Isabel grows through new experiences as a coach

How did you experience your first role as a coach, and what did you take away from it?

My first experience as a coach was, above all, incredibly educational on multiple levels. It was both exciting and challenging to step consciously into a new role, one where I was not expected to provide immediate solutions but to create space for others. Observing how a group organizes itself, where progress stalls, and how dynamics evolve made it very clear to me how essential active listening, patience, and reflection are. What stood out most was seeing trust develop over time and how that trust enabled open, two-way feedback.

Did you have any initial uncertainties, and what helped you grow through them?

Of course, I had some initial uncertainties. I questioned whether I had sufficient experience or needed to know everything from a subject-matter perspective. I have since learned that this is not what truly matters. You grow into the role very quickly. Coaching is not about having all the answers; it is about working collaboratively with the group, encouraging questions, and continuously learning yourself. That mindset helped me move beyond those initial doubts.

What advice would you give to future coaches?

Be confident and take the step. You do not need to be perfectly prepared to create real value. What matters more is the motivation to share your experiences and give something back. Many of us can recall people who supported us during school, training, or university. Passing on that same level of commitment to the next generation of students is not only meaningful but also personally rewarding. And along the way, you will gain a great deal of valuable experience yourself.

Evonik has been a partner of business@school, the educational initiative of The Boston Consulting Group, for many years. This educational initiative gives high school students a close-up, hands-on look at business and entrepreneurship over the course of one school year.