Spotlight: Rebecca Sok

1 - What is your professional background, and why did you become a coach?

My entire career has been centered around people development. I started as a young professional working in Europe at an English-speaking university doing leadership development programs. While in graduate school in Los Angeles I took a part-time job at a coach training company that forever changed my focus. The minute I learned what coaching was I knew this was what I was meant to do. I’ve been using coaching inside higher education and research ever since.

2 - How did you choose your specialty area?

I primarily work with academics in transition to leadership roles. I somewhat stumbled into this particular area of focus just by the funny way life works. I knew using coaching tools worked well with people who think for a living, and before long I had adjusted my professional role within higher education to be centered around coaching.

3 - What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards of your career? 

I love what I do, and my profession never has a slow period. That means I can literally work all the time. It’s a challenge to step aside from work and enjoy life outside my professional spheres. The greatest reward for me is helping people accomplish great things. I love being part of other’s success, growth, and change.

4 - What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?

I have a five-year-old son, …what is this free time you speak of?! I also love to be active outdoors; running, biking, hiking, or swimming. In my perfect dream world I would live on a beach somewhere.

5 - What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?

I am highly competitive and can turn ANYTHING into a competition….and most the time, no one else knows I’m competing against them! My first words were, “race, guys!” and that competitive drive has never lessened!

6- What is your favorite quote?

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your own consent.” This has helped me through many an obstacle, as I tend to get in my own way often.  

rebeccasok.com