Business Coach: Steering Towards Goals, Optimizing Achievements
What Defines a Coach? A coach is someone who helps individuals in identifying their goals, developing actionable plans to achieve them, determining and overcoming obstacles, collaboratively finding solutions, and ultimately guiding them towards success.
Under the “Entrepreneurship-Focused Socio-Emotional Skills for the Most Vulnerable Youth in Rural Mongolia” project implemented by Save the Children, business coaches are operating in five target aimags. Among these coaches is B. Suren, a local entrepreneur from Uvurkhangai aimag.
He collaborates with students from secondary schools in the target soums of Uvurkhangai aimag, including Uyanga, Kharkhorin, Bat-Ulzii, Khujirt, Guchin-Us, Bogd, and Sant. Additionally, he engages with students from the Polytechnic College of Arvaikher soum, as well as children and youth affiliated with the Lifelong Learning and Entrepreneur Clubs in these soums. Furthermore, he interacts with the aimag and soum councils, ESEL teachers, and the School-based Enterprise project team.
Suren started his career with the Hospitality Services and Tourism Program at the University of Finance and Economics. Subsequently, he served as the general manager of UFE GLOBAL LLC, a food production company, and as the coordinator of the Collaboration and Business Development Institute at that University. Through these roles, he gained extensive experience in both international and domestic projects. Now, drawing upon this expertise, he offers advice and support for micro-project operations and the development of project proposals.
He says, ” I am grateful to be involved in this project, which aims to nurture individual skills and instill the “Entrepreneurial spirit” emphasized globally in the 21st century, particularly among local youth and young adults.”
Business coach B. Suren took the initiative to conduct research aimed at identifying high-priority areas and carrying out optimal activities. This research focused on determining the necessity for collaboration with a business coach among various project stakeholders, including the project board, mentors, teachers of the ESEL program, and students of the “Entrepreneur Club” in the target soums. He believes that by consolidating the research findings and integrating them into the project’s activities, it will greatly contribute to the successful implementation of the project in the future.
One of the primary duties of the business coach is to help the team of children and youth who engage in the micro-project proposal writing competition subsequent to their completion of the ESEL training, with the objective of qualifying for the scholarship program. This support extends to teachers and advisors as well. Additionally, the business coach is responsible for connecting micro-projects to markets, establishing connections with potential investors, sole proprietors, and other financial resources, and facilitating their involvement in pertinent local events and exhibitions.
Consequently, he assisted children and young individuals engaged in micro-projects to participate in the “Uvurkhangai Partnership – Autumn Festival 2023” trade fair in collaboration with the Uvurkhangai branch of Save the Children. As a result, these young entrepreneurs experienced an increase in sales income, acquired new customers, and successfully expanded their market reach.
Additionally, in collaboration with the teachers from the Program Innovation Center at the University of Finance and Economics, online training sessions on “Modeling mindset” and “Entrepreneurial Thinking” were organized for project stakeholders, students of the ESEL program, as well as children and young individuals involved in micro-projects. The project team has observed that as a direct outcome of this training, participants have acquired valuable knowledge and expanded the scope of thinking.
The next primary responsibility of the business coach is to facilitate the successful execution of the School-based Enterprise project, which is a pioneering initiative within the framework of the “Entrepreneurship-Focused Socio-Emotional Skills for the Most Vulnerable Youth in Rural Mongolia” project, implemented in local secondary schools. Suren’s previous experience at the food production company UFE GLOBAL has proven advantageous, enabling him to effectively collaborate and provide consultancy and support for the successful implementation of projects like the Breakfast for Yourself initiative in Bogd soum. Given the critical importance of food to human health, this experience highlights the seriousness and responsibility associated with the food industry.
Hence, leveraging his expertise and background, the business coach is actively seeking opportunities to develop new products and expand the market, while offering financial and food technology consulting services. Furthermore, he collaborated with the team from the Producer Children project at the 2nd secondary school of Kharkhorin soum, aiding them in designing and submitting a project proposal for an additional grant competition organized under the School-based Enterprise project, which ultimately resulted in their proposal securing the grant.
Looking ahead, he intends to assemble a dedicated team to oversee and assess project endeavors, offering ongoing mentorship and support.
Business coach B. Suren: As a business coach, I often encounter gaps in my knowledge and experience. However, I actively seek out new knowledge and continuously strive to learn, sharing any insights and recommendations I acquire along the way. The relentless pursuit of learning not only enhances my capacity but also fuels personal growth. Observing the dedication of the team, who selflessly work towards the objectives of Save the Children and the welfare of others without expecting anything in return, further strengthens my commitment. To foster more effective collaboration, I rely on the support and guidance provided by the branch of Save the Children in Uvurkhangai aimag. The success of past initiatives owes much to the collaborative efforts of industry colleagues, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
To ensure the sustainability of the project, Suren established a lifelong unit-based Entrepreneur club, fostering connections between the club and the youth development councils at the soum branches. His goal is to provide opportunities for young people to collaboratively address social issues and expand their business activities.
Business coach B. Suren: Lao Tzu once said, “Instead of just giving fish, teach them to fish.” I believe investing in education is always a smart choice. This Save the Children’s project prioritizes individual growth as crucial for societal progress. By investing in the education of local youth, it provides valuable knowledge and opportunities for children and young people. Hence, I approach my work with enthusiasm as it aligns with my personal values and beliefs of striving to contribute to the education of others.
How does the coach evaluate success? Let me try to answer clearly and simply. A coach achieves their objective by helping individuals in reaching their goals and objectives, and by determining the best path to guide them towards success.