coach spotlight: q&a with marie.
As a career coach, Marie has a person-centered approach and uses tested frameworks and tools to help women go from lost and unhappy to having clarity and confidence in their career path by reconnecting to their authentic self. Marie strongly believes that a successful career transformation comes from the inside-out and requires an honest and deep level of self-awareness.
It's time you get to know The Ascend coaches properly! So today we're kicking off our series of Coach Q&A!!! And let me tell you… you're about to meet some incredible people.
We're starting off with Marie de Champchesnel, who is an incredibly thoughtful and intentional human coaching women who want to transition from their corporate roles to a more flexible and balanced career while following their curiosity and tapping into their creative skills. Marie also works with women entrepreneurs in the first 5 years of their business. Whether this describes you or someone you know, I encourage you to read through, pick up some wise tips and get to know Marie.
Q&A with Marie de Champchesnel
Q: “what's a misconception about personal growth that you often help clients overcome?”
A: “personal growth isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about understanding who you are, identifying what works for you, and becoming more yourself with better habits and less self-doubt”
Q: “what common challenges do your clients face, and what techniques do you use to help them overcome these?”
A: "My clients often feel stuck in a role or career without knowing what else to pursue. They may have followed a path that wasn’t theirs to begin with or found themselves in an environment that doesn’t align with their values or goals. I start by helping them reconnect with what brings them joy and makes them feel alive—a simple yet often challenging task."
Q: “what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your own mentors or coaches?”
A: “the importance of taking action, no matter how small. It’s through these steps that we create new habits, rewire our brains, and grow”
Q: “do you have a simple productivity hack that clients can implement right away?”
A: "If something on your to-do list will take less than two minutes, do it now. Avoid overthinking or procrastinating on small tasks. If you’ve been avoiding a particular task, ask yourself why and what you might be resisting"
Q: “what’s a small daily habit that you believe can make a huge difference in personal growth?”
A: "practice being less apologetic and saying “thank you” instead. For example, if you’re late, say, “Thank you for your patience,” instead of apologising. Expressing gratitude makes others feel seen and helps you feel more positive"
Q: “how do you support clients who are trying to figure out their next big step in life or their career?”
A: "change can be scary. It is therefore important to bring a sense of safety and certainty to the coaching journey by using a flexible structure. Using a framework and practical tools, I guide clients in identifying their unique strengths, exploring new possibilities, and developing a transition plan with achievable steps for their next chapter"
Q: “how do you help clients balance personal and professional growth when they feel overwhelmed?”
A: "first, we identify when and where they feel most overwhelmed. A helpful tool I use is the self-saboteur test, which reveals the ways they might be sabotaging themselves. For example, a “controller” might need to release control over what can’t be managed, while a “perfectionist” could benefit from adopting the 80/20 rule and letting go of external validation"
Q: “what do you think sets your coaching approach apart from others?”
A: "I believe that lasting change begins internally. To me, whether it's leadership or career coaching, it all starts with personal development. Real, sustainable transformation comes from within and requires building a foundation based on one’s true self"
Q: “what’s the first step you recommend when clients feel lost or unsure about their direction?”
A: "start by understanding your core values and making choices that align with them. Values act as internal guideposts, and when honoured, they light the way forward. If feeling lost, ask yourself: which of my values am I not honouring right now, and how can I bring more of it into my life and career?"
Q: “what’s a movie or TV show that you’ve watched recently that left a big impact on you?”
A: "I recently watched a documentary about Kris Hallenga, who founded the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel after her own diagnosis in her early 20s. She’s an inspiring example of resilience, showing that challenges don’t happen to us—they happen for us"
Q: “ if you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?”
A: "I’d love to live in a beachside house in a warm climate where I could swim each day before starting my morning"
Curious about how the right coach could help you unlock new perspectives, overcome challenges, or create a life that feels aligned with who you are? Our matching process is designed to pair you with a coach who understands your unique goals and can help you reach them. Whether you’re ready for a fresh start, seeking clarity, or wanting deeper self-discovery, we’re here to guide you to a match that feels right. Click below to schedule a matching call, and let’s get started on finding the coach who can best support you in this journey.