Coach Leigh

When Leigh Gauthier decided to start her own business she used her expertise in career and leadership development to create Coach Leigh. She now conducts career conversations to coach professionals to success in work and life. This includes one-on-one coaching, group coaching, design and delivery of workshops, and facilitation. 

Gauthier worked in management consulting before she joined the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto as the Associate Director of Career Services. After coaching many MBA professionals, she knew that she wanted to create a business around professional coaching. Thus, in 2008 she became an entrepreneur and created Coach Leigh.

“Rotman is now a client of mine and I continue to coach business professionals each week helping them achieve their career and life goals,” Gauthier said. ‘With a background in training and development and facilitation, I design and deliver workshops for career and leadership development. I have worked with organizations such as DHL, Maritz, Campbell Soup Company of Canada, and The School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto to name a few.”

The impressive list of clients proves that while Gauthier may reside in the Highlands, she is capable of operating a world class business and dealing with transnational corporations.

Leigh deals with more than just corporations. Her one on one coaching also allows her to focus on the individual. “My one-on-one coaching practice focuses on those who are interested in living a life of fulfillment and promise. Breaking through fear, circumstance, and the unknown we determine what's possible and design from there,” she said. “Although tools and methodology inform the process, each interaction is specific to the individual goals in mind. Clients can expect to be both challenged and championed as they move toward defining what success looks like for them - both inside and outside the workplace.”

Innovation is critical to Gauthier’s business, particularly in regards to technology. “I have recently purchased proprietary journaling software that I use with my clients.  Today, journaling is widely accepted as a powerful tool to promote increased emotional intelligence. For coaches, trainers, mental health practitioners, and leaders of all types, journaling is perhaps the most effective coaching tool that exists - yet one of the most underutilized resources,” she said.

Gauthier realizes that social media is becoming an increasingly important area of focus for attracting clients. “Since my clients can be anywhere in the world, embracing Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube will continue to be a key to success. I am enrolled in a year long program with the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers that helps me to understand and create strategies for promotion using social media,” she said.

To become a stronger professional Gauthier continually upgrades her skills. This summer she took an online course with the renowned Harvard Professor Tal Ben-Shahar on Foundations of Positive Psychology. Her continuing education allows her to better understand the subtleties of coaching, which in turn gives her clients better services.

Gauthier intends to broaden her offerings to other life areas beyond career leadership. She hopes to expand into health & wellness, relationships, and spirituality. She believes that all are related, and a successful coach must address them all to meet the holistic needs of individuals. “In today’s hectic world the lines are blurred between work and leisure time. Life is no longer compartmentalized. I help clients discover a formula that enables success in all areas, “says Leigh.

In the future Gauthier aims to expand her business geographically. “I am developing an international network and intend to be coaching and training internationally over the next few years.”

For Gauthier, the Highlands offer a healthy environment and a peaceful setting. She has family in Haliburton and she has been visiting the area for twenty years. “It is a vibrant, beautiful community and my husband and I knew we wanted to be here full time. I grew up in a small town and I knew what a positive experience it would be. With access to the internet and a phone line I knew having a business in Haliburton would work,” she said. 

For Gauthier the Highlands offer a stable business environment which is fostered partially by HCDC.  “Although the coaching profession is growing rapidly it is unregulated. In order to work inside corporations more and more are looking for a designation,” Gauthier said. “With support through HCDC, I completed some of my training requirements for my Co-Active Professional Coaching Certification (CPCC) which is a recognized program through the International Coaching Federation.”

Leigh has now joined the board of directors of the HCDC and serves on its Community Economic Development and Creative Economy Committees. She is determined not only to see her own business flourish, but to help others in the community experience success.

To learn more about Coach Leigh click here (insert link to www.coachleigh.com)