How I Came to Coaching

Like a lot of introverts, I was quietly doing a great job in my organization. And at some point I was asked to take a leadership role.

At the time, I had the idea that a lot of people have, that a great leader is outgoing, decisive, charismatic, and all that – the prototypical extrovert.

I think a lot of us fall into the trap of thinking that “real” leaders are extroverts.

I was not those extroverted things.  I was kind of reserved. I needed time to think problems through, and I liked to think about things in context.

So I engaged a coach to help me work on becoming a better leader. I think I thought the coach would turn me into an extrovert!

My coach helped me realize that my introvert characteristics were actually strengths, and that I could be a very effective leader without having a personality transplant.

I was energized and excited to see that I could be a very effective leader while staying true to myself as an introvert. I didn’t need a personality transplant; I didn’t need to fake characteristics that I didn’t have. I just needed to see my traits as strengths and work from them, rather than against them.

I couldn’t have done this without my coach. And it’s one of the reasons I became a coach myself: to help introverts become empowered, authentic leaders.

Working With Me

I encourage introverts to lead as their authentic selves, and not try to be a weak copy of someone’s idea of a leader.

You don’t have to become something you are not. We can redefine leadership to include your introvert way.

I’m not a butt-kicking kind of coach – I support my clients in their desire to make big changes in their lives, and help them be accountable to their goals.

I also believe, very strongly, in finding joy in life.