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Last week I had a pinch me moment. You might have seen it on my social media. The above video was created by the Crusaders Leadership Programme. It’s talking about the female delegation of coaches and leaders we’re building for the next cohort.
Yet, there’s also something larger at play. In the video I spoke about how difficult it can be to find a sense of belonging in traditional coach education environments. This is especially true if there’s no one else that looks like you in the room.
I found the Crusaders Leadership Programme at a difficult time. I was battling some bias, often the reality of being a female coach in a male dominated sport. What I’d found in the course was a sense of community, as well as opportunities to have my ideas reinforced and (safely) challenged.
Having been over and spent time at Rugby Park where the Crusaders train, I can tell you this sense of belonging continued. For me, that organisation is an example of how to live up to values. They’re not just painted on a wall and they’re not just only for the men’s 1XV. Their values are embedded across the whole organisation and drive everything they do.
On a survey I sent out about a year ago to subscribers, someone wanted me to describe how I had overcome bias and my experiences of it. It’s been tough for me to start to write that article. Part of it is covered in my DProf thesis, which we’re preparing to send for examination and so I did need a mental breather from it.
Another part of me is hesitant because I am unsure how I’ve overcome bias or whether I actually have. I know I’ve become stronger to it and will now call it out, but I don’t know if that classes as overcoming it. Moments still stay with me. That article is coming potentially soon, but I want to give it some justice.
Sometimes it can feel like there is no light in the tunnel. The Crusaders, for me, were a light and still are. The fact they trust me to invite people onto their programme still makes me pinch myself. The last female delegation we ran was pretty special and I can’t wait for the November one.
Supportive environments are hopefully what I’m building up through this newsletter, the whatsapp forums and the Cafes. It’s a privilege to share a space with you all and I love hearing your contributions, ideas and support you give each other.
There’s some events coming up as part of our community and a favour I’d like you to do:
Please fill in the subscriber survey - It’s 5 questions, so will take 5 mins of your time. It helps me understand what you enjoy, ideas for future topics and to gain your input. Click here to fill in the 5 questions.
The first Winter Webinar is 1st Nov at 7pm - It’s all about how to be more creative with our coaching reflections and ways to think about post session reflections. Free to attend (recordings available for paid subscribers/members). Register here
The next Coaching Care Creativity Cafe is 8th Nov at 7pm - This one will examine what the coaching landscape is like for women. Join if you want to encourage more female coaches, be a supportive ally and share your own experiences. £5 or £3.99 for paid subscribers and members. Purchase your entry here
Interested in the November cohort of the Crusaders Leadership Programme? - I’m building a delegation of female coaches and female leaders. Drop me a message to find out more. It’s all online and can be done at your pace. See some FAQs about time here. Drop me a message to chat/register interest: jess@coachcarecreate.com or click the message me button at the end of the post.