Coaching Chronicles with Utkarsh

Author: Team xMonks | Published on: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 04:28:36 +0000

About the Interviewee: Utkarsh Narang

Utkarsh Narang is a Life Skill Facilitator and Executive Coach. He began his professional career as a physiotherapist and had a successful private practice. In search of answers to life's bigger questions, he joined a global leadership training institute where he started by recording and editing videos for Ivy-league professors, went on to oversee operations and sales. After a 15-year career in India and the United States in the healthcare and education sectors, in the middle of the pandemic, he founded IgnitedNeurons to inspire and ignite each individual's unique spark. He is a Certified Happiness Coach, NLP Practitioner, and ACC-ICF-certified Coach. IgnitedNeurons' goal is to accompany you on your quest to discover who you are and who you can become.

Utkarsh's Career Journey

From Physiotherapist to Coach

Utkarsh discusses his career journey, starting with his physiotherapy practice and then transitioning to the world of leadership training. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and pursuing his values, which led him to a role at a global leadership training institute where he learned from Ivy League professors.

The Power of Coaching

His coaching journey began in 2017 when he was encouraged to get coaching himself. He experienced a transformative six months with an executive coach, leading him to decide to become a coach. He furthered his coaching education by enrolling in The Art and Science of Coaching program at xMonks and ultimately founded IgnitedNeurons in 2020.

Utkarsh's Coaching Philosophy

Coaching vs. Toxic Positivity

Utkarsh believes in a balanced approach to positivity, emphasizing that an overdose of anything can be harmful. He compares his energy to the ocean, with a dynamic outer surface and a calm inner depth, illustrating how he manages to be both energetic and grounded.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

He highlights the importance of coaching for personal growth, explaining how coaching helped him overcome self-doubt and embrace the five Ericksonian principles, which promote self-acceptance and non-judgmental thinking.

The Importance of Coaching Certifications

Utkarsh strongly advocates for coaching certifications, believing that they provide valuable knowledge and skills. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially from a PCC coach, and recommends xMonks' certification programs led by Gaurav.

Coaching as a Human Journey

Utkarsh views coaching as a human journey, acknowledging that his personal and professional growth intertwine. He emphasizes the role of coaching in enhancing his relationships with his wife and children.

Compartmentalizing Coaching

He discusses his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of focusing on his breath and creating a non-judgmental space for his coachees. He believes that being truly present allows him to conduct back-to-back sessions without feeling drained.

Memorable Coaching Moments

Utkarsh shares a memorable experience with a client from a large advertising and marketing organization, where coaching helped the individual improve their communication, managerial capabilities, and accountability. He highlights the transformative power of coaching, where individuals often connect the dots and find surprising solutions.

Utkarsh's View on Online vs. Offline Coaching

Embracing the Online World

Utkarsh has exclusively worked with clients online, finding the flexibility and accessibility advantageous. However, he recognizes the potential for a richer experience in offline coaching, where he can better understand body language and energy exchange.

Age Group Focus

He explains his focus on coaching individuals between the ages of 30 to 45, as he finds that he resonates most with this group.

Coaching Friends

He discusses the challenge of coaching friends, highlighting the need to establish clear boundaries and maintain professionalism.

Utkarsh's Personal Reflections

Writing and Video Production

He describes his preference for video as a method of communication but enjoys writing on and off.

The Importance of Coaching for Coaches

He advocates for coaches to seek coaching themselves, similar to therapists who seek therapy. He shares his own experience with regular coaching sessions and peer coaching groups, emphasizing the importance of ongoing growth and support.

Living by Maya Angelou's Quote

He reflects on Maya Angelou's quote about the lasting impact of how we make people feel, aligning it with his desire to touch a billion lives positively.

Advice for Aspiring Coaches

He advises aspiring coaches to prioritize inner work and self-understanding before embarking on their coaching journey, believing that it forms a strong foundation for effective coaching.

Conclusion

Utkarsh's journey from physiotherapist to coach highlights the importance of self-reflection, value-driven decisions, and continuous learning. He emphasizes the transformative power of coaching both personally and professionally, encouraging others to embrace the journey and seek ongoing support. His passionate commitment to making a positive impact on the world serves as an inspiration for aspiring coaches and those seeking personal growth.