From Corporate Cage to Divine Calling: Kristin Kurtz's Coaching Story

My journey into coaching began with an unmistakable, God-led calling. For years, I worked in the corporate world, feeling confined, knowing there was a bigger purpose waiting beyond the 'safe job with great benefits.' I kept seeing women around me feeling similarly 'caged'—trapped by fear, doubt, and limitations that held them back from embracing their true potential. On November 1, 2021, I took a leap of faith, stepping away from corporate life to answer God's call fully and dedicate myself to empowering others. That day marked the start of my journey as a full-time coach, mentor, and prophetic advisor. My personal journey has been one of overcoming trials, including addiction, loss, and learning to trust God through transitions. Through these experiences, I've learned the power of brave obedience and what it means to be truly 'uncaged'—to live in complete alignment with the calling God has placed on my life. This deeply informs my coaching approach. I bring keys of liberation, courage, and hope to each client, walking alongside them as they break free from what holds them back and step boldly into their unique purpose. For me, coaching isn’t about surface-level change; it's about unlocking the profound, lasting transformation that comes when we truly allow ourselves to soar.

Yes, I am the founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of New Wings Coaching, a Holy Spirit-led coaching practice dedicated to helping wild-hearted, women of faith unlock their true potential, break free from limitations, and live courageously. My niche is empowering women who feel called to something greater but feel held back by doubt, fear, or a sense of being 'caged.' Through personalized 1:1 coaching, group experiences, and my Life Unlocked Collective membership, I guide women to embrace their God-given calling with confidence and freedom. My website is - https://msha.ke/newwings

Yes, I am a Certified Professional Life Coach through the Christian Coach Institute, a program that deeply resonated with my faith-centered approach to coaching. I was drawn to their emphasis on Holy Spirit-led coaching, which aligns with my calling to guide women in a way that honors God’s guidance and wisdom. The training equipped me with both practical skills and spiritual tools, allowing me to support women authentically, fostering transformation not just in their personal lives but also in their spiritual journeys.

I set up *New Wings Coaching* as an LLC to keep things simple and manageable. Establishing an LLC gave me the liability protection I needed and simplified tax management, so I could stay focused on my mission and clients. Keeping things streamlined has allowed me to prioritize what matters most—building meaningful client relationships and growth. For new coaches just starting out, here are a few tips: 1. Choose a Simple Legal Structure: Setting up as an LLC provides liability protection while keeping taxes and daily operations straightforward. 2. Open a Business Bank Account: This is essential for tracking finances separately and staying organized. 3. Use a Tool for Accounting: I highly recommend *Hurdlr* for easy expense tracking and accounting. It’s a fantastic resource to simplify your finances ( here's my affiliate link https://web.hurdlr.com/signup?referrerId=685694 ) 4. Define Your Niche and Mission: Be clear on whom you’re serving and the unique value you bring to clients. 5. Stay True to Your Calling: Don’t let other voices distract you from the unique path you’re called to follow. Staying aligned with your calling is essential to building a practice that reflects your true mission. 6. Build Relationships: Engaging with a supportive network can provide insights, encouragement, and momentum as you grow. Starting simply has helped me stay focused, agile, and aligned with my mission, creating a strong foundation for growth.

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I typically acquire clients through my Hope Unlocked podcast, my newsletter, social media, and referrals from past clients and community connections. Each of these channels allows me to share my message authentically and connect with those who resonate with my mission. What has worked best is staying consistent and intentional with my messaging, especially when I focus on serving rather than selling. Through my podcast and newsletter, I can engage deeply with my audience, sharing insights and encouragement that naturally invite clients to connect. Referrals have also been invaluable—happy clients and community members who understand my approach are the best advocates for New Wings Coaching. A few pitfalls to avoid: 1. Trying to Be Everywhere at Once: It’s easy to spread yourself thin across too many platforms. I’ve found it more effective to focus on a few channels where my audience engages most. 2. Losing Your Unique Voice: In a world full of content, staying authentic is key. Rather than following trends, I keep my focus on what truly aligns with my calling and values. 3. Neglecting Relationships: Building a coaching practice is not just about reach but also about connection. Referrals and authentic relationships have been my most rewarding avenues for growth. Focusing on intentional, authentic connection has been the best path for growth, allowing me to serve clients who are truly aligned with my mission.

One of the most transformative shifts I’ve witnessed in a client was in her journey from feeling spiritually “stuck” to experiencing a profound breakthrough. She came into the session after what she described as several long “nights” of laboring alone, unsure how to bring forth what God had placed inside her. During our 90-minute session, I guided her to uncover the thoughts, words, and stories that had been growing within her spiritual “womb.” As a “spiritual midwife,” my role was to help her focus and identify what was truly ready to emerge, working with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring clarity and encouragement. Through deep listening, reflection, and a prophetic approach, I encouraged her to “push with purpose.” Witnessing her move from a place of feeling stuck to embracing her purpose with fresh courage and vision was incredibly rewarding. This session reminded me of the power of Holy Spirit-led coaching to help clients see what has been forming within and empower them to step into their season of purpose with confidence.

When I first got started coaching 7 years ago, I encountered a roadblock with a client because I was overly focused on following a structured coaching model and prepared questions. I went into the session with a carefully planned outline, aiming to keep everything on track. But the structure felt rigid and stifled the flow of conversation. I could sense the client wasn’t fully engaging, and the session felt more like a series of checkpoints than a deep, transformative exchange. Realizing this, I decided to set aside the plan and lean into a more intuitive approach, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation. I listened closely to what the client was truly expressing, tuning into the themes emerging naturally rather than pushing through a list of questions. This shift created an atmosphere of openness, and the client began to share freely, leading us to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have emerged from a scripted plan. The experience taught me to trust my intuition and be fully present rather than relying heavily on a rigid structure. Now, I go into each session prepared but open, letting the Holy Spirit guide me to ask the right questions at the right time. This lesson has been invaluable in helping clients unlock their unique breakthroughs more organically.

Some common limiting beliefs I encounter in my clients include feelings of unworthiness, fear of failure, and the belief that their past disqualifies them from pursuing their calling. Many women come into sessions carrying doubts about their capabilities or feeling “stuck” in old patterns, often wondering if they’re truly enough to step into what God is calling them to. To help clients overcome these beliefs, I start by listening deeply to their stories, creating a safe space where they can be honest and vulnerable. Using a Holy Spirit-led approach, I guide them to see the truth of who they are and recognize the gifts and purpose God has placed within them. Together, we work to replace these limiting beliefs with affirming truths grounded in their faith and identity in Christ. Through reflective questions, prayer, and gentle encouragement, I help clients see that their worth and calling aren’t dependent on their past or on perfection. Witnessing them begin to walk in freedom, knowing they’re equipped and chosen, is one of the most rewarding aspects of my coaching practice.

I prioritize self-care by setting a rhythm that keeps me spiritually, mentally, and physically grounded. Each morning, I block off time to read my Bible, pray, and workout. This intentional start aligns my focus and fills my spirit, creating a strong foundation for the day. Between sessions, I create intentional space to regroup and rest, ensuring I’m fully present and able to give my best to each client. I’ve also designed my schedule to prevent burnout and stress, allowing for a rhythm that sustains me over time. By honoring this self-care rhythm, I’m able to support my clients with clarity, compassion, and resilience, knowing I’m caring for myself just as intentionally as I care for them.

If a magic genie granted me three wishes for a fulfilling coaching career, here’s what I’d ask for: 1. Deep, Lasting Impact: I’d wish for every client I work with to experience profound, lasting transformation—breaking free from limitations, embracing their true calling, and living courageously. Seeing their lives and faith transformed is the most fulfilling part of my work. 2. Unwavering Discernment and Wisdom: I’d ask for a heightened sense of discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, so I can intuitively know what each client needs in the moment. Having clarity and wisdom to ask the right questions and provide the right guidance would make every session a true catalyst for change. 3. A Global Community of Kingdom-Minded Women: Lastly, I’d wish for a thriving community of wild-hearted women of faith from around the world, all supporting and uplifting one another in their journeys. Building a network of like-minded women who are inspired and empowered to make an impact together would be a dream come true for my career as a coach.

When I reflect on my journey as a coach, one of the most impactful realizations has been the power of brave obedience—listening to the nudge of the Holy Spirit and following God’s call, even when the path feels uncertain. Leaving my corporate job was one of the biggest steps of faith I’ve ever taken, but it was also one of the most freeing. On November 1, 2021, I walked out of that chapter and into my calling as a full-time coach. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of guiding women to unlock their voices and step into the purposes God has for them. One of the keys to being an effective coach has been creating sacred space for clients—a space free from judgment and pressure, where they can be vulnerable and allow the truth to unfold. I’ve learned to let go of rigid plans and instead lead intuitively, leaning into each session with a heart open to God’s guidance. Another thing that has helped me grow as a coach is keeping my own well-being a priority. By blocking off my mornings for prayer, Bible reading, exercise, and quiet reflection, I stay grounded, centered, and ready to give my best to each client. Protecting this space is essential, as it ensures that I show up fully present and energized. For anyone on this coaching journey, I encourage you to stay true to your unique calling. Trust that your life story, your faith, and even the challenges you’ve overcome are part of the wisdom you offer. Coaching is not just about guiding others; it’s about allowing yourself to be transformed along the way, trusting that every step in obedience leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.

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