a startling truth: she had never truly failed, not due to an unyielding drive for success, but because she had never taken significant risks.
Describing herself as a classic "type A" personality, Garcia explained that she meticulously prepares for trips and maintains a clean car. Thus, the choice to abandon her job and embark on a new venture was a personal challenge.
Garcia didn’t initially aspire to become a coach; it was a path that unexpectedly opened up. While working in marketing at Play’n GO, the company allocated a generous budget for training, leading her to a coaching session she initially misunderstood as a fitness program. However, that perception changed during her first session with coach Kelly McSherry, where she had a moment of clarity and envisioned herself in his role.
Looking back, Garcia realized she had always been in a coaching role, especially during her time overseeing the creation of a video and design team at Play’n GO, despite her lack of design experience. By asking questions, listening, and facilitating discussions, she had unknowingly practiced coaching.
Her tenure in the fast-paced iGaming industry proved beneficial as she gained firsthand experience of the stresses and triumphs leaders face. This insight helped her connect deeply with her clients, as she had lived through similar challenges.
However, making the leap into coaching wasn’t immediate. Garcia remained at Play’n GO for another four years after discovering her passion for coaching. She hired McSherry repeatedly and even gifted coaching sessions to family members. The death of her mother in 2022 became a pivotal moment, compelling her to reevaluate her life and priorities, ultimately leading her to resign in 2024 and establish TYS Coaching.
Initially, the transition was anything but smooth. Garcia found herself in an uncomfortable position, battling imposter syndrome, with no clients or clear income. Nonetheless, after two years, her business stabilized and began to flourish, leading to workshops and referrals from satisfied clients.
From her experience, Garcia offers a guiding principle: "be brave enough to suck at something new." The hesitation to embrace the discomfort of being a beginner can be overwhelming, but it is a necessary step for growth. She acknowledged that although she had perceived herself as someone who avoided risk, becoming a coach revealed the hidden aspects of her character.
The late Kelly McSherry's impact remained strong as he had been a fundamental support in her journey, providing guidance on pricing and sharing his experience. His spirit of generosity motivates her daily as she fosters a similar environment for up-and-coming coaches.
Garcia takes pride in TYS Coaching, as each client’s success feels personally rewarding. This new venture has reshaped her self-perception and illuminated the potential for a fulfilling career, reinforcing her belief that one must embrace the risk to discover their true capabilities. For those contemplating a leap into the unknown, her advice is straightforward: the right moment may never arrive, so take that step and don’t fear the initial struggles of learning something new.
