Coaching for the Whole Person, Not Just the Professional
When Riikka first started coaching with Laavu, her initial focus was on identifying and pursuing concrete career steps, which for her meant becoming the COO of the company she worked for. As she was stepping into this new role, like many leaders, she was working to define what that role meant for her. The coaching sessions were quite focused on plans and priorities. “At first, a lot of our time was spent addressing urgent work-related issues,” Riikka recalls. But as the coaching progressed, it became clear that her personal life was just as integral to her performance and direction at work.
“Every session leaves me with new insights about myself—my values, my motivations, and what drives me.”
At the same time as settling into a new role, Riikka was going through major life changes, including a divorce and a shift in her constantly evolving role as a mother to a teenager. This meant that elements from her personal life - not just her career, started emerging as topics for coaching sessions. This realization, that leadership and life are deeply interconnected, was a turning point. Riikka identified a session focused on life as a whole was one of the best ones she’s had at Laavu.
“I had to admit to myself that, yes, free time and life outside of work do affect my job after all, even though I didn’t want to believe it at first. Talking about the whole picture, my entire life and all its moving parts, has made me better at my job.”
The Evolution of Coaching: From Solving Immediate Challenges to Fostering Lasting Impact.
One of the most important lessons Riikka has learned through her coaching journey is that the coaching process has so much more to offer than just addressing the acute and concrete themes you come in with. While many start coaching during a challenging time or with a specific problem in mind, real value lies in how the coaching process evolves through time to support your long-term growth.
As Riikka notes, Laavu’s coaching doesn’t stop when one concrete goal is reached. Instead, it deepens. It’s about building a foundation for continuous personal and professional development, adapting as life changes. It's like a support system for your thinking, mind, self-leadership, and performance.
It’s easy to think coaching is only for solving immediate problems, but it’s so much more. It’s about supporting your overall performance—like having a personal trainer for your mind.
Practical Tools for Leadership and Life
Throughout her coaching sessions, Riikka has gained practical tools to help her thrive in her new role. One of the key takeaways was developing a “next months” plan, designed to guide her through the early stages of her new position as COO. But more than just a roadmap for work, Laavu’s coaching has equipped her to navigate the ups and downs of life as a whole.
The focus on emotional intelligence, clarity of thought, and work-life balance has transformed how she approaches her responsibilities—both at work and at home. “My role is so visible and impactful that it is easy to see the return on my investment in having a personal coach. I'm now more present for my tasks and other people, creating a greater impact through my work and enabling me to stand stronger on my own,” Riikka explains. Riikka and her Laavu coach have found a rhythm where they match working on job-related challenges and problem solving with exploring more personal themes and discovering ways to thrive outside of work, too.
“I leave each session feeling energized and ready to take action. I can’t wait to go home and put new ideas into practice.”
Coaching as a Lifestyle, Not a Quick Fix
What makes Laavu’s approach stand out is the understanding that coaching is not a temporary fix. It’s an ongoing process, tailored to the individual, and it evolves alongside the client. Riikka’s experience is a testament to this. As her life and career have shifted, so too has the scope of her coaching broadened.
Many Laavu clients come in with an urgent issue, wondering if they’ll still find value in coaching once that situation is resolved.
But as we can clearly see in Riikka’s case, coaching is a long-term investment in oneself, continually helping clients perform at their best while enjoying the journey. It’s worth continuing the process even after the initial challenges are overcome, that’s when the real growth and the biggest insights begins!
Coaching isn’t just for when things are tough—it’s about maintaining peak performance over time and enjoying the journey a bit more simultaneously. It’s a lifestyle.
Take the First Step
Riikka’s story is just one example of how Laavu’s coaching can transform both personal and professional lives. If you’re facing a major change, or simply want to optimize your leadership or performance, Laavu’s coaching offers a tailored, evolving process to help you succeed.
Ready to experience the benefits of coaching for yourself? Try a free session.
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