From Rebecca Johnson
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
New York, NY
Thanks to your coaching, I was finally able to have a conversation with the CEO about a pay raise that I had not received in two years.
My initial conversation with him was met with a “no” as the organization’s fiscal situation had prompted him to decide that the executive level staff would not receive a raise this year. Because of our conversations, I knew the "no" would not be final.
The coaching I received from you was to call my CEO on his closed approach, and tell him that his blanket decision, without considering each individual case, did not leave room for negotiation. When I laid out my accomplishments, he agreed and gave me a raise. I know he changed his mind because of my determination and passion. Thank you, as I have learned how to tackle a seemingly unapproachable topic, and turn it into an extraordinary win.
From Lynn Crozier
Vice President of Risk Management
New York, NY
When I discovered Deborah, I was eager to make a career change, but had no idea what I would do next. At first, I faced a lot of fear and uncertainty about the process and the potential result, as I had already tried to figure out “what I really want to do with my life” and failed so many times before. I did not know if this time would be any different. I kept thinking, “Other people just know what they want to do – why don’t I?” I had left my last job 6 months earlier to explore new horizons, but was not in action on the career front at all. I was enjoying my freedom, but just drifting and procrastinating and getting increasingly nervous about the future.
Deborah guided me through a brainstorming process that helped me identify the components of my ideal career, and she taught me how to organize them in a coherent manner. She assisted me to clarify my short, medium, and long-term career goals so that I could see how my choices today affect my results tomorrow.
A dream of mine has been to leave the corporate world and its frustrations, and start my own business. I now realize that identifying an appropriate home-based business, and planning for the transition, is something that takes time. So when a high-paying corporate opportunity was offered to me, with a company that really seemed to reflect my values, I realized it was the right time to take it. My financial fears have been allayed, I don’t feel I’ve “sold out” and I am actually discovering a satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that was missing in previous jobs. I didn’t think this was possible in a corporate environment. I know I am so happy because I am in control of my career versus being a victim of circumstances.
An amazing thing happened along the way, too, as part of the coaching process. I described the kind of boss I would want to work for if I was not working for myself. The list of ideal characteristics was long, and re-reading it I had to laugh at my unrealistic expectations. But now, I am working for the person I described!
Coaching has taught me that it doesn’t have to be "either--or" and that I can have a corporate job that fulfills what I want and need right now, with a company and a boss that I absolutely love. I can continue to work toward discovering the ideal career that awaits me. I can enjoy the journey and thrive along the way. For that sense of peace and satisfaction, I am immensely indebted to Deborah.
From Niamh Darcy
Vice President, Strategy and Planning
Boston, MA
I found Deborah Brown through searching on the Internet for a coach. Her website struck me as having the right approach to what I was looking for. I am amazed how much I have accomplished in a short amount of time.
Before working with Deborah, I spent all my time working wishing for more time away from the office. Now, I work a regular schedule (in the same job!), I am more successful than I have even been, and I still find time to do what I love outside of work which is write, hike, and paint.
I want to take this opportunity to say a personal thanks to Deborah. She has been a tremendous influence for me, and has really helped me be the person I am proud to be.
And Niamh, two years later, found the courage to leave an Internet company that was dying. She sold her home & quit a job she once loved to go after her dreams.
From Niamh Darcy
Ghana, Western Africa
When I came to you two years ago, you asked me what my long-term vision for myself was and this is what I wrote:
I want to work part-time, or full-time, but with more normal hours so I can have 2-3 months off per year. I want to work for a multi-national company that allows me to travel to Europe so that I can see my family. I want to get involved in non-profit work on the side, as this is where I can really give something back to the world/community, especially in developing countries.
I want you to know that I am doing it all and I have never been happier! I am so glad that I quit my job. It was so stressful for me and I realize now how unhappy I was. Thank you for being by my side as I decided to do this. Today, I am in Ghana finishing up a volunteer assignment I had working as a high school teacher. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot.
I also went to Tanzania and climbed Kilimanjaro!!! I feel great. I have always wanted to do this, and it feels nice to have finally done it. I also went on a safari, and got my scuba diving certification in Zanzibar, which was something I’ve been talking about for years.
I decided to stay in Ghana, doing volunteer work with a small IT company on their strategy and methodology. I am really looking forward to it. I met someone who works with the UN, and I am doing research on their programs to see if this is something I could do when I return to the United States.
So, lots of changes! I am helping programming with one of the rural banks here, as well as helping to open a farm, investing some of my own money to get it started. I will be buying an apartment in Galwya, Ireland that my brother will manage for me. I will be helping him and his wife open a restaurant down the road, so I have found a place to put my money to better use than the stock market!
I want to thank you for believing in me, and pushing me to my best. I could not have done this without you. I could have spent years talking about what I would do someday, but now that someday is here
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