Living on-mission is a full time job
Workers overseas face a unique set of challenges. There's usually no playbook for what they're doing. They feel immense pressure to grow and succeed quickly. Isolation sets in, and typically, the skillset that got them to the starting line is not the same as the skillset that will actually produce fruit in the field.
Coaching can help
The business world leverages interpersonal coaching to great effect. I've taken the principles that I use to coach CEO's and Entrepreneurs, and applied them to missionaries in the field. 1:1 coaching helps overseas workers stay on-mission longer by equipping them to navigate their day-to-day work, and the larger vision of why they went abroad.
HIGH INTENTIONALITY
In the day-to-day bustle, it's easy to lose focus of why we do what we do. Coaching helps workers clarify vision, set goals, and manage resources to achieve them.
FOCUSED SKILLSET
People management, expectation setting, resource allocation, and reporting are all learned skills that the well-equipped worker needs to master.
NEUTRAL 3RD PARTY
It can be hard to open up about what’s not working. Coaching provides a safe space for workers to hash out their worries, stresses, and ugly messes with a neutral 3rd party who’s on their side.
DEEPER INSIGHTS
So much happens in the life of an overseas worker. Coaching helps unpack all the ups and downs. When we understand our own story, we can more effectively share it with friends and neighbors.
RELIABLE RHYTHM
Coaching is not the same as mentorship or “checking in”. Regularly recurring coaching sessions build structure and discipline into the very unpredictable life of an overseas worker.
FAQ's
How does it work?
What will we talk about?
How much does it cost?
How is this unique to my situation?
But I already have a mentor...
The ideal coaching relationship should be long-term, regular, and productive. We'll meet via Zoom at least every-other-week for 45 minutes. This is not a "check-in" with a sending org or interested supporter church. We are here to work, so each session will remain highly focused on moving milemarkers forward, while getting obstacles out of our way.
Everyone is different, but a typical session starts with a fly-over of everything that's top of mind for that week. Then we'll use the remaining time to dive deep on the critical topics to keep driving your goals. My job is to always keep an eye on the macro trends and big picture, while also going "in the weeds" on the tactics, strategies, and personal skills that will mature you as leader in your field.
No one should be priced out of coaching—I know it's tough out there. But you should also have skin in the game. Rates are designed to be affordable but impactful. Contact me for details and questions.
Overseas workers live in the tension of their day-to-day job, and the larger vision of why they went abroad. This coaching will address both of those areas, helping you be highly intentional with your time and resources, while also staying successful, happy, and sane in the place God has put you. A healthy coaching recipient should be thriving in all areas of their work-life.
Mentors/advisors are amazing, but not the same as a dedicated coach.
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Mentors take your calls. Coaches call you.
Mentors are successful people from your field. Coaches are trained to level up any worker.
Mentors draw on their own experiences. Coaches train from best practices.
Mentors give good advice. Coaches ask hard questions.
Mentors make you more like them. Coaches make you more like you.
Who is Grant Parker?
I've got over a decade building and growing start-ups in New York City and Atlanta. In this capacity my real job was always to train up the next generation of leaders. After leaving my most recent start-up, I began coaching young CEO's and founders on how to grow their business, but also grow themselves.
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But I always had a heart for the Unreached. In 2023 I began pursuing moving overseas myself, with my eye on the 10-40 Window. But God had other plans for me. He began to show me how much a CEO and a missionary have in common. I realized that the work I do helping these people become more effective, more empathetic, more focused leaders, could have huge benefits to those who have answered God's call to GO.
As a coach, my commitment is that I will always be on my clients' side. This doesn't necessarily mean telling them something nice, or making them feel good. My job is to bring out the best that's inside of each and every one of them—with a little expert advice here and there.
Megan Rozanski​
I cannot recommend working with Grant enough. He's able to be in the weeds and also zoom out to look at the big picture.
Nate Hermes​
Grant excels at helping surface and dismantle the invisible blockers that keep a leader from performing to their highest potential.
Nicole Rojas
Grant's empathy for his clients transformed my abilities and confidence.