This issue we roadtest the online coaching platform MyThrive 

Liz Hall

What is it?

Thrive Partners was established in 2015 with the goal of “democratising coaching” – taking it beyond the executive suite, and into the wider talent pools.

Re-imagining the traditional paradigms of coaching, MyThrive is designed for the always-on, fast
pace of modern business – and the changing expectations of learning among younger workforces.

Coaching is delivered online and on-demand, through its 200-strong coaching faculty, who connect
through an online booking system and a Skype-style interface.

Users select the coach they need to help with a specific issue on a given day, rather than building a long-term relationship with a single coach over a period of weeks or months.

Sessions last just 30 minutes, with context for the session being provided by the user through an online form ahead of the conversation, which Thrive describes as a more integrated “coaching with content” approach.

Co-founder and CEO Pam Bateson explains that MyThrive is the culmination of 25 years’ experience
of executive coaching and Lean Management consulting.

“I felt that there was a lot of wasted time in the coaching relationship – from the travel time and marketing efforts needed by the coach, to the slow warm-up that’s often found in a 90-minute or two-hour coaching conversation.

“By developing our digital platform alongside our 30-minute method, we’re finding that coaching becomes more accessible and straightforward. Clients get the results that they really need much, much faster.”

Another groundbreaking feature is the insight reporting that sits behind the conversations. These reports allow Thrive to measure, manage and monitor takeup on coaching, and anonymised data from the platform’s evaluation process provides information on blockers, enablers and sentiment. Coaches also get real-time feedback on the quality of their coaching from clients.

 

Using the tool

For more information, visit: www.thrivepartners.co.uk

Coaches can also register to join the faculty on the Work with Us section of the website.

 

How it works

MyThrive is currently sold into businesses, universities and local authorities – users can select a coach and draw down coaching sessions whenever they need them.

Coaching is generally available within an hour in the UK – and, with 30 coaches based in Australia, it’s often possible to find a coach available all through the night, which is particularly useful for last-minute confidence boosts.

Clients can take their session through any laptop, tablet or mobile device – so learning can happen at work, at home, at their airport or anywhere else with a good internet connection.

 

THE CLIENT’S EXPERIENCE

  • Katy Snell

Katy Snell, group head of people at Emerald Publishing, started using MyThrive in 2017, and has experienced the platform as both the Emerald-wide lead and as a client.

The service was brought in as part of a broader review of leadership development tools. Snell explains,
“We wanted to take a new approach. We’re a traditional company and we’ve not tried anything like this before, but it’s a risk I’m pleased we took.

“We tried the demo and found it was really easy to use and get people on board with. The Thrive team offered great support. The onboarding was great, and we’ve had good support with engagement.”

And as a coaching client? “To be totally honest, I was apprehensive I could see the value rationally, but with a 30-minute session, I didn’t know how much we’d get done. However, the coach I used was great with rapport – she got the hang of me and spoke my language, so I felt like I had a couple of hours’ benefit from a short conversation. And follow-up was great, too – she sent a really helpful reading list. I wondered how much we’d achieve, but at the end I was really pleasantly surprised.”

 

The application

“I was coached on a behavioural topic. I got some really tangible skills relating to getting a promotion – which I was successful in doing So that’s a great result and I’m obviously very pleased.”

 

The verdict

“The feedback from people that have used it gave the coaching a glowing report. Ease of access, the simplicity of the booking systems and choosing your own coach are all great features. And the quality of the coaching has been excellent. Plus the digital functionality is a nice addition to our learning portfolio. We’ve now rolled out MyThrive to a wider team, and are looking forward to getting the results.”

 

THE COACH’S EXPERIENCE

  • Zoe Creighton

Zoe Creighton has coached with Thrive Partners since 2015. She embarked on a coaching career in 2009, after 20 years working in FMCG marketing.

 

The application

Creighton’s comments on ease of use very much echo Snell’s. “The platform is almost as easy to use as Skype – lovely and simple – and it’s really flexible. As coaches, we’re obliged to block out five hours a week to stay listed as part of the faculty – but if you’re not booked on a given day and the sun’s shining, it’s fine to adapt your availability.”

The increased diversity of clients is another notable feature. “It’s a breath of fresh air. There’s a brilliant mix It’s not just more senior people that we deal with, or the people who HR have identified as being in need of ‘fixing’. I’ve coached some really energised, talented people, working at all levels of fascinating organisations.”

 

The verdict

“There are two things that I think really sets MyThrive apart,” says Creighton. “First of all, the fact that people come with practical issues means that the coaching intervention is immediately useful and really practical – so you’re building confidence or developing a new skill immediately.

Second, the 30-minute method really hones your skills. My questions have become sharper – and you really have to listen to get results in that half-hour slot.

But I’m not alone when I say that MyThrive has helped me to be a better coach. Personally, I think it’s a really exciting company to work with.”

 

Pros and Cons

Upside

  • Ease of use as a platform for coaches and clients
  • Excellent addition to a digital L&D portfolio – great for younger learners
  • Coaching conversations can be measured and monitored
  • Enhances choice of coaching specialisms for clients, and reduces marketing costs and efforts for coaches

Downside

  • It’s not for everyone – so usage has been mixed
  • Coaches that enjoy building relationships with clients won’t necessarily get this
  • User experience is constantly being improved to make the tech more straightforward, which means there have been some changes to adapt to.