Success On Their Terms: Here’s What Some Of My Past Career Counseling Clients Are Up To
Kaarin Smith was frustrated and confused after coming in second on four job interviews in a row. She wanted help in sorting out the issues that she thought were standing in the way of her success. In the beginning, Kaarin believed that her dreams seemed nice, but unattainable. With Amy’s guidance, she was able to recognize and eliminate the self-defeating beliefs and behaviors that were creating obstacles to living the life she wanted. Kaarin learned to create a vision of success based on her values and dreams rather than on a set of “shoulds.”
What a difference a year makes! Kaarin is now living every single one of her dreams:
- She is working with an international humanitarian aid organization that allows her to have an impact in meaningful work while traveling around the world.
- She qualified for and will be running the Boston Marathon. Go Kaarin!
- She enjoys a satisfying and joy-filled relationship with her husband and teen-age kids.
In Kaarin’s own words: “Who I am at my core did not change, but Amy helped me dislodge the blocks one by one until that core could shine through. I have immense gratitude for the process and the results.”
Kaarin’s journey is a wonderful example of what can be created in our lives and careers when we are willing to identify what’s keeping us stuck and change our relationship with fear.
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Andrea Layne was an IT project manager by trade who had burned out for the second time in her 11-year career. She had already quit her job and just didn’t think she could return to the same career. She wanted fulfilling work that would allow her the freedom to be the creative person she is, without spending long hours away from her daughters and husband. She needed help figuring out where to go. With the help of curiosity and a willingness to listen to her intuition, Andrea discovered that her heart was in floral design. She learned to manage her fears and follow her heart and a few months later, became a certified floral designer and launched Andrea Layne Floral Design. The business is thriving, Andrea is happier and more successful than she ever imagined, and she has returned balance to her life. Way to go Andrea!
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On the one hand, Laurie Chin Sayres was a passionate and effective college history professor, and on the other hand, Laurie also felt she was drowning in a sea of uncontrollable circumstances. She felt smothered by a future plagued with financial insecurity, believed she had limited ability to shape her future, and was unable to find a path out of this occupational and life paralysis. After learning about the power of perspective change and developing the ability to take ownership of action and choice, Laurie is now able to listen to her heart. She has combined her discovered passions of teaching and history with her first love: film. Laurie is the proud owner/founder of a historical and educational film production company in Colorado called Labragirl Pictures, Ltd. Labragirl is the result of letting go of fear, acting with intention, and learning to be aware of the opportunities that present themselves.
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Leah Halvorsen was looking to redefine many areas in her life. She had been at home raising her children and during that time she lost sight of her own sense of happiness and personal power. Her marital relationship had gotten off track and she was struggling to determine how to re-enter the workforce. Now Leah is a full time life coach who works with individuals of all ages; she has created a blend of coaching and family enhancement strategies called “Family Support Coaching.” She now looks in the mirror and recognizes and is proud of the woman she sees. She is a woman who is deeply immersed in living–no matter what it looks like. Leah is up to all sorts of things these days, and you can follow her thoughts, new coaching offerings and adventures at leahhalvorsen.com.
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Terra Goeres felt lost, confused, and as though she didn’t know who she was anymore. She had spent 15 years either doing work that was meaningless to her soul, or work she loved within a toxic and political corporate environment. She had fallen into the habit of letting her fears keep her small and she was at the point where she couldn’t articulate her own values or name any of her talents. Now, as a personal branding specialist, Terra is engaged in a career that she is truly passionate about and one that reflects her natural talents, interests, and education. She has learned how to push past her fears and she now pursues her dreams excitedly and relentlessly. Her big “ah ha!” moment? Realizing that helping other career women get polished and confident is not just her mission; it’s also a manifestation of who she is.
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Suzanne Hermus was coming through what seemed like the worst period of her life, professionally and personally. Her career was crashing down around her, she was losing the ability to function and her saboteur was running her life: leaving her overwhelmed and unenthusiastic about work, family, friends, and life in general. She has transformed from being a woman with low self esteem who was often negative, to a confident woman who is grateful for many, many things. Suzanne now sees the benefits the universe has provided even out of the most difficult struggles and painful experiences. She has started a social community and blog (http://livingpassionately.me) to share her story and encourage others to take the necessary steps toward happiness and living passionately. Suzanne is also pursuing a new career as a professional life coach so that she can leverage her own experiences and empower other women to create positive change in their lives.