Quick Summary: Discover why I embraced online coaching and how it transformed my coaching practice. Explore the benefits of virtual coaching for individuals and teams, and see how this journey inspired my vision for life and business!
My first virtual coaching session came about quite unexpectedly. For our scheduled in-person session, my client faced a long, exhausting, and expensive train ride to reach my coaching practice.
Since they wanted to continue working together, they suggested connecting via Skype for our next session, knowing it wasn’t my preferred way of working. Why was I skeptical?
Nearly everyone in my professional circle emphasized the importance of being in the same room with clients. A psychologist working online? Hmm…
However, the main reason for my hesitation was simpler: I had never done it before. My physical space was my comfort zone. How could I be an effective coach to my client in the virtual setting?
My Very First Virtual Session
Despite my reservations, my client’s enthusiasm convinced me to give it a try. One of the beauties of working as a coach is that I grow alongside the people I work with. Venturing into virtual coaching would definitely push me out of my comfort zone.
So, how did I deal with this?
Instead of fixating on the virtual setting, I refocused on the most important element of every coaching: the person I was working with.
Setting up for the session, I arranged my laptop, adjusted the lighting, and – believe it or not – set up a real flip chart behind me. I had to record insights and next steps somehow, right?
As I opened Skype and started the session, I wondered if this would actually work.
It did!
However, I quickly realized that online coaching required me to embrace a different skill set. Beyond developing my coaching skills, I needed to learn how to navigate the virtual setting effectively to serve my clients best.
Discovering the First Benefits
This coaching experience already revealed two significant benefits of online coaching for my clients:
- Saving resources: No travel time, saving both financial and emotional resources.
- Freedom to choose your coach: The ability to choose the coach you want to work with, unrestricted by geographic limitations.
This first virtual coaching experience dates back over a decade. Little did I know that our session would plant a tiny seed in my mind that would gradually transform my coaching practice.
Watch this 40-second summary of why and how I became an online coach:
So, what exactly happened afterward?
Embracing Working Online
A couple of years later, I became involved in a mentoring program for students. They all held leadership roles in their local student organizations, and mentoring was a key component of their leadership development program. Since travel wasn't feasible, we opted for Skype once again.
By this time, I felt much more at ease working via video conference. I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed the online format! Instead of jotting down insights and results on a physical flip chart, I began documenting them on Google Slides. I’d call that progress!
Remote Work as Part of my Vision
Along with my first virtual session, these mentoring experiences shaped my perspective on both my personal life and business moving forward. As I regularly reviewed my yearly and quarterly goals, an intriguing thought came up.
I vividly recall placing a post-it note on my wall depicting a sun, palm trees, water, and a laptop. This simple image symbolized my vision of working remotely from any location. I often found myself gazing at that post-it note.
Two years after my first virtual session, a new document emerged on my Google Drive: "Project Plan: Online Coaching". As the sheet grew row by row and to-dos were checked off, the term “online coaching” began to appear on my website.
But the timing still wasn't quite right yet.
Developing Professionally
I continued working in my in-person coaching practice, lovingly nicknamed my "little house", with my practice downstairs and personal space upstairs.
Once, I worked with a client who was aware of my experience with virtual coaching but doubted its effectiveness. One day, they fell too ill to leave their home for our session but were still eager to continue their coaching.
Fully aware of their skepticism, I suggested we try an online session. Stepping out of their comfort zone, they agreed. After our online session, they remarked, “I wouldn’t have thought it, but it actually works.”
Indeed, it does!
Research provides us with evidence that online coaching works just as well as in-person coaching. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the science of coaching, I recommend reading my article "New Research: Does Business Coaching Work?".
I continued working as an in-person coach for six more years, completed advanced training as an Integral Coach & Business Coach in Berlin, joined the International Coaching Federation – and enjoyed every step of the process.
In 2019, moving to Berlin made it clear that our apartment wouldn’t provide the separate space needed for in-person sessions. This prompted me to reflect again on my vision of a fully remote practice for personal coaching and business coaching.
I felt it might be the right time for a change, taking one step further into my vision from my post-it note, aligning with my goal of being able to work from anywhere, anytime. This might be the perfect moment for a significant business decision: should I go all in on online coaching – or not?
My Decision to Go Fully Online
Since you’re reading this, you already know I went all in!
Over a few weeks, I transitioned from an in-person coaching practice to an online coaching practice. Some of my current coaching processes naturally ended, while some people decided to continue working with me online.
With the unwavering support of my partner, I upgraded my equipment – from the computer and camera to lights and software tools – ensuring my professional setup.
One thing has remained consistent to this day: I still take some session notes with pen and paper. I wonder if this habit will ever change, and if so, when.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, my established online coaching practice was well-positioned to meet the increased demand for virtual sessions. In 2022, according to the German RAUEN Coaching Market Analysis, online coaching via video conferencing was the most commonly used coaching format.
Requests for not only 1:1 online coaching but also online team coaching, as well as online speeches and workshops, grew significantly – and I was ready for it.
In recent years, I’ve also realized parts of my vision by living and working abroad for a while.
Additionally, my shift to online coaching has enabled me to work with clients not only in Berlin and across Germany but also from all over Europe and other continents. This has brought rich diversity to my coaching practice and the people I collaborate with, for which I am incredibly grateful.
Is Online Coaching the Future of Coaching?
In-person coaching, speeches, and workshops certainly have their place. When I work with people onsite, it brings a unique energy and delight to everyone involved.
However, more teams are operating fully remotely or, more commonly, in a hybrid setup. Through online coaching, leaders and their teams gain firsthand experience and the space to reflect on how to build trust and engage in creative and meaningful conversations within the digital environment.
My first virtual coaching session taught me that no matter where you are – on the move, on vacation, or working on the other side of the earth – we simply meet online.
If you’re curious to read further, I discuss more benefits of online coaching in my article “Online Coaching: Everything You Need to Know about Virtual Coaching.”
I’d be happy to explore what online coaching could mean for you. Please schedule your pre-coaching call here or send me an email at Mail@ChristinePaulus.com.
Christine Paulus
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