Sonya:
"...a vote of confidence"

Not all women come to coaching in hopes of finally creating meaningful work. Some, like Sonya*, come to to refocus an existing career, hoping that coaching will lead to informed and positive adjustments to a new life situation. Sonya’s life is in turmoil: she has just filed for divorce and has four school-aged children. A highly regarded non-profit executive, she has been telling herself for several months that she needs a job with better pay and fewer demands while she helps her children adjust. She feels she has been procrastinating on getting started: "I need to have my feet held to the fire." But as she ponders questions like, "What are the elements you and your children need in a work situation?"; and, "What are the tradeoffs you’re willing to make for better pay?", she begins to question whether this is a good time to be making yet another change. The coaching focus then shifts to identifying changes in her job responsibilities that could reduce her stress and leave her with more energy for her family life. Submitting her proposal to the Board of her organization, she is surprised to find them more than willing to go to considerable lengths to accommodate her. As she completes her coaching, she expresses gratitude for the structure and accountability it provided. Even more important, she is grateful for new clarity about her strengths and gifts. "It would never have occurred to me to ask the organization to meet my conditions, so I could stay. That’s quite a vote of confidence in me!"

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*These stories are composites of many different women’s stories. Actual stories of real clients are held in strictest confidence.

Nina Ham, CPCC, LCSW | Success from the Inside Out
Email Coach Nina Ham | Telephone 510-526-7377
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