Why I Became a Professional Coach…

For nearly ten years I wrote a “blog” that I hoped would inspire, motivate, or simply help others navigate leading themselves. It started with me wanting my leadership team to enhance their abilities to lead themselves, learn some new techniques for conflict resolution, making decisions, or simply listening to their gut and/or their team members with intention.

Every Sunday afternoon I would sit at my computer with reference books, articles I had read, conference materials I had acquired, or a situation I had encountered for which I thought might create an opportunity to learn and grow. I would write an email that I would send to my leadership team assuming it was for their consumption only. Little did I know it had been shared with their teams and further. Thus, was born my blog that spread further than I was aware.

As I begin a new chapter in my life, I’ve been asked to continue my writings. I hope those who read will find value in my sharing.

Here goes…

First, why on earth have I ventured to be a professional coach after being a successful technology leader. Well, as I was pondering my next chapter in life and being the high energy person that I am, I knew I wanted to do more. Sit on a corporate board, continue my non-profit work, write a book, teach leadership classes, stimulate the growth of talented leaders at home, at work and at play – all of these are on my bucket list!

I have sat on non-profit boards for many years and enjoyed the challenges, the learning, and the ability to touch the lives of others in positive ways. I have been a technology leader who loves exploring and bringing to life new technology that solves real problems while growing talented people into leaders of themselves and others. I believe I have been a great mom to my daughter who is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Economics in a foreign country who is not only smart, but is a truly great human being who cares about the well being of others. I am married to a wonderful man for the last 30 years who has taught me the meaning of true love, devotion, and partnership with the ups and downs of life. And finally, I find that I am most blessed and grateful for the family and friends who keep me grounded and elevated everyday. So for me, it’s about being of service to others and allowing them to become their best selves – at home, at work, or at play. So while all of my interests may be in play, I know that being a coach to others feeds my soul, my heart, my passion.

We each have gifts, talents that when nurtured bring us joy. I believe one of my gifts, my talents, my purposes on this earth is to be of service to others as a confidant. Someone who listens deeply, remains curious allowing that person which whom I am fortunate enough to cross paths, to be reminded that he or she is beautiful, talented, enough and they get to choose everyday, every moment of the day how they show up and move towards what they are becoming… to be fearless in the pursuit of whatever turns them on, to shine brightly, to speak their truth, to be the best person they can be as a business leader, a colleague, a mom, a dad, a friend, or the person who happens to be in the elevator offering a smile!

In the words of a book a read years ago (and continue to reread) after a major surgery:

“Our Deepest Fear” by Marianne Williamson

…..from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Until next time… let your light shine, brilliantly!