Living on the Coach-Consultant Hyphen: Reflections on a Hybrid Program for Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

The term living on a hyphen denotes a hybrid identity that seeks to integrate two distinct roles, knowledge sets, and value systems. We share practitioner experience of an attempt to live on the coaching-consultant hyphen in a program for women entrepreneurs. The program was designed for intentional shifts between coaching and consulting and for these helping modes to remain clear and distinct across the 6-month engagement. This kind of practice contrasts with much professional guidance, especially on the coaching side, which maintains the importance of staying in the coaching lane. We explain our reasons for the hybrid approach in relation to this client group. This hybrid practice was more involving and demanding than single-mode work, requiring the development of more complex and authentic relationships with clients. We share our learning and call for research to clarify the conditions and capacities necessary to work effectively on the coaching-consulting hyphen.