Career Coaching FAQs

What is a career coach?

A career coach is a thought partner who collaborates with you, focusing on deepening your understanding of yourself, your career aspirations, and the steps needed to achieve your goals. The role of a career coach as a thought partner goes beyond simply providing advice or instructions. Instead, coaching involves actively listening, having powerful conversations, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging self-reflection to help you gain clarity, make informed decisions, achieve your personal and professional goals, and enhance the quality of your life.

Our time together aims to empower you to achieve your full potential and find fulfillment in your personal and professional life.  While specific goals may vary from person to person, our coaching empowers you to make informed decisions, take purposeful actions, and create a fulfilling and successful career aligned with your unique aspirations and values.

 

Yes, you can.  At OOS, we coach you, the individual, not your problem. This approach focuses on you as a unique individual and empowers you to change the quality of your life and the direction of your career in ways you’ve only dreamed about.

We value our relationship with you and know that you can only be fully invested in our coaching process if you can trust that what happens in our sessions stays in our sessions. We take every precaution to safeguard your trust and privacy.  We will provide a detailed description of the ethical code governing every client-coach relationship that OOS enters.  This document will describe our commitment to you as our client and explain what you can expect from our coaching relationship.

You will meet with your coach weekly.  This schedule has proven most effective as it provides you time to process and apply what you learned during our session while not losing the momentum you have built between our sessions.

We desire to make coaching as convenient as possible for you. We use Zoom technology in our coaching practice, which is the preferred method of connecting with you.  We provide you with simple to follow instructions on how to use the technology if you are unfamiliar with the Zoom platform.  We can also connect over the phone if needed. In-person sessions may be an option depending on your physical location.

The length of time we spend together will vary depending on many factors, yet ultimately it will depend on you and your desired outcomes.  Sometimes a coaching engagement can be very short, maybe only one or two sessions, to tailor a resume toward a specific occupation or job.  At other times the process can last three months or more if the client is looking to partner with OOS for multiple services and outcomes.

Of course, you are also a part of this equation. Your unique circumstances, goals, commitment, openness to change, willingness to look at yourself, and how quickly and thoughtfully you complete the agreed-upon action steps will also determine how much time we work together.

Ultimately, as the client, you are in control and may terminate our relationship at anytime.  However, some level of closure is normally beneficial for you as the client, and that is why we ask that you provide OOS with at least one week’s notification to prepare a final session that provides you with that closure.

-Coaching focuses on the present and the future.  Therapy focuses on the past and present.

-Coaching works with the conscious mind.  Therapy works with the unconscious mind.

-Coaching is goal oriented.  Therapy is focused on healing and resolving issues.

-Coaching is performance and action-oriented.  Therapy is diagnosis and treatment-oriented.

-Coaching focuses on the client’s expertise.  Therapy focuses on the clinician’s expertise.

It’s important to note that while there are distinct differences, there can be some overlap or similarities between coaching and therapy.  Both disciplines are concerned with making lasting changes in your life, the desire to help you understand how your thoughts and emotions impact your behavior, and helping you grow.

At Origins of Success, our clients are treated as unique individuals.  We take a holistic approach and understand that your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors are interrelated.  We do not use cookie-cutter techniques. We get to know you individually and customize our work together through that lens.  We monitor your progress, and if something is not working for you, we quickly realize that fact and will pivot accordingly. 

-Active listening and empathy in a safe, non-judgmental space.
-Thought-provoking questioning to help you explore your motivations, values, and potential barriers, leading toward increased self-awareness and clarity.
-Fresh and objective perspectives with alternative viewpoints and possibilities.
-Collaborative, realistic, and actionable goal setting.
-A co-creator of strategies and action plans that propel you to take ownership, feel motivated, and empowered to take the necessary steps toward your goals.
-Accountability and support to overcome obstacles and stay motivated during the natural ups and downs of a job search or career journey.
-A partner who will celebrate achievements, reflect with you on your learning, and help you integrate the lessons you learned into your ongoing career development.

Each individual who connects with us is offered a free, no-strings-attached consulting session.  During that 30-minute session, we discuss what has led you to explore working with a coach, what you hope to achieve by working with a career coach, onboarding details, and answer any questions about working with OOS.  Ultimately, we will decide if we are a good fit and can work together to achieve your goals.

If you believe at that point that you would like to partner with OOS in a client/coach engagement, we will execute a client-coach agreement. 

We start each coaching engagement with a comprehensive interview and, if indicated by your goals, an assessment such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This comprehensive approach allows us to deeply understand you as an individual, your life’s journey to date, and, most importantly, what type of transformation you seek in your personal and professional life. This introductory session will be the most important of our time together because it will set the foundation for what we will be working on from then on.

Origins of Success coaches are skilled practitioners who use a multi-modal coaching approach. Our approach is flexible and integrative.  It blends the conceptual framework of a humanistic approach with the techniques of a cognitive behavioral approach.  It is a humanistic approach that is client-centered and based on our premise that you already possess the makings of a successful career and life. We believe the origin of your success already lies within you. We utilize the techniques of cognitive behavioral coaching (CBC) because changing how you think can change how you feel and interact with the world around you. Benefits of CBC techniques include reducing day-to-day challenges associated with stress, perfectionism, and self-handicapping and enhancing resilience, performance, and self-management. Common self-management issues we can tackle together through CBC include procrastination, assertiveness, and difficulty making decisions.

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Women in Higher Education

Empowering Women in Higher Education

In the dynamic world of higher education, women leaders are making remarkable strides, breaking through barriers and reshaping the landscape of academia. However, our journeys to success are not without challenges. Recent American Council on Education data reveals a stark gender contrast across higher education institutions. While women are prominent at the staff and faculty levels, less than a third ever ascend to the role of administration. For those who do venture forward, the journey is fraught with challenges. 

Women in Higher Education - Learn More

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The secret of getting ahead is getting started.

- Mark Twain

Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

- Roy T. Bennett

The future belongs to those who believe in themselves.

- Unknown

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.

- Oprah Winfrey

Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure.

- Aisha Tyler

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

- Peter Drucker

Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life.

- Steve Jobs

Believe you can and you're halfway there.

- Theodore Roosevelt

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

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  • Origins of Success 2023
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  • Dr. Brenda Kays
  • brenda@originsofsuccess.com
  • www.originsofsuccess.com
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The Origins of Success logo depicts a nautilus. Nautiluses have been in existence for hundreds of millions of years.  They have survived five mass extinctions—all unfazed. While the nautilus cephalopod and humans are vastly different organisms, I selected the nautilus shell as a logo because I believe that there are comparisons between the nautilus’s remarkable ability to thrive by continuing its growth and how we, as humans, also thrive through continual growth, adaptability, learning from our past, self-development, and balance. 

Continual Growth

   – Nautilus: Nautiluses are known for their unique method of growth. They have a spiral shell with internal chambers. As the nautilus grows, it creates new, larger chambers, leaving the smaller, older ones behind. This adaptation allows them to maintain buoyancy at different stages of their life.

   – Humans: Like the nautilus, humans also have the capacity for continual growth throughout their lives. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, or developing emotionally, humans can adapt and expand their capabilities over time.

 Adaptability

   – Nautilus: The nautilus adjusts to its changing needs by creating new chambers in its shell. This adaptability is crucial for its survival, allowing it to navigate different depths in the ocean.

   – Humans: Personal growth often involves adapting to changing circumstances. Humans who seek improvement must be adaptable, open to learning new things, and adjusting their perspectives to overcome challenges.

Learning from the Past

   – Nautilus: The abandoned chambers in the nautilus shell serve as a record of its past growth. Each chamber represents a stage in its life, and the nautilus can learn from its history.

   – Humans: Reflecting on past experiences is integral to personal growth. Learning from successes and failures helps humans make informed decisions and improve their future outcomes.

Self-Development

   – Nautilus: The nautilus doesn’t stop growing until the end of its life. It actively engages in self-development by creating new chambers, allowing it to remain buoyant and survive in different environments.

   – Humans: Similarly, individuals who seek personal growth are on a continuous journey of self-development. Whether through education, skill-building, or personal experiences, humans strive to become better versions of themselves throughout their lives.

Balance

   – Nautilus: The nautilus maintains buoyancy and balance by adjusting its shell’s structure. This equilibrium is crucial for its survival.

   – Humans: Achieving balance in various aspects of life, such as work and personal life, is a common goal for those seeking personal growth. Balancing different facets contributes to overall well-being and success.

Like the nautilus, you, too, can change, evolve, and thrive.  Your origin of success already lies within you.  Like the nautilus, you can take charge of your destiny today and move from the old to the new!

Dr. Kays CV

Education

2001 Ed.D., University of North Texas-Denton, TX

Major: Applied Technology, Training & Development

Minor: Computer Education & Cognitive Systems, Distance LearningEmphasis

Dissertation Title: The Effect of Psychological Type, Economic Status, and Minority Classification on the Pass/Fail Rates of Vocational Nursing Students

1989 M.Ed., Midwestern State University-Wichita Falls, TX

Major: Counseling

1984 B.A., Midwestern State University-Wichita Falls, TX

Major: Psychology

Minor: Sociology

Professional Licensure and Certification

Licensed Professional Counselor

Certified Professional Life Coach

Professional Experience

2016-Present President, Kilgore College (KC), TX

2022-2023 Special Advisor to the Commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board(THECB), TX

2011-2016 President, Stanly Community College (SCC), NC

2008-2011 Vice-President of Student Learning and Success, Guilford Technical Community College(GTCC), NC

Teaching Experience

2013-2021 Wingate University, Ballantyne, NC-Ed.D. Program in Community College Leadership,

Teaching/Learning & Student Success and Student Services

2009-2011 Guilford Technical Community College, NC–Introduction to Human Service Technology

2008 Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX-Graduate, Communication Skills for HumanResource Development

2003-2004 University of North Texas, Denton, TX-Graduate and Undergraduate-Curriculum Design,Advanced

Facilitation Strategies and Leadership

Awards/Honors/Appointments

2022 Phi Theta Kappa Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction

2021 Commission on Community College Finance-Appointee of Texas Speaker Dade Phelan

2018 Arthur F. Beyer Distinguished Alumnus, Midwestern State University

2016 Stanly Community College-Faculty Innovation Center Naming Dedication

2006 Tom Natale’ Distinguished Leadership Award

2006 Distinguished Alumna West College of Education, Midwestern State University

1999 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Select Professional Activities

2004-Present Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Appeals Committee Member 2023-2025; Board of Directors Executive Committee 2018-2020; Boardof Directors 2015-2020; Served as peer evaluator on 12 Onsite Committees (Chaired 5) and 1 OffsiteCommittee

2016-Present Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Chair, Chair Elect, Legislative Committee Chair

2020-2023 National Center for Inquiry and Improvement Rural Leader Learning Community

2022–Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board College Needs & Opportunities Steering Committee

2021-2022 Texas 2036 Higher Education Finance Simulator Advisory Group

2017-2020 Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Community and Technical College Leadership Council

Select Workshop/Conference Presentations/Briefs

2023 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference-Panelist-Texas Commission on Community College Finance-Denver, CO

2023 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Conference-Presenter-Scaling 8-Week

Terms for Institutional Transformation-Denver, CO

2023 Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Board of Trustee Institute-Presentation-8-Week

Course Journey-Lakeway, TX

2022 Texas Lyceum-Panelist-Educating a Well-Rounded and Reliable Workforce-Longview, TX

2022 Educate Texas Fall Policy Convening-Panelist-Regional Workforce Alignment: Report from Members of the Texas Community College Finance Commission-Houston, TX

2022 Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Women in Business-Panelist-Lessons Learned from Women

Who Have Broken the Glass Ceiling-Kilgore, TX

2022 Community College Association of Texas Trustees Annual Meeting-Panelist-K-12 Partnerships and Pathways, Houston, TX

2022 Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC) Board of Trustees Institute-Panelist-Texas Commission on Community College Finance-San Antonio, TX

2021 National Center for Inquiry and Improvement-Rural Community College Leader Series    

Acting Boldly to Build Financial Solvency View the PDF

2021 Texas Guided Pathways Conference Presentation–Expanding Horizons to Support Students Who

Never Knew They Had a Choice-Dallas, TX

2021 Texas Economic Development Connection–Panelist-Developing Your Texas Workforce-Webinar

2021 Grantmakers for Education Conference Panelist–New Insights to Advance an Equity Agenda in Higher Education and Postsecondary Pathways-Webinar

2021 Aspen Institute College Excellence Program National Symposium Panelist–Guided Pathways-Webinar

2023, 2021, 2017 E4 Leadership Kilgore Presenter-Myers Briggs Type Indicator Workshop-Gilmer, TX

2021 Grantmakers for Education Panelist–Supporting Rural Communities: Emerging Lessons Learned & Opportunities for the Future Webinar