HOW IT ALL STARTED

As I thought about the subject for my first “blog” post, I instantly felt fear. I thought about all that could go wrong and the judgement.  I also thought...what if people like it? There was something about this first post that made me feel extra vulnerable, as if I were shouting out to the world that now I am a coach and that I’d also have to prove it.  

I didn't think I would make this one, along with any of my entries, about me.  But then I figured, this could be a great way to let folks learn more about who I am and how I got here. I also wanted to demonstrate being vulnerable and honest. Which are both so important in coaching, along with all of life, but are so hard to do because they are not always valued or accepted. 

I have been professionally coaching for a little over a year now. Though, since I can remember, coaching has always just been a natural thing I do with coworkers, family and friends. There is nothing I love more than being a safe place for people to come and feel supported and heard without judgment or bias. 

My clients and I feel this instant high when they experience what I like to call the “aha” moment.  It’s this unique moment of clarity where they have identified and or overcome a barrier that has prevented them from achieving their full potential. Coaching is one of the only places in which people have a space that is all for them and is devoid of bias, opinions or judgment. 

My journey to becoming a coach

As I tried to pinpoint where I wanted to progress professionally, I kept telling folks that I just wanted to “help” people, which is a broad and bold statement. I, for the first time in my life, took a step back to ask what do I want to do and what am I good at? The answer that kept coming to me was that I wanted to help people. I am most joyful and fulfilled when I help someone discover what they are capable of, become happier and or work through a challenge. 

In college and in my psychology class no less, I had my first panic attack. This formative experience prompted me to see a therapist and that sparked my obsession with understanding human psychology. 

My therapist changed my life and I seized the opportunity to learn as much as I could through her, books and podcasts. A key learning for me was that I am not anxiety, I just have it. That I shouldn’t feel ashamed about it and it's no different than having any other type of chemical imbalance. It’s just that this specific one just causes anxiety. 

I share this experience because one of my goals is to talk about mental health and remove the stigma associated with it. My hope is that one day, it is treated just like any other physical illness, is covered by health insurance and treatment and support is accessible to ALL! 

I first assumed that becoming a therapist would be my way to “help” people, so I started down that path. After taking several courses, I realized that I love receiving therapy and learning about psychology but being a therapist was not the right fit.  But I was getting close. 

I discovered coaching and, from what I found, it seemed like it could be a good fit.  I told my friend, Jennifer McCrea, the master of philanthropic fundraising, about becoming a coach and she introduced me to her friend and world renowned executive coach, Jerry Colonna. During our 30 minute conversation, not only did I learn about coaching but he masterfully and beyond generously coached me. What just 30 minutes did was mind blowing. He introduced me to a few training programs and one stuck out, Leadership That Works. This program and curriculum is anchored in two of my core interests, social justice and anti-racism.

The nine month program was one of the most powerful and transformational experiences I have ever had. The three teachers are truly incredible and my classmates are some of the most talented, thoughtful, kind, intelligent, giving and caring people I know. I will be forever thankful for my teachers and classmates as they truly gave me a priceless gift. They gave me a space to truly learn, mess up, know that I am enough and be comfortable with all I am and am not. It was a place where I was constantly encouraged to be my true and authentic self, despite that being extremely scary for me.

Embarking on my coaching journey

So now, here I finally am, writing this first “blog” and embarking on my coaching journey. What finally gave me the push I needed was a recent testimonial which I share at the end of this blog. After I read it, I thought, “that is exactly my goal and how can I do this for as many people as possible.”  I began to do some coaching on myself and asked myself what my fears were, where were they coming from and what else was stopping me from getting this out. What change in the world do I want to embody? What am I doing that is holding me back?  

As I began to answer those questions, I realized that being scared and staying quiet was not serving my goal of being people’s partner in progress.  I realized that, to achieve my dream, I don't have to be perfect or loved or liked by all.  But that I could still be the right fit for many and change their lives so that they no longer have to live in fear or silence.  So here's to not being scared or quiet about who I am and the gift I can give.

As I noted above, I didn’t think I would “blog” about myself personally. And moving forward, I plan to explore common themes I am seeing with my clients and folks around me. Sharing examples of how coaching can help people overcome imposter syndrome, learn how to be vulnerable, be a better leader, be authentic, make a career change, or live a more fulfilling life. 

Being both a life and leadership coach makes me better at what I do because whether it’s coaching a CEO on a big decision or a new parent trying to find balance and be the best spouse possible, they are all connected. Our personal lives affect us at work and our work comes home with us. Our personal barriers can show up in work and in personal life, these are not separate worlds. 

I look forward to having you join me in this journey and I hope that whether it's directly or indirectly, I can support you in yours. 

Testimonial

"I wish I had the words to describe my experience with Katie -- so far it has been warm, welcoming, and bursting with inspiration and growth. Katie leads with gentle, yet firm guidance focused on curiosity, compassion, and empowerment. She asks questions in a way that encourages new perspectives and allows me to come to my own conclusions about things. Because of this, I constantly find myself in “aha” moments and have found answers within myself that I didn't even know existed!

Out of decades of working with different mentors, therapists, and coaches, Katie has been my favorite. Upon our first meeting, I felt like I was meeting with an old friend. I felt safe to be myself and unpack vulnerabilities as Katie creates a space of security and understanding. I feel that she really “sees” me for me. It is not often I feel understood. 

Working with Katie has felt like a gentle “coming home” and at the same time, has given me an encouraging push that has allowed me to lift myself off the ground into new spaces of growth. 

She is wise beyond her years and continuously works to meet clients where they are at. I have done *years* of self-work in only mere months with her -- and I feel myself evolving into a better “me” every time we meet. She is a gift in my life and one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. If I had to rate her out of ten stars, I would give her infinity."