What Happens When We Stop Chasing Clients – with Melissa Ford

Every time I have a conversation with Melissa Ford, I’m reminded of why I appreciate her so much. We recently recorded a short video to give a glimpse into her masterclass for the AJC Coaching Career School this year.

One thing Melissa shared struck a chord: the way insecurity creeps in when the focus shifts back to me. When I’m in service, I’m plugged into something bigger than myself. I’m no longer thinking, “What do I need to feel okay?” but “How can I support and serve someone else?”

Melissa spoke of hitting financial goals only to realise they were just milestones, not the destination. She discovered it’s the joy of watching others grow that feeds her soul, and I can relate.

We also spoke of compersion—that wholehearted joy for the success of others. When a coach who’s worked with me chooses to work with Melissa, I celebrate that. I know they’ll be well served, and that is the most important thing.

I’ve noticed that the more I let go of the need to hold on, the more freedom I feel. And strangely enough, opportunities seem to flow more easily. Money, yes. But also meaning and connection.

Melissa reminded me that when insecurity hits, it’s an invitation to pause and ask: “What am I believing that’s making me feel this way?” That’s the real work. Returning to presence. Over and over.

Here’s what I know after years of coaching: when I’m in service, I’m free from personal thinking. When I’m caught in neediness or comparison, I’m stuck. The choice is always mine.

If you’re reading this and feeling a little sticky yourself, here’s one thing you can play with this week in your practice:

Throughout the day, notice when you start to feel attached to a client working with you, when you’re subtly hoping they’ll sign up or stay on.

You might feel:

• A tight feeling in your chest or stomach
• A thought like “I hope they don’t leave”
• Anxious or preoccupied after a conversation
• Difficult to make a proposal, or boldly speak what needs to be said, afraid they might not agree.

When that happens, pause and ask yourself:

“If my only job was to help this person succeed in whatever they’re up to, what would I do to help them?”

Notice how that shifts your energy. See what opens up in the conversation.

Watch how your own sense of presence and freedom grows.

Here’s the recording of my conversation with her. Please watch it twice. There’s gold in there.

With love and appreciation,
Ankush Jain
Coach and Author of Sweet Sharing – Rediscovering the REAL You