Congratulations to Kateryna Nehoda for taking third place in the "Biggest Transformation of the Year" nomination at the COACHING.UP case competition!
We invite you to read the story that will leave you speechless.
Why did I choose coaching and what did I expect?
I would say that it wasn't me who chose coaching, but coaching chose me. And this is not about shirking responsibility, but about some unconscious decision. It’s about a profession I’ve been interested in my whole life, just not knowing what it was called.
I’ve always been driven by curiosity and the desire to explore. At school, I was passionate about two subjects: mathematics + programming and psychology. At that time, I chose a technical specialty, enrolled in the appropriate faculty, and eventually started working as a Software Engineer in an international IT company.
At the same time, I was interested in personal development and transformation: how to motivate oneself, how to ensure there is always money, how to gain a new habit, change behavior, communicate better with people... At some point, I decided to pursue a second degree – psychology. But during my studies, I realized that it wasn’t quite what I was truly looking for.
I had heard of coaching but didn't really understand what it was. I associated it either with famous motivational speakers or with Agile coaching in software development.
At the end of 2023, after nearly seven years working as a Software Engineer, I felt burnout. The usual ways to restore my resources no longer helped. I had been taking part in a lot of different trainings out of curiosity, and at one point, I came across an ad for coaching courses based on international standards. At first, I didn’t pay attention to it, but when I started considering the idea seriously, the decision wasn’t easy. Not because I doubted coaching itself, but because I was afraid of disappointment – the course cost about the same as the psychology master’s program, which I had put on hold.
To make a decision, I signed up for a few coaching sessions with different coaches. But even after that, I couldn’t logically explain what exactly distinguishes coaching from psychology. However, I intuitively felt that this was for me. That’s why I say that coaching didn’t choose me, I chose it.
The final decision came after a trial session. I didn’t have any expectations about the training – I was just going with the flow. It was an opportunity to acquire another profession. At that time, I didn’t even think in terms of “transforming my life” or “getting out of burnout.” That’s how, at the beginning of 2024, I started studying coaching.
Key Moments in Training at COACHING.UP
One of the key aspects of the training was that the trainers created a comfortable and supportive space for interaction and growth. Each lesson included a practical part where we worked through the material with our groupmates. Because of this, I learned to listen more deeply, ask powerful questions, and notice non-verbal reactions from the person I was communicating with.
Special mention should be made of the work with metaphors and analogies, which became a real discovery for me. This allowed me to work not only at the logical level but also to reach deeper emotional and unconscious levels. This approach is especially valuable for clients who are wavering between several options or seeking unconventional solutions.
Professional mentors played a significant role in the learning process, helping me understand how well my coaching sessions aligned with ICF competencies. The invaluable support of supervisors during the Level 2 program helped us as coaches to integrate the knowledge gained into practice with more confidence.
The training gave me not only an understanding of ICF standards and the importance of ethics in coaching, but also a clear understanding of my role in the client's transformation process. I also gained a deeper understanding of coach competencies and how they are evaluated by mentors and assessors during certification.
How Coaching Affected My Life
The transition from IT to coaching was not just a career change, but a deep internal transformation for me. Coaching came into my life at a difficult time: I had left the IT company and was in a state of burnout, having lost my sense of purpose. During this time, I took a career break – a sabbatical – to figure out where to go next. Coaching helped me slow down, accept this period of creative stagnation, and not rush into finding a new path when I had no internal resources. It also helped me understand that my purpose is to help people find their way, help them understand themselves more deeply, and create a balance between career, life, and personal values.
This experience taught me to embrace my multifaceted nature. I realized that I can integrate both analytical thinking and a creative approach into my work, as creativity has always been an important part of my life – from dance and painting to acting.
One of the first changes I noticed was the transformation of my communication style. I used to think that in order to help others, I needed to give advice. But now I know: the most valuable thing you can do is create a safe space for the client’s reflections and self-development. This not only affected my new career but also my personal relationships.
Coaching also helped me overcome internal limitations. For example, I had long avoided active engagement on social media because I didn’t consider myself a “salesperson.” But through personal work with a coach and reflection, I realized that promotion is not about pushing, but about sharing the value of your work with others. Over time, I was able to build my own communication style – honest, natural, and based on trust and creativity.
Thanks to coaching, I started working with IT professionals and creative people, who often face important life decisions. I understand their challenges well because I have gone through this path of change myself. And I know how important it is to have support in these moments.
The Main Lesson or Advice for Future Coaches
My main lesson is to trust the process. Coaching is not about quick fixes or universal formulas for success. It’s deep work with questions that may not have obvious answers but are meaningful for the client. Sometimes it feels like there’s no change, but if you trust the process, you can see how small shifts lead to major transformations.
Coaching is not about perfect answers or an impeccable set of tools. It’s about believing in the client’s potential and deeply respecting their uniqueness. The most important thing is to start change with yourself. That’s why I believe that every person already has all the answers within and is the expert of their life.
Another key point is the readiness to continuously learn. Coaching is a living, dynamic field that is constantly evolving. Being a coach means remaining open to new experiences, practices, and self-reflection.
Plans for the Future
After successfully completing the Level 2 program, my future plans are focused on developing in several areas:
Obtaining international ACC ICF certification, and later PCC ICF certification. This will allow me to reach a new level in the profession, gain international recognition as a professional coach, and expand my client base, including working with an international audience.
Training in team coaching. After seven years as a Software Engineer in an IT company, I worked in various teams – from offline formats to international distributed online teams. This gave me a deep understanding of team dynamics, and I see great potential in developing this direction.
Training as a supervisor for coaches. I felt the power of such support and realized how important it is for the development of coaches. That’s why I want to be part of this ecosystem and help other coaches in their professional growth.
Developing a personal brand in coaching for IT professionals and creative individuals. These are two large spheres of my life, and I strive to support such people in their transitional periods: overcoming burnout, seeking resources and meaning; developing potential, understanding oneself, and finding their way; creating a balance between work and life that inspires.
Now, I am confident that coaching is not just a profession, but a way of thinking. It helps to unlock the potential not only of others but also of oneself. And this journey is just beginning for me.
Author: Kateryna Nehoda,
Graduate of COACHING.UP
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