During a conversation with my sister, she posed an interesting question: "What have you done and failed at?" This query emerged as I was preparing to leave a comfortable role at Play’n GO to establish my own coaching enterprise, TYS Coaching. While she intended to boost my morale by reminding me of my growth, it instead prompted a stark realization—I had never really failed, not because I was averse to failure, but because I had steered clear of taking significant risks.
I am quite the embodiment of a "type A" personality. I meticulously pack in advance for trips, keep my vehicle spotless, and have set systems in place for everything, including my systems. Therefore, deciding to leave everything behind to launch TYS Coaching was not merely a career shift—it represented a true confrontation with my ingrained tendencies.
Interestingly, I didn’t plan on becoming a coach; rather, coaching found me when I least expected it. At that point in my career, I worked in marketing for Play’n GO and discovered my organization had a substantial training budget. Coaching was suggested, but initially, I mistook it for fitness coaching, like CrossFit. However, my perspective shifted during my first coaching session with Kelly McSherry. In a moment of clarity, I realized that I wanted his role.
Reflecting on my past experiences made me recognize that I had actually been coaching already. At Play’n GO, for instance, I was tasked with assembling a video and design team from the ground up, an endeavor well beyond my marketing comfort zone. Not being able to instruct graphic designers as I would have an air traffic controller, I resorted to asking questions and listening, facilitating their thought processes.
This coaching approach remained consistent, regardless of whether I was working with graphic designers or intellectual property lawyers. The fast-paced nature of the iGaming industry where I spent nearly a decade contributed significantly to my coaching trajectory as well. I witnessed individuals rise from junior roles to senior leadership in just a few years, and when I interact with leaders and CEOs today, I speak from experience regarding the challenges they face.
However, understanding the right direction is easier said than done. Despite recognizing my potential for coaching after that first session, I stuck with Play’n GO for an additional four years, during which I repeatedly hired Kelly for guidance, arranged coaching for my entire team, and even gifted some sessions to my husband. My enthusiasm for coaching grew stronger.
The death of my mother in 2022 acted as a catalyst for change. It’s remarkable how grief can clarify priorities, stripping life down to its essentials and forcing a reflection on how much time we often take for granted. This personal loss led to an unavoidable question: if not now, when?
In 2024, I took the plunge, resigning from Play’n GO to start my coaching business. The transition saw me leave behind glamorous industry events featuring F1 drivers, only to find myself alone in my home office, with no clients or income. The initial days of my new venture were anything but easy. I grappled with imposter syndrome, facing an empty client pipeline and an unestablished reputation.
Despite these hurdles, I persisted. Two years later, my business has stabilized and is on an upward trajectory. I now work with senior leaders from various organizations, conduct workshops worldwide, and much of my business is generated through referrals. Although the discomfort of those early days has not vanished entirely, it has transitioned into a steadier form of self-belief grounded in my actions.
If there’s one piece of advice I would share from my early experiences, it's to "be brave enough to suck at something new." The fear of returning to a beginner’s status can be overwhelming when you’ve advanced in your career. It’s often easier to go with the flow rather than challenge yourself.
Surprisingly, the most significant aspect of my leap was not just the business growth, but the transformation in my own persona. I had long perceived myself as risk-averse, structured, and organized. Challenging those self-imposed labels revealed a more complex truth: I could step beyond my comfort zone without needing to transform into someone completely different. Embracing my inherent Type A traits led to the most manageable risk I could take, and that choice paid off.
Tragically, Kelly McSherry, the coach who initiated my journey, passed away in March of last year. His sudden loss left me grappling with the feeling that I could not continue without him. He was integral to my success, having reviewed my proposals, guided my pricing strategies, and generously shared his contacts, believing there was enough work to go around. His spirit of generosity serves as a foundation in my business today. I aim to empower emerging coaches just as he did for me and many others.
TYS Coaching represents something personal to me, a pride unlike anything I’ve ever felt, because it’s distinctly mine. Every client breakthrough resonates deeply, a reflection of the courage it took to believe in myself and the invaluable support I received from mentors like Kelly. This journey has forever altered how I perceive myself and the life I can create.
For anyone contemplating a new idea or opportunity but hesitating due to self-doubt, I can assure you that confidence will not arrive without action. The key is simple: you won't feel ready, so instead of waiting for that moment, gather the courage to embrace the learning that comes from trying something completely new.
