Practitioner Diploma / “There is true power in presence”

Kofi Kyeiis a people‑centred talent and culture specialist with deep experience partnering with blue‑chip organisations across commerce and financial services. Known for his consultative style and ability to engage niche talent, he brings a strong commitment to inclusion, purpose‑led leadership and unlocking potential in others. In this interview, Kofi reflects on his Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching with the AoEC and how it has shaped his approach to supporting individuals and organisations.

Prior to developing yourself as a coach, you worked in senior talent acquisition roles at brands including Legal & General and MUFG. Who or what introduced you to coaching and led to you signing up for coach training with the AoEC?

For about 10 years I had found myself having coaching conversations with individuals around career progression. In 2023 I wanted to broaden my role and support diverse talent progress internally, so I decided to pursue the AoEC’s Executive Coaching Certification to formalise my practice. A year later I decided to advance my studies through completing the Diploma such was my enjoyment of the Certification course.

What were some of the positives and challenges you experienced while doing the diploma?

My cohort were fantastic. They brought extensive, diverse global experiences and were so supportive. I credit them for encouraging me to begin coaching full-time. I also made some great friends!

Another highlight was the teaching. The faculty brought the topics to life expertly and provided the supportive challenge that pushed us outside our comfort zones. Lastly, I came into the diploma thinking I would learn some tools, gain accreditation and professionalise my practice. In reality, I got so much more than that. I shed a few self-limiting beliefs and my self-awareness has noticeably improved. This has been of great benefit to all my relationships.

The diploma was challenging because of the depth and breadth of topics covered. The high focus on experiential learning often meant no time to debate with yourself whether or not you could do what had just been taught! This was daunting initially but highly rewarding as the diploma progressed.

What is your top advice to others considering coach training?

To be clear on why you want to do it but also open minded to all the things that you will invariably learn, not least about yourself.

Looking back at doing your diploma, what has been its lasting impact on you as a person and you as a coach?

I realise that there are levels to listening and that there is true power in presence. Whilst the awareness came from the diploma in my quest to help others, this understanding has helped me with my personal and professional relationships unimaginably.

More than ever before I can hold space, be comfortable in silence, reflect before responding and so much more. Great attributes for coaching but also for life because so many of us want to be heard and understood.  

Can you tell us more about your personal coaching model and how this has evolved since doing the diploma?

My coaching model is creative, solutions-focused and holistic. I seek to understand the whole person and not only the issue or goal they present with. I have come to realise that challenges in one area of someone's life can often impact other areas of their lives so going deeper helps bring about lasting transformations.

My coaching has evolved from a being a hybrid GROW/Co-active model, to one where I tap into my whole self in service of the coachee. I have become more comfortable using myself as the instrument of the co-creation of possibilities. This might mean tapping into spirituality, sport or stoicism in the process.

Your podcast series Coffee with Kofi features leaders who have made courageous, purpose‑driven pivots. Has any particular conversation from the show significantly shaped your philosophy as a coach? What made it so impactful?

It is not a cop out I promise, but all of the conversations have impacted my coaching philosophy!

The conversations reveal the unlimited potential and pathways we have towards fulfilment. Collectively we have unique definitions for fulfilment and growth so being courageous in taking the path that is most meaningful to you is so important. When I hear the stories shared on the podcast it reminds me of our incredible creativity and resilience as humans which informs the confidence I have in my coachees.

You now work as an executive leadership coach and set up your own practice Chay Executive Coaching Ltd in 2024; can you tell us about the type of clients you are working with?

I work with anyone who believes in better and support individuals globally in the US, France, Germany, Ghana and of course the UK, across multiple sectors.

I have developed a passion for supporting the global majority and women in navigating the leadership landscape. There is a felt sense / lived experience of what it is to be an outsider on the inside of corporations that connects us.    

What are some of the issues and opportunities you coach people around?

The issues tend to be around achieving balance whilst being ambitious, navigating impostor syndrome, developing an authentic professional personal brand, authentic leadership etc.

Can you share a success story or testimonial from one of your clients that highlights the impact of your coaching?

I was referred to a coachee in France was runs her own art and design consultancy who was struggling with direction and confidence. Her feedback is…

 "Working with Kofi has been a mind-blowing journey through self-discovery. Every session is insightful and linked to manageable and actionable steps. The only catch is that there are no shortcuts, you need to put in the work to get the most out of it.  I look forward to every session and highly recommend his programme to everyone."

A particular highlight was seeing her achieve one of her career goals in presenting her own art exhibition last year.

What do you find most rewarding about your work as a coach?

It is bearing witness to the renewed belief, peace, direction and transformation in my coachees. Even after one session I see the growth in their self-awareness and commitment to the things they can change.

When they come back to coaching and tell me about the impact to themselves and their loved ones it gives me goosebumps every time. I love what I do and am grateful to the AoEC for expanding my toolkit and confidence.   

Our deepest thanks to Kofi for sharing his personal experience of coach training with the AoEC.