… but, what is coaching? How could it help me?

After have exchanged many times with architects and other professional and having faced doubtful and confused faces, I think that it is time to bring some clarity to a question I’m often asked.

“…But what the hell is this coaching everyone keeps talking about??”

When I first began my training as a coach, we were taught how important it is to clearly communicate what coaching actually is. I remember thinking, “How hard can it be to explain it?”

Well... it turns out it’s very hard to explain—at least in a way that makes sense to people who have never experienced it.

As someone who works both as an architect and a coach, the contrast between how the two roles are perceived couldn’t be starker. When I say I’m an architect, people nod, ask questions, and immediately get it. But when I say I’m a coach? I get wide-eyed, confused looks followed by three inevitable questions:

1. “Sport coach?”

2. “But... why?”

3. “Okay, but really... what do you do?”

At first, I tried giving the answer I had prepared during my training. It went something like this:

“I support people going through transitions in life to face and accept their fears, embrace their current reality, and find the courage to take the first steps toward a new one.”

…blah blah blah.

The reaction? Blank stares, a big question mark on people’s faces, and a polite nod that usually signaled their interest had just died.

And honestly? They were right.

That explanation was too abstract. Too polished. Too conceptual—only resonant if you’re already into personal development or have dabbled in self-exploration.

More importantly, it didn’t reflect me or my style of coaching at all. My approach is much more practical, visual, and action-oriented. (There must still be a bit of architect in me!)

So I started thinking: How can I explain coaching more simply and meaningfully?

A Visual Example from a Real Session

One day, during a session with my wonderful client C., the answer emerged.

She knew where she was, and she knew where she wanted to be. I asked her to draw two versions of herself: the C. of the past and the C. of the future.

Seeing those two selves on paper—making them real and tangible—was a breakthrough moment. That drawing helped her say goodbye to the past and build the courage to step into her future.

That, right there, is coaching.

Coaching is the process that helps you see clearly where you are, define where you want to go, and support you in navigating the transition.

A Simple, Powerful Metaphor

Recently, I rewatched one of my favorite videos (linked below) that I saved years ago. It gives a clear, visual explanation of what coaching is all about:

With coaching, you're guided through a process of visualising your “current state” and your “desired state”—and then discovering the steps that bridge the gap.

That’s it.

If It Sounds Simple, That’s Because It Is... (Sort of)

Maybe it sounds too simple. Maybe that's what makes it feel confusing—because it’s almost too straightforward to be believed.

The truth is, the process isn’t the hard part. What makes coaching powerful (and challenging) is the engagement, trust, and transparency it requires.

As a client, you set the direction. You choose the options and make the decisions. The coach doesn’t give answers—we simply help you uncover them yourself.

That’s why openness and honesty are so important: they allow the coach to support you in the most meaningful way possible.

Coaching Styles

In my practice, we might use drawing. Or just powerful questions. Or other tools entirely. Every coach brings their own approach—and adapts it to suit you, the client, and where you are in your process.

Types of Coaching

There are endless types: sports coaching, business coaching, leadership coaching, life coaching…

But personally, I believe life coaching is behind all of them.

• How can an athlete perform if their mind isn’t clear?

• How can a leader inspire others if they’re stuck in their own stress?

No matter the focus, coaching always comes back to helping the person—not just the role.

What Coaching Is Not

Let’s also clear up what coaching isn’t:

• Coaching is NOT therapy – It’s not about analyzing the past or treating trauma.

• Coaching is NOT mentoring – The coach doesn’t offer advice based on personal experience.

• Coaching is NOT counseling – There’s no giving of solutions; you discover your own.

• Coaching is NOT advising – The coach doesn’t tell you what to do.

• Coaching is NOT teaching – You don’t learn from the coach. You learn from yourself.

Coaching is a big topic, and this is just a starting point. But I hope this post helped make it a little clearer—and more relatable.

If you’re curious to explore further, you can check out the International Coaching Federation (ICF) website or feel free to reach out to me directly. I'd be happy to connect.

Giada