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Elaine Yau

Pia Muggerud, Life coach
Young Post: How did you become a life coach?
Muggerud: I was born in Norway. Before I joined the industry, I worked in the field of design. Seven years ago,  before I found out about life coaching, I felt  lost  in my life. I began to read books on life coaching.
As I read more about the subject, I began to  understand my personal needs and gain clarity and a sense of direction.
I decided to train as a life coach and open my private practice.
YP: What do life coaches do?
Muggerud: Life coaches help their clients look into their past and see where they are  in their lives. I try to give as little advice as possible, as my role is to bring answers out of my clients and help them gain fulfilment and satisfaction from life.
During coaching sessions, I  ask my clients questions to help them discover their deeply hidden potential.
YP: How do you organise your coaching sessions?
Muggerud: The first meeting is an 'intake session' which lasts approximately two hours. After this initial session, my client and I  agree on a regular coaching schedule for four sessions a month.  Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes. The whole coaching programme ranges from three to 12 months.
Before each session, clients are asked to prepare and submit a feedback form in which they have to write about what they did during the past week, what they want to work on during the coaching session and how they are feeling at that time.
YP: What is the makeup of your clientele?
Muggerud: I have nine  clients.  Coaching sessions may be held in person or over the phone.  Clients may choose to meet at their homes, offices or  elsewhere.
It is important that coaching is conducted in a private setting not subject to disruptions.
As well as individual coaching, I  help my corporate clients train or coach their employees.
YP: What do you  enjoy about your job?
Muggerud: I love psychology and have a passion for people. The benefits of being a coach are both personal and professional. When I see my clients' sense of life satisfaction  increase, I feel the most satisfied.
Some of my clients  seemed lost when they first came to see me. Their jobs or  responsibilities may require more than they can handle or they just don't feel right about themselves.
I  encourage them to look at other options and find out what they want to focus on. As time passes, I  see  them change. This is really satisfying.
YP: What qualities should a good life coach possess?
Muggerud: A life coach has to love working with people and have a sense of compassion for people.
He has to be a patient listener.  He should also be generous, honest and willing to share his personal experience with his clients.
Career file
Resume
1995: Completed  post-graduate degree in design at the University of Edinburgh
2002: Received her coach training with US-based Coach University
Getting started
Course: Executive Diploma in Corporate Coaching
School: Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education
Duration: 120 hours
Characteristics: The programme is designed for managers and leaders who plan to introduce coaching in the workplace.  Taught by leading Hong Kong coaches and  guest presenters, the course  focus is on guided practice and practical application of coaching skills in the workplace.
Enquiries: http://hkuspace.hku.hk/index.php
Course: Foundation Certificate in Life Coaching
School: Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education
Duration: 60 hours
Characteristics: 60 hours of in-person training will lead to a Foundation Certificate. The programme covers basic principles of life coaching. Basic coaching skills are taught through theoretical and practical sessions.
Enquiries: http://hkuspace.hku.hk/
Career prospects
Graduates can become professional life coaches and work with their clients on a one-to-one basis, helping them to change careers, improve their prospects or find a better work-life balance.
While life coaching  has long enjoyed huge popularity in the west, it is just beginning to take off in Hong Kong.
Experienced life coaches can also take up teaching and hold training workshops, seminars and conferences for people who aspire to join the field.



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