We were lucky to catch up with Maelle Fonteneau recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Maelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I led the “People” function (human resources and talent) at a national education nonprofit for many years where I had to navigate complex, confidential issues around compliance, performance and reductions in force. After working with my own coach, I decided to pursue a career in coaching, hoping to support other People leaders while also offering talent strategy expertise. I had been in their shoes (it’s a lonely role!) and could help develop and execute their vision while also helping behind the scenes. Soon after beginning my coach certification program, I began coaching across a much broader spectrum of industries, careers and backgrounds and I separately supported nonprofit leaders with their talent strategy. It took hundreds of coaching hours for me to realize two things. First, I did not want to blend coaching and consulting (they are truly different!). And second, I wanted to continue coaching across industries and not just focus on “People” leaders. After a few years, coaching is now my primary business offering and I just exceeded 500+ coaching hours, leading to my PCC (Professional Certified Coach) credential!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a leadership and career coach who offers both individual and group coaching. I work with mission-driven clients who come from a broad array of backgrounds and who are navigating life transitions. I take an integrated approach to coaching clients, knowing that we’re made up of lots of different parts. My approach is to hold space to listen intently, identify your values and strengths, uncover what is standing in your way, and work with you to chart a path forward. We turn inwards to identify what lights you up and to work on releasing what doesn’t serve you. Overall, my approach is to understand who you are, create space for you to listen to yourself and provide support, insights, and accountability as we work together.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I have two approaches to growing my coaching practice. The first is word of mouth referrals from those I have already worked with. Personal testimonials go a long way! The second is establishing referral relationships with partner organizations who send clients my way. This second approach has enabled me to broaden who I can reach and have a strong pipeline of prospective clients. Being that I’m still working on developing marketing chops, building relationships with partner organizations has been pivotal to expanding my reach and growing my business. I am so grateful to Careers for Social Impact, Parentaly and Tide Risers who have served as referral partners.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I started my business at the end of 2019 with the goal of having 2020 be a year dedicated to launching my business. I was in the middle of my coach certification program while simultaneously launching my coaching practice and identifying who I was best positioned to support. Three months into 2020, we all know what happened – the world shut down as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. I had to pivot to supporting my 6 year old with remote school (and managing my three year old after outdoor preschool). My first grader and I sat side by side, both on our laptops, taking it one day at a time. We spent over a year with her doing remote school while I was working on launching and growing my business. I’d be drafting coaching tools, scheduling upcoming sessions, or designing programs (my favorite was a group coaching program called Parenting in the Pandemic). All the while, I was making sure she was logging on, strengthening her reading and math skills, and staying engaged (also with the help of my partner). I know I’m not alone in having navigated working parenthood during the pandemic. Going through this, though, enabled me to be a more empathetic, compassionate, and resilient coach. My biggest lesson was in really tuning into what I needed to be a strong coach, leaving my worries at the door and showing up as a responsive and engaged support to each one of my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maellefonteneau.com
- Instagram: @coachingthatupliftsyou
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maelle-fonteneau/
Image Credits
Headshot – by Carley Storm