Do I need a career coach? What the hell is a career coach? Is my career going in the right direction? Should I be asking for more money? Am I doing too much? Am I not doing enough? It's a cycle of panic." — Nicole Vafadari  In this episode of the Celebrate Brave Podcast, I am sharing a conversation from a related podcast, This Could Have Been An Email to dive deep into the world of career coaching and explore whether or not it's something you need.  I joined hosts Nicole Vafadari and Alexandra Suazo to share my journey from poverty and abuse to becoming a Global Senior Director in the tech industry. We discuss the benefits of engaging a career coach and what to expect from a coaching relationship. I highlight the importance of credentials, experience, and proven results when selecting a coach.  The conversation takes a personal turn as we explore the guilt associated with asking for more and the balance between empathy and being direct as well as the cultural context for assertive and aggressive behavior. Along the way, we also touch on topics such as financial management, self-advocacy, and the importance of seeking support. Join us as we unravel the world of career coaching and discover the impact it can have on your professional and personal growth. Tune in to this episode of the Celebrate Brave Podcast and find your own path to success.   Hot topics from this episode: More about Me (Nicole Trick Steinbach, International Bravery Coach)  Indicators for Seeking Career Coaching Surprise as a good indicator, such as being surprised by performance evaluations Other indicators include stress, sleeplessness, and uncertainty about the next step Importance of career coaching as a personal and long-term investment Importance of skills growth and personal satisfaction in one's job Benefits of Engaging a Career Coach When to reach out to a coach (feeling lost or confused about the future) Importance of credentials, experience, and proven results when selecting a coach Discussion on the assertiveness differences in different regions and cultures Importance of showing up for oneself and opening doors for others Overcoming fears of asking for oneself and finding inspiration in others Guilt in asking for too much and cultural norms vs. the patriarchy Selecting the Right Coach Importance of addressing personal trauma or underlying issues before seeking a coach Need for clients to work with therapists or gurus simultaneously Importance of verifying a coach's credentials and existence of recommendations Blunt approach and addressing topics like white supremacy and patriarchy in coaching sessions Suggestion to interview multiple coaches to build trust and find a coach who takes accountability and responsibility Leadership, Interpersonal Skills, and Functional Skills  Advocating for Oneself and Others Seeking Help and Support   For more information on how you can build your brave: [email protected] https://tricksteinbach.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nicoletricksteinbach https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoletricksteinbach/ https://www.facebook.com/NicoleTrickSteinbach