DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR COACHING MYSELF?
How coaching for women in music can be covered by your company - or counted as a business expense if you're self-employed.
Whether you’re employed or self-employed, for many women in music the question's the same: “Do I have to pay for coaching myself?
The good news is, often no. Coaching can be covered by your company - and if you’re self-employed, it may be treated as a business expense. In both the UK and US, it can even be tax deductible if it’s “ordinary and necessary” for your business, though it’s best to confirm with a tax professional.
Here’s what coaching really gives you, and what it gives the companies who invest in it.
For clients, coaching offers:
● Greater clarity on goals and career priorities
● Increased confidence in decision-making and executive presence
● Practical strategies to manage workload, relationships, and challenges with confidence
● A confidential partner outside the business to challenge and support growth
For companies, coaching leads to:
● Stronger leadership pipeline, with greater diversity and representation
● Improved engagement, performance, and retention of key talent
● Leaders delivering measurable impact in their roles and across teams - driving stronger business results
● Alignment of individual growth with the company’s strategic objectives
How do music companies usually cover it?
Here are three common routes I see:
HR & L&D Coaching Partnership Many Learning & Development teams either work with a pool of trusted coaches - or sometimes just one specialist (like me). When a leader has a business need, they’re connected to that coach and the company pays directly.
Annual development budget Some music companies give employees a set allowance each year for personal and professional development. You choose your coach, pay directly, and then claim it back.
Coaching platforms Other music businesses sometimes provide access to platforms like BetterUp or Modern Health. These sessions are often already included in employee benefits packages, and many women don’t realise they have them.
If you’re self-employed, you won’t have an HR team to ask - but you are your own HR. This is your nudge to think about what kind of investment in yourself feels right, and to actually give yourself that green light. And here’s a bonus: in both the US and the UK, coaching can often be treated as a business expense (or tax deductible) if it relates to your work. Of course, everyone’s situation is different, so check with your CPA, accountant, or tax professional to be sure.
Every business does it differently, but the key is to ask. The worst that can happen is they say no. The best result is you get support paid for by your company; and they get stronger, more confident leaders in return.
I’ll be in London next week for the Women in Music Awards and meeting with a number of music businesses while I’m there. If you’re around, don’t be shy - come say hi! I’d love to connect. And if you’re in the US or Europe, I’m always keen to connect with music businesses there too.
If you’re curious about how to frame the ask with your HR or L&D team, just let me know who to speak to and I can do the heavy lifting for you. Or, if you’d prefer to start the conversation yourself, hit reply and I’ll share some wording to make it easier.
Always in your corner,
Sarah
