How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you become a Success and Well-being Coach focused on Awakened Leadership?
To answer this question, it’s probably best that I share with you a defining moment that brought me to where I am today – helping people step into their power, find lasting joy and well-being, and live an authentic, inspired life, true to themselves and true to their soul. That defining moment happened on October 26, 2012.
That’s when my life was forever changed. My mom, who had been my rock, best friend and MY visionary leader for the vast majority of my life, suffered multiple brain injuries and was left severely disabled and unable to speak. Losing the version of her that I had known all my life, and watching her go through 2 years of heart-ache, frustration and pain, made me feel that all I was and all I had was stolen away. I existed in an almost constant state of stress, overwhelm, guilt, regret, anger, anxiety and sadness. I withdrew from my life and my friends, I left graduate school for a chunk of time, and was then constantly flying back and forth from Florida to Pennsylvania to be with my mom and dad. I gave everything I had, and though I would never change what I did in order to be with my mom as much as I could, I certainly lost myself along the way. Then, on January 22, 2015, my mom died. My inner and outer worlds collapsed. Empty and lost, I too felt like I had let part of myself die that cold winter day.
My despair changed the way I saw the world. I could see different versions of it. I became more sensitive to everyone's pains. I saw people of all walks of life who were in emotional and mental distress, and I felt for them in a new way. I saw them not living fully the life that they wanted - not stepping into their own power to be in the world as who they deep down knew themselves to be. I became so in touch with the way people weren't loving themselves or believing themselves worthy. In them, I saw myself. We were living a life not truly fulfilling, somewhat uninspired, unaligned and unaware of the magnificent and unique beings that we were, and of our natural ability to change the world around us. I realized how much my emotional struggle, mental stories and negative self-talk were holding me back, zapping my energy and preventing me from the life I really wanted. I noticed that we all have an internal world that constantly determines how we experience our outer world and how we exist in it. I noticed that this internal world can either hold us back or launch us forward.
I also realized that I could let this story define me. I could live out my life in a constant state of turmoil, or I could let it be a bouncing off point. I could be grateful for the time my mom and I had together on this earth, and let it be evidence of how precious life is, how precious each person is, and how we never know how much time we have left here - so it is up to us to make the most of this crazy and magical life. I had a choice - I could wallow here forever, or I could carry on her legacy, one of love and dreaming big. I chose the latter (eventually, after some major grieving and wallowing). I chose to figure out how to find the joy, peace, ease and vibrancy that I longed for. I chose to step into my own power and go after everything I wanted in this life. I chose to lead. Fiercely (and sometimes hilariously, and sometimes having to wade through my own fear), and with a compassionate heart, I stepped further into my truth. I finally became my own visionary leader with a bold vision to empower and support those with a mission to make the world a better place.
What did that look like?
I started by defining and creating my new self. I allowed myself to be still, and to be exactly where I was. I started reading a lot. I started learning about the emotional guidance system, and what the difference was between a lack mindset and an abundance mindset, and what I could do to create a new reality. I took life moment by moment and held dear to times of joy and inner peace. I allowed my family and friends into my heart again. I re-ignited my meditation practice and started visualizing a joyous, prosperous, abundant life – filled with love, ease and freedom in the moment. I formed a morning routine and healthier habits. I took high-performance classes, and got certified in Reiki Energy Healing and as a Law of Attraction Life Coach.
In the process (which is still NOT a perfect one, but a constant one) I became fully engaged, present and alive again. I started existing in the vibration of joy and gratitude, which became the key to living in abundance, which unlocked the power of leadership and fulfillment in my life. I noticed how the energy in which I live has a profound effect on those around me. My mission became a life of joy, love, freedom and making a difference.
As it is also my mission to facilitate well-being, strength and grace for the ambitious and compassionate leaders in this world, I created coaching programs for the different stages of a leader’s life.
The Rise to Joy Program, The Be the Shark Leadership Program, and The Ocean’s Edge for Entrepreneurs Program all focus on helping you step powerfully into your next stage of leadership, constantly return to a state of well-being and fulfillment and create a life that is true to who you are.
Who are your clients?
I work with ambitious, kind-hearted people who are ready to be a part of the new wave of mindful leaders that are creating a healthier and happier earth, ocean and human tribe. I work with people who want to take on a new level of self-leadership, be a force for good in the world, and are driven to have an amazing quality of life along the journey. Specifically, they include:
Visionary, Innovative, and Purpose-Driven Leaders
Humans wanting to make a difference for earth, ocean & humanity
Entrepreneurs on a mission to do good in the world
Emerging Young Leaders
Women in Public Service and Nonprofit Organizations
Ambitious leaders who want to find lasting peace and gain tools for stress release and self-love, and to infuse ease and joy into their life
Leaders in their home, business or community who want to lead with more joy, influence, effectiveness, authenticity and inspiration
Those who want to feel better, more of the time, so they can have more energy to do the things they enjoy, with the people that they love, and accomplish their goals at the same time
Those who want to grow in the art of simultaneously being grateful and at peace with where they are, while looking excitedly toward the future, and enjoy the journey along the way
What makes you different from other life coaches, or “success" and "well-being coaches”?
We dive deep into both inner and outer work, and use a "success from the inside out approach." We not only cover practical and easy to implement strategies, tools and habits for your success, but we also spend time on mindset, internal self-talk, and raising your energy to new and sustained levels. I am "spiritual" (meaning believing that we are not only skin and bones, but that there is an essence to us that is more), so will talk about raising your vibration/energy, universal laws, and releasing blocks and beliefs in order to allow your true nature to shine through. We will implement guided meditations, visualizations, and affirmations, along with high-performance time saving strategies and practical healthy habits. We will discuss that you are, at your core, a magnificent being whose light makes this world a better place.
I also have a long-standing history of being a marine scientist who enjoys measurable improvements, proven strategies, a well laid out spreadsheet, and an afternoon dive in the ocean with some sharks. I like to laugh and I’ve been known to swear. I am honest and direct, and I will tell you the things that other people may be too intimidated to say. I am also compassionate, loving and kind. I will show up for you with everything I’ve got, every single day.
What this means for you is that you get a joyful-loving-adventurous spirit guide meets authentic-practical-committed success coach who will uplift, empower, and inspire you while challenging you, keeping you focused, on track, and accountable.
My mission is to help you tap into an abundance of lasting happiness, self-love, energy and inner peace, and uncover the confidence and courage it takes to raise your life and your dreams up to the next level. My purpose is your unlimited growth.
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
Being an authentic, fun-loving, ambitious person myself, I work best with other authentic, fun-loving, ambitious people. It’s okay if you’re not feeling at your best, everyone needs help at different points along their life’s journey. It’s even okay if you feel like a frickin hot mess right now! But I do expect you to show up ready and willing to grow, to be authentic and honest, and to have a true desire to invest in yourself and your increased quality of life.
Who are the people that the programs will NOT work for?
Please know that I am very selective in who I work with and I gently and lovingly turn away people who are not suited for the programs I have created, and who will not get the results they have signed up for (it would not be very fair or fun for either of us). I don’t work well with people who are not ready to take responsibility or action. I find that people who are at this stage are not quite ready step into their own power, and take control of their lives. If you, at this time, fall into this category, a program like this simply would not serve you to the degree that I would feel great about! The programs are also not for people who are unable to invest financially in themselves for the same reasons listed above. (It’s okay if this is where you are right now. You just need to build a foundation first. Take those steps that are needed to get extra support or extra cash flow. In the mean time, to get to know me on social media where I strive to add a touch of mindful leadership, joy and well-being into life!)
Does this really work?
Yes. Show up, set the intentions, do the work, and you will feel the results. This is real life, so I cannot guarantee that when you work with me for a certain amount of months, your life will forever be filled only with bliss! I can say that if you commit to this journey, the result of our work together will equip you with the tools to be the intentional creator of a life you love, and will help you better deal with the things life throws at us that we cannot control. You will come to find that by focusing on love, inspiration, gratitude, inner-peace, energy, creativity, freedom and JOY, you can continue to grow into the most vibrant and true version of yourself!
What results can I expect?
Examples of different results you can expect:
Be a more influential and inspiring leader
Have more energy throughout the day (both to do the things you enjoy and to move forward in your dreams, goals, aspirations)
Have a higher level of self-care and self-leadership
Be a leader creating a culture of equity, inclusion and diversity
Be a more loving, kind and patient leader, parent, spouse, friend, colleague and person
Increase your clarity of vision
Find the best in others and have deeper and more meaningful relationships
Have more time and energy for the things that fill you with joy and passion and purpose
Be more open to the magic and ease of new opportunities coming your way
Break through negative self-talk and leave insecurity behind
Release emotional struggle so you can have more energy and confidence to be the real you
Connect more deeply with your self, your soul, your passion and your purpose than ever before
Show up with more vitality and create an environment of creativity and togetherness at work and at home
Live with a river of joy moving through you so much more of the time
Find an unshakeable inner peace (be unfuckwithable)
Be more engaged and present in the moment
Increased skills of compassion, empathy and gratitude in leadership
Step into your power and spread that empowerment to those around you
Be able to release your stress, anxiety and overwhelm and tap into a place of inspiration and renewal
Love yourself more than you ever have before
Create more intimacy
Bring people together and spread your message
Create a sustainable energy throughout the day to increase your efficiency and effectiveness
Improve your emotional intelligence and ability to communicate people from all walks of life
Sing in your car, dance in the rain, do amazing high fives and secret hand shakes
Take inspired action in every aspect of your life
Have a foundation for you to be able to look back at the end of your life and know you made the most of your time here
Live as your true, authentic, glory-train unicorn self
Love harder, live more passionately, and make an incredible impact by being the magnificent being you were born to be
Shara, I want to learn more. How do we get in touch?
I work one-on-one and in small groups with my clients to develop a deep and lasting connection, and to support you every step of the way. Click the button below to contact me and we can explore how I may be able to support you.