Coaching Across Cultures: A Client's Perspective

As we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of the rich and diverse tapestry of Hispanic and Latinx cultures, we find ourselves at the intersection of two powerful forces: culture and coaching. At ICFTN, we understand that coaching transcends boundaries and delves into the heart of human experience. A coaching client, Raquel Beeson, graciously offers insights that are invaluable for our coaches, offering a deeper understanding of the client experience and boosting cultural intelligence.

Coaching is a transformative journey. Raquel's story highlights how cultural identity influences this process. Her experiences encourage our coaches to explore this crucial aspect of their work, fostering stronger connections and inclusive spaces.

Raquel Beeson's interview is a tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month and a powerful resource for our coaching community. It emphasizes that diversity in coaching isn't just a trend; it's a pathway to personal and professional growth for our clients and ourselves.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and delving into Raquel Beeson's uplifting coaching journey.

Raquel with her daughter at the zoo

Raquel Beeson, Analyst at the University of Tennessee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelbeeson


Could you share how your cultural background has influenced your journey with coaching?
I believe that it has improved my self-awareness significantly. When I first started my coaching journey, I didn't consider my background to be a significant factor. However, as I continued on this path, I realized that it plays a crucial role in shaping my perspective and emotions. This experience has allowed me to embrace my cultural heritage even more than before.

What inspired you to seek coaching, and what aspects of coaching resonated with you?
Coaching was integrated into the MBA program I completed, and I believe it was the most valuable component of my program. I hadn't fully understood the significance of having an external person to discuss my professional and personal goals with, outside of my usual network. This new perspective was a breath of fresh air and helped me acknowledge certain topics, issues, and observations that I was always aware of but had not clearly seen or acknowledged.

Reflecting on your coaching experience, how has your coach supported your growth while honoring your unique identity?
My coach, Jennifer, has helped me embrace my identity and stand firmly by it. Through her active listening and feedback, I am able to gain a fresh perspective.

In what ways has your cultural background shaped your coaching goals and expectations?
It has allowed me to reevaluate certain goals from different angles and be more adaptable with myself. Initially, I was fixed on a rigid plan as the only way to achieve my goals. However, through coaching, I've come to understand that adhering to a specific pathway only adds more stress to my journey.

How can a coach's understanding of a client's identity enhance the coaching relationship?
It gives them the capacity to have a stronger, more genuine connection with that person. Each person's identity is unique, and their personal history and culture are significant contributors.

Can you provide examples of how your coach demonstrated a commitment to serving clients from diverse backgrounds?
During our conversations, my coach established a secure environment where we could freely talk about any topic. She actively participates in various organizations, and throughout our coaching sessions, she asks questions to gain a deeper understanding.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, what advice would you give to coaches to create a supportive and inclusive environment for clients from diverse backgrounds?
Establishing a safe space for your clients enables them to feel comfortable opening up and sharing their experiences. And offering a personalized coaching experience.  Even if individuals identify with a particular group, their individual journeys can vary greatly.

Continue the Conversation: 

Want to know about how you can explore your own cultural connections and backgrounds as well as support your clients? Join us for our next Spaces to BE: Unlocking the Power of Cultural Identity through Cultural Mapping on October 23rd.  This is a FREE session sponsored by the ICFTN DEIB Committee.  Learn more and register here.