At just 13 years old, Carmen Franklin was already embarking on a diverse journey of work that would lay the foundation for her future as an esteemed executive coach. From detailing neighbours’ cars as a car valet and training children with disabilities to swim confidently, to playing a vital role in a factory and working as a supermarket shelf filler, her early experiences were rich and varied. Each job taught her invaluable lessons in communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These formative experiences ignited a passion for supporting others, leading Carmen to explore coaching. In this exclusive Q&A, Carmen shares her inspiring journey, the insights gained along the way, and the transformative power of effective coaching in the workplace. Join us as we delve into her unique perspective and find out how her early jobs shaped her approach to leadership and personal development.
DECD: What was your very first job?
Carmen:
As a 13-year-old, I had a number of jobs, Car Valet cleaning neighbours’ cars, training children with disabilities to have confidence to learn how to swim. Sweet Assistant in a factory dropping sweets into corn curl (Crisps) packets. A supermarket shelf filler and checkout operator.
In between I assisted my father with many jobs from landscaping to wrought iron welding, painting and installing wrought Iron gates and Windows to protect homes. I saw first hand how my father interacted with his Clients, how he asked questions, and helped his clients become clear on chosen designs and informed them on the process whilst ensuring he understood the brief.
These experiences opened and shaped my ability to think about the best way to support others.
Whilst working as a Personal Assistant and Assistant to the HR Manager I was able to explore coaching as a tool to help employees solve personal challenges. I wanted to learn more and undertook studies to become a university Graduate In Human Resources Management and a MCIPD.
In Sony PlayStation (SIE) I developed a deeper level to my coaching experience whilst working as a Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Executive Coach, Insights Discovery Practitioner and Learning and Development Manager.
My desire to Coach led me to immerse in a number of Coaching and Facilitation development experiences; Certificate in Life Coaching – Youth at Risk, Harnessing the Power of Coaching in the Workplace (Maxim), Counselling within the workplace, Developing your Coaching Skills & Coaching for Sustainability CIPD, Personal and Executive Coaching training with the Coaching Academy, Learning Performance Consulting & Facilitation (LPI); and a Licensed Insights Discovery Practitioner which enhanced my delivery to clients.
I Coached business leaders, teams and individuals through Development needs; (to know who they are and, how to adapt and work effectively with different people with varied communication styles) and employee life cycle services.
I created the SIE Coaching Culture and Framework with three main types of Coaching; Executive, Developmental and Psychological to add value and benefit employees whilst fulfilling business requirements, to be an employer of choice who provided an environment of safety, and inclusive practices. My final project was the Parental Coaching program that supported parents’ return from parental leave building their confidence to reconnect and thrive into the changing working population.
Having coached managers and leaders within Europe, UK, USA, Australia & Japan, I needed an international coaching qualification that would be instantly recognized, and credible with other global clients and businesses around the world. But I also desired to create my own coaching Model that would be instinctive, useful for the person receiving coaching and for myself as the coach.
In 2019 I found this opportunity with the Academy of Executive Coaching (AOEC) and completed a Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching and created my Love coaching model. Love has four dimensions that ensures clients are Heard, Observed, Valued, and Empowered to make decisions, take appropriate actions in a relaxed and confidential safe space. In 2020 I accepted coaching on how to open and sustain my business model, Services and Practice.
In 2021 to help clients break and overcome limiting beliefs and practices, I completed a Certificate in Counselling and a Diploma in CBT to become a Professional Certified Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT). Today, I am a Consultant and Director of Loving Light Ltd, offering Professional Executive Coaching, Psychometric and Facilitation services and development tools. I Deliver 360 review, individual and group Insights Discovery sessions. I Facilitate and Coach on Global Leadership Talent programs, from graduates to Leaders.
DECD: What inspired you to become a coach?
Carmen:
My Mum would be my inspiration, her style was to always ask questions, How are you going to solve this one? If you spend your £20 now, how will you pay for your tickets? What will happen if you do X? My mum made me think about the possibilities of my decisions and actions.
Whilst working in BT I was blessed to have a manager who had an empowering coaching style and practice that helped me to believe in myself and manage my projects, I was equipped to face challenges and be comfortable with uncertainty until I achieved my goals.
I instinctively knew coaching was the way to move individuals away from negative thoughts and practices; things like being fearful (false evidence appearing real) doubtful, and unfulfilled. Believing they are somehow inadequate, and incapable of solving problems and increasing their performance.
I saw too many gifted businesses professionals’ struggle with the self-concept of who they are and what they can do. It made business sense to spread the positive power and benefits of coaching as a tool to transform one’s thinking, practices, and performance levels.
As a coach I want to help people find a better way to fulfil their greatest potential and succeed in their endeavours. Coaching ensures managers and individuals are capable of receiving the right help; are asking the right questions, are choosing the necessary sounding boards, are learning to self-coach and coaching their teams. These practices enables attainment of business and personal goals for the better.
DECD: As a coach what led you to specialise in the particular area that you concentrate on
Carmen:
I find that I am called to coach leaders, as they can be isolated and struggle with Imposter Syndrome and a poor self-concept of who they are, what they can do and limiting beliefs that allows them to overthink and at times settle for less.
I used to struggle with myself-concept of what I could do or where I might be accepted, my challenging experiences helped me to go deeper to find the root cause of this feeling of inadequacy. To fit in I wrestle with a lack of boundaries, being unable to say ‘No’, not asking for help, and being too helpful to my detriment. This was caused by comparison and not exercising my true skills and abilities.
Reaching these leaders on Global Talent coaching programs allows me to see the patterns of behaviours and restrictions that could jeopardise businesses goals; so, I get the opportunity to contribute to the desired culture.
Coaching individuals on a personal development level allows me to look at the client who is trying to manage or juggle competing priorities whilst trying to remain professional and capable at the same time. I give individuals time to think about themselves and draw out the truth. How to select and focus on the right priorities, to make the necessary decisions and become more confident in their choices.
DECD: What is the most interesting part of your work?
Carmen:
Using my LOVE Coaching model that unlocks the blocks that hold back clients’ abilities.
Clients receive a non-judgmental presence, which allows freedom to dissect their deepest fears and desires. Through exploration clients become open to accepting what they can do differently and decide the best way to achieve their goals.
Helping clients unravel their mysteries through exploration and experimentation in an open safe space.
Meeting the client and understanding what the real goal or purpose is such as, team conflict, underperformance and staff fit – which often result from having diverse and complex teams. Helping clients overcome personal challenges and seeing them achieve personal development goals that enrich their lives.
DECD: What is the one project/case that you’re most proud of in your career and why?
Carmen:
My 1st podcast on Episode 17 – Imposter Syndrome and Invisible Envy was released on 24th March 2024.
I explained my new concept called Invisible Envy as a part of the undiagnosed Imposter Syndrome attributed to wanting to get ahead or your fear of failing whilst competing.
What it is, how it happens and the impact it creates for individuals and businesses across the globe. Invisible envy is:
- Fear of your Good recognised by others
- Diminishing professional value to stay on top
- Destroying Self-esteem & Mental Health
- Fostering poor Psychological Safety I am proud for a number of reasons. First so many people have experienced Invisible Envy and did not have a name for it. Secondly, having listened to my Podcast, I received feedback that I was coaching individuals through my explanation of how the concept comes about, and how it impacts individuals and businesses.
DECD: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace in today’s society?
Carmen:
Diversity and Inclusion – Many people see this concept as awareness training that does not affect them. So why should I participate or be clued up about it.
This is a deeper issue from society that expands in businesses, where workers are not worried about colleagues or acquaintances being treated unfairly.
Today we can see the steps of this engineered systemic inequality, how perpetrators and benefactors of inequality prefer to keep the status quo; and in most cases do not need to shift their thinking or behaviours because they currently hold the controlling powers.
True leaders in business want to move away from poor employee behaviours; want to remain inclusive and adhere to current legislation, allow their employees to express views and understand their part in Diversity and Inclusion.
When leaders look within and reflect on what they know about their beliefs, biases, experiences, comfort zones and are honest with themselves. Then they might have the chance to consider the real impact of indifference on others and the business potential.
The world will always be diverse! My question to business leaders would be: How many missed opportunities have you failed to capitalise on because you fail to see the potential in others who are not like you?
DECD: What about your heritage makes you feel proud?
Carmen:
I am very proud of my Barbadian/British heritage. My parents left Barbados to support the call to help rebuild Britain’s services, systems, and economy. Their pioneering spirit led them to raise me and my siblings in Suffolk. I learnt from their great work ethic and energy to do things the correct way. My parents returned to Barbados, which helped me to learn about change, diversity, and making the most of what I have.
Two things remain with me from my British and Barbadian influences: My earliest British school memories of sitting down to listen to Beethoven after our return from lunch and this practice brought a stillness and peace to my heart that I cherish to this day.
The Barbados motto: I pledge allegiance to my country Barbados and to my flag, To uphold and defend their honour, and by my living to do credit to my nation, wherever I go. I will always do my best and remain a credit to both nations and to whomever I encounter.
DECD: What do you do outside of work?
Carmen:
Outside of work I am an active member of our church BOCF, I am the Safeguarding Coordinator, I prepare and deliver sermons and participate in other duties like hospitality and Prayer sessions.
I am an Author of the soon to be released book God Speaks and wrote this book with joy and encouragement from God, aiming to share the truth that He speaks to everyone, yet many of us are not listening. This book is dedicated to all those seeking to improve their lives, and to help them find the courage to ask their questions and have the patience to listen for God’s voice to hear his response. www.godspeaks.co.uk I Love walking and spending time in nature, you can find me in Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and around London. I enjoy visiting Museums and Heritage sites.
DECD: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read this week?
Carmen:
A page from My Journal about God’s flowers
Flowers are My Decorative creativity to share. My Flowers have super powers, speak silently, unfold their beauty, and convey my seasons. Are soft and silky to touch. Bring Joy, Peace and Healing. Flowers shine best when uncut in their habitat.
Your Flowers Show Me Who You Are. Displays Your Faithfulness. Comes in All Shapes and Colours. Have special purposes. Beautify the Earth for Your Glory.
DECD: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Carmen:
Don’t give your all away, learn to hold some back for yourself. This I learnt for self-preservation. In my passion to help others; I need to remember to not give from my foundation or I will be depleted and suffer in the long run.
DECD: What is your favourite movie, book, song, album or quote?
Carmen:
One of my favourite books is called Non-violent Communication by Marshall B Rosenburgh. It helps you learn the art of listening to others so they can listen to you.
My quote – Learn one thing at a time!
Interested in working with Carmen? Find out more about her professional coaching career here.
