Online Coaching with CEO of Your Life
Growth from a Distance

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Are you considering an online coach?

Are you considering an online leadership coach, executive coach or other type of professional online coaching? We’re living in a new era where more and more people are working remotely, teams are dispersed, and individuals and businesses are continually looking for ways to work virtually, without sacrificing human connection. 

The amazing thing about today’s technology is that it empowers us to connect across so many divides, one of them being physical distance. It’s time to fully embrace the tools and resources available to us in the virtual world, so that nothing can hold us back from bringing the best of ourselves forward.

Whether you’re looking for a Coach to work virtually, or a Coach to help your teams, leadership or executives excel in a virtual environment, Melissa can help you reach new heights of success and connection.

Connection matters. When you can engage on a deeply human level, have the tough conversations that need to be had, recognize and uplift your own value and the value in others, you create trust, cultivate cooperation, and open new pathways for individual and corporate success. Best of all, you can achieve that connection in a virtual environment. 

All CEO of Your Life workshops and coaching programs were designed to be conducted either in person or online. Based in Montreal, we have years of experience coaching individuals and teams across the globe using a variety of online tools and resources. 

Wherever you may be – physically or in life – Melissa is here to connect with you.

Online Coaching Services

Online Corporate & Leadership Coaching

Successful leadership bridges the gap between what matters to you and what matters to me – what matters to the individual employee and what matters to the organization. It guides people to align their own strengths and values with the goals of the business. A strong leader excels in times of chaos or transition, making the conscious choice to create from what comes up, instead of fighting against it.

Learn how an online leadership coach can help you increase engagement, productivity, retention and more. 

Go to Corporate & Leadership Coaching.

Online Executive Coaching

To cultivate a strong executive team, you don’t need people to prove their value. You need them to put their value into action. 

Learn how an online executive coaching company can help your executive team fully embrace their value and unique strengths, bring it forward with courage and confidence, and rise to occasions of chaos, uncertainty or transition with purpose, courage and clarity. Go to Executive Business Coaching.

Go to Executive Business Coaching.

Online Team Performance Coaching

External challenges should be where most of your team resources go – connecting with customers, capitalizing on market trends, staying ahead of the competition, creative problem solving, etc. Your team cannot do that well if the bulk of their energy is focused on internal challenges, or on chaos or uncertainty coming from outside the business.

Learn how online team performance coaching gives you tools and structures that unleash the real power of your teams to create positive, sustainable and measurable results.

Go to Team Performance Coaching.

Online Coaching Through Crisis

When a crisis arises – global or otherwise – we find ourselves dealing with a new reality of strangeness and uncertainty, with new recommendations, guidelines and theories emerging sometimes hourly. But, in times of crisis it is not only possible, but hugely beneficial to build new levels of engagement within your organization.

Learn how online coaching during times of crisis can strengthen your organization for the long term. 

Go to How to Create New Levels of Engagement in a Time of Crisis.

Online Life & Business Coaching

The CEO of Your Life Academy offers personal development and business coaching entirely online. Whether you want to get clarity on the values, passions and strengths that drive you, or jump start your own heart-led business, these online programs are packed with proven coaching strategies as well as teachings from my own journeys of self-discovery and business building.

Go to the CEO of Your Life Academy.

Online VIP Personal Executive & Leadership Coaching

Melissa offers intensive, highly customized, one-on-one coaching for executives and high-level leaders who are highly motivated to create transformation in their lives. 

As a former VP, Melissa knows first hand the challenges, pressures and opportunities that come with being at a higher level within an organization, and that these elements can impact our personal lives as well.

With Melissa as your personal, VIP coach, you will have the benefit of a highly customized coaching program that recognizes the realities of being in a high-level role, and is designed around your unique goals and lifestyle.

Learn how you can truly become the CEO of Your Life With Melissa Dawn as your personal coach.

Go to VIP Personal & Leadership Coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Coaching

Our need to connect… for community… for leadership…

A good online coach will make use of a variety of virtual tools for coaching. One-on-one sessions will ideally be held over a video call using tools like Zoom or Skype. Phone calls may also be used when video isn’t an option, but video is preferred as it allows your coach to excavate the unsaid, taking note of your body language, facial expressions, energy shifts and so on. Video also empowers a stronger connection between coach and coachee, helping to build trust, openness and realness.

For online group coaching, your coach will work with you to determine the ideal tools to use, and will either opt for a tool like Zoom or an online webinar tool to conduct coaching workshops or sessions. The tool(s) will depend on factors such as the size of the group, style of coaching, objective of the workshop/session, etc.

Additionally, a great deal of coaching work happens between sessions. This is when coachees work on their “homework”, ask themselves tough questions, and begin applying the tools and strategies learned from their coach. Because of this, a good coach will also make themselves available to some degree in between sessions via email, or through quick phone calls or instant messaging chats.

  • Flexibility
    Without the need for travel on either side, scheduling is often more flexible. Some virtual coaches also work outside typical business hours, or you can get creative and find coaches in different time zones to accommodate different scheduling needs.

  • Ease of access
    When life feels like it’s moving too fast, being able to simply click and connect from the comfort of your home or office might be exactly what you need. Do keep in mind, however, that many in-person coaches are happy to travel to a place of business, eliminating the need for you to commute.

  • Remote teams can attend together
    More and more teams now work remotely, or on a hybrid model. Virtual coaching allows such teams to have that powerful group coaching experience without disrupting regular schedules.

  • Creates inclusivity with remote teams
    Many teams now span countries and even continents. That can create issues of inclusivity, especially a sense of not belonging among team members who are farthest from the main hub. By engaging in coaching together, deeper interpersonal bonds can develop, which means higher performing teams, and greater inclusivity.

  • May cost less
    Proceed with caution on this one and remember the adage, “you get what you pay for.”
    Coaches that are 100% virtual may be able to save money on travel expenses and office space, which can reduce costs for you. In other cases, costs may be lower because much of the material is pre-recorded, and there’s little-to-no direct communication with the coach, customization, personalized feedback, etc. There’s nothing wrong with that if that’s all you need. Just be aware that the more personal time a coach spends with you or your team – either virtually or in person – the greater the impact of the coaching. And there’s a cost for that.

  • BONUS: There’s no risk of spreading germs.
    It’s a post-Covid world and even when risks are low, many people simply feel more comfortable when they can reduce direct contact. Also, if you’re coaching as a team and one team member is sniffly or feeling something coming on, they don’t have to miss out on a coaching session to be safe.
  • Technology isn’t perfect
    Sometimes the wifi is spotty, links aren’t working, someone needs to download the software, the power goes out, the connection is weak, the screen share won’t work… technology is great when it works, not when it doesn’t.

  • The personal connection isn’t as strong
    There’s something about being in the room together, maybe getting settled with a coffee or tea, shaking hands, and sharing that physical space that deepens connection and builds trust much faster than can be achieved virtually.

  • Body language is easier to read in person
    For coaches, listening is never just about the words being said. It’s about noticing the whole energy of the person speaking. It’s also about noticing that energy when they’re hearing you. That’s easier to do in person than online when the camera only captures a single, limited frame.

  • It’s easier to keep up our “masks” online
    Many of us get into “Zoom mode” before we join virtual meetings. It isn’t our truest selves, and it’s that true self that needs to come out in coaching. Part of a good coaching relationship is guidance in how to drop those masks and bring your most authentic self forward, and that can be trickier with a virtual barrier in place.

  • Audio isn’t great in a group
    Despite the advances in technology, it’s still easier to pick out individual voices in person than in a virtual group call.

This entirely depends on your unique circumstances, strengths, challenges and goals. It also depends on your relationship with your coach, and your commitment to growth (or the commitment of your team).

This is why it’s so important to have an initial conversation with a coach, either by phone, video conference or in person. A good coach understands and respects the importance of fit. They will not charge for this initial consultation, and they will use as much of the time as possible to ask questions and truly hear what you have to say.

So… Can online coaching be effective? It absolutely can, and it can even have some advantages over in-person coaching, as noted above. If you would like to have that key initial conversation, connect with Melissa.

Every coach will have a different style and approach to coaching, so it’s worth looking around to find a good fit for your needs. Connection and trust are so important in the coach-coachee relationship, so look for someone you resonate with, and who doesn’t shy away from vulnerability.

To find the right business coach for you, you can do an online search, ask people in your social or professional network, or put the word out through LinkedIn. Many coaches publish articles through outlets like Thrive Global, Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes and even LinkedIn Publisher. If you read something that strikes a chord with you, check out who wrote it! 

When it comes to business coaching, you also want to find someone who has a business background – someone who understands what it takes to bring a business to the next level. Look for someone who has accomplished what you want to accomplish, who walks their own talk, and whose values are aligned with yours.

Once you have a few leads, treat it like an interview process and set up calls with each of them. There should be no charge for this call and you shouldn’t feel pressured to sign on the spot. Coaching works best when you and your coach vibe well together. Focus on the connection!

Every leadership coach will have their own style and approach. Before seeking out an online leadership coach, reflect on the type of leader you want to be, or the type of leadership you want to cultivate within your team or organization (although if that’s something you struggle with, a good coach can help you get clarity).

Leadership coaching is really about getting to the core of who you are, what matters to you, and what strengths, passions and values are within you and can be brought forward. It’s a deeply personal journey of leading yourself first, so it’s important that your coach is someone you can get real with. 

Reach out to your network for recommendations – especially people you trust and admire. Read articles, search online and perhaps most importantly, scroll through the social media accounts of coaches you discover. If what they’re posting resonates with you, there’s a good chance you’ll connect well in a coach-coachee relationship. Also check out their websites and blog content to see their style and approach, and to see their take on some of the questions or situations you may be facing.

Finally, set up calls with the ones that most resonated with you to see if that initial online connection translates to a one-on-one connection. Make sure your values are aligned and find out if this is a coach who walks their talk (meaning, they really do know how it feels to take the steps). Make sure it feels right and that you feel comfortable asking any questions you need answered.

Many executives prefer online coaching as it is often a better fit for their busy schedules. When it comes to executive coaching, look for someone who takes a holistic approach that factors in all areas of your life, not just the professional sphere. 

Life doesn’t happen in silos. What happens in one area of your life will spill into others. It’s extremely common for busy executives to struggle with that elusive work-life balance. An effective executive coach will help you bring everything into focus, uncover your true values, strengths and passions, and guide you towards real, courageous change that takes all aspects of your life – personal and professional – to new heights. They will help you get clarity, act as a soundboard, as your accountability partner, and help you see (and work with) your blind spots.

Also look at their certifications, experience and specialties. Make sure this is someone you feel comfortable opening up with completely. Ask them what it’s like working with them. It’s so important that you feel comfortable with your coach, but equally important that you feel a bit uncomfortable at times, meaning you want someone who asks you tough questions and doesn’t shy away from digging deep. It should be someone who can dance with whatever comes up, guiding you to get comfortable with those uncomfortable parts of yourself and your circumstances.

When it comes to online life coaching, it really comes down to your unique situation and what you’re hoping to get out of a coaching relationship. In the online coaching world, your options range from simple coaching apps, up to the full, in-depth coaching experience and a range of options in between. Many life coaches generalize, meaning they are available to guide you through a multitude of circumstances or goals. Others prefer to specialize. For example, some specialize in romantic relationships, others in parenting, some on health and wellbeing, money and finances, physical environment, friends, family and so on.

Life coaching is becoming a saturated market, meaning there are many, many life coaches out there. The positive side is that with so many options, there is definitely someone out there who is an amazing fit for you. The challenge is wading through them! A great approach for finding an online life coach is to follow their social media accounts to see if you connect with what they’re sharing, but also to see how they respond to people to others who share content or ask questions. Also look for client reviews as this can give you a well rounded picture of their approach. 

Finally, look at their experience and make sure they are certified with the ICF (International Coach Federation). The coaching certification market is also saturated and self-regulated, meaning anyone can take a weekend course, for example, get a certificate and say they are a “certified” coach. But the ICF sets the standard in coaching. Certification with the ICF is a lengthy process which demands on-the-job experience and coach supervision, as well as experiential learning and exams. 

With ICF certification, there are 3 levels of coaches and typically, a coach’s rates will reflect their experience: 

  • ACC – 100+ experience coaching hours
  • PCC – 500+ experience coaching hours
  • MCC – 2500+ experience coaching hours

Regardless of your goals, needs or circumstances, remember that what happens in one area of life will always impact other areas. Even a coach who specializes in one area should be fully aware of this and prepared to help you take an honest look at all areas to see where work needs to be done, and what amazing things within you can be brought forward or amplified.

You are more than what is happening in your life; more than your circumstances; more than your accomplishments; more than your setbacks; more than your relationships. Whether coaching in person or online, look for a coach that acknowledges and embraces the fullness of the human experience – someone who can help you reach your goals by showing you the fullness and richness of your inner experience, and how you can bring that forward to create an amazingly whole life that you’re excited to wake up to.

In terms of the technical side, remember that connection matters – in the relationship and technical sense! When looking for an online coach, look for someone who will work with what you have, who you feel you can open up to, makes you feel heard, provides you with a safe space and is aligned with your values.

First, you want to start with your goals and/or circumstances. Ask things like, “Is this something you can guide me through?” and “Do you have experience with similar situations?”

You then want to ask about their approach. For example, “How do you approach a new coaching relationship?” or “What does a coaching relationship with you typically look like?”

You will also want to ask about outcomes. A good coach will not make promises about the outcome because the outcome depends heavily on what the coachee is willing to put in. A good coach will work hard for you, but ultimately, you are the one who has to take the real steps towards creating what you want. So, instead of asking about guarantees or promises, ask, “What outcomes do you typically see with clients?” or “If I really stick with this, what should I expect to experience?”

If you’re liking what you hear, ask about the programs and/or packages available, and don’t be shy to ask about pricing, payment plans or any other financial questions or concerns. It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask for pricing information to be sent to you by email so that you can take your time. Choosing a coach is an important decision and a good coach will respect that.

Also ask them if they provide support in between sessions and, if so, how (email, phone, IM). Ask about their session length too, as coaches can vary session time from between 30 minutes, up to 1.5 hours, with the average being between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Finally, ask what led them into coaching to have them share their journey and see what it brings up in you.

Whether it’s executive, life, leadership, team or any other kind of coaching, the coach-coachee relationship is a powerful one that works best when there is trust and realness. Of course it’s normal at the beginning to struggle with opening up. Vulnerability is hard! But you should feel like your coach is someone you can work up to getting fully open and vulnerable with. 

If that feeling isn’t there, then it probably isn’t the right fit for you and that’s ok! Entering a coaching relationship is an act of self care and it’s perfectly acceptable to say, “This just isn’t working for me.” 

If you haven’t entered into any kind of agreement yet, simply thank them for their time and continue on with your search. There are so many different styles and approaches. Your coach is out there!

If you have already entered into an agreement, just be upfront and go from there. Just be sure to ask yourself some powerful questions first, such as, “Is it really my coach or is my coach touching on something I am not ready to look at?” Your coach is there to co-create with you, they cannot adjust to what you need if you don’t let them know what is working and not working. This is why being upfront and honest about how you are feeling is so important. Honesty brings things into focus and helps you see if it’s something you can work with, or simply is not the right fit.

Coaching apps can be fantastic for a little mental decluttering, to help you sort through a little decision making, or if you just need a bit of accountability to keep you on track. If that’s all you need, they can be a great choice.

However, if you really want to dig in deep and create some serious change in your life, a coaching app (unless it’s one that complements a more in-depth program) likely won’t give you that coach-coachee relationship that can really help you excavate what is within you, help you design an approach that works with your needs, lifestyle and circumstances, provide tailored feedback, and hold you accountable in a way that honours who you are and what you’re truly capable of. Also, since coaching apps are pre-programmed, they can’t show you your blind spots, be a listening ear and dance in the moment with you. So, for example, if you find yourself regularly coming up against the same obstacles or patterns anytime you try to make a change in your life, there is likely something (often several things!) deeper to excavate that a coach can be your partner in uncovering.

Whether or not you hire any coach – online or in-person – is a personal decision that you should not feel pressured into. This is why having an initial conversation is so important. During that first conversation, a good coach should focus on learning as much as possible about you – your unique circumstances and goals. If that is their main focus, that’s a wonderfully green flag that this is someone who truly wants to help you grow, and understands the importance of doing so in a way that genuinely works for you.

Even still, a coach may be great, but their style or approach just may not feel right for you. Listen to your gut. Try to do that bit of tuning in work to understand what your body is telling you. Making decisions can be tough. If you’re struggling, try some of the practices here to help you make decisions with greater confidence.

As a Certified Co-Active Coach, MCC, CPCC, CTPC, best-selling author and motivational speaker, Melissa helps leaders and their teams go from good to great, and from great to masterful. She does this by getting to the heart of the issues – working to solve problems at their core, then highlight and reinforce the unique strengths and values of the leader, so that they can move forward with courage, compassion and confidence.

Melissa is a down-to-earth leader with a natural talent for connecting with individuals at all levels of management. She is known to be empathetic, but assertive in her coaching style, and enjoys an excellent track record working with high performing individuals and teams.

Empower the natural leader inside everyone and build their confidence to bring it forward in all that they do.

Connect with Melissa

Melissa’s HR, coaching, leadership skills and positivity were invaluable assets to our company. She hired and trained a great team, gave our employees tools to bring out the best of themselves in their work and helped us co-create an engaging culture. She also helped strengthen team relationships and communication. You can have the best product or service in the world, but if you don’t have a strong team behind it, you aren’t going anywhere. Melissa helped us build that strength.

Melissa was invited to Medtronic as a motivational speaker, where she captivated the audience with her dynamic presentation skills and her ability to both engage and influence a room. Her workshop is well thought out and is complimented with a crisp presentation, the combination makes working with Melissa- impactful, educational and most importantly – fun!

As a follow-up to her workshop, Melissa (a certified Co-Active Coach) also worked 1 on 1 with employees to ensure they were clear on how to implement and sustain the tools she introduced in her talk.

They Trust Us

CEO of Your Life has been trusted by several top organizations.

How Melissa Dawn is inspiring thousands

Melissa Dawn guides executives and high-level leaders to step into their full power and become the leaders they know they are meant to be. She is a renowned executive & leadership coach, keynote speaker, workshop leader, bestselling author, master practitioner of energy medicine and the founder of CEO of Your Life. Having transitioned from two decades of corporate experience to building her own business, Melissa has a strong understanding of what it means to truly thrive in our professional lives in a way that not only complements our personal lives, but lifts up our full life experience and that of the people around us. As a Master Certified Coach, Melissa takes a holistic, values-led approach to guiding executives and high-level leaders to become agents of positive change by connecting with their inner leaders. Through innovative workshops & coaching programs, Melissa works with individuals, teams and organizations and has helped thousands become the CEOs of their personal and professional lives with confidence, success and joy.

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