The Corporate-to-Coach Pivot: How to Master Your Transition with Kelly Poquez-Burke

Is your corporate career no longer hitting the mark? In this episode, we are joined by Kelly Poquez-Burke, a former head of marketing for Avocados from Mexico who successfully pivoted into the world of professional coaching.Making the leap from a high-level corporate role to a service-based coaching business isn't just a career change, it’s a personal transformation. Kelly breaks down the practical steps she took to find her footing, including why she chose the rigorous path of ICF certification and the role that programs like Vanguard XXI played in her professional evolution.We discuss:The "Why" Behind Certification: Why professional credentials are non-negotiable for building credibility and client trust.Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Kelly gets vulnerable about the limiting beliefs she faced and how to use community support and peer feedback to push through them.The Power of Diverse Peers: Why learning alongside military leaders and executives creates a unique, high-octane environment for developing coaching skills.Client-Centered Coaching: Shifting the focus from yourself to the client's growth.Actionable Advice: What you should be doing today if you are considering leaving the corporate ladder for the coaching space.Whether you are just starting to explore a pivot or you are a seasoned professional looking to add coaching to your toolkit, this conversation provides a roadmap for turning passion into a sustainable, professional practice.00:00 – Intro: The anatomy of a career pivot02:30 – Kelly’s journey: From marketing leadership to coaching05:15 – Why ICF certification is the gold standard09:45 – The Vanguard XXI experience: Learning with elite peers13:20 – Battling limiting beliefs and self-doubt17:10 – The importance of real-time practice and feedback21:00 – How to build genuine connections with your first clients24:30 – Final advice for aspiring coaches and where to find the Career Slay Podcast#CareerPivot #ExecutiveCoaching #ICF #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerSlay #CorporateToCoach #LeadershipCoaching #LifeCoaching #Entrepreneurship #Podcast