How many years have you been coaching, and what inspired you to become a professional coach?

I’ve been serving as a leadership coach since 2019 with my own business, Innovative Leadership Solutions, LLC, and 2+ years as a Mental Health Coach with Lyra Clinical Associates, PC. Overall, I’ve coached 550+ clients in 2,000+ sessions across Fortune 500 companies, higher education, ministry, athletics, and nonprofits and have facilitated 75 workshops. "Rock-solid" coaching, training, and consulting services (read more about my niche below).

From my early days, sports came naturally, and teachers and coaches mentored me along the way. That foundation led me to become a Physical Education and Health teacher while coaching several sports-basketball, being my favorite. For years, I chased the dream of becoming a head college coach, but I always found myself the bridesmaid, never the bride. Then, the first head coach I worked with out of college asked me, “Have you ever thought of being a coach to many?”

I surrendered all of this to God and a new direction opened. My graduate program in Executive Coaching and Consultation was a transformative experience. Looking back, I see how each step in my journey prepared me for today. I’ve always felt that I’m a coach at my core. I’m very passionate about helping leaders, teams, and organizations learn how to navigate reality with agility to overcome obstacles, face uncertainty, and achieve their goals. Life isn’t about just surviving. I help guide others to thrive at new heights; exceeding what they thought was ever possible.

What is the primary focus or niche of your coaching practice, and If you could have any fictional character as a coaching client, who would it be? 

I’ve developed a coaching model around the 5 Most Common Giants (challenges/obstacles) facing leaders, teams, and organizations (The Self Giant, The Schemas Giant, The Setback Giant, The Socials Giant, and The Structures Giant) and the 5 Stones (Conviction, Courage, Capacity, Confidence, and Communication) to equip leaders to face and take down their Giants anytime, anywhere, and any place. This model is rooted in research and best practices from psychology, neuroscience, performance, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, strengths, personality, and faith (Biblical Story of David and Goliath). Our Proven Process is The IMPACT Journey (Introspection, Mastery, Performance, Activate, Cultivate, and Thrive); a continuous journey of growth from the inside-out, optimizing the impact of leaders, teams, and organizations. We guide them every step of the way, equipping them to climb their own summit.

Niche and focus: Executive, Leadership, Mental Health (Lyra), Emerging Leaders, Systems, Entrepreneurs, Non-Profits, Ministry, Overcoming Challenges/Adversity, and Teams

Topics often coached: Effective Communication, Anxiety, Depression, Boundaries, Stress Management, Life Purpose/Vocation, Life Transition, Conflict Resolution, Relationship Building, Mental Models/Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, Positive Intelligence, Personality Preferences, Cognitive- Behavior Coaching, Acceptance-Commitment Coaching, and Systemic Coaching

My fictional coaching client would be Indiana Jones. He has strong convictions, is courageous, adventurous, curious, persistent, agile, driven by passion (history/archeology), funny and yet, like all humans, has some flaws. He has fears, acts on impulses, history of difficult relationships with his father and past romantic partners, and while he has others help him along the way (they’re often in harms way), his preference is to be independent. I have fond memories of watching these movies with my family.

What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives will you contribute to our ICF chapter as a board member? 

I’ve been a member of the ICF HI Chapter since the beginning. I’ve always wanted to be part of a chapter to meet other coaches, learn, and serve in the community. I believe in the ICF core competencies and adhere to their ethics. My participation in the chapter includes attending meetings, attending in-person events (speakers), and co-creating International Coaching Week’s Health and Wellness Day with Robin Stueber. and serving as a coach through the first ICF Ignite program. At one of the chapter meetings, I heard Robin Stueber’s invitation for volunteers to become a NAMI Hearts+Minds Facilitator. Since I’m a mental health coach, I thought this was a good opportunity to serve the Hawaii community. It’s been a great experience co-facilitating with Robin!

As a nominee for treasurer, I have a proven track record to be trustworthy, professional, and ethical. I have experience working with budgets, keeping records/documentation, making deposits, and coordinating events, including logistics like food and fees. I‘ve also served as a retail event and store manager with Goldy’s Locker Room back in Minnesota. In this role, I was responsible for receiving merchandise, inventory, transport of money from large events, deposits, and weekly paperwork. Overall, I bring 20+ years of leadership experience from various industries.

I value teamwork and love collaborating with others for a shared purpose and mission. It would be an honor to further contribute to the reach and growth of this chapter in our community!

What is one goal you’d love to achieve as a board member to strengthen our chapter and support its members? 

Increase membership and involvement by our members in our chapter and in our community.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know, and how does it shape who you are as a coach or leader? 

In 2005, I stepped into a high school Physical Education teaching position that was starting Hip Hop classes that fall. I didn’t have any prior experience beyond the usual physical education classes (square dancing, waltz, swing, etc.). The previous spring, a student-teacher taught these classes and was a member of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury Hip-Hop Squad. She wasn’t hired because I was already in the district at a junior high. They cut a position at my school, and I was guaranteed a position in the district. At this high school, there was an amazing dance program! The principal was incredibly supportive. I started with a blank slate and got to work taking classes. Let’s just say the students who had the professional hip hop dancer weren’t as excited to see me instead. Yet, with the help of others, high school dance student teacher aides, guest teachers, alumni, and even the previous student teacher, we put on our very first Hip Hop Show that spring! That spring, I was no longer a blank slate, and I had learned a lot along the way. It’s amazing what can be accomplished by working together, having support, anchoring in resilience, being patient, playing the long game, being vulnerable, and earning their trust along the way. It was so rewarding to see the students’ excitement and joy with what they accomplished the night of the show. Regardless of how they entered the class, if they were new to dancing or experienced, they all thrived in their own way…even the teacher!