As a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source (TES), André Chatelain helps individuals discover their true potential and achieve their dreams. In honor of Father’s Day, André shares his journey and insights on what it’s like to be a Career Ownership Coach and how it has transformed his life and the lives of his clients, all while allowing him to be more present and attuned to what he says is one of his most important roles, that of Father.
André didn’t initially see himself as a risk taker or the entrepreneurial type. As a husband, and devoted father of six daughters, he takes his role as provider and protector very seriously. So, to change direction in his career after more than 20 years might sound counterintuitive. But after numerous rounds of corporate restructurings and layoffs, along with the general office culture of unease surrounding the future, André began to question what job security actually means.
André began to notice something. “Those who worked for others often lack passion for their jobs and face uncertainty regarding their job security,” explains André, “In contrast, those who owned their careers were excited about their work, optimistic about the future, and clear about their purpose.” This revelation led André and his wife to realize that owning their own career was actually less risky and offered greater control over their family’s future. Thus, they decided to leave corporate America and embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, seeking personal fulfillment and professional stability.
From Corporate to Coaching: André’s Journey with TES
André made the decision to invest in himself about a year ago. What initially drew him to the business was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of his clients. In corporate America, the mantra “It’s not personal, it’s just business” was prevalent. However, as an entrepreneur and coach, André’s business is deeply personal. Every day, he has the privilege of helping people find happiness, grow, and achieve their goals.
The transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges and he was able to lean on the support and systems of TES. The first year was filled with learning and new experiences. One of the biggest challenges André faced was learning to let go and trust his clients to make the best decisions for themselves. One the other hand, his greatest successes came from witnessing the clients’ “aha” moments. André says, “Hearing them say, “Oh, I never realized that” “Wow, I had no idea,” or “Thanks for helping me connect to the right people” has been incredibly rewarding.”
The Personal Touch: Making a Difference Every Day
Being a Career Ownership Coach has profoundly changed André’s life. When his wife asks how work is going, he now has positive and interesting things to share instead of worries and problems. He no longer stresses about taking time off or feeling like he has to be on-call. This newfound freedom has allowed him to spend more quality time with his family, including a recent trip to visit his new granddaughter without the usual anxiety of returning to unresolved issues.
The best aspect of being a coach with TES, according to André, is helping people achieve what they didn’t think was possible. It’s especially gratifying to work with individuals who are eager to build something amazing. One of his favorite success stories involves a highly successful and passionate woman who felt trapped by the “golden corporate handcuffs.” She hated her job but was afraid to leave it. With André’s guidance and support, she found a business that allowed her to give back to her community and positively influence the next generation. Despite her initial fear, she realized how much joy the thought of her new business brought her and decided to take the leap.
Balancing Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship
Being a father to six daughters has been a unique and enriching experience for André. He and his girls have shared countless adventures from hiking the highest peaks to exploring spooky ghost towns. Owning his own business has allowed André to spend more time with his family, including the most recent addition to their family, a granddaughter. “I get to set my own schedule and if that means taking time off, I don’t have to worry about being on-call or what awaits me when I return. I can be more present.”
Being a father has also made André a better coach. He has learned the importance of listening instead of immediately trying to fix problems. “Often, the best solutions come from within oneself, with a little guidance from dad or a coach,” says André.
Reflections on Fatherhood
Fatherhood has influenced much of André’s look on life, saying, “As a father I live my life to help, provide and support others. I’m outside of myself more often and have more patience and love for others.” When asked about one of his favorite memories with his own dad he says, Bowling with my four brothers! They were a competitive bunch, and my dad had to come up with creative ways to make it fun and fair, like bowling left-handed or with their eyes closed. That’s when I learned I bowl better backwards!” As often with life, life lessons happen anywhere, even in a bowling alley. André’s dad taught him to find joy in the everyday life and to how to adapt experiences to allow those involved to get the most out of it, something that André has brought into his coaching.
When to Seek a Career Ownership Coach
People often wonder when the right time is to reach out to a Career Ownership Coach. The answer is simple: when they’ve forgotten why they’re doing what they’re doing, when they realize something is missing in their career, or when they’re ready to take ownership of their professional life. If someone is feeling stuck or unfulfilled, a coach can help navigate the options and find a path that aligns with their passions and goals.
At TES, engaging with various communities is a priority. Recently, André has been working with his local business networking groups to provide services to entrepreneurs in need. Additionally, he is collaborating virtually with Edge4Vets to help veterans transition back to civilian work.
Advice for Potential TES Franchisees
For those considering becoming a TES franchisee, André’s advice is straightforward, “If helping people succeed energizes you, you’ll find immense satisfaction in this role. Every day brings new stories and the chance to make a difference. You’ll start each day excited to meet new people and end it knowing you’ve made a positive impact.
Conclusion
After 20 years in corporate America, helping Fortune 500 companies grow and improve, André finally found his ‘why’ through coaching. His greatest joy is helping people be happy, grow, and achieve their goals. As a Career Ownership Coach with TES, André is committed to empowering others to take control of their careers and create lives filled with purpose, success, and satisfaction.
For those considering becoming a TES franchisee or simply exploring new career opportunities, know that the journey is immensely rewarding. You’ll have a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives, just as André has. And if you’re a parent like André, you’ll find that the lessons learned in parenthood can greatly enhance your coaching skills, bringing empathy, patience, and love into your professional life.
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