COACH
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September 2019
Coach-in-the-Spotlight: Helen Campbell
Coach & Mentor
Helen Campbell has always had a fascination of people and the capabilities they have to flourish within their lives. She works at Sheffield Hallam University in various capacities from Administration Management through to her passion of Coaching and Mentoring the staff based there. Most of her career has involved roles where she has managed change, needed to solve problems or come up with creative solutions to ensure people develop their potential. Her Coaching outside of the University is often on a voluntary basis, as she gains back so much value from it.
Being a lifelong learner, Helen’s ‘lightbulb moment was when she decided to base her MSc (Master’s in Science) around Coaching and Mentoring. Through this new learning, Helen gained a deeper understanding of herself and others that energised and empowered her to develop further as a Coach.
An analogy that sums up what surprised Helen when she first commenced as a qualified coach is that it is similar to when you learn to drive! You have someone at your side assisting you through the learning process, but as soon as you pass you suddenly find yourself on your own and left to your own devices and way forward.
When discussing what book has been the most influential to read, Helen actually has twenty-seven favourites! If pressed she would choose ‘Time to Think’ written by Nancy Kline. This is a book Helen still goes back to frequently for reference. Nancy Kline effectively introduces the thinking environment which she breaks down into ten components. Helen has adopted this approach with her clients. She particularly likes to apply the concept of Exquisite Listening in her delivery with a client to enable them to really think and open their mind.
Advice Helen would give to anyone considering a career in Coaching would be that your training does not necessarily have to be academic but that it is a ‘recognised course’ and not something off ‘Groupon!’ Secondly, with the various choices of Coach you can become, ensure you choose one that fits you and your personality.
A fun fact you may not know is that just like human beings snakes have personalities! Helen discovered this when her son had a pet snake called Maize. On one occasion Maize escaped and the family had to wait for her to come out of hiding in the room which took a long time. Maize reacted differently when her son or herself handled her in comparison to the rest of the family. It just goes to show mileage in the saying ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.’
From everything Helen does in her life Coaching is where Helens’ heart is, due to the rapport and relationships that are built through this. Other things that she enjoys in her life include sewing and running. She recently competed in the Sheffield 10K and successfully completed the race. In terms of favourite comfort food Pie and Peas are what she enjoys the most – a homemade steak and ale pie with gorgeous pastry on top cannot be beaten!
Not only does Helen have clients on a one to one basis for either Coaching or Mentoring but she also now delivers group training for the University Staff at all levels. This focuses upon the key skills and how to have Coaching conversations.
Being a lifelong learner, Helen’s ‘lightbulb moment was when she decided to base her MSc (Master’s in Science) around Coaching and Mentoring. Through this new learning, Helen gained a deeper understanding of herself and others that energised and empowered her to develop further as a Coach.
An analogy that sums up what surprised Helen when she first commenced as a qualified coach is that it is similar to when you learn to drive! You have someone at your side assisting you through the learning process, but as soon as you pass you suddenly find yourself on your own and left to your own devices and way forward.
When discussing what book has been the most influential to read, Helen actually has twenty-seven favourites! If pressed she would choose ‘Time to Think’ written by Nancy Kline. This is a book Helen still goes back to frequently for reference. Nancy Kline effectively introduces the thinking environment which she breaks down into ten components. Helen has adopted this approach with her clients. She particularly likes to apply the concept of Exquisite Listening in her delivery with a client to enable them to really think and open their mind.
Advice Helen would give to anyone considering a career in Coaching would be that your training does not necessarily have to be academic but that it is a ‘recognised course’ and not something off ‘Groupon!’ Secondly, with the various choices of Coach you can become, ensure you choose one that fits you and your personality.
A fun fact you may not know is that just like human beings snakes have personalities! Helen discovered this when her son had a pet snake called Maize. On one occasion Maize escaped and the family had to wait for her to come out of hiding in the room which took a long time. Maize reacted differently when her son or herself handled her in comparison to the rest of the family. It just goes to show mileage in the saying ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.’
From everything Helen does in her life Coaching is where Helens’ heart is, due to the rapport and relationships that are built through this. Other things that she enjoys in her life include sewing and running. She recently competed in the Sheffield 10K and successfully completed the race. In terms of favourite comfort food Pie and Peas are what she enjoys the most – a homemade steak and ale pie with gorgeous pastry on top cannot be beaten!
Not only does Helen have clients on a one to one basis for either Coaching or Mentoring but she also now delivers group training for the University Staff at all levels. This focuses upon the key skills and how to have Coaching conversations.
Connect with Helen via LinkedIn