When I was told by the Directors of my Strong Women, Strong Girls chapter that I was getting a Leadership Coach, I was a bit confused. I was not sure what a Leadership Coach was or why I was getting one, but it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
A Leadership Coach is exactly what it sounds like and more. Strong Women, Strong Girls matches members of the Executive Boards of each chapter with a woman who works in Boston. They are women who show leadership in their field and who are dedicated to working with college women through SWSG. They take time out of their schedules to meet with their “coachee” once a month and are always around if the “coachee” needs help or advice. These women are the definition of mutual empowerment.
Being a Strong Women, Strong Girls mentor, I go into the classrooms of young girls and teach them about lifelong skills. Having a Leadership Coach is, in essence, the same idea. I look to my Leadership Coach for lifelong lessons that she has picked up while in college, through internships and starting her career.
My Leadership Coach, Megan, works in finance. The first time I met Megan in person was at the Strong Women, Strong Girls training this past fall. She came up to me and introduced herself, and I knew we were going to be a good match. That day we got to talk to each other and do a get-to-know-you activity. I was surprised to find out how similar we were, even though we had never met before. We were having such a good conversation, that I was late to my next training workshop…oops!
I was not sure what kind of relationship Megan and I would have. Would it be strictly SWSG-based? Strictly business? Or could we talk about personal things? The beauty of having a Leadership Coach like Megan is that we are able to talk about anything and everything. If I am having a bad week, she lets me spill my guts, and she helps me pick up the pieces. Other times, we talk about what it is like to be a woman in the workforce. She is my go-to person when it comes to business advice.
Although, I was not sure what a Leadership Coach was at first, I am glad that I have been able to experience what fun it can be to have one. We create goals together and keep each other accountable to stick to those goals. I use her as a reference and a guide to my life dilemmas, and she always brings me to the right decision. Megan is a strong leader, a part of my support system and, most importantly – a friend.