Penny Davenport Answers Our Questions
Continuing our occasional series of interviews with people in a variety of businesses, this time we are asked ten questions to business coach, career mentor and agony aunt Penny Davenport. Read on to find out what she had to say.
1. What do you do?
I am a business coach and personal career mentor. I work with individuals who have decided that they want to make more of their career. I help them to set clear goals and then make sure they hit their targets! Sometimes, individuals are sponsored by their companies through workplace coaching programmes.
2. How did this type of work interest you? And how did you get started?
I worked in the City for 18 years and I always loved managing teams and trying to get the best out of people. After I left my intense corporate job, it seemed a natural step for me to tackle some coaching qualifications.
3. How long have you been doing it?
I have been a qualified coach now for 18 months.
4. What is the favourite part about your job?
I absolutely love to see the pure joy and immense satisfaction from my clients when they achieve something they didn’t think was possible. We often lose perspective when we are too close to a problem and its fabulous to be able to help clients navigate through their complex challenges to get to where they want to go.
5. What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you at work?
I can’t think of anything really weird but I am continually astounded by the number of appalling sales people out there. There are some who phone me and don’t ask if its convenient to speak. Another amazing characteristic is an inability to listen!
6. What is a typical day like for you?
I usually wake early or my sons wake me earlier! Once they are on their way to school (homework, uniform, breakfast, teeth!), I clear up any admin I have hanging over me. I typically coach 2 clients a day 4 days a week. Anything more than that is too challenging as each client needs complete focus and attention. I may work at their homes or at a convenient meeting place. I’m usually available by 6 when they boys have finished their sport. Then its time for reading homework and bath / bed wrestling! I go out one night mid-week, either to support Arsenal or to catch up with friends. I’m pretty religious about my Pilates class and 2 yoga classes every week.
7. What is the biggest success you have had at your job?
Nothing is more important to me than giving my clients confidence. There have been a few cases where they have been holding themselves back and I’ve been able to release their talents by supporting them. That means the world.
8. What is the most satisfying aspect of your job?
I love being able to work productively and flexibly without having to spend time on corporate politics or bowing down to people I don’t respect!
9. If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Hillary Clinton. I used to want to meet Bill but I think she has become far more interesting. She is intelligent and would have lots of advice. I also think that, in the last year or so, she has let her personality shine through a bit more and seems like quite a lot of fun.
10. Do you have any hints and tips for people wanting to do what you do?
My number 1 tip for anyone is to do what they enjoy. Working life takes up an enormous proportion of your time and energy and if you enjoy what you do, your quality of life will be all the better for it. There are times in life when we have to do things we don’t enjoy, for example when we are debt-ridden students or trying to save for the future. Recognize that its not forever, and when you do get to make a choice, make it a happy one.
Penny Davenport is an experienced business coach and personal career mentor. She partners with clients of all ages to ensure they meet their personal business and career goals. Learn more at www.pennydavenport.co.uk
