Today is the last time I write to you. And it’s all because of an unusual phone call (if you go by most people’s standards). A phone call that was most welcome nonetheless.
It was in autumn, when I got a message from a former coaching client. “Do you have time for a call?”
Kevin Kocher, my client, had finished the “Expats Job Offer Miracle” about a year ago and worked already in his first job in Hamburg.
We had stayed in touch and Kevin had occasionally asked me for career advice. So, I said “sure”, expecting a few questions about work related challenges.
Instead Kevin stunned me:
“I want to start my own business helping international professionals get work in Germany. Do you have any advice for me?”
My first thought was: “Hm. Sure, for starters: Don’t ask the leading coach in this field on how to become his competition.”
But then I stopped and paid attention to myself: Kevin’s words had hit me like a strong wave at the beach. It didn’t feel like a threat. It felt like liberation.
I have been working with international professionals for 13 years now. I have helped hundreds of expats to find their first job in Germany. And in this time, I have guided them, coached them – and also absorbed their doubts, carried their understandable fears. As a career coach you deal with human beings, not machines. Your job is not only to teach and build connections to employers – but also to help your coaching clients to offload their nervous energy – so that they can function and do the things that will get them the job.
Few people realise how emotionally demanding coaching is.
I was ready for a change.
And Kevin was the perfect candidate to take the torch. Not only did he go through the Expats Job Offer Miracle himself. He also got himself a job in Germany in record time, way before the program would have officially run out. And that had a good reason: Kevin understands the nature of our approach better than most people.
From the very beginning of our cooperation Kevin intuitively understood that what makes people successful in their job hunt is emotional intelligence. The ability to build trust with complete strangers by openness. The honest curiosity for the other person’s goals – and why they matter to them. And the ability to prove through concrete examples from your work, how you can help the other party be successful.
What gets people into jobs is the attitude of “Let me help you be successful”.
This openness was the reason why Kevin felt confident in sharing his goal with me. His goal to compete with me for your trust. His goal to compete with me in helping international pro’s.
And guess what: I am not offended that he did this. I am happy.
So, my answer to his question was:
“Would you like to take over my program?”
And Kevin said:
“Yes”.
(There where a few more words until that part, obviously. But this is what it boils down to. 😊)
So, this is my last email to you as a career coach for international professionals. From now on you will hear from Kevin. I leave Immigrant Spirit with a calm heart. I know you will be in good hands with Kevin. He understands our values and he will bring a new dynamic that will help you move faster towards a career in Germany.
I, myself, will still be there for Kevin. Advising him as a master coach, so that the transition from me to him will run smoothly. You can have full confidence in his abilities, because I will share my experience and advice freely with him.
But now is the time to start taking care of myself for a while. I will spend the next two years writing. For years I have dreamed of writing a novel – and now I have started. If you would love to hear a story about a dead man’s quest to finally get five minutes of peace – and have a good laugh: Follow me on the usual social media channels.
I wish you well and I hope you will achieve all your dreams for your future. I know Kevin is an excellent guide and he will help you reach your goal, if you are smart enough to hire him.
With these words – I hand over to you, Kevin.
It’s your show now. Shine bright!
I still wish you succcess.
Chris
PS: You can find Kevin here.
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