The question that changed it all
The situation
The session
One hour. No coaching package, no long-term commitment. Just a conversation.
The session didn’t start with CV advice or interview technique. It started with a question:
“What did you want to be when you were little?”
Their answer: a fighter pilot. The reason: because I wanted to do something nobody expected of me.
That single answer reframed everything. The instinct to defy expectations wasn’t a childhood fantasy – it was a value. It was original thinking before the world taught them to be careful.
From that insight, we created Mave – short for Maverick, from Top Gun. And choosing the Top Gun theme tune as a pre-interview motivation music.
Mave isn’t a costume. Mave is permission – to be bold, unexpected, and fully themselves in the room.
We then made three shifts:
- Reframed interviews as meetings. Not a performance with a judge and a verdict, but a professional conversation exploring fit. Both sides assessing.
- Identified three anchors – statements that came directly from them during the session:
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- “Give me half an hour and I’ll find a solution.”
- “I make a difference in my community.”
- “I find joy in connecting and streamlining – for smooth strategies and transitions.”
3. Built a daily self-talk practice. Not a pre-interview exercise, but a forever habit. Facts they already knew but had stopped saying out loud.
The shift
“OMG, I love your feedback. I put it into practice straight away. I had an interview on Tuesday and although I didn’t get the job, I felt much more comfortable and confident.”
That is the result. Not a job offer – a behavioural shift. In one hour, they went from terrified and prescriptive to comfortable and confident. They went from performing to connecting. And they did it themselves, within days, from a single conversation.
Why this matters
Interviews are high-stakes, high-anxiety moments. Most coaching focuses on technique – what to say, how to sit, what to ask. This session focused on identity. It didn’t give them a script. It gave them permission to be themselves.
The behavioural shift was immediate because the insight was already theirs. They had always been the person who defies expectations. They had always been the person people go to when something needs fixing. They had always found joy in connecting and streamlining. The session simply named what was already true and gave them a way to access it under pressure.
That’s how quickly a conversation can shift behaviour – when it speaks to who someone already is, not who they think they need to become.
The numbers
Session duration: 1 hour
Time to first application: 4 days
Self-reported confidence: from low to comfortable & confident
Self-reported anxiety: from high to significantly reduced
Delivery style: from prescriptive & rehearsed to human & connecting
Behavioural shift: immediate & self-sustained
What they said
“I put it into practice straight away. I had an interview and although I didn’t get the job, I felt much more comfortable and confident.”
“I’d like to have regular sessions just to keep me on track.”
The second quote is the proof. They aren’t asking for weekly coaching. They’re asking for occasional check-ins. The shift held. They don’t need hand-holding. They needs a touchpoint. That’s what one hour did.
The bigger picture
This experience isn’t unique – but a willingness to name it is. Many professionals, particularly women, are doing exceptional work and underselling it in the moments that matter most. They prepare thoroughly, perform carefully, and disappear into the crowd of competent candidates.
One hour didn’t fix their interview technique. It didn’t need fixing. What it did was remind them that that they deserved to be in that room. That’s not a tactic. That’s who they are.
One conversation. One hour. One shift that held.
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Clare Morris is a business coach and the founder of Focus & Growth Coaching. Working with founders, freelancers, teams and directors who want to grow in a way that’s aligned with their life and values.
Focusing on the right areas, building sustainable momentum, and ensuring business actions don’t harm the community or planet. Her approach is calm, collaborative and deeply human. No hustle. No pressure. Just honest conversation, practical action, and steady growth that fits your life.
A Note from Clare:
Sometimes we can’t quiet the noise. But we can focus on the right, ‘what next’. Focus & Growth Coaching was set up to support those shifts that need to be shared. Ensuring our audience, customer, client… is aware of who we are, what we wish to offer, and how to be part of that wonderful journey.
Giving you the opportunity to work with me when one part of your business needs dedicated time to develop and flourish.
Why I love coaching
Because so many talented, purpose-led business owners are:
- overthinking and burning out
- have a thousand ideas but not able to choose ‘what next’
- can’t connect the vision, mission, and income when they want to offer support for free
- offering solutions that are vital that change behaviours, not just of individuals, but corporations
This is exactly why coaching exists.
And this is what the first step can feel like when you’re held with care.
If this has inspired you and I’m the coach you’ve been looking for.
Check out my workshop and coaching options here or book a free coaching session to talk it through here.
With purpose
Clare
If you want to work with a values-led coach who’s aim is to connect you with growth without losing focus and purpose. Find out about coaching, workshops, walking and free resources, here.
What could go right?…
