Bio

As a teenager looking ahead to adulthood, I was enthralled with the idea of working in advertising. In college I sought out relevant classes and internships, and as my senior year drew to a close I put all my energy into finding an entry-level role in New York City, landing my first job as a Print Planner the fall after graduation.

Fast forwarding through the next thirteen or so years, I did all the “right” things to advance my advertising career: worked hard, garnered high performance reviews, self-advocated, earned the promotions, negotiated the titles and raises and counteroffers. From the outside looking in, mine was a story of objective success. I had climbed the ladder to a senior level, with a salary and reputation many people only dream of.

At the same time, burnout and dissatisfaction had been steadily coming to a boil on the back of the stove. Long and stressful work hours consumed my energy as well as my time. Even when I wasn’t at the office, my job drew my constant attention. Even on vacation, I was generally unable to leave the work behind, and so I would return from PTO barely more rested than when I had left.

I reached a tipping point when a seemingly minor yet disruptive and persistent health issue (dry mouth) led me to seek a medical diagnosis. The doctor, at an evening appointment in a tiny Manhattan office, asked me if I was stressed, as there was no indication in the test results of anything else causing the condition. I laughed uneasily and said “Of course I am, but show me someone who isn’t!” (because this was the reality in both my professional and social circles at the time).

And then I walked out and changed my life.

Okay, well, it didn’t happen quite so immediately. But over the next few weeks I did significant soul-searching, had conversations with supportive coach-like people in my life, and came to recognize I needed a big shift. I gave notice at my agency, declared to the world that I was “on sabbatical,” planned a celebratory trip to explore New Zealand, and launched into the following year on a mission to identify a new path.

That was over fifteen years ago. That was the year I caught my breath, reconnected with what mattered to me and experienced for the first time equilibrium in my daily life. It was also the year I discovered that a career as a professional coach would allow me to work every day in alignment with my strengths and values and would support a lifestyle that was open and flexible rather than narrow and rigid like the one I’d had. (I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that the dry mouth went away, too.)

When it comes to coaching, the truth is this: I LOVE to do this work. I LIVE to do this work. Most days it doesn’t feel like “work” at all, because helping others find joy and fulfillment also brings joy and fulfillment to me. What could be better than that?

📚FAVORITE BOOKs

Mindset by Carol Dweck – When stuck in a rut or resisting change and challenges, this book offers the reminder we all need that we can access our growth mindset and reframe every situation as an opportunity to evolve.

4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman – In no uncertain terms (but also very humorously), the author points out that because life is short we’d be wise to give up on the idea of “fitting it all in” and should instead choose to do what’s most important first.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans – A moving story (fiction) told exclusively through a series of letters between the main characters over time and distance. When I was a kid I developed a love of writing letters and maintained various penpals. Even today I love sending thank you notes, holiday cards and postcards by snail mail.

FUN FACT

In 2020, my family set up a coop and got a few chicks so that we could always have fresh eggs, and I have been a suburban “chicken farmer” ever since. I find it unexpectedly calming (and entertaining, too) to bring a handful of treats into the pen and watch our flock go about their business of pecking and clucking. A meditation session among chickens? I highly recommend it! 🐓

ASSESSMENTS RESULTS

Strengths Finder: Relator, Developer, Harmony, Empathy, Woo

MBTI

Extravert-Sensor-Feeler-Judger – “As an ESFJ, you are an optimistic, generous and giving soul – often attracted to the underdog and those in need of a champion. Giving is your driving force and you look for ways to improve situations and people.”

Why I work with HTYC 

My own life is a true story of major career transition — from advertising exec to professional coach — after years of feeling stuck and limited by the path I had chosen. Because I feel fortunate every day to do work that excites me, I also feel driven to share this empowering message — that you deserve a career and life you love and shouldn’t settle for a situation that doesn’t serve you.

Working with HTYC is an incredible opportunity to nourish this core belief on a larger scale and expand the population of individuals who derive purpose and pleasure from their work. It is an absolute privilege for me to walk alongside clients on their own personal journeys of transformation.