Drawing inspiration from her journey in coaching as well as the journey of coaches and leaders she has coached and mentored Andrea Jayatilleka, Vice President – Membership & PR of the ICF Colombo Chapter and Director of Training at Coach Masters Academy, Sri Lanka and Maldives, highlights the evolving perception of coaching in Sri Lanka, moving from a vague understanding to a recognized profession. Having pioneered Transformational Coach training since 2013 in a setting largely unacquainted with coaching’s intricacies, she looks back at the journey with joy and celebrates the vision of inspiring positive change in the community. Her thought leadership and partnership in transformational leadership have enabled clients to invest and devote themselves to the changes that they wish to generate within themselves, their teams, and their organizations. In this interview, she speaks about the perception and acknowledgement of coaching as a timely and clear professional career path.
By 2019, perceptions about coaching were evolving, a shift amplified by the pandemic’s challenges. An ICF global study by PriceWaterhouseCoopers highlighted a 54% surge in coaching from 2019 to 2022. The pandemic’s complexities boosted coaching’s demand worldwide, paralleled by Sri Lanka’s growing interest.
To champion and promote coaching, the ICF Colombo Chapter was established two years ago. It’s crucial to recognize coaching not just as an activity but as a profession, guided by ethics, competencies, and standards. Coaches have the opportunity to carve out their niche, whether it’s in life coaching, career coaching, or specialized coaching in various fields. They are equipped with knowledge, competencies and ethical principles that create a safe and nurturing space for personal growth. Coaching can be applied in various domains, from business and leadership to wellness and personal development. In a diverse country like Sri Lanka, coaching transcends boundaries, embracing the rich tapestry of culture, backgrounds, and aspirations.
Can you share a transformative story that underscores the impact of professional coaching on human capacity development?
It is a fulfilling and inspiring journey when a seasoned leader hits the reset button on their leadership style. One such story stands out in my memory.
I once facilitated the growth of a high-ranking executive, next in line to head the business. He was sceptical about joining my sessions, with questions like, “Why would I need a coach? I’ve been performing my role successfully for years!” written all over his face. Under his previous leadership style, the company suffered high turnover and complaints. However, with coaching, his evolution fostered a positive work environment. He returned to every coaching session with newfound openness. Eventually, the impact on his team was nothing short of remarkable. They felt valued, heard, and motivated to excel. Productivity soared, and creativity flowed freely. The office buzzed with energy, and his team eagerly awaited his guidance rather than dreading it.
Once a distant manager, he evolved into a leader who embraced team collaboration. Within eight months, he earned his promotion. This shift not only elevated his professional trajectory but also improved his relationships. This leader’s journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the willingness to adapt, with a little nudge from coaching.
Coaching often unveils profound personal and professional metamorphoses. Many clients start with the apprehension of being “fixed.” I perceive coaching as a gift, facilitating growth. It’s a balance of art and science, wherein I meet my clients where they are, fostering transformative changes that resonate across their lives.
As a seasoned coach, what unique value do you bring to the table in supporting the professional growth of those you coach?
I’m grateful to all the amazing mentors I have met along the way. I set off inspired by my partners’ vision to have 100 coaches in Sri Lanka. Looking back, our journey has been nothing short of remarkable. To date, we have trained 250 plus coaches in Sri Lanka through our ICF Credentialed Coach Training programme and impacted many leaders and organizations in fostering coaching competencies and cultures.
Being part of Coach Masters Academy, active in 43 countries, has provided me with a global platform. This international exposure enriches our Sri Lankan students by immersing them in diverse coaching cultures, creating truly global classrooms. We are committed to continuing the journey as we infuse our nation with positivity and resilience.
As an ICF-credentialed coach, I make it my mission to stay ahead of the curve, consistently enhancing my skills and knowledge to remain a trusted source of guidance. Yet, it’s not just about the technicalities of coaching; it’s about the ethics and standards that underpin every interaction.
Coaching isn’t a one-way street; it’s a dynamic, two-way collaboration. I honour the partnerships I form with my clients. It’s not just about me imparting wisdom; it’s about us embarking on a transformative journey together. Your trust in this partnership is paramount, and I work diligently to ensure that trust is upheld at every step. We envision weaving coaching principles into Sri Lanka’s societal and educational fabric, inspired by global institutions championing the ‘growth mindset’.
As a member of the ICF Chapter leadership, I intend to see the benefits of coaching spread to various community groups. We are currently embarking on a community project with a school in Sri Lanka through the ICF Foundation. As a Chapter, we aspire to become a Charter Chapter with 5o ICF members by 2025 and spread coaching services to the community. With the Colombo Chapter and our burgeoning coach community, we’re poised to catalyse national transformation.
How significant is the role of ICF credentialing in establishing credibility and ensuring quality?
The acceptance and recognition of coaching in Sri Lanka has been encouraging. We now have 24 ICF credentialed coaches. As a part of the leadership of the Chapter as well as a member of ICF Global, I have experienced the resources that ICF Global offers. ICF’s Learning Management System is a treasure trove for budding coaches, offering a plethora of resources even before one starts the credentialing process. The ICF’s structured path to coaching mastery begins at the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) level and culminates at the Master level. This journey mandates introspection and self-growth, as true transformation begins within.
Coaching, at its core, blends art and science. The ICF has established eight competencies with 37 behavioural components, setting a rigorous standard for all coaches. Earning credentials isn’t just theoretical; our real-world coaching sessions are meticulously evaluated. Moreover, ICF credentials are universally recognized, empowering many to pursue global opportunities. It’s a symbol of a coach’s expertise and dedication, respected worldwide.
Coaching is more than just a profession – it’s a calling, a vocation. ICF provides the platform to turn your passion into a global journey.