2023 coachee Harry on his experience of the 10-week coaching programme...
What made you apply to be part of the coaching programme and what were you hoping to get out of it?
I had a project I was really passionate about pursuing, but had absolutely no clue on what I could do to take it forward. I wanted this process to help me recognise the path ahead and what it took to deliver on it, so I could start taking those steps even if the project takes some time to complete.
What goal have you been working towards?
Taking my TV project to the next level
Did you learn anything surprising about the career you'd like to pursue?
The most surprising thing for me was that film and television is a very fluid industry, as with all creative industries. There's no one formula for success (however that looks to you), it can happen any way, which might sound daunting but it's actually extremely liberating. You can create something that is yours and do everything your own way, which is why a lot of us felt the need to make something in the first place.
What has been the best part of the programme so far?
Lucy has been able to introduce me to some amazing people in the film and television industry in our meetings, they have given me invaluable advice and insight I otherwise wouldn't have known. The biggest takeaway has been that any creative can start their career from any point, and that there are so many places to break in.
Have you learnt anything about yourself during the coaching process?
I really wanted to boost my confidence through this process. My amazing coach Lucy helped me learn that confidence is something that I don't have to just switch on, it's something I will learn over time to be better at, and it will come and go on different days. Even the most experienced in the field still have days where they struggle. It's something important to understand as a young creative starting out and being able to approach people with big plans and ideas.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying to be a coach or a coachee?
It's an incredible opportunity. You'll make the most out of it by knowing what you want to achieve early on and being prepared for your first meeting. For example, I tried to have some rough work to show. Even if it wasn't perfect, it was a foundation that we could build on. Engage with the process and be open, you get out what you put in. It's absolutely worth the time commitment.
Engage with the process and be open, you get out what you put in.
Harry
2023 coach Lucy on her experience of the 10-week coaching programme...
What made you apply to be part of the coaching programme? What were you hoping to get out of it?
I applied to the programme as I have been a mentor before, and could see the impact Arts Emergency has on its mentees. I enjoyed connecting mentees to others in my network, and discussing skills and information, with someone who was passionate, or just curious, about the industry. As a coach, I was excited to chat to someone who was already honing their craft and was keen to dig deeper into one specific goal. I hoped to be able to assist this person in breaking down their goal, guiding them in finding tangible next steps, and perhaps learning a little about the coaching process myself.
What has been the best part of the programme so far?
I have loved getting to know my coachee, seeing him grow in confidence as he starts to map out the path ahead, and have been feeling really inspired by his creativity. He is building on his already excellent knowledge base and passion for the industry, working between sessions on ideas we’ve discussed, and discovering ways around obstacles he had previously felt. I have really enjoyed introducing him to industry colleagues - and have learnt loads from them myself too!
Have you learnt anything about yourself during the coaching process?
Absolutely - I’ve learnt a great deal about coaching itself and have started to use techniques of breaking down goals or tasks into smaller steps for my own career. From both mentoring and coaching, I’ve learnt that supporting those in the early days of their creative career is something I really care about, particularly in an industry which is tricky to enter for so many people, all of whom I want to hear more from.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying to be a coach or a coachee?
Definitely do it! You might both be nervous on your first chat, but if you’re both up for listening and learning, then the hour, and the weeks, will fly by, and you will have a lovely time, and make more progress than you expected. Nothing to lose, and so much to give and gain.
Nothing to lose, and so much to give and gain.
Lucy