Coaching Testimonials
What do our coaching clients say?
We have grouped our testimonials into the two different styles of coaching available so you can read the ones that are relevant for you. Click on the category that interests you to go to them.
Organisational
As a Director for a major Fitness company in the US, I had originally trained in the theater and had a career as a Broadway performer. I mention this because one world actually flowed nicely into the other when I decided to go back to school and change careers. After receiving my Master’s Degree from Columbia University, I immediately landed Director positions in the top fitness studios and clubs in NYC, NY. The world of fitness has not always been a sophisticated business. It initially began as small “aerobic” studios and has now evolved into big business with heavy corporate ownership and influence.
I have been fortunate enough to have had some amazing opportunities along the way, and my job now is probably the best opportunity ever. I am focused now on continually growing and moving up the ladder to Vice President.
But to get there, I realized I needed to be seen in a different light by the executive committee…that if I wanted to be viewed as executive material, I would need to learn how to “manage up”. I always thought I was a good communicator, but I wasn’t getting the traction I needed for my department from the Executive committee. I realized that I was not as an effective communicator as I needed to be. Through a mutual contact, I reached out to Belinda and the WorkStyle program. I needed to have the Executive team view me as executive material and felt that Belinda’s coaching program could help me. For several months, after completing the disks, and identifying my strengths, we worked on my biggest presentation of the year for the executive committee together. I can honestly say that I don’t think I would have had any where near the level of success that I had if I hadn’t been working with Belinda. Our strategic planning and her continual feedback during our sessions provided me with new insights and most importantly, confidence, so that I could give my presentation in a clear, thoughtful, organized and passionate way! I am continuing my work with Belinda because I truly believe in the value that she brings to the training…the really great news is that all that I have learned with her can also be applied to one’s personal life as well, so you get double bang for your buck! At age 51, I know there are greater opportunities ahead and with Belinda’s focus on clarity, objectivity and directional guidance, I know that those can be mine if I just do the work to get there.
Carol E, National Director Equinox Fitness, New York
As a participating coach in a program agreed between the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the United Nations World FoodProgramme (WFP), Belinda Merry MCC provided coaching services to WFP staff.
The coaching sessions conducted included:
- A debrief on each participant’s 360 report to recognize strengths and areas of further development;
- Discussion focusing on specific issues identified by the participants which arose from the 360 report; and
- Discussion on a personal development action plan.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency: on average, distributing food to 90 million people each year, including 58 million hungry children in 80 of the world's poorest countries. For more information on the WFP you can go to their Web site www.wfp.org.
Founded in 1995, the ICF is the leading global organization for coaches, approaching 13,000 members in 80 countries, dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.
"Prior to starting with you, my days seemed hectic, rushed and were chaotically spiralling out of control. Work was overwhelming me and I didn't seem to have enough time left in my days to do the things that were important to me, if in fact I actually knew what was important to me! The most significant changes that I have noticed, as a direct result of your coaching program, are that: my life has become more simplified; I have a greater understanding of discovery of self (including my needs and my values); I have a greater sense of energy & productivity; I have excelled my personal development in the areas of managing expectations, goal setting and influencing outcomes. I strongly believe that these have resulted in: a greater ability for me to receive feedback from people; a higher grading in my performance review and hence a pay rise; me achieving more of my life goals; providing me a 'tool kit' to dip into when required. The tangible benefits that I have received as a result of your coaching have equipped me for personal and professional success."
Tim - Manager, ANZ
"While helping to run three properties and care for three children under four years of age, I managed to get a stack of things done. With Kate's help and support, I finished my Advanced Diploma of Rural Business Management, revamped my wages system and designed a comprehensive induction program for our business. At the same time, I managed to improve my quality of life by introducing activities purely for pleasure and relaxation. I have achieved more than I would have thought possible, especially during such a hectic period of my life. Kate's support on a personal, technical and informative level helped me over hurdles that had slowed or halted progress. Her coaching techniques provided just the right blend of discipline and encouragement to achieve the most from every day. I believe anyone trying to achieve business goals or just wanting a more satisfying lifestyle would benefit form working with Kate."
Sally - Charters Towers, Qld
"I have received Belinda's coaching assistance over the past 18 months and have found the insights and clarity gained an invaluable experience. Belinda is excellent at getting to the root of a problem and encouraging one to face the real issues. On this front, she has assisted me to face my fears about everything from moving to Sydney, money issues, my career prospects and managing a new relationship. She has directly contribted to my change of attitude regarding all of the above issues. It has been great having a sounding board to assist me to differentiate between perception and reality, between what is and is not important. With Belinda's support and constructive advice I have developed a great relationship with my boyfriend and created positive career opportunities. She has been a great inspiration over this period and I do believe I would not have made such positive choices without her guidance. I can highly recommend Belinda as a great role model and professional approach to her coaching business."
Amanda - Sydney, NSW
"As a result of life coaching with Belinda my life today is organised, free of clutter (both physically and mentally) and I have a feeling of achievement and well-being. I now have the skills to work through anything that will come my way. I now feel energised when I go to work and not overwhelmed by everything. It is such a good feeling to have everything organised, up to date and in place. I can say that my time spent with life coaching was truly the best professional/personal development I have ever experienced and I would recommend it to everyone."
Maree - Ipswich, QLD
"It has been great to have some calming glimpses of freedom from the adrenaline lifestyle that I have been living for many years now. Although not a specific goal, my relationship with my partner has improved - this was unexpected yet is fantastic progress. Thanks again Belinda for helping me to finally take action in so many areas. Your support is genuinely helping me make the most of my best - in my personal life and career. Your guidance is really, really appreciated and I'm looking forward to a long and successful coaching partnership with you."
Paul - Torquay, VIC
"The rewards I have gained having you as a coach have far exceeded my expectations! ... I have almost doubled my previous salary, and you were directly responsible for $10,000 of my new salary."
Simon - South Yarra, VIC
"Working with Belinda has helped me clear a path through the day to day fog of 'busy-ness' to discover the things that really matter to me and deserve my attention. Coaching has helped me quickly settle into my new career by exploring my boundaries, my needs and my ambitions. Belinda has worked with me to discover what I want to be doing with my money, where my money has been going and how I can budget in a manageable, painless way. She's also coached me on enjoying money 'as a tool', rather than using it 'as a weapon'. It's nice to be spending guilt free! The most significant achievement for me has been an overall improvement in my general health and well-being. I am more in touch with what my body is telling me and I can make informed choices about what I need to do to feel good and function well."
Angelina - Albert Park, VIC
"You have been an invaluable part of my life and have helped me set and achieve so many of my goals. You have coached me through two career transitions as well as house renovations and the pregnancy and subsequent birth of my daughter. Thank you once again for the positive contribution that you have made and are making to my life."
Paula - Bulleen, VIC
"Prior to coaching, I was unable to balance my personal and professional lives. I never knew how to incorporate the two in order to enjoy them both and as a result of coaching I can now happily say that I have a WorkStyle™ approach. As a direct result from working with my coach, I have been able to acknowledge my real worth to the organisation I am employed by. I was able to ask for a payrise knowing that it was not unrealistic as I was adding value to the organisation beyond my position description. The action that I was able to take was to ask for the rise - and I got it! Belinda has been for me the type of coach I can trust unconditionally. Her exceptional ability to listen and be non-judgemental has enabled me to be totally honest about all aspects of my life. I have no hesitation in recommending Belinda as a life coach to anyone wishing to improve their quality of life."
Jenny - Rowville, VIC
"I continue to be amazed at how coaching gives support to all aspects of my life in ways that I would not have anticipated, however there are two major achievements which I can directly attribute to merrymentality: After 20 years of procrastination, bloody mindedness and fear, I have at last got a learners permit and am well on the way to passing my drivers licence. I was able to face what could have been a very stressful situation in my life - being retrenched, with a positive, even happy frame of mind. Thank you Belinda. Because of you I am a happier, more confident person."
Karin - Fitzroy, VIC
"During my coaching sessions with you over the last three months, I have had to deal with an extremely contentious and sensitive issue and if it had not have been for these sessions I do not believe that I would have achieved the desired outcome. I have actually been able to sleep well at night and not wake up worrying about the issue, which is normally most unlike me. I have been able to deal with the situation over the last four to five months in a professional yet empathetic manner."
Leanne - Maribyrnong, VIC
Individual
"I don't think I could have achieved all that without your expert coaching - you helped break down these seemingly huge challenges into smaller easier pieces and helped me just keep putting one step in front of the other... until I got to where I wanted to go. So, much thanks to you. I really liked your style - practical and focused while still being warm and supportive. Thanks!"
Dawn Goldsmith - UK
"Hi Belinda. Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful session today. You are a wonderful coach and I so enjoy our sessions. You inspire me, ask great questions, encourage me to be accountable to the things that are important to me and I am learning so much about me as a person, and as a coach. Thank you."
Andi Pert - Melbourne, VIC
"It was great to know that you were always there when my fear rose up and engulfed my forward actions. For your feedback, I want you to know that I felt nurtured knowing that you were keeping my vision for me when I was unable to. I love the fact that we did this process together and felt fully supported and nurtured at every corner. My belief in myself and my coaching were two of the most important insights that I received whilst doing this process. Thanks again, and you can be sure that I will be asking for your help again when I go for my next credential."
Elly - Romsey, VIC
"Thankyou for you time, skills and knowledge in enabling me to work towards achieving my potential. [Kate's] coaching was very useful in helping me to establish goals and improve my time management skills. I enjoyed our sessions and came away feeling motivated and empowered to tackle all life has to offer. The coaching sessional were affirming and motivating. "
Rebecca - Cairns, QLD
"As my coach and guide she assisted me with my problems, never once offering a solution, always listening and presenting my own solutions in a light that I accepted and moved forward with. Belinda symbolises the carrier of knowledge, she is a passionate torchbearer and she introduces choice and possibility. My personal growth in the 3 months that I have relied on Belinda's professional services is phenomenal."
Victoria - Mt Eliza, VIC
"There is so much I would love to say about WorkStyle Coaching but let's just start from my very first interview with Belinda, I knew that I was on the right track. I went into coaching with a few problems that needed ironing out and came away with so much more than I anticipated that applied to my WHOLE life rather than just a few grey areas. I found the coaching inspiring and unbiased, good sound advice that kind of gave me a 'motherly' instinct, if you will, weekly to make sure I was in check with the things I was supposed to be in check with instead of procrastinating. Having WorkStyle Coaching was one of the best things I have ever done for myself and has certainly provided the groundwork for future achievements. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone."
Susanna - St Kilda, VIC
"Then I found you. I now had someone who understood and was able to guide me, with the setting of goals and tasks. But best of all, my relationship with others has improved - something that we had not factored into the plan. My husband, and some family members and friends, rallied around each week, intent on helping me achieve my weekly goals and tasks, and in so doing, solved some of the relationship problems that had been troubling me. This has been an unexpected bonus."
Maxine - Melbourne, VIC
"My first interview with you was exciting, very informative, concise, professional and overall relaxing and fun. There was no mucking around - straight to the point which is what I love about your coaching style. Within the first fifteen minutes I knew this working relationship was going to be one of the best things that I have ever committed to. I have been coaching with merrymentality for eleven months now and my life has completely changed. I now have a fantastic professional lifestyle as a musician that just keeps growing bigger and better each day. I live a life beyond my wildest dreams now knowing that "everything is possible". Coaching has taught me basic goal orientated footwork skills that will stay with me forever."
Geraint - Port Melbourne, VIC
"Phone coaching has been a most successful part of my life. I can have my coaching time anywhere I happen to be - a real boon to a busy person. Kate, you keep me focused and in a positive frame of mind and keep me doing what I say I will do. I accredit my successful applications to state and regional agribusiness committees to your coaching. Coaching has been the rails that kept the engine of my life moving straight to my goals."
Noleen - Milray Station, Northern QLD
"Belinda has employed a very powerful listening technique in her coaching of me. Allowing her to focus powerfully on the substance of my inquiry or issue. To steer me forward quickly towards a clearer or better outcome. To convert dilemma or intertia into a positive and fulfilling result. Belinda has turned my talk into action by gently, but rigorously, requesting I step beyond a mere understanding of my inaction or blockage into determining specific and achievable actions. Actions that match my values and allow me to grow fully and in integrity. Finally, it is Belinda's acceptance of me for who I am that is so rewarding and effective. As a result of being acknowledged in that way, I am developing a strong new foundation. Great growth and increasing happiness and satisfaction are emerging from that foundation. I feel much gratitude and respect for Belinda and merrymentality."
Martin - Wellington, New Zealand
"I'm not so much of a workaholic - designing my very own WorkStyle Week and putting boundaries around when I will and will not work, has helped me to create more time for me and I have realised it's all about balance. My relationship with my business partner (who is also my life partner) has deepened due to the fact that I am making it a priority and planning time for us together - not an easy thing for a workaholic! By learning to underpromise and overdeliver I take the pressure off myself and my customers and friends are delighted more often. Our kikki.K website won the Channel 9 Small Business Show website award which has given us tremendous publicity and confidence - as you know it took longer than planned to get our website up and running and our coaching kept me sane as I worked with our webmaster to create this site. I'm relaxed in the knowelege that it's all about progress, not perfection and I'm enjoying the journey."
Kristina - Albert Park, VIC
"I have known and worked with Kate for a number of years and have always been impressed by her excellent communication and planning skills. Coaching (with Kate) has enabled me to set more clearly defined goals and to maintain the enthusiasm to pursue these to fruition. I would not hesitate to recommend Kate as a Life Coach to any interested person who has a desire to succeed but is just not quite sure how."
Rowena - Gordonvale, QLD
"Belinda has a knack for getting to the core of the issue with insight and understanding. On a personal level, I've upgraded my life and learnt new skills that have increased my self-confidence, raised my personal standards and given negative energy the big heave-ho. Professionally, my coaching busines contines to develop including an international client base. Belinda is generous, practical, encouraging and highly supportive. I love bouncing ideas off her and developing business strategies because of her genuine enthusiasm for my creative ideas. My experience of working with Belinda has had an enduring effect on me both personally and professionally - Belinda is my template for a great coach."
Wendy - Canberra, ACT
"An inspiring professional, Belinda reflects a blend of friendliness, no nonsense and expertise in her coaching style. She helped me stay clear and focussed and simplified matters that I would normally see as complicated and overwheliming. I am particularly happy about being able to manage tasks now with a lot more patience, grace and calm. Although my focus was on gains, such as clairty and motivation in my professional life, I happily found that these gains had also spilt over into my personal life."
Catherine - Caulfield, VIC
"I see myself as a very motivated person and with Belinda's coaching I discovered that I was fearful of taking the steps to do what I really wanted to. My fear is gone. I am empowered in my life now and I consciously choose what I do. As a result of coaching, this is what I now have in my life: My business planning and research is moving at a pace I am delighted with; I have cleared credit card debt and now have a zero balance each month; my relationships with my partner and daughter have been enhanced; I now make time to sit and read a book instead of cleaning the house; I have set aside a cash reserve to set up my business; I am beginning to experience living my life 'effortlessly'. That is just so amazing! Belinda has a great coaching style, is a brilliant networker and has made a huge impact on my life and those around me. Over the past 3 months I believe I have so much value for my financial commitment. I highly recommend merrymentality's coaching program."
Helen - Niddrie, VIC
"It really is not easy to quantify what Belinda as a coach has done for me personally as it is almost impossible to measure the increased confidence, personal and emotional strength, clarity and support through some very tough personal times for me. However I can tell you the effect her coaching has had on my business. In the first 3 months one area of my business went from a patchy $1,000/mth turnover to $10,000/mth. Through focussing on my cashflow and business systems, I now am in the process of building my team, recruiting staff and looking at office premises. I now have a very simple and inspiring business model that is helping my business expand and get beyond just me."
Jennifer - Mosman, NSW
"Thank you for your outstanding commitment and professionalism as my coach. Together we have achieved some wonderful results. From a business perspective I have: clarified our business direction; written and self published a book specifically for coaches; start our Success Factory Seminars; started The Coaches Consortium; secured more lucrative coaching relationships; been booked to speak at Rotary; developed deeper networks within the business community; developed clientele overseas. From a personal perspective: gained more time; have more quality time for myself; have more quality time with my husband and business partner; sleep less; have more energy; increased the quality of my sleep; started running and feel the best I've been in a long time. My plans have momentum and I attribute much of this to the support and encouragement you have given me in the last few months."
Tanya - Melbourne, VIC
"Through coaching with you I have resolved problems around my body and eating-patterns. I have developed a new sense of freedom in being and expressing who I am. Your support felt unconditional even when we didn't talk. I had a link to self-love through our coaching and that love is still with me."
Maria - Brighton, England
"In the three months I have been coached by you, I have achieved things I never thought possible. I have accomplished many lifetime goals. I have conquered fears, lost bad habits and taught myself fabulous new ones. Twelve weeks ago these achievements were only dreams of mine, today they are my reality. I have gained the confidence to pursue my goals and not be scared of them. I am being responsible for my decisions and actions and revelling in the results."
Danni - St Kilda, VIC
"I wanted to thank you for all I have achieved during the time we have been working together. Your guidance, enthusiasm and support have exceeded my expectations of what I believed life coaching would offer me. Your ability to keep a professional relationship and offer unbiased advice contrary to your own personal beliefs is amazing. The fact that I have laughed and cried with you is testament to your ability to get to the nitty gritty of what is really going on and how to get me to move forward to where I want to be. You have offered a comfortable environment, sound advice and a genuine helping hand in the areas that I have selected to improve in. Thanks for your perseverance for getting me to where I am today. I still have a long way to go, however knowing I have you to help me makes the journey seem realistic, achievable and most of all, fun!"
Corinna - Port Melbourne, VIC
