Why I became a Coach

I have found a lot of power and healing in relationships in my life.

Early in my youth development in middle school and high school, I was deeply drawn to supporting my peers. I tried this out through our peer helpers at my school, and was always that kid at summer camp. (Yes, I was totally a summer camp kid, and I have some of that “type” of energy!) Through a series of wilderness travel experiences with my peers, I also learned that my knack for supporting teams and building people up in different settings.

Fast forward to my mid-twenties and I found myself in a “career path” in public health and grappling with incredibly complex systems (government, funding systems, universities) that are harming both the people who work in them and the people they are serving and accountable to. As I’ve grown my analysis of systemic oppression and injustice, I now know that this is pervasive and that there are so many of us working to change these systems to do less harm and more good, and how to manage that pain and disappointment. But as a mid-twenties, new public health professional I was angry, sad, and had no idea how I could continue in this field or make a difference.

Then came my first coach, Hanna.

Hanna held angry, rage-ful, devastated young Shor with such grace and humility. She deeply listened to where I was at and supported me even though I was all over the place. And when it came time to interrupt my anger with something healing, she asked me, “Shor, what are you good at? What brings you joy?”

No one had asked me that in the context of work, and it felt like a revelation. It focused our conversations to what I was truly good at, being in meaningful and right relationship with people, coaching, facilitation, training, and equity and social justice work.

And that is what I have focused on since that conversation in 2014. Each step and decision has been in line with that original question of “What are you good at? What brings you joy?” and it ultimately led me right here to Coach Shor.

Now don’t get me wrong, there have been plenty of painful and difficult moments and decisions. But that anchor has held me up in ways I don’t even yet understand myself.

So here I am. Grateful* and ready to meet you on your journey.

*Grateful to Hanna. Grateful to my coaches and faculty at Blooming Willow Coaching and Consulting where I studied to become a Certified Professional Coach. Grateful to the many other mentors who have shaped my journey.