Why do I coach?

For as long as I can remember, my north star has been this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” My passion has always been to inspire and empower others to achieve their greatest potential. As a corporate leader, I viewed my role as helping clients succeed, knowing that their success drove success for everyone around me. Now, as a professional coach & entrepreneur, my "why" remains the same: to help my clients succeed by inspiring and empowering them to achieve their greatest potential. In the last 9 months, I've had the opportunity to work with a professional coach, and it has been transformational for me. As I reflect on my own corporate journey, I wonder how it might have been different had I worked with a professional executive and career coach. In fact, I know so many of the companies I had worked at offered professional development funds ~ I wish I had thought to inquire about using my funds to hire a coach! Though I once dreamed of becoming a teacher, my career path took me into business. In every role—leader, manager, consultant, mentor—I found myself teaching and guiding others. Discovering professional coaching has allowed me to pivot into a career where I could do what I love most, every day, and to make a difference in the lives of others.