The Gap Between Coaching Skill and Business Skill
In the second episode of Coach as Entrepreneur, David sits down with Francis Strickland — a business strategist and coach with 30 years of global corporate HR experience — to unpack the uncomfortable truths nobody tells you about building a real coaching business.
Key Takeaways
- Most coaches underestimate the business side. Certification gives you the tools to coach, but not the tools to find, sign, and retain clients.
- Corporate experience doesn’t automatically translate. Even seasoned executives face a steep learning curve when they move from a salaried role to solo practice.
- Strategy matters from day one. The coaches who succeed aren’t the ones who “figure it out as they go” — they’re the ones who treat their practice like a business from the start.
Questions Explored
- What are the biggest mistakes coaches make in their first year of business?
- How do you bridge the gap between corporate expertise and entrepreneurial execution?
- What does a sustainable coaching business model actually look like?
About Francis Strickland
Francis brings 30 years of global corporate HR and business strategy experience. His approach combines deep organizational insight with practical business-building advice for coaches ready to get serious about their practice.