In my journey as a coach, I’ve come to realise the profound impact of being raw and authentic. It’s a concept I introduced in one of my early coaching schools, and it has stuck with me ever since. The word “authenticity” is often overused, so I prefer to talk about being raw—completely honest, vulnerable, and holding nothing back.
I remember a pivotal moment when I was writing my first book Sweet Sharing. Maurice Bassett (Steve Chandler’s publisher) shared a quote with me from Robert Frost: “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” and it struck a chord with me. I expanded my manuscript from 30,000 to over 50,000 words, not by adding chapters, but by being more open and vulnerable. This approach transformed my writing and deeply connected with my readers.
In coaching, the medium you use to share your thoughts is less important than where you’re coming from. Whether you’re writing a post or having a conversation, speak from the heart.
I’ve written a heartfelt acknowledgement to my personal trainer, a big, tough guy, on an envelope. When I saw him next, he told me he’d kept the envelope with my note because it moved him to tears. That’s the power of being raw and real.
So, when you’re reaching out to clients or writing a post, ask yourself: How can I be even more raw? How can I write with my heart ripped open and truly connect? It’s not about convincing or selling; it’s about creating a space where people feel loved and seen.
This approach has not only enriched my coaching practice but also deepened my relationships with everyone around me.
In the spirit of being raw, one of the things I’ve noticed is that coaches often find it difficult to know how to approach enrolment. This is something I’ve talked about in London for my AJC Coaching Career School. You can watch the video below.
With love and appreciation,
Ankush Jain
Coach and Author of Sweet Sharing – Rediscovering the REAL You
