10 Questions About Me

My coach asked me to answer these 10 questions (from Rich Litvin) as an exercise in vulnerability. I decided to share them here with you because I could not think of a better way for you to get to know me. Feel free to reach out and let me know if you have any follow up questions.

1. What did you love to do most when you were 6 years old?

When I was 6 years old I spent most of my time pretending. I played a lot by myself (being an only child) and spent the time dreaming up adventures I would then go on in my mind. It was a lovely life to be able to escape from anywhere to anywhere. I also watched a TON of retro TV shows (Donna Reed, Gunsmoke, Patty Duke, etc.)

2. What's the secret pain or limiting belief you've struggled with for most of your life?

It has taken me the longest time to believe in my own value. I spent a lot of time in my life working on learning to feel like I am enough. It took until my late 30s for me to even be able to see that limiting belief, begin to push it away and thrive beyond it. I know now that I set my own bar, I measure up and I have a lot to offer.

3. What's your first memory of doing something you really didn't want to do?

I remember a number of occasions early in elementary school when my mother would try to dress me for one occasion or another in some kind of floral dress. I HATED every moment of it. I always felt like I was wearing curtains. I love dresses and skirts now for comfort and special occasions but it took a long time for me to come back around to them and you will RARELY catch me in anything floral…

4. What made you choose your first job? And what did you secretly hate about it?

I had my first job at a dinner theatre owned by my Uncle’s Father-in-Law. I wanted to work in the theatre so I thought it was SO AWESOME. I spent all my time sweeping, mopping and refilling the salad bar. I sometimes got to see the shows but I loved being backstage and the energy of the actors and crew. I HATED carving the roast beef - I was terrible at it and it is the grossest thing I have ever done to this day!

5. What are your top 3 professional successes?

Lead culture initiatives at a start-up during an intense growth phase to train managers, who had never managed before, and guided them to a values-based culture with focus on people-first leadership.

Planning, organizing and designing the facilitation of the Ending the Epidemic Summit for over 200 people.

Adapting in the moment to transition in-person leadership development programs to online environments while maintaining curriculum AND interpersonal connections.

6. What were you known for in your previous career? What could people count on you for?

Before I became a coach and facilitator I was a master adapter. I had a number of roles/responsibilities/positions but I was mostly a “get-it-done” person. So anything that needed doing, I was the one to ask. I still have that spirit and use it with my clients often. I love to say sure and then figure out how to do things in the most effective way for the best outcome!

7. What are your 3 biggest gifts? And what is the dark side of each of those gifts?

Compassion - I care a lot for others

Humor - I never take things too seriously

Adaptability/Flexibility - I have done a lot of different things so I can do a lot of different things and I see the world through a lot of lenses.

The dark side: I can be seen as an emotional person and that comes across as a weakness to others. I draw a lot of strength from my passion for others and sometimes I think that looks like I care more about what they think than I really do.

8. What do you love most about coaching?

Coaching allows me to live out my mission of helping others activate their potential and connect to purpose to live fulfilling lives. It keeps me in a place of curiosity and constantly gaining new perspectives on the world. And it allows me to have deep and meaningful conversations regularly with a lot of different people. I love that to prepare for a session, all I have to do is put my self aside and open my heart, ears and mind to the client. And the “bonus benefits” - working through shifts with others always allows me to see my own shifts in a new light.

9. Tell me 3 counterintuitive truths. "Most people think _. But the truth is _."

Most people think I am very well organized. But the truth is that I have 100 systems operating to keep me from becoming the complete mess that I am naturally.

Most people think I am easy going. But the truth is I am an over-preparer and sometimes over-thinker.

Most people think Moms are all alike. But the truth is I love Star Wars more than my kid does and I am obsessed with craft beer!

10. If you were only allowed to study or teach about one idea for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

If all I could bring to the world is more kindness, I would feel like it was a worthwhile pursuit. I particularly think being more kind to ourselves is very much needed these days. I encourage everyone to take a moment and think about one way they can be more kind to themselves each day!