When Paul Sykes qualified as a coach after training at Henley Business School, he was excited to start making an impact. With a background in software development and technology, he had the tools, the training and the drive, but what he didn't have was a steady flow of real coachees to coach.
“Before joining More Happi, I'd recently qualified as a coach and was looking to build up my experience, hours and confidence. I was struggling to attract [coachees]. I'd been doing reciprocal coaching and the odd session here and there, but I wasn't getting the volume of real-world experience I needed.”
Like many newly qualified coaches, Paul faced that crucial moment after graduation when enthusiasm meets reality. He knew he needed experience to grow, but experience is exactly what's hardest to find when you're starting out.
Paul wanted to keep his momentum going, to sharpen his craft, gain confidence and build towards accreditation. But finding coachees independently was slow and unpredictable.
“There's a window of opportunity after qualifying. You want to keep that momentum going, but it's hard to sustain when you can't find enough [coachees].”
That's where More Happi came in.
“I saw a few coaches on LinkedIn working with More Happi. When I looked into what the organisation was about, its mission and the impact it was trying to make, it really resonated with me.”
Paul Sykes | More Happi Volunteer Coach
After a smooth interview and onboarding process, Paul began receiving bookings straight away.
“Very quickly, I started getting bookings. It was exciting to see those first sessions coming in. Different [coachees], different companies, each with unique challenges.”
Suddenly, the momentum was back, and this time it wasn't slowing down.
“The types of companies I’ve worked with through More Happi have been incredibly varied. That variety of cultures, individuals and levels of experience has been invaluable for developing my approach as a coach.”
Paul Sykes | More Happi Volunteer Coach
Through More Happi, Paul was exposed to an incredible variety of coachees, from solo entrepreneurs to global brands. Every session offered something new to learn.
Since joining, Paul has coached nearly 300 hours, working with over 100 coachees across more than 50 companies.
“That range of experience would have been impossible to achieve on my own.”
And it wasn't just the experience that made a difference. More Happi's supportive ecosystem of supervision, mentoring and community helped Paul grow faster and more confidently than he ever expected.
“Alongside my coaching, I've had access to supervision, mentoring and training events. I've even booked coaching for myself through the platform, which has been invaluable in seeing how others work and developing my own approach.”
“Before More Happi, I was quite mechanical in how I applied the tools and techniques I’d learned. Now, I’m far more present with my [coachees]. I know how to adapt to their needs and bring my authentic self to each session.”
Paul Sykes | More Happi Volunteer Coach
For Paul, the difference between the coach he was before More Happi and the coach he is now is night and day.
“It's incredibly satisfying to see the impact I'm having and to receive that feedback. Being able to use real testimonials and company names in my own marketing has been a massive boost.”
He's also gained confidence, credibility and a portfolio of results and testimonials that would have taken years to build independently.
“Without More Happi, it would have been a lot harder and taken much longer to gain this experience. More Happi has been a real accelerator for my development.”
Paul Sykes | More Happi Volunteer Coach
In just a short time, Paul has:
More Happi didn't just give Paul an opportunity. It gave him purpose, progress and proof.
When asked about a highlight from his More Happi journey, Paul immediately recalled one that captures why coaching matters.
“One of my most memorable moments was seeing a [coachee] have a breakthrough about how they communicate with their senior leadership team. Watching that lightbulb moment and seeing them carry it forward was so satisfying.”
Moments like these are why Paul loves being part of More Happi. They remind him that coaching really does create change.
Paul's story is a reminder that coaching isn't something you master alone. More Happi gives coaches the structure, opportunities and support to turn potential into confidence and purpose.
“For any coach considering joining More Happi, I'd say go for it. Keep an open mind about the [coachees] you'll work with and make the most of the support and community available. It's an incredible experience.”
If you're serious about building your hours, growing your skills and making a real difference, this is the place to do it. Coaches who join More Happi dont just get experience; they get a head start.
Want to become a volunteer coach for More Happi? Apply today.
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