Waking Up

Several years ago, I found myself suffering through many sleepless nights. I was miserable and didn’t know why. It seemed like I “had it all.” I had success as the director of a high tech company. I had an exciting life, traveling around the world developing high-performance teams. My personal life was “successful,” too. I had a good marriage, two really wonderful daughters, loving friends, health and money. Yet, I wasn’t satisfied. Deep down, I knew something was off kilter.

Today, I believe the sleepless nights were my body’s way of telling me to wake up to a new way of living. Fundamentally, I needed to move away from external definitions of success and toward a life that’s guided from within. Since then, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual practice. I have discovered what brings me joy — to be an inspirer of inspirers. I am still learning to listen to the inner call and treat myself like my own best friend. My new definition of success is living my values of love and service—and having fun along the way.

From Engineer to Coach

How did an engineer become a coach? Two things stand out. First, I was hungry for fulfilling work and never lost my fundamental belief that we can love what we do. And I had mentors and coaches who supported me — seeing things in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. Second, it didn’t happen overnight. I took steps that led to other steps. At first, frustration and dissatisfaction spurred me to try a new direction. Now, I listen and move toward what is calling to me.

I am also grateful. I love teaching and coaching. It’s work that allows me to use my unique talents of listening for what is important and speaking in a way that inspires. It’s about helping people find their own inner wisdom and live by it. It’s about creating possibility and being of service.

My business and leadership experience fits into the picture, too. As a leader I had a big desire to get great results and have happy people (and be happy myself), and it was tough to do! I’ve learned first-hand how to create a positive work environment and align actions with intentions. Both are powerful means for achieving business objectives and finding personal satisfaction. I am drawn to working with teams and leaders who love results, are passionate about their work and want to make a difference.

Enjoying the Ride

One of my favorite inspirational speakers loves to say that on a white water rafting trip you don’t put your boat in the water ten feet from the finish. You put in far upstream to get the greatest ride. My goal? Put in far upstream and enjoy the ride this life offers.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain