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Today I sat down with Carol Glynn, a Conscious Finance Coach, who shares how she supports her clients with their negative beliefs around their finances by gaining clarity, understanding their values, and stripping away all of that shame and anxiety.
You can watch our Coffee Chat on YouTube, just search for Donna Burfield Coaches Supporting Coaches or go to https://youtu.be/PcammJSZI1w
Can you tell me a little bit about your coaching journey and what motivated you to become a coach?
I completed a Finance Coaching course in 2020 but it was not ICF certified. It was fantastic for my business set up but I wanted to upskill my coaching skills and obtain the ICF qualification and so I signed up with Empower World in February of this year.
I created my business because I wanted a job where I felt fulfilled, had job satisfaction, and helped people.
I have worked with my own coach for over 4 years now. From that, I knew how life-changing and powerful coaching can be.
Is there a particular moment or memory of your coach training that stands out for you?
There wasn’t one moment or memory that stands out. The trainers were fantastic. I really liked all the other individuals on the training. I came away with my upgraded coaching skills and friends for life.
How would your friends and family describe you?
Words I’ve been told before are ambitious, a force to be reckoned with, brave, resilient, wise, I’d like to think fun, empathetic, and probably someone who needs to be less responsible and have more fun!
What opportunities has Dubai given you, personally and professionally?
Professionally there have been too many to list them all. For example, I was a regional head of finance for a regulated, multinational, $4 billion group of companies at 31! I was lucky to work with amazingly inspiring people from all over the world who had a can-do attitude and believed in me.
I then was the head of finance for a company whose biggest business was in Armed Securities in places like Iraq and Mozambique. My colleagues were again hugely inspirational and the experiences I have had are unforgettable.
Personally, I have met some of my best friends for life here. I have friends from all over the world, from many cultures and backgrounds. I always considered myself open-minded and adventurous and living in the UAE has allowed me to develop both even more.
My three children were born in Dubai, including a high-risk twin pregnancy. I will forever be grateful for the fantastic healthcare I received during my pregnancies.
What would you like people to know about you?
See the next question! People tell me they are surprised when I say I am an introvert at heart. I love to chat. I love to socialize but I then need lots of time alone to recharge and re-energize.
Imagine yourself in three years. What do you hope will be different about you compared to now?
I’ve been through so much growth in recent years, I am happy to say I am pretty content with who I am now.
However, I would like to be better at striking up conversations with people I don’t know! I will happily chat with anyone and love meeting new people. Put me on a stage to talk about money and I come alive. But the thought of walking up to someone at a networking event and introducing myself sends shivers up my spine. So if you see me in public and I am looking awkward, scrolling on my phone, do come and say hi. I will be delighted and relieved to chat!
Tell me about a time you took an unexpected initiative
I have been taking unexpected initiatives all my life. I love doing something different or challenging. The more different the better (think going to Iraq in armed vehicles and bulletproof vests).
My entrepreneurial journey was a little unexpected. I always wanted to work for myself but struggled to walk away from the security and comfort of well-paid full-time employment.
When I did, I shocked a lot of people. I still am as many can’t understand how I can still tolerate earning less than I did before. But I know that’s only for now, as my business builds. I have big plans!
Briefly tell me what have been the highlights of the past 5 years? What has been your biggest growth lesson?
My biggest highlight is seeing my business grow and grow. It’s been tough at times but I am so glad I persevered.
My biggest growth lesson in the past 5 years has been learning about what boundaries really are and how to implement them with kindness. I always thought I had strong boundaries but I realized I had it all wrong. What I had were protective walls, that were very different from their boundaries. It has brought a major shift in both my personal and business relationships
What are you really good at?
Maths and accounting! But I also like to think I am good with people. I am a pretty decent badminton player too.
What would you like to get better at?
Time management. I have a tendency to be easily distracted so I need to start using the 20-minute sprint method again when I am working alone.
Tell me about your coaching practice
I work with clients who want to change their relationship with money and improve their financial situation. I help my clients upskill their money management skills, plan for their future financial freedom, get out of debt, and save more by being intentional with their money, understanding their money mindset and how it is influencing their financial habits and situation. I empower my clients to feel confident when managing money, making financial decisions, and believing that they can be wealthy and that they deserve it.
How do you prepare for your coaching sessions?
I always have an introductory call before I take on a new client. If I feel we are a good fit and the client is happy to go ahead, they will then fill out a getting to know you form and send me their financial information. I provide personalized Clarity Sheets for each client and this is the basis of our first session together, the Empowerment Session.
I review their financial data before we meet so I have a good understanding of their where they are financially. Then before each session, I ground myself, and do some breathing exercises so I am present, focused, and ready to listen.
When you started your coaching business what was the biggest challenge for you?
Figuring out what my programs looked like. I knew how I wanted to help people but it took time to figure out and build what that was on a practical basis. Also, pricing was a huge hurdle for me. I needed to do a lot of work on my own money mindset there! Oh, and the marketing. That was a steep learning curve!
Can you describe how you were feeling when you coached your first client and what did you learn from that experience?
I was so worried in case I couldn’t help them or they would finish the session feeling unhappy with the service. I learned to believe in myself. The client was very happy so it gave me a confidence boost that I was on the right track!
How did you feel when you got your first paying client?
So excited!
Can you tell me of an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
I am proud of my corporate career and how successful I was, as a woman in finance and in a very male-dominated industry and department.
I am proud of the impact my work is having on my clients' lives. I am regularly told I have transformed my client's whole outlook on life, how they see themselves and of course, they are financially in a much better place too.
Becoming a single mum coincided with my decision to change my career. I am proud of my resilience and what I have achieved, that I didn’t give up and go back to the comfort and security of my corporate career.
What attracted you to Coaches Supporting Coaches - Dubai?
Donna! I love meeting other coaches from different disciplines and it’s very reassuring to know the coaches in the group are all licensed, qualified, and willing to help each other.
If you would like to connect with Carol, please click on these links https://linktr.ee/consciousfinancecoaching
#coachessupportingcoaches #executivecoach #businesscoach #leadershipcoach #teamcoach #joyandpurposecoaching #financecoach
If you are interested in finding out more about Coaches Supporting Coaches – Dubai then grab a coffee and book a FREE call with me, Donna Burfield (Founder), via my Calendly link below
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