Life Coach Interview: Q & A with Siobhan Sudberry

Welcome to another edition of the savvy career interview.  Today we have Siobhan Sudberry, a professional life coach, who shares her be free journey:

 

 

What is your career history?
I’ve worked in Corporate America for 15 + years, and held many roles; Mortgage Underwriter, Senior Credit Analyst and Advertising Sales Rep just to name a few. I have a BA in Business Information Systems and MBA in Marketing Communications. I’ve been coaching for about 5 years and recently decided to pursue it full time.


How did you decide to become a life coach? This is a good question… I’ve been coaching in my spare time for about 5 years or so while working full time.

I’ve always been a very optimistic, positive, encouraging and motivating person. If someone would say to me that they want to achieve a goal, I immediately start asking the “right” questions and hold them accountable to what they said they wanted to pursue.

While working in Corporate America, I was feeling unfulfilled and unhappy, so when I was laid off due to a permanent site closure, I jumped at the opportunity to fulfill my passion and purpose full time.

What kind of experience and preparation helped you the most?
I read a lot! So I’m reading all I can as it relates to coaching, self-development and entrepreneurship. I’ve also taken courses and seminars related to my business.

Would you recommend this same path to someone starting out today? Why or why not?
Honestly, I recommend that people pursue whatever they are passionate about in life. If that’s life coaching great, if not find out what you’re passionate about and do that. I’m a firm believer that we were all put on earth to fulfill a greater purpose in life and it’s up to us to figure out what that is and live it.   

What do you like best about your work?
I love that I’m living out my purpose in life, that I am helping women all over the world discover and fulfill their passion and ultimately be free. I love that I am working for myself and defining my own success.

What is your biggest headache?
Honestly, I have no headaches. I am truly having fun and enjoying my life.


What are the important personal qualities or abilities necessary for a person to be a successful life coach?
I think in order to be a successful life coach you have to be able to ask the right questions and help your client dig deeper. You have to challenge your client to get out of their comfort zone and be open to another way of thinking.

How many hours do you work each week?
Wow… a lot. LOL! I honestly have no idea, but I work a lot on my business.

What do you wish you would have known before becoming a life coach?
I wish I would’ve pursued my passion sooner in life. I wish I would have understood that I am good enough and I truly have a gift to inspire others.

Are there any books you suggest reading, training courses that would be beneficial or professional organizations aspiring life coaches should consider joining?
Read all you can. Not necessarily life coaching specific but any self-help and business related book. You should always be perfecting your craft.

Favorite books:

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson

How much can a life coach expect to earn?
A life coach income can vary depending on what type of services you offer. The income is limitless, but you have to be willing to do the work to get your desired income.  

Are there any scams, pitfalls or phony opportunities to watch out for?
So far I haven’t experienced any of the above-mentioned, but I’ll keep my eyes open.

If someone is considering hiring a life coach what should they be looking for?

A life coach should…

Hold you accountable

Challenge you to get out of your comfort zone

Provide you with tools, support and resources

Inspire and encourage you to be better

Motivate you to get started and take action

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about yourself or your career?
I am truly walking in my purpose, which is to inspire, motivate and encourage women like me to pursue their passion in life. Continue to follow my journey on being free…

Where can we find you?
Website = www.befreeproject.com

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