When refugees begin their journey with Refugee JumpStart Coaching, many take what feels like a leap of faith. Most arrive uncertain, unsure of what “coaching” really means. Some expect answers—someone to solve their problems or tell them exactly what to do.

When @Hussein Alzribi and I founded Refugee JumpStart Coaching in May 2021, we started with a handful of my coaching and Organizational Development buddies—mostly from Los Angeles. Then we added some of my fellow coaches from the UK-based Forton Consulting Group.

It’s not often I have a chance to give a conference presentation at a venue that is as close to a castle as I’ve ever experienced! Hussein Alzribi, my RJS co-founder and refugee Subject Matter Expert and I gave a presentation at Hult University Ashridge’s Trauma-Conscious Coaching Conference.

This week is International Coaching Week so I thought it only appropriate to send this “love letter” to our coaches, who contribute their time and expertise to help empower refugees rebuild their lives in their new countries of resettlement.

At Refugee JumpStart Coaching (RJS), we believe that meaningful coaching begins with the right connection. That’s why, instead of using AI or algorithms, we rely on a thoughtful, human-centered approach to match our clients with one of our 60+ dedicated pro bono coaches around the globe.

“How can a coach tell me what to do? They don’t even know me—my challenges—my culture! And they do this for free? Really? What’s in it for them? Or for Refugee JumpStart?”