Learner Spotlight: Paula Gouldthorpe
Discover how Paula Gouldthorpe transformed her coaching practice after completing her Level 7 ILM Coaching qualification with Azesta. In our latest ‘Learner Spotlight’, Paula shares how our facilitators’ exceptional support, including expert supervision and engaging peer sessions, helped her balance a rigorous programme with her professional commitments.
She reveals how blending coaching techniques with psychological insights and mindfulness has elevated her impact as a leader and coach. Plus, hear why Paula found our experiential learning approach so effective in applying new concepts to real-world challenges.
1. What initially drew you to the Level 7 ILM Coaching qualification with Azesta?
With a solid background in mentoring and advising business owners and serving on boards and committees, I saw the Level 7 ILM Coaching qualification as an opportunity to deepen my skills and knowledge. My commitment to continuous professional development made it impossible to resist!
My role on the Ongo Housing board created the opportunity, Ongo was to embed a coaching culture, and they partnered with Azesta to support employees throughout the organisation.
Having completed a leadership coaching certificate in 2020, I was already captivated by coaching, but I knew this qualification with Azesta would elevate my practice to a new level.
2. How supported did you feel by Azesta’s team, and was there anything that particularly stood out in terms of support?
Azesta’s support was exceptional. Shirley’s engaging and thought-provoking peer-to-peer sessions, coupled with interactive tools and techniques in group sessions, stood out as highlights.
My supervisor, Jo, was particularly influential—she pushed me beyond my own perceived limits, encouraging me to explore new depths in my coaching practice, and of course you learn a lot about self along the way. Her guidance helped me balance the course with a new role at the Federation of Small Businesses, board responsibilities, and personal commitments. My initial aspiration was overly optimistic, I told myself “I’ll get this done in 12 months”, however, Azesta’s structure made integration into my already busy professional life possible and realistic, enabling me to successfully complete the qualification in two years while maintaining high-quality coaching delivery and not jeopardising other commitments.
3. Were there any specific parts of the course content that were particularly impactful or useful for your professional development?
The course’s focus on blending psychological insights with leadership coaching tools was a game-changer. It strengthened my ability to integrate transformative tools into my practice, and as a certified mindfulness practitioner, the ILM 7 has enabled me to also blend the two areas.
The deeper learning, (which will continue) has enriched the lives of my clients, and means I can adapt, flex, integrate tools and techniques as appropriate to the client, context and needs.
4. What did you think about the experiential learning components of the program, and how did they help with applying the knowledge in real-life situations?
The experiential learning was invaluable. Azesta’s hands-on approach enabled me to immediately apply new concepts, from one-on-one coaching sessions to strategic leadership and board settings. This practical application bridged the gap between theory and practice and equipping me to deliver more impactful coaching that resonates with my coaching clients, senior leaders, business owners, and others I support across my professional roles.
5. Were there any challenges you faced during the course, and how did Azesta help you overcome them? How did the program accommodate your professional responsibilities alongside learning?
Balancing the course alongside a demanding professional life was no small feat, particularly with the rigor required for reflective practices and portfolio development. But the supervision sessions kept me grounded, and the group sessions and the added value of masterclasses have all contributed to the understanding of techniques and kept the motivation light well and truly on. Whilst everyone will need a different approach, setting milestones has been key for me, e.g completing a section of the portfolio before going on holiday. And finally, having regular supervisor sessions scheduled into my diary was a real blessing (use these to leverage your progress!).
6. How has completing the Level 7 qualification impacted you personally and professionally? Can you share any specific changes in your approach to work or leadership since completing the program?
This qualification has been transformative both personally and professionally. It’s reinforced my commitment and love for creating impact and supporting busy senior leaders and business owners - combining my business knowledge with psychological insights. Having a wider repertoire of techniques and approaches has absolutely provided benefit to my clients and their transformation journeys. I also find myself listening more intently (good ole Nancy Kline), and whilst it’s hard to describe, I notice people and their responses and emotions much more too and believe that this, combined with the coaching techniques, enhances my ability as a business leader, board member, and all-round supporter of personal growth.
