Ground UP coaching
When I finished graduate school in 2002, I realized my formal education had a significant gap: there were no classes on how to actually build a business. Driven by a deep desire to launch my own practice by graduation day, I had to rely on sheer motivation and a very tight student budget. With no social media and only a flip phone in my pocket, I drafted a comprehensive business plan that mapped out my five-year goals and a strategic marketing roadmap. Because I couldn't afford a high-end agency, my husband stepped in as my creative team, handling everything from my photography to my first logo and website. That season taught me that a clear vision and a resourceful spirit are far more valuable than a massive startup fund.
Taking that leap required putting myself out there with radical intentionality. I spent my days buying coffee for mentors and offering free face-to-face seminars to local businesses, fueled by the belief that I had something truly helpful to offer. To my surprise and delight, the plan worked so effectively that my own graduate program eventually invited me back—not as a student, but to teach the very business course they had been missing. That initial spark launched two successful businesses: my private practice and my first coaching firm. These experiences became the foundation of my coaching philosophy, proving that when you align your passion with a disciplined plan, the "impossible" becomes a reality.
Today, I still wake up with that same love for what I do, though my tools have certainly evolved past that old flip phone. My journey has shown me that discovering your professional coaching skill set isn't just about what you learned in a book; it’s about recognizing the unique strengths you forged in the fire of your own challenges. As you look to define your own path, consider these core pillars that helped me identify my value:
Strategic Visioning: The ability to translate a broad passion into a concrete, 1-5 year actionable roadmap.
Resourceful Creativity: Finding "scrappy" ways to build a professional brand and presence, regardless of your current budget or tech limitations.
Relational Networking: Cultivating the courage to pitch yourself face-to-face and build genuine authority through community service and seminars.
Adaptable Leadership: Recognizing when your success has prepared you to turn around and teach others the lessons you've mastered.
Ready to Build Your Roadmap?
Twenty-four years ago, I started with a flip phone, a business plan, and a vision to help others reach their highest potential. Today, my mission remains the same: helping you navigate the gap between where you are and where you are destined to be. Whether you are launching your first business or looking to scale your current leadership, you don't have to build the bridge alone.
