Career and Business Coaching Services
As part of our nonprofit mission to support career growth and entrepreneurship in our community, the SOVA Innovation Hub offers virtual one-on-one coaching sessions led by a Certified Coach at no cost to participants. This service empowers career changers, early career professionals, nonprofit professionals, leadership roles, and entrepreneurs within our service area to achieve their goals and realize their potential.
What is Coaching?
Understand Your Goals
Identify Action Steps
Build Confidence
Coaching is a supportive, goal-focused process that helps you reach your full potential. It’s a forward-looking process that focuses on your strengths, ambitions, and growth. In a coaching session, you’ll work with Lauren to explore challenges, discover new strategies, and create a path that’s right for you. A coach guides you along the way, helping you make decisions and stay on track toward your vision.
What Coaching Is Not
It’s Not Consulting
Coaching doesn’t involve giving advice or ready-made solutions. Instead of telling you what to do, a coach helps you find your own answers.
It’s Not Counseling
Coaching isn’t focused on solving problems from the past or dealing with emotional issues. Coaching is about looking forward, not looking back.
It’s Not Directing or Instructing
A coach won’t give instructions or make decisions for you. Coaching empowers you to create your own solutions and move forward with confidence.
What You Will Receive
Up to 12 personalized, one-on-one sessions tailored to your unique goals and challenges, providing you with guidance, strategies, and support at each step.
Cost
As part of our nonprofit mission to foster local talent and opportunity, the SOVA Innovation Hub offers this coaching program at no cost to participants.
How to Begin
To get started, complete our coaching interest form to help us determine if this service aligns with your goals. Let’s work together to unlock new possibilities for your career.
Sample Coaching Topics
Career Transitioning
- Identifying new career directions
- Building a personal brand for new roles
- Navigating challenges and uncertainties in career change
Professional Development
- Developing leadership and communication skills
- Enhancing time management and productivity
- Strengthening interpersonal and team-building skills
Goal Setting and Achievement
- Clarifying personal and professional goals
- Creating an actionable plan and staying motivated
- Setting realistic timelines and tracking progress
Building Confidence
- Recognizing personal strengths and values
- Developing self-assurance in new environments
- Overcoming self-doubt and perfectionism
Work-Life Balance and Well-being
- Setting boundaries for healthier work-life balance
- Reducing stress and preventing burnout
- Developing habits for mental and physical well-being
Leadership Development
- Defining your leadership style
- Managing teams effectively
- Improving decision-making and conflict resolution skills
Meet Your Coach
Lauren Mathena
Lauren Mathena is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, whether they’re exploring a new career, beginning their professional journey, or building a business. With a background in economic development, community engagement, and program management, Lauren has worked with individuals at all stages of their careers, guiding them toward impactful growth and personal success.
As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach specializing in Business and Change Management, Lauren follows the standards of the International Coaching Federation. Lauren combines strategic insights with a supportive, results-oriented approach. She understands the unique challenges faced by career changers, early professionals, non-profit professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs in Southern Virginia and is committed to helping each client build confidence, identify their strengths, and pursue a fulfilling path forward. Whether you’re looking to make a big career shift, strengthen your foundational skills, or launch a business, Lauren is here to support and empower you every step of the way.