A Boon Coach’s Reflection

Jun 12

Tricia Gehl, Boon Coach

This month, Boon Health lifts a glass to toast its 3-year anniversary, celebrating an incredible journey thus far: 34,000 coaching sessions, 200 coaches, 85 customers, and a 21-country client reach. I’m lucky enough to have been with Boon since the beginning and have seen firsthand how passionate, focused, and driven its leadership team is, and the impact that level of dedication has had on Boon’s customers and clients. As I think about Boon’s last three years, and their success in creating something powerful and purposeful, I’m also reflecting on my own experience as a Boon coach.

The Best Job in the World!
I am not at all ashamed to admit that I tell anyone who will listen that I have the best job in the world. To me, coaching is absolute magic. It’s the transformative component that supports people in shifting from “doing well” to becoming optimally functioning powerhouses. It helps clients connect dots and see patterns they may have overlooked, identify limiting beliefs that are holding them back from their goals and true potential, and expose them to tools and frameworks that will support their path to success (that’s success based on their definition). I feel passionately connected to and fulfilled by the work I do with my clients; so much so, that it really doesn’t feel like work at all. In addition to my love of the craft itself, being part of the Boon Health coaching team has been a gift. Boon has created an environment where their roster of coaches can thrive, and learn from and collaborate with one another, all while providing compassionate, present, and supportive leadership. Through Boon, I’ve had the privilege of coaching some of the most brilliant and talented humans; humans who inspire me every day.

The Client as Muse
When I think back on all of the extraordinary clients I’ve worked with as a Boon coach over these past three years, I’m humbled by just how much I’ve learned from each of them:

I’ve learned patience and determination from leaders at all levels who are working hard to shift their companies’ cultures
I’ve learned the importance of accountability and responsibility from those who’ve made missteps and didn’t shy away from the consequences or necessary strategy changes that followed
I’ve learned the true power of courage and authenticity from those who worked hard to set boundaries and reassess their professional goals and success definitions to live more balanced lives

I’ve also witnessed clients confront and overcome some truly incredible challenges and obstacles as a result of our work:

I’ve watched new CEOs work tirelessly to gain the respect of seasoned board members and become trusted leaders and decision makers
I’ve watched clients find their voice, and then use that voice to provide tough but critical feedback to their leaders and advocate for their own growth and development
I’ve watched clients navigate complex transitions that weren’t of their choosing, while gracefully leading team members through those same transitions

Witnessing these growth journeys, transitions, and successes has helped me to be a more present, empathetic, and collaborative coach, and has inspired me to be bolder and more courageous in my own life. Like I said…best job in the world.

The Power of Coaching
Companies that invest in coaching for their employees reap tremendous benefits. Coaching supports leaders at all levels in strengthening their individual resilience, creating strategies to manage and mitigate stress and burnout, and developing essential skills like collaborating efficiently, providing impact-based, actionable feedback, and making effective decisions. Coaching “teaches people to fish,” by arming them with the tools, best practices, and frameworks needed to help them thrive day-to-day. For companies, the byproduct is an increase in overall fulfillment, productivity, and focus within their teams. Working for a company that invests in its employees’ growth, resilience, and well-being creates empowered and present leaders at all levels, and lets employees know they are seen, heard, and that their individual success matters just as much as the organization’s success.