What It Means to Sponsor Coaching Sessions
- Caroline Mayberry
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We all go through challenges in life. Sometimes, we try to push through them alone for as long as we can. But there are moments when it feels like there are no “right” answers. Many of my clients come to coaching at a fork in the road—they know something isn’t working, they might even know where they want to go, but they’re not sure how to get there.
If someone comes to mind as you read this—maybe a friend, partner, or colleague—you’re not alone. It’s common to see someone we care about struggling and want to help but not know how.
Sometimes the best support you can offer is the chance to help them rediscover their direction. That’s where sponsored coaching sessions can make a difference.
What "Sponsored Coaching" Means
According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, sponsored coaching occurs when someone other than the client pays for coaching services. This could be an employer or manager, a parent, partner, friend, or another loved one.
These arrangements require a little more communication at the start. As the coach, I meet first with the sponsor, then with the client, and finally with both together to confirm goals and boundaries.
Even if someone else is paying for the sessions, the client always directs the goals. The sponsor does not receive private information about our work unless everyone agrees beforehand. This keeps the process ethical, confidential, and supportive for everyone involved.
Who Might Benefit from a Sponsored Coaching Experience
You might already have someone in mind—someone who’s feeling stuck after a big life change such as a career shift, a move, a breakup, or even starting something new. Maybe they’re a high achiever who’s burned out or someone who used to feel confident and driven but has lost momentum.
By sponsoring life coaching sessions for someone in your life, you normalize the idea that investing in personal growth is both valuable and achievable. Many people don’t think about coaching for themselves—life feels too busy, or it seems like too big an expense. When you step in, you help hold that light for them.
Coaching isn’t about giving advice. It’s about creating a safe space where the client can rebuild confidence, shift perspective, and create lasting behavior change. Coaches empower—not rescue—the people they work with.
What to Expect When You Sponsor Coaching
If you’d like to sponsor someone’s coaching package, the first step is to book a free Discovery Call with me. In about 45 minutes, we’ll talk through what you’re hoping to offer and how I might best support. If your loved one seems like a good fit, the sponsor covers the cost of the package, and then I meet directly with the client.
Depending on your relationship, we can decide whether high-level progress updates make sense or if it’s best to keep sessions fully private. In all cases, sessions remain confidential, and the client maintains full ownership of their goals and growth.
As the sponsor, your role becomes beautifully simple—you don’t have to “fix” anything. You’ve already given the gift of a safe container for transformation.
Other Ways to Give Back
Another way to support growth is by anonymously sponsoring someone in need through a Pay-It-Forward coaching donation. This approach allows you to fund a package for someone who isn’t currently able to pay for services.
It’s a way to invest in collective healing and growth—an act of community care. Even a single session can make a difference.
For reference:
• One 60-minute session = $150
• Four 60-minute sessions = $540
• Six 60-minute sessions = $850
If you’d like to contribute, you can make a donation here.
How to Bring It Up with Someone You Care About
If this idea resonates, the next step is a conversation. Here are a few gentle ways to start:
“I know you’ve been going through a lot lately, and I wondered if you’ve ever thought about working with a life or career coach.”
“If you’d be open to it, I’d love to sponsor a few coaching sessions for you. Would that be something you’d consider?”
“You can learn more about Lighthouse Life Coaching at www.lighthouselifecoach.com. If you want to move forward, you can schedule a Discovery Call and mention that we’ve talked.”
Closing Thoughts
Investing in coaching for yourself is an act of self-love. Sponsoring coaching sessions for a loved one is an act of love and belief—a way to say, “I see your potential, even when you can’t,” and “I want to help you, even when I don’t know how.”
If that person is still on your mind, let’s talk about how we can make this gift possible.