Fun fact about me: I was a university career coach for three and a half years. I really enjoyed helping my students connect to what they love, and showing them how to position themselves for their next opportunity. They have gone on to do amazing things, embark on cool careers, and many of them make more money than I do. I still provide advice here and there, and definitely have tried to practice what I've preached in my own searches and exploration. But what happens when the coach needs a coach? Over time I've learned that I can't do it all, and that even includes doing things for myself. I decided that this year I was going to get some assistance in unlocking my path into better clarity and alignment professionally.

This month’s Britt Buys Black feature is Nadéjiah Towns. I recently finished up her Career Alignment Accelerator program because I wanted to enter the mid-stage of my professional career with greater intention and better understanding of my value because I'm still chasing these coins as I approach 30. Not only was I seeking clarity on how to align my skills with my financial worth, but also getting a better grasp on the strengths that I have and the skills that I enjoy using on a day-to-day basis. She was tremendously helpful in coaching me as I sorted out my own stuff and really uncovered what was going to be important to me in my next move.

Nadéjiah helps women of color “reclaim power over their careers and vocalize their value to increase their income.” (Period!) She recently transitioned to coaching full-time after spending the early stages of her business as a resume writer while juggling a full-time higher education position. She was in reslife y’all. That ish is no joke! She has a very laid back, yet accountable style that makes you feel like you’re working through this with one of your girlfriends--except she knows even more of what she’s talking about. Over the six weeks, I was gathered in a loving way and set straight on a path to preparing for moves I actually want, not just what happens to pop up. I’ve already began revisiting assignments to help me on this journey.

Now, getting a coach is an investment into your future. If you could do it alone, you would have by now. Here are some other tips I have to help you tap in:

Follow that coach on social media to get their vibe. Do you even like what they’re talking about? How about their messaging style? Do they have some shared experiences or identities that resonate with you. Study them first. See if they have freebies to get a taste of their programs.

Make small investments in yourself. You have to get in a habit of investing in personal development. For me that first step was buying courses and programs. Start to put some change aside for a personal development fund. More often than not the investment will pay for itself and then some.

Get your mind right. Successful coaching experiences also depend on you being coachable. That looked like going through therapy first for me. I had to sort out other mental blockages before I could take on new info. Your consultation session can help you both determine if you’re ready. These sessions will only work as hard as you do.

Follow Nadéjiah on Instagram linked here. Also, we’ll be doing an IG Live session on March 3 at 5p EST to discuss my experience in the program. Catch us live or on the replay!

Tap in!