Why get a coach?

So, you're wondering why you might want to work with a coach. It's a fair question. After all, there's no shortage of self-help books, online courses, and well-meaning advice out there. Why add another person into the mix?

Well, let's be honest. You probably don't need a coach in the same way you need food or shelter. You've likely got this far in your career and life without one, and you'll probably continue to navigate things just fine.

But "fine" isn't the same as "great," is it? And sometimes, even when things are going pretty well, you might feel like you're stuck in a bit of a rut, or that you're not quite reaching your full potential, or you don't know where to go from here. That's often where a coach can come in.

Think of it this way: you could probably learn to play a musical instrument by yourself, just by reading books and watching videos. Some people do! But having a good teacher—someone who can listen to you play, identify areas for improvement you might not even be aware of, and guide you with tailored exercises—will almost certainly help you progress faster and more effectively.

Coaching is a bit like that, but for your leadership skills, your career goals, or even your overall happiness and sense of direction.

Here are a few reasons why you might consider working with a coach:

• You want to get clearer on what you actually want. Sometimes, we're so busy with the day-to-day that we don't take the time to really think about our bigger picture. A coach can help you step back, reflect, and articulate your goals with more precision. What do you really want out of your career? What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
• You're facing a challenge and could use a fresh perspective. We all get stuck sometimes. We can become so immersed in a situation that we can't see the wood for the trees. A coach can offer an objective viewpoint, ask insightful questions, and help you see things from a different angle.
• You want to develop specific skills or behaviours. Maybe you know you need to improve your feedback skills, or become better at delegating, or build stronger relationships with your stakeholders. A coach can work with you to identify those areas and develop practical strategies for improvement.
• You want to be held accountable. It's easy to have good intentions, but sometimes life gets in the way, and those intentions fall by the wayside. A coach can help you stay focused on your goals and hold you accountable for taking the necessary steps.
• You want to unlock your potential. Perhaps you feel like you have more to offer but aren't quite sure how to tap into it. A coach can help you identify your strengths, challenge your limiting beliefs, and empower you to step outside your comfort zone.

Now, I'm not going to pretend that coaching is a magic bullet. It takes work—on your part. I don't have all the answers, and neither does any other coach. But what I can offer is a dedicated space for you to think, to explore, and to grow. I can ask the tough questions you might be avoiding, offer frameworks and tools to help you, and provide support and encouragement along the way.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a coach is a personal one. But if you're feeling that nudge—that sense that there's more you could be achieving or that you could be navigating your challenges more effectively—then exploring coaching might just be one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

It won't be easy. But the really worthwhile things rarely are. And if you're up for the work, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve.

“Ben was an absolute lifesaver during my time at GDM. As a woman of color in a leadership role, navigating complex organizational dynamics often felt daunting, especially when my role wasn't fully understood, requiring me to constantly drive clarity across teams. Ben consistently helped me approach tricky conversations with confidence, empowering me to maintain personal boundaries while delivering on priorities. He was exceptional at validating my perspective and experiences, helping me trust in my own significant impact even when others didn't fully grasp it. Ben also keenly recognized and helped me navigate the nuanced challenges that arose, providing invaluable guidance on how to manage these situations effectively."

Dorothy Chou

Director of the Public Engagement Lab at DeepMind & Angel Investor

“Ben was arguably the best manager I worked with during my 18 years at Google and DeepMind. He led with kindness and a deep respect for individual autonomy, creating the kind of environment where people could truly thrive. I always felt seen, supported, and trusted to do my best work. Ben brought out the best in those around him - not by micromanaging, but by believing in and empowering them. I’m thrilled he’s now coaching others, because his values and approach are exactly what thoughtful leadership looks like.”

Obum Ekeke

Co-Founder & CEO, MasteryHive AI
Ex Head of Education Partnerships, Google DeepMind

"Ben is a transformational leader and someone who I've turned to for advice many times over the years. When I was unsure what to do, Ben's wisdom, deep understanding of the technology industry and human touch, made him the first port of call. I've always left our conversations feeling clearer about the situation at hand, and grateful for his insight and perspective."

Iason Gabriel

Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind
Time 100 most influential people in AI 2024.

"If you want someone who's great at seeing around corners and turning the gray areas into practical actions, speak to Ben—I’ve left many of our chats wondering, ‘How was that not obvious?’"

Dhavanthi Hariharan

AlphaFold Product Manager, Google DeepMind

"Ben's mentorship has been incredibly valuable to my professional development. When I began leading a complex initiative on language fairness, Ben's guidance was pivotal in my ability to effectively lead the team and positively influence others. I really appreciate how Ben took genuine interest in my career and spent time getting to know me as an individual. He helped me recognise my strengths as a leader and build confidence."

Lisa Anne Hendricks

Research Scientist at DeepMind

"Ben was a critical mentor for me when I was taking my first steps as a formal leader, first as TL then as manager. Among many other lessons, he taught me to always be humble and acknowledge that I will never have perfect information, and yet be confident in my decision making for the benefit of the team goals and individuals. Over the years he always modelled leading with kindness and supported me in navigating the most difficult turns in my leadership journey."

Luis Carlo Cobo Rus

Director of Engineering, Google DeepMind