KHC
“Karin’s Horse Connection / A Vaulting Connection”
Share a little bit about yourself and your current professional situation (business size, roles).
Co-Owner of Legacy Stables - 25 employees and 35 “horse employees”.
Roles also include Executive Director of Karin’s Horse Connection, Administrative Director, Program Director for therapeutic riding and A Vaulting Connection, instructor and vaulting coach.
What inspired you to explore coaching originally?
Coaching with Marc was introduced to me when I was in an instructor and leadership role as an employee at Legacy Stables. When stepping into the owner/CEO/executive director role, my business partner and I knew we would continue with coaching.
How long have you been working with your coach?
Personally, since 2020
How would you describe your coaching meetings?
Meetings are a safe place to discuss triumphs and successes, but also struggles and failures. Marc takes time to get to know you and your business, learn about your dreams and goals, asks thought provoking questions and helps break down projects by helping develop clear action plans and refining processes.
What value do you get from these meetings?
To answer this question I need to describe how I feel before the coaching meetings- Often I feel overwhelmed, like I am without direction, and so bogged down with daily tactical tasks, that I don’t know how to look ahead and plan for the near/far future.
After meetings with Marc, I feel 100% better. He helps me to refine my goals and create a clear plan of action. The steps needed to achieve the goals are not overwhelming and I know he will follow up and check in with me during the entire process. Marc’s methods of refining processes is also incredibly helpful and insightful. It sets me and our team up for success and saves us time and energy in the long run.
The other main thing that is very valuable is that Marc can help facilitate difficult conversations within our team. Whether it is interpersonal issues, difference in opinions or disciplinary matters with employees, his mediation tactics and the material he teaches, helps us as leaders to achieve team alignment in all that we do.
All of this is incredibly valuable to me, personally, and to our organization as a whole.
Why does this coaching process work for you?
It works because when you go through the steps of creating a vision, core values, and goals, you have a clear path for the entire team. It encourages good communication and allows us to continue moving forward. We can have meetings with our team members and coach them through achieving their goals, but if there is no one coaching us, the entire team loses direction and focus. Having someone to remind you of the processes and keeping you accountable to achieving your goals is just as important, if not more important, than doing those same things with your own team.
What impact has coaching had on you? How has it impacted your situation?
Coaching with Marc has impacted the way I live my life. I have learned a lot about myself and my values, what triggers me, and how that impacts the interactions I have with others - whether at work or within personal relationships.
It has impacted our business because through his methods we have a higher employee retention rate than we ever have. Our business has become more professional and organized. Our employees know what is expected and have clear instructions and communication.
What would you say to someone who is considering coaching? Why?
I would encourage them to do it! Coaching is incredibly helpful on so many levels! Making your business more efficient, but also helping in the way you interact with your team.
What do you recommend to someone when selecting a coach?
I recommend finding someone that creates a safe, judge free environment. Someone that takes the time to get to know you, your business and your employees.
How would you compare the cost of coaching to the value or ROI?
I think coaching is one of the best investments you could make.
Why do you think many people forgo coaching? What would you tell them?
I think people have a mentality of “I have it handled, I don’t need any help”. And I would tell them that life is a lot better when you’re not doing everything on your own. And if you are in a team, you’re going to need help within that dynamic to remain aligned and continue to have a good relationship through all the ups and downs of running a business.
What specific skills have you developed in coaching that have had the most impact on you and your situation?
Creating core values, developing visions, creating processes and making plans to tackle projects. These have all made a huge impact on how we run our business and interact with all employees.
If you could change one thing about your coaching, what would it be?
I don’t think there is anything. Maybe a lunch buffet during every meeting? Giant charcuterie board? That would be awesome.
Why did you select BLC for your coaching?
Because Marc is the best!
What other benefits (if any) does coaching have for you.
Just what I mentioned a little bit above, that it has helped me even outside of the business setting, in how I live my daily life.
What is the one thing you would tell someone considering getting coaching?
Investing in yourself is the best investment for your business.