Tara Alvarez Garcia faced a pivotal moment in her life when she decided to leave her comfortable position at Play’n GO to establish TYS Coaching. This choice prompted a reflective insight from her sister, who asked, "What have you done and failed at?" Initially, the question seemed to serve as encouragement, but it prompted Tara to realize that she had never truly failed—not due to a strong desire to succeed but rather because she had avoided taking significant risks.
Identifying herself as a typical "type A" personality, Tara is someone who meticulously prepares and organizes. Consequently, the decision to step away from her stable role to start TYS Coaching challenged her inherent tendencies.
Her coaching journey began unexpectedly while she was employed in marketing at Play’n GO, where she was introduced to professional coaching. Initially confusing it with fitness coaching, Tara's perspective changed dramatically during her first session with coach Kelly McSherry, leading her to recognize her desire to pursue coaching herself. Reflecting on her career, she realized she had already been acting as a coach while managing and fostering teams despite lacking formal coaching credentials.
Working in the dynamic iGaming industry provided Tara with firsthand experience regarding the pressures and challenges leaders face. She could relate to those she coached, having seen individuals quickly ascend to leadership roles within their organizations.
Though she felt confident about her necessary career shift, Tara remained at Play’n GO for another four years, during which she continued to engage Kelly's coaching services for herself and her team. The loss of her mother in 2022 acted as a catalyst for reflection, prompting her to reassess her life and the time she had left. Driven by grief and urgency, she ultimately made the decision to pursue coaching full-time in 2024, resigning quietly from her job.
Transitioning to TYS Coaching was neither simple nor immediate. Tara faced the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, including the challenges of self-doubt and building a reputation from scratch. However, through perseverance, her business stabilized and began to flourish. Now, she works with senior leaders and conducts workshops internationally, with most of her client base stemming from referrals.
Tara emphasizes the importance of being "brave enough to suck at something new." Taking risks often feels daunting, especially later in one’s career when the comfort of familiarity looms large. Yet, she discovered that embracing discomfort helped her grow significantly, altering how she viewed herself and her ambitions.
A notable part of her journey also involved the profound loss of coach Kelly McSherry in March last year. His sudden passing affected her deeply, as he played a pivotal role in her transition to coaching. Tara reflects on Kelly's generous spirit, which she seeks to embody in her own coaching practice.
TYS Coaching has become a source of pride for Tara, representing a personal accomplishment marked by each client’s success. The journey has reshaped her understanding of herself and her capabilities. If anyone is hesitating on the precipice of a new venture, Tara's message is clear: you won’t wait until you feel ready. The only way forward is to be bold enough to attempt something new, even if it means falling short at first.
