Assisting International Development & Humanitarian Aid Professionals in 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 mid-career professionals who wish to transition into this challenging yet rewarding international development and humanitarian sector. My journey taught me that there’s no single and linear way to move into humanitarian and international development work. Each of us has our own path to discover.

 

One also 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 work with the international development and humanitarian professionals in career transition, including:

• Mid-career professionals who wish to transition into international development / humanitarian careers.
• International development / humanitarian professionals who are transitioning into new roles (from individual contributor to manager, transition into a leadership role, lateral movement, etc.)
• International development / humanitarian professionals considering leaving the field and looking for new career paths (finding a job in the home country, starting a small business, etc.)
• Spouses & partners of international development/humanitarian professionals who are looking for flexible careers.
• International development / humanitarian professionals transitioning into retirement.

 

I also work with other expatriates and immigrants who go through cross-cultural career transitions. I look forward to assisting you in finding ikigai[1] and creating a new resilient career.

 

 

In addition to 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 behaviour change)
• Navigating uncertainties

 

To schedule a free 30 min virtual (Zoom) discovery consultation, please fill out the form here. 

 

 

 

 

 

Trauma-Informed Approach - 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
• Psychological First Aid - Canadian Red Cross
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health Commission of Canada
• LivingWorks Start (Suicide Prevention Training)

 

 

To learn more about how we can work together, please contact me for a free 30 min virtual Discovery Consultation (zoom).

[1] A Japanese concept, referring to having a purpose and meaning in life. The pursuit of ikigai is an ongoing journey. Working towards Ikigai brings us satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment.