My Mission: Assisting International Development & Humanitarian Aid Professionals in Life/Career Transition through Coaching
Having worked in various international contexts, I can relate to the challenges people face in the field. My mission is to assist international development/humanitarian professionals in life/career transitions and professional/personal development. My journey has taught me that there is no single, linear path into or out of humanitarian and international development work. Each transition is unique, and every person must find a way forward that is meaningful, sustainable, and true to who they are.
One needs to be aware that a need to leave the field at some point can emerge. The next destination may not offer career opportunities in international development and humanitarian areas. The transition from field life to home involves many complexities (reverse culture shock, unemployment, etc.), of which some may be totally unexpected.
For people whose careers have spanned many years and different countries, finding ‘home’ and transitioning into retirement life may also present unique challenges.
I support professionals facing uncertainty, identity shifts, and new beginnings so they can build meaningful next chapters in their lives and careers, including:
Professionals considering a move into international development or humanitarian work.
Humanitarian and international development professionals adapting to new roles, increased responsibilities, or leadership positions.
Individuals exploring life and work beyond the humanitarian and development sectors, including new career paths, self-employment, or retirement.
Accompanying spouses and partners navigating career and life transitions while supporting internationally mobile families.
Professionals preparing for retirement or redefining purpose after long international careers.
Expatriates and immigrants adapting to new cultures, careers, and ways of life.
Individuals experiencing other significant transitions in their careers, relationships, health, or personal lives and seeking clarity, resilience, and a meaningful way forward.
Yuki Gotanda Coaching & Consulting Inc.
As a cancer survivor, I am passionate about supporting professionals going through challenging transitions. I look forward to assisting you in finding ikigai and creating a new resilient career.
In addition to life/career transition coaching, I can offer coaching in various personal/professional development topics. For example:
Conflict management coaching (one-on-one coaching sessions to better manage workplace/personal conflicts)
Cultivating resilience (bouncing forward)
Overcoming imposter syndrome
Finding a healthy work-life balance
Creating own opportunities for racial/gender equity
Thriving in the international development/humanitarian sector as an introvert
Wellbeing coaching (lasting behavior change)
Navigating uncertainties
To purchase and schedule a 60-minute virtual (Zoom) trial coaching, please fill out the form here.
Trauma-Informed Coaching for International Development, Humanitarian, Human Rights, and Peacekeeping Professionals
I support humanitarian, human rights, international development, peacekeeping professionals (people currently working in these sectors but also those who left those sectors), and other impact sector professionals (services are also open to people in other professions - foreign affairs, veterans, aviation, etc.). These professions often work in remote, insecure environments and are exposed to potentially traumatic events (what is considered a traumatic event for one individual may not be traumatic for another person) such as kidnapping, physical assaults, accidents, armed attacks, war, rapes, sexual abuse/assaults, torture, riots, mob violence, death of colleagues, etc. (in addition to common causes of workplace trauma that may happen, such as racism, bullying, intimidation, poor work-life boundaries, isolation, job insecurity etc.). Some people may have also experienced trauma outside of their professional lives. If they work in the field, away from family, they may have a lot going on back home (separation, divorce, death of loved ones, etc.), too.
"Trauma-informed coaching is the practice of understanding the presence of trauma in a coach-client relationship and how to use it as a guide for resilience and solution-forward resolution. The depth of information and skill to 'hold' a space for profound coaching work is what gives trauma-informed coaching its nuance and strength. Trauma-informed coaches have training in client regulation, brain-body connection, behavioral reaction, different types of traumas, leading causes, and subsequent symptoms." - Brad Hardie, Moving the Human Spirit
Trauma can significantly impact an individual's life and career, including decision-making, action-taking, secure sense of identity, perceptions of safety and belonging, interactions with others, boundary-setting, etc. As a Trauma-Informed Certified Coach (TICC), I have an understanding of how trauma affects the client, can effectively help them as they pursue their goals, and know when to refer a client to other professionals.
Also, you don't need to have experienced trauma to benefit from a trauma-informed approach. Trauma-informed coaching is a collaborative process where clients and coaches work together as equal partners, respecting clients' autonomy and choices. While in a helping profession (international development, humanitarian, human rights, peacekeeping professionals, etc.), we often forget about our own care. It is essential for people in helping professions (current and past) to be able to seek support when needed. Especially if the person leaves the field, there's no ongoing support for the individual. Or, often, people do not know where to turn to for support.
I completed the following trauma-related training:
Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification (TICC) Training - Moving the Human Spirit
Beyond Trauma (Skills for Non-Therapists) - Erickson Coaching International
From Grief to Gratitude Certified Coach - Institute of Professional Grief Coaching
Psychological First Aid - Canadian Red Cross
Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health Commission of Canada
Emotional First Aid Program for Peers & Frontline Workers – St. John Ambulance Canada
Living Works Start (Suicide Prevention Training)
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) - Living Works
To learn more about how we can work together, please purchase and schedule a 60-minute virtual (Zoom) introductory coaching session here.
