How do I find the right coach for me?
Finding the right career or executive coach can transform your journey, whether you’re aiming to accelerate your career, navigate significant personal challenges, or both. With so many coaches to choose from, it’s worth taking time to understand what makes a great match. Here’s how to find a coach that’s right for you.
1. Start with clear goals
Define what you want to achieve. Are you looking to improve leadership skills, build resilience, or take steps toward your overall wellbeing? A strong sense of purpose will guide you toward the right type of coach. If you’re interested in multiple areas, look for coaching programs that offer a blend of support. At lume, for example, members are paired with two coaches—a professional coach and a health coach—who specialize in areas that matter to them, helping clients make progress in both their personal and professional lives.
2. Look for experience and credibility
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is widely recognized as the gold standard for coaching accreditation, setting rigorous standards for training and ethical practices. Programs that follow ICF guidelines or are accredited by ICF, like iPEC, Co-Active, New Ventures West, and Aletheia, are known for training coaches with proven methodologies and ethical frameworks.
At lume, we keep a close eye on these top programs, and our founder, Katie Kirsch, is currently completing her own certification to become a coach. This means that we’re well-versed in the latest frameworks, tools, and methodologies that make for effective coaching.
3. Seek the right balance of experience and coaching skill
The best coaches balance firsthand experience with strong coaching skills. Just as in sports, where the most successful coaches aren’t always the star athletes, great coaches in the professional world bring a unique blend of skills and credibility that doesn’t always require the exact same career background as their clients. Look for coaches who bring real-world experience in relevant areas and who have honed their ability to coach effectively.
At lume, our coaches are former founders, CEOs, and senior leaders with deep expertise that supports career and personal growth goals. Our personalized onboarding process matches you with coaches who fit your goals and values—and if your first match isn’t a perfect fit or your goals shift, you can switch your coach anytime.
4. Consider the personality fit and vibe
Finding the right coach is kind of like dating—it’s super personal. Someone can look amazing on paper but miss the mark when you connect one-on-one. Any strong relationship—including that with your coach—thrives on good chemistry, vibes, and aligned values. Many people benefit from a coach who is direct and strategic, while others prefer someone empathetic and reflective. At lume, personality fit and communication style plays a huge role in the matching process.
5. Check reviews and testimonials
Client reviews offer valuable insight into a coach’s impact and style. Look for testimonials that mention specific achievements and describe how the coach supported those results. lume’s success stories often highlight both the expertise of our coaches and the lasting, positive impact they’ve made in clients’ lives.
How lume matches you with the right coach
At lume, we know that finding a coach is about more than just expertise—it’s about finding someone who feels like a true partner you can trust. With a structured onboarding process, we match clients with two coaches based on their unique goals, balancing career growth with health and wellness. We also have a 96% success rate on first-time matches, but you can switch coaches anytime—and even get a full refund within the first 30 days if it isn’t a fit.
The right coach will help you clarify goals, build confidence, and make meaningful progress. By considering your goals, prioritizing credentials and experience, and finding a program that offers flexibility, you’re setting yourself up for a successful coaching partnership. Investing time to find the right coach will pay off, supporting you in becoming your best self—both personally and professionally.
