Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamara Atkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tamara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
Pre-COVID leadership coaching was mostly delivered face to face with a formal, negotiated coaching plan that either had the content predetermined or was customized for each coachee. The trend in the industry (through the COVID period) was moving towards a much more fluid, electronically delivered coaching experience. The coaching is much more “right now” focused in building awareness and skill development, as needed. Additionally the custom created micro-learning tools and instant response functionality have disappeared as Google, AI, and other forms of “quick” answers have been made available on leader phones.
This “just in time” learning is clearly the trend so for talent development professionals like myself; and we must adapt to the new technology and have a firm grasp in how to utilize it to get the most impact for our clients.
Tamara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Tamara is a “no-nonsense” business coach that helps leaders stretch to reach greater leadership outcomes. She is a successful business person who has been in the trenches of corporations – ranging from oil and gas to financial services.
She holds degrees in business administration and organizational management. She holds a Professional Certified Coaching (PCC) from the International Coaching Federation. She also currently holds multiple training and assessment certifications, and several certifications in wine to include Court of Master Sommeliers (level one) certification.
If you want someone who will challenge your thinking, push you a bit to try something different, encourage you to learn and experience something greater than what you are currently doing/thinking all while helping you to create a plan that will help you achieve your goals – then Tamara is your coach!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I left corporate America burned out and tired of trying to help leaders that didn’t want to be helped. I took my facilitation skills and understanding of behavior into the world of wine. I studied and passed several wine certifications to include Court of Master Sommelier (level one), Certified Specialist of Wine, Wine and Spirits Educational Trust certification (level two). I started a business that allowed me to use these certifications to facilitate helping people learn about wine. Everyone is excited to hear what I have to say and what a fun topic!
In the end, not only was I successful in my wine education business but I renewed my passion for helping leaders in a new way – via coaching. And I’m back also in the world of coaching. The wine education pivot helped me take my same basic skills to different content and different audiences (who wanted to be in the “class”).
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The short answer is being personally being visible – not ads or placement in technology – but rather volunteering to speak for free in places where my customers are attending. For example, professional society meetings, chambers of commerce, alumni groups for my university, etc.
I believe people need personal experience or a personal recommendations from someone to hire my business – leadership coaching. If the “fit” is right, the cost is much less of a concern.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tamaraatkins.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nowinesnobs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaraa1/
- Other: www.nowinesnobs.org
Image Credits
Tamara Atkins