COACHES AND MENTORS

Last week marked the end of my coaching certification classes. Over these past 25 weeks, I've deepened my coaching expertise with 7 peer coaches and 5 master coaches from across the globe. I feel many things, among which are a sense of accomplishment for what has been and excitement for what is to come.

 I still have to complete my 100 hours of coaching and oral exams to get the official certification, but for today, I am celebrating!
This experience has been quite challenging and has stretched my growth beyond my imaginations. I had two pivotal moments of almost quitting, first when I felt overwhelmed with the medium of instruction being virtual and second when I took on an expanded role at work. In both instances, my outstanding 12 mentor-coaches, helped me persevere through!
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I'm often asked the difference between mentors and coaches, and here is my take:
Mentor: someone who, through their own lived experiences, uses their experiences to help guide you. Because mentors use their own experiences as the guide, it is important to be aligned on what you want to learn from your mentor. As with many things, you will probably end up learning more than you bargained for. 
Coach: someone who, through their fierce courage and love, can reach in to bring out your best self and lived experiences to help guide you. Coaches may not have direct experience in your field, but they should have a unique gift of bringing out your own best self. In the end, you have to decide which path you want to take, the coach helps you see it clearly.