11 Rules To Break To Set Yourself Free

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Want Clarity, Conviction and Confidence?

Want Clarity, Conviction and Confidence?

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Business, In-Power, Inspiration, Mindset | 0 comments

When I first began to think about creating my consulting and coaching business, I started to write every morning about what I wanted. I was in a reflective period, I had recently broken up with a boyfriend and was in a growth spurt. 

First thing after waking, sitting in my living room with a cup of Joe in hand, I wrote. The title at the top of the page, WHAT I WANT. I wrote a stream of consciousness, permitting myself to write whatever came to mind, with no rules, and anything goes. Every day for a month, I wrote for 15 minutes. Then every day for another month and another month after that. 

I got super clear. I got a conviction. I got committed. I got confident, to take action and start creating my life on my terms. Thus, the beginning of my coaching process.

That was 10 years ago. Back then, my business was called Eat the Brownie. I’ve always been super inspired to help people realize their full potential and get what they want, whether it’s more joy, freedom, money, success, peace of mind or whatever brings meaning. This is what “Eating the Brownie” is all about, knowing who you are, what you want and creating a life with #no regrets. (Read the story that inspired “Eat the Brownie” here.)

I call my morning writing ritual “Brownie Pages”, a take on Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages, the amazing author of the Artist’s Way.

What I know for sure is this: if you take the time to get out of mind mugginess, you will gain clarity on what you want. And if you take repeated action towards it, in 6 months your life will change. It’s how I got to where I am now. I changed where I live and what I do. My life looks very different than it did 10 years ago.

AND drum roll please..it’s time to do it again! Starting right now –  2 full months – I’m committed to writing “Brownie Pages” each and every day. So I can expand my vision for myself, my business and my life. And make 2024 the best year ever.

Who wants to join me? In just 8 weeks, you will have more clarity, conviction, and confidence to create the life you really want. Come on, let’s do this together.

Life is short, let’s get the party started. You in? Send me an email (amy at womanunruled dot com) and let me know! 

Eat the brownie

Clean Up Your Dog Poop: Shame-Free Leadership

Clean Up Your Dog Poop: Shame-Free Leadership

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Blog, Business, In-Power | 0 comments

I was walking with my dog Pie the other day and there is a stretch by the water where I can take her off-leash. As soon as I unclipped her, I received a text from a client that required immediate attention. Completely immersed in my phone, a few minutes later, I heard a scream, “clean up your dog’s mess!”

As soon as I took my eye off the ball, Pie did her business.

I completely get why anyone would get pissed off when a dog owner doesn’t act responsibly. Totally fair. But the funny thing, I had poop bags exploding from my pockets for all to see. I still got the scornful look and a shameful-induced reaction.

So I said: “Thanks for pointing it out. You can see, I have bags galore. Shaming isn’t necessary.” The person must have been surprised by my comment. Then said, “Your dog is so cute.”

The art of humiliating and shaming others is at an all-time high. Bashing celebrities, music icons, political rivals, leaders of all kinds, you name it. It’s all over the news and social media, every single day.

Let’s break it down.

Shaming is s way of gaining power over others. It’s a way to feel in control. It’s judgment on steroids and its purpose is to modify behavior and keep people in their place. When a shamer points the finger, they feel greater than and feel good about themselves.

Business is hard these days. Revenue expectations and profitability goals are through the roof, companies are pivoting, some are faltering, and investors are aiming to acquire for pennies on the dollar. In addition, there is a disconnect between the values of the old guard and what the new guard of employees value and want from their jobs. Gen Z’s value autonomy, flexibility, purposeful work and work-life balance.

Clearly, the old model of wringing out as much as you can from employees is dead. Yet as a CEO or executive, the pressure to generate results while balancing the needs of your employees can be tricky, especially when delivering constructive feedback.

There are subtle ways providing feedback can come across as shaming. Before providing any, be clear on your intention and the specific results you want from the conversation. Script out your message, be clear, always start with a positive and look for positive outcomes.

To create a highly productive team and organization, focus on your people’s strengths, understand what they value, empower them so they feel motivated and inspired to make their biggest contribution.

 

Ways to work with me:

The Art of Listening: Your Most Important Leadership Skill

The Art of Listening: Your Most Important Leadership Skill

by | Dec 1, 2023 | Blog, Business, Inspiration | 0 comments

We hear it all the time. “You’re not listening to me.” “They totally missed my point.” “He/she talked over me.” Our desire to be heard and understood is a basic universal need. When we feel listened to, we feel connected, and closer to the person and it contributes to our well-being. When we don’t feel listened to, we get frustrated, and angry and dig our heels into our point of view. Not feeling listened to begets not listening.

Social media, email, texting and Slack make teams more efficient for sure but the downside is we have fewer conversations. I’m a huge fan of Slack but it’s not a one-hit wonder. There is much room for misinterpretation, and nuances are missed which can lead to confusion and not being on the same page.

Add the fact that the attention span of humans is less than a guppy, the art of listening has gone by the wayside. But here’s the thing: we think we need to listen so the other person feels acknowledged. The truth is, that listening is good for the listener. It increases empathy and keeps us cognitively engaged and focused. It’s even proven that the less you talk, the more you enjoy the conversation!

I help my coaching clients with all kinds of communication. Prepping for board meetings, interviews, team kick-off meetings, how to ask for the promotion, how to let someone go. What to say and how to say it, with clarity, connection and conviction. Listening is as important or more important than perfecting your message and what you want to say.

Why Listening Matters

  1. According to a McKinsey study, teams that prioritize communication and actively listen are 50% more likely to have high productivity levels. As leaders, our ability to listen directly impacts the bottom line.
  2. The International Journal of Listening highlights that effective listening reduces the potential of conflicts escalating. Teams where leaders actively listen experience 40% fewer conflicts.

Here are 6 Tips to Sharpen Your Listening Skills:

  1. Be present which means remove all distractions. Turn off your devices. Being fully present shows respect and creates a deeper connection.
  2. Get out of your head. Most people are thinking about what they want to say next vs. truly listening. Put yourself aside and focus on the other person.
  3. Ask open-ended questions. The name of the game is “Be Curious”! Asking open-ended questions gives people permission to tell you what they really think.
  4. Keep it simple and brief. Don’t get into the weeds or go off on a tangent. Clear and concise communication fosters better understanding and connection.
  5. Do your best not to interrupt.I know how it feels when you get excited and dying to make your point! Take a few breaths or count to three before responding.
  6. Remove judgment and bias. Be open to a different point of view, you’ll learn something! Judgment and criticism are linked and no one wants that 🙂

Will the noise and constant change around us, being a leader who is grounded and intently listens will set you apart. Listening is not just hearing what another person says. Listening is the ability to understand what others are saying and having them trust you. Cultivating your listening skills will create a more engaged team and. provide you with more fulfillment in your leadership journey.

To be a good leader, you have to be a great listener.

-Richard Branson

What breakthrough are you seeking?

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8 Ways a Career Transition Coach Can Fuel Your Job Search

8 Ways a Career Transition Coach Can Fuel Your Job Search

by | Nov 29, 2023 | Blog, Business, Inspiration | 0 comments

In the ever-evolving job market, managers and leaders of all types find themselves in the challenging position of seeking new opportunities or wanting to make a change.

In fact, 75% of all Americans will be seeking a new job this year. Crazy, right?

No one on the planet likes looking for a new job. Navigating a career transition can feel daunting. Yet with the right guidance and support, you can significantly improve the outcome of your job search. 

The right career transition coach can help you thrive while looking for your dream job. They will provide you with tools, strategies, and insights throughout the process and also help you flourish in your new role. 

8 ways a career transition coach can help you up your job search game:

1. Discover your Strengths, Values, Passions and Purpose

A coach can help you identify your strengths, skills, values, and passions. Through self-assessment exercises and discussions, together, you will uncover what will make you happy professionally.

2. Clarifying Goals

Once you’ve discovered what truly matters to you, your coach will help you set clear and achievable goals. They’ll assist you in defining short-term and long-term objectives and plotting your course that you can follow during your job search.

3. Creating a Magnetic Resume

Your resume is often the first impression on potential employers. A coach can help you craft a compelling resume that highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments, making you stand out from others.

4. Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is key for your visibility and connections.. A coach can provide expert guidance on how to create an attention-grabbing LinkedIn profile that attracts recruiters and hiring managers.

5. Personal Branding 

A career transition coach can help you build a personal brand that communicates your unique value proposition. They’ll show you how to articulate your strengths and what sets you apart from the competition.

6. Interview Preparation + Role Play

A coach can help you refine your interview skills, provide mock interview sessions, and offer constructive feedback to boost your confidence and performance during interviews.

7. Networking Strategies 

We all know the power of networking. A coach can teach you effective networking strategies and leverage your existing connections to uncover hidden job opportunities.

8. Motivation and Emotional Support 

The primary function of a coach is to help you stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and overcome the ups and downs that can come up throughout your job search journey.

So why invest in a career transition coach? It’s an investment in your future. Working with a career transition coach will result in saving you time and frustration and ultimately help you land a more fulfilling and higher-paying position.

If you’re a manager or executive considering a career change or simply want to enhance your job search strategy, consider partnering with me for your job search. I’ll empower you to make aligned decisions, maximize your potential, and uplevel your professional life. 

To determine if working with me is a smart move, book a complimentary clarity call with me here.

Here’s a link to download my program brochure.

What breakthrough are you seeking?

Book A FREE 30 Minute Call with Me
Want to Grow Your Business?

Want to Grow Your Business?

by | Mar 18, 2023 | Business, Mindset | 0 comments

It’s an unprecedented time, to say the least. Stress, pressure, fear and anxiety are at another all time high. I wrote this 3 years ago and it hasn’t let up.

While it is true we’re living in a time where things seem a bit nuts, there is an upside.

Challenge wakes us up. It makes things real. It gives us clarity. It makes our will stronger. It creates opportunities. It makes us work smarter to achieve our goals.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for 15 years. I co-founded a sales and marketing consulting group, an executive recruiting firm, and a business consulting and coaching practice. I had the foresight to hire consultants and coaches to advise me in areas such as creating on-line business, marketing, messaging, social media and everything tech. I decided early on that I didn’t want to wing it so I surrounded myself with experts I could learn from.

I’ve learned a lot through the years. I’ve worked with dozens of entrepreneurs and consulted with companies at every stage of growth. I’ve also helped corporate coaching clients create a side gig that became their main gig.

Whether you are an entrepreneur just starting out or a business owner in growth mode, each business phase requires different things from you. How would if feel to have an expert partner with you to:

  • Clarify your vision
  • Refine your business strategy and priorities
  • Create a compelling value proposition
  • Build authentic branding and messaging
  • Unique offerings and pricing
  • Sales and strategic partnerships
  • Expand and grow
  • Develop a certainty of success mindset

Download my Mindset Tips for Entrepreneurs.

 

What breakthrough are you seeking?

If you need some direction or your business needs a tune up, I can help.
Let’s talk. Book a complimentary call with me.

Book A FREE 30 Minute Call with Me
Are you 100% Committed?

Are you 100% Committed?

by | Mar 1, 2023 | Business, Mindset | 0 comments

So many shifts in our lives these days.

I see it in my own life, clients and friends. It feels like two steps forward, one step back. It’s “on” one day, then it’s “off”, then it’s “on” again. A few examples just this past week:

  • About to accept a job offer and a new opportunity pops up
  • Pregnant, but now there’s twins!
  • An Investor or client says “yes” then “no” then…
  • Travel plans change and go awry
  • Another unexpected re-org

When life throws us a curve ball, it’s easy to live in the what if’s. But that’s where worry and uncertainty lie. Our minds create an out, even before we get to the finish line! You know what I mean:

  • What if it doesn’t happen?
  • Is it even what I want?
  • What if I don’t like it?
  • What if I fail?
  • What if I’m not up to the task?
We need to commit to a desired outcome without becoming attached to an exact outcome.

More than ever we need to be certain and committed. Certain about who we are, what we want, and engage in making what we want “happen.” We need to commit to a desired outcome, without getting attached to an exact outcome.

For instance, you want a new job. You make a commitment to yourself, you develop a strategy, get your resume and LI profile up to snuff, do your research, engage, and keep taking action. you are certain you will get a new position but don’t get attached to a specific job, with a specific company before the process is complete.

Or you want a romantic relationship. You commit to the process, put yourself out there, show up authentically, go on dates, all the while getting more clear on what you want. You are certain that it will happen, without getting attached to a certain person, early on.

Or, you want to become a confident leader. You commit to developing your skills, hire a coach, make your calls a priority, do the work, practice and show up consistently. You are certain if you put in the time, you will reach your goal.

The only way to get results, is to be 100% committed, take consistent action, while being open to how things will unfold. When you are 100% committed, you are all in. You may not know exactly “all the hows” to get what you want but once you commit, the universe magically begins to conspire to help you reach your goal.

What breakthrough are you seeking?

Book A FREE 30 Minute Call with Me