During a conversation with my sister, she posed a question that struck a chord: "What have you done and failed at?" I was about to leave my secure position at Play’n GO to found my own coaching firm, TYS Coaching, and while she intended to encourage me, her question had an unexpected effect. It made me realize that I had never truly failed, not due to a relentless drive for success, but because I had always played it safe.
I identify as a typical "type A" personality. I prepare meticulously for trips and keep my car spotless; order and organization define me. Launching TYS Coaching required me to challenge that very disposition.
My journey into coaching started unexpectedly. At the time, I was in marketing at Play’n GO, where our budget included a generous allocation for training, prompting a recommendation for coaching. Initially, I misunderstood the term, thinking it was related to fitness rather than business. But my perspective shifted dramatically after my first session with coach Kelly McSherry. I realized I wanted to emulate his role.
Looking back, I recognized that I had been coaching throughout my career without labeling it. At Play’n GO, I once built a video and design team from scratch, leveraging my curiosity and listening skills rather than directing them. My approach to various teams, whether graphic designers or legal experts, emphasized coaching through inquiry.
Having worked within the fast-paced iGaming industry has also shaped my coaching philosophy. Experiencing the unique pressures of this environment and witnessing rapid career advancements firsthand gave me valuable insights. When I converse with leaders about their challenges, I rely on my own experiences rather than pure imagination.
Despite my passion for coaching, it took me years to leave my job at Play’n GO. Following that initial session, I retained Kelly’s services multiple times, even involving my team and giving my husband sessions as a Christmas gift. My fascination for coaching deepened. However, a significant personal loss in 2022 catalyzed a change. My mother’s passing prompted a reevaluation of life’s priorities and the time we take for granted.
Within this context, I pondered the pressing question: if not now, when? In 2024, I decided to act on my long-held desire to coach. I quietly resigned from Play’n GO and initiated my business, making a leap from high-profile industry events to working from my home office with no clients.
The transition was far from easy. Early days were riddled with challenges I hadn't anticipated, with feelings of imposter syndrome looming large. I began with no reputation and an empty client pipeline, yet I persisted. Two years later, my business has stabilized and is expanding, working with senior leaders across organizations while most of my referrals now come through word of mouth. Although initial discomfort lingered, it eventually morphed into a solid belief grounded in action.
One significant lesson I learned from those early experiences is the importance of being courageous enough to embrace new challenges, even if it means not excelling right away. Transitioning to a new role inevitably involves returning to the beginning stage of learning, which can be daunting. Many may prefer the easier route of avoiding risk altogether.
What most surprised me was not my business's growth but rather the transformation I underwent during my journey. I had always perceived myself as cautious and structured, resistant to risks. However, stepping outside that comfort zone revealed an entirely different aspect of my character that I had not recognized. Embracing this part of myself allowed for personal growth that I had previously thought impossible.
The support I received from Kelly, who passed away unexpectedly in March of last year, was invaluable during my journey. In that grief-stricken period, I felt I could not continue without his guidance. He had been instrumental in shaping my approach to coaching, from reviewing my proposals to teaching me about pricing strategies. His generosity was a guiding principle in building my own business; I now strive to foster the same spirit in training the next generation of coaches.
TYS Coaching holds a unique significance for me, contrasting with anything I’ve experienced before. Each breakthrough with my clients resonates deeply, and that connection stems from the courage to believe in myself and my ability to lead others. I attribute much of my success to Kelly's support and the impact of his legacy on my practice.
Ultimately, this experience has shifted my self-perception and revealed the potential life I can create. If you find yourself grappling with the thought of pursuing a dream or grappling with self-doubt, it’s crucial to understand that confidence may never come naturally. Instead, focus on being brave enough to embrace new challenges, even if it means not excelling immediately.
