REECE, LLB, COMMERCIAL LAW

I was first introduced to Thato during our initial graduate summit In February. The initial feeling I experienced throughout our first interaction was that of scepticism. I was not fully prepared to embrace the concept of 'coaching' in general as I was never someone who examined intrinsically. The concept of doing this type of self reflection, in the presence of another person, was a daunting prospect to say the least. However, after our initial coaching session had ended and the rest of my syndicate left the room, I sat and had a private conversation with Thato regarding my ambitions to study further abroad. It was at this moment I began to realise the valuable insight that Thato possess through her past experiences as a coach. After the aforementioned conversation, I began to consciously remind myself to embrace the possibility of opening myself up for the lessons that may come in the future. This mind-set served me well during our first one-on-one meeting at the (*) offices. This meeting yielded a surprising result for me personally as I began to consciously examine my own perceptions regarding my interactions with others. Thato helped me gain a valuable insight how my actions might be perceived by those around me. Gaining a conscious awareness of this has in-turn helped both my professional and personal life. The ability to consciously empathise with those around me has helped me gain a better understanding and appreciation for the various relationships in my life. Following this meeting, Thato then facilitated a group session with the entire syndicate. The Importance of this session cannot be over emphasised. Through her one-on-one sessions with the entire syndicate, Thato identified a fundamental shortcoming in our group dynamic and structure. Up until that point, our syndicate was quite directionless and our productivity was misaligned with our ambitions as a group. Thato identified the key roles that needed to be put in-place for us to succeed as a group.

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Personally, my coaching journey thus far has yielded a surprising result for myself. Through the sessions with Thato, my personal brand has developed in a way that has allowed me to realise my strengths and weaknesses definitively. I understand more about my journey to this point in my life than I ever have before. Prior to the sessions with Thato, most of my days would ultimately result in a feeling of uncertainty in both my abilities and personality. Thato has shown me that my journey is not dependent on those around me anymore. I have gained the ability to discern between what makes me happy and what makes those around me happy. I now strive to achieve an overall balance between the two forms of happiness. I have learnt to embrace the fear that comes with taking on new experiences and chasing one's dreams. As such, I cannot express the full scale of Thato's guidance in one testimonial. The Impact of the sessions thus far has opened up a new avenue to my career that I had previously only dreamed of. I now realise and understand my personal ambitions and brand more clearly than ever.