Career Success: Coaches for Hire

To his clients, Jim Gahen is a jack-of-all-trades—equal parts cheerleader, mentor, advocate, best friend and grand inquisitor. Julie, a freelance landscape architect, turned to Gahen to help her evaluate and decide on the merits of a career move. “He asked me questions like, ‘what do you want out of life? Where would you like to be six months from now? What are the things that prevent you from getting what you want?” says Julie. “Jim’s questions really helped me organize my goals.” People who want more out of their careers and lives turn to Gahen, 33, a former sales manager and founder of the International Coaching Society, in San Diego. To help his clients attain their personal and professional goals, Gahen leads them through a rigorous workout routine of self-examination, mental exercises and soul-searching stretches. “I try to make sure they’re working toward something that’s in line with their values and that will bring them personal satisfaction,” says Gahen. His new career is, no doubt, bringing him lots of satisfaction.

Family Circle July 16, 1996