We are pleased to share an article entitled “When the storm hits home: coaching in the age of climate change“ written by Birgit Biehl.
It happened suddenly, like a storm leaving only silence in its wake. My fully booked week—a promising, bustling schedule filled with clients ready to dive into their goals—slowly emptied. One by one, appointments were canceled as clients dealt with power outages, evacuation plans, or the sheer exhaustion of managing environmental chaos brought by Helene and Milton.
This year marked the first time climate change hit my cash flow—hard. But before I could bemoan my “misfortune,” my clients became front and center again. Their challenges, resilience, and determination to navigate these storms quickly reminding me why I do this work.
In regions frequently battered by severe storms, I witnessed how hurricanes disrupt not just lives but businesses and entire communities. One of my real estate clients, who works extensively with military families relocating from overseas, shared the haunting story of Hurricane Helene leveling several homes she had recently closed on in a matter of hours—leaving overseas buyers who hadn’t even seen the properties yet, without a place to call home.
Experiences like these have opened my eyes to the profound and wide-reaching effects of climate change, not just on the real estate industry but on the people within it.
As a coach working primarily with real estate agents, I’ve realized the importance of equipping them with tools to navigate these challenges—whether it’s helping them explore sustainable avenues for sales or developing giving-back models to rebuild communities after disasters.
Let’s explore the connections between coaching and climate change, and what it means to be a climate-conscious coach in this new reality.
How are climate change and real estate coaching connected?
Climate change has a particularly pronounced impact on the real estate industry, where the stakes are measured in land, property, and livelihoods. Hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and other climate-driven disasters don’t just destroy homes—they ripple through markets, displace communities, and create logistical nightmares.
As a coach, I often work with agents who face these realities head-on. One client specializes in environmentally conscious sales, helping buyers find homes with energy-efficient features or in areas less vulnerable to environmental risks. Another, deeply affected by storm damage, completely rethought her business approach and created a model prioritizing giving back to families in her community affected by disasters.
Beyond the logistical challenges, climate change brings emotional strain that coaching can address. Real estate agents often serve as the front line for families experiencing loss, uncertainty, and displacement. Supporting agents through these transitions, helping them manage their own stress while guiding their clients—has become a critical part of my practice.
How can coaching impact climate change?
At first glance, coaching might seem disconnected from the global challenge of climate change. However, its true power lies in empowering individuals to take meaningful action. In my work with clients, I’ve seen how small, intentional steps can grow into significant, impactful change.
For example, I’ve helped clients:
- Adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as paperless transactions or promoting energy-efficient homes.
- Explore ways to give back, like setting aside a portion of commissions to fund disaster recovery efforts.
- Shift their messaging to emphasize sustainability and resilience in their marketing.
One client began offering virtual tours and consultations, reducing travel-related emissions while creating a more sustainable and efficient business model. Another partnered with local organizations to rebuild storm-damaged properties, integrating social responsibility into her sales strategy.
These shifts might seem small on their own, but collectively, they represent a growing movement toward a climate-conscious real estate industry. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Coaches guide their clients to embody this principle, aligning actions with values to create lasting, positive impact.
Why should coaches care about climate change?
Real estate isn’t just about property; it’s about people and communities. Climate change disrupts these foundations, making it an issue that directly affects the industry and those working in it.
For coaches, the impacts are twofold. First, climate-driven disasters create stress and uncertainty for agents, affecting their productivity and emotional well-being. Second, these events influence the very markets agents work in, from fluctuating property values to insurance challenges and rebuilding efforts.
Helping agents navigate these changes isn’t just a professional responsibility—it’s a moral one. Coaches have the unique opportunity to empower agents to be leaders in their communities, offering solutions and support where it’s needed most.
How do you raise awareness without promoting an agenda?
One challenge I’ve encountered is addressing climate change without crossing the line into advocacy. As a coach, my role is to guide clients, not impose my views. The key is fostering awareness through open-ended questions and meaningful dialogue.
For example, I might ask, “How do you see environmental changes affecting your market?” or “What steps could you take to create a more resilient business?” These questions encourage clients to explore the topic in their own way, uncovering insights that align with their goals.
Another approach is sharing real-life examples, like the agent who created a giving-back model after Hurricane Helene or the one who focused on sustainability connecting eco-conscious buyers with eco-conscious builders. Stories inspire action without judgment, illustrating how others have risen to the challenge.
What does it mean to be a climate-conscious coach?
To me, being a climate-conscious coach means helping clients adapt to the realities of a changing world. It’s about equipping them with the tools to:
- Build resilience in their business and personal lives.
- Lead with empathy and purpose, especially during times of crisis.
- Create solutions that benefit their clients, their communities, and the planet.
It’s about recognizing that the challenges we face aren’t insurmountable—they’re opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and grow. As Wendell Berry wisely noted, “The earth is what we all have in common.” Coaches have the privilege of helping their clients see this truth and act on it in meaningful ways.
Charting a new course
Climate change is reshaping every industry, including real estate, and with it, the role of coaching. By integrating climate consciousness into our practices, we can empower clients to thrive in uncertain times while contributing to a more sustainable future.
As I reflect on the stories of my clients, from military families displaced by hurricanes to agents reimagining their businesses with resilience in mind, I’m reminded of the power of coaching to create change. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, providing support, and inspiring action.
Together, we can navigate the storm and emerge stronger, building communities that stand not just for survival but for hope, progress, and renewal.
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