Testimonials
Michael A.
On Career Coaching
Working with Katie was an over-all big confidence boost. After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering I really wanted a design position where I could get hands-on experience, but applying for jobs felt like a shot in the dark. I had some idea about what I was doing and what I was interested but did not have much success at getting interviews. The biggest things I learned in my work with Katie are how to write good resumes and cover letters and how to interview.
Katie was like a sieve I ran my information through and she helped me figure out what was important, what wasn’t and additional experiences and aspects of my personality that I never would have thought of to emphasize to employers. She understood the nuances of applying for a job in my field versus positions in business or marketing. She knew what engineers would be looking for and showed me how to tailor my experiences to my field rather than produce a general resume.
I started to get interviews almost immediately and we did a “mock” interview to prepare. From that experience I learned how to get organized for different types of interviews and what strengths, skills, characteristics and stories to share that show my fit for the position. I got job within 5 weeks of working with Katie. After starting my new job my boss told me they don’t normally hire people straight out of school for my position. It’s cool to have such a great opportunity and getting a job like this is a great confidence boost for the next time.
Vanessa P.
On Dependable Strengths
Through the Dependable Strengths training I discovered the power in a strengths based conversation with myself, to view the world from the perspective of what I bring instead of what I do not have. It compels me to be in integrity, challenge myself, expand my edges and push outside my comfort zone. Knowing my core strengths provides options on how I engage with life and walk through the world. I can use one or several of my core strengths depending on the situation. The work I did showed me my strengths are my own, from my own experiences of my life; they are not manufactured by someone else’s perception or expectation of what my strengths should be. As a result, I take more ownership, responsibility and accountability for bringing these strengths to my professional and personal life. The more I know, the more I do, the more I act on.
Going through the Dependable Strengths Facilitator Training first as a participant made all the difference. It provided firsthand experience of what my clients may feel, find challenging or uncomfortable. The Facilitator section of the training taught me how to lead others through the process and manage challenging situations.
The three trainers in the workshop are among the best facilitators I have had-hands down, mike drop! The passion and the knowledge they all bring to the work is inspiring. Katie’s complete and thorough command of the concepts and course content and ability to communicate in an engaging way made it easy to understand and follow the process. She openly shared her experiences to assist group learning and patiently responded to a myriad of questions and comments.
Kathleen M.
On Workshop Facilitation
Katie establishes connections with people that create space for dialogue and trust and she consistently meets the goals and learning objectives of whatever training she is providing. She is simultaneously a highly prepared and polished presenter and warmly inclusive as she welcomes people into a learning environment that can be both emotionally challenging and exhilarating.
I have had Katie as a facilitator as well as co-facilitated with her on numerus occasions. She sets high standards, continuously refining, updating and polishing materials and ways to convey information that speaks to the people being served. Her style and energy always inspires me to bring my “A” game when we partner.
As a facilitator, Katie seamlessly integrates valuable details and knowledge gained from multiple disciplines without ever losing the focus of learning in that moment. She genuinely relates to people and thoughtfully elicits information that leads to a greater depth of understanding and possibilities. She creatively work’s through issues to arrive at new ways of thinking and produces imaginative solutions. As a result, participants in her workshops are fully engaged and unfailingly come away with a heightened sense of self-awareness, self-efficacy and a shift of mind-set in who they are, as well as tangible tools to apply in a myriad situations.
Pisay P.
On Life Coaching
As an actress and a creative artist the greatest tool I have is knowing myself. In that pursuit I have read a variety of self-help books, worked with a handful of coaches, and see a therapist regularly. None of these however have compared to the work that I did with Katie.
While I’m able to talk about and express my feelings through coaching and self-help (which I absolutely believe is important so I hope no one thinks I’m suggesting they breakup with their therapist or burn their books) the work I did with Katie gave me cold hard facts.
Through a very detailed and mindful process I learned what some of my greatest strengths are. I saw repeating themes in my life that were not just coincidences but rather the very essence of who I am as a human being. I learned that I had every right to use my strengths and skills to contribute to the world, and doing so gave me great pride and joy.
What I learned about myself in the first month of working with Katie was in large part due to her amazing ability to listen and reflect my experiences back to me. She called out themes and saw patterns that I hadn’t seen or realized on my own. She used language that really encouraged me to explore myself and my work further.
Once my strengths were clear to me and once I accepted that they were a source of happiness the dialogue that I was having with myself and others started to change. I no longer walked into networking events with dread about having to “talk about myself.” I embraced meeting people as an opportunity to learn about their work and an opportunity to share my own work. Katie was a huge help in this area. She gave me great examples on how to approach conversations and initiate dialogue that felt both natural and collaborative.
A few months after working with Katie, I went to Cambodia with my mother, brother, and sister for the first time. One of my strengths is bringing people together so it did not surprise me when I ended up being the one planning and coordinating the trip. It also didn’t surprise me that at the last minute I decided to hire a documentary film maker to follow us along on our journey. Two of my other strengths are pushing boundaries and making an impact. No doubt, having a stranger with a camera in our faces for 10 days pushed every ones boundaries and made a huge impact on our trip.
What surprised me is that a month after filming I took the opportunity to attend a Cambodian Film Festival in Long Beach, California. I was a bit hesitant about going, not really knowing anyone or certain of what I would do while I was there. Fortunately, because the work I did with Katie wasn’t just about naming my strengths but finding ways to utilize them, I became excited about meeting other Cambodian film makers and excited about sharing my documentary. I initiated and followed up on some wonderful connections and met fellow Cambodians from all walks of life and experiences whom I know will be more than just
“possible” colleagues but perhaps lifelong friends.
Wayne G.
On Career and Life Coaching
The work I have done with Katie has helped me to uncover what I want in a professional context, helping me to see that much more clearly than prior to my sessions with her. This was accomplished through a combination of discussions and homework exercises that helped reveal the intersection of my strengths and talents, what I enjoy doing, and what specific, marketable skills employers are looking for.
One of the biggest differences this work has made in my life is that it has helped me recognize my own unique strengths and talents, and the value they bring to the marketplace. Like most people, I notice my flaws first and my strengths second (if at all). The conversations and writing exercises Katie had me do helped bring better balance toward how I view myself and what I have to offer.
I am more confident in the value I bring to my employer, and I believe that is reflected in how I present myself and my work on the job. I've received a promotion from management-level to the director-level. Most importantly, this work prepares me for the next step in my career, and it will help me move into whatever my new position will be with a much stronger and more realistic sense of the value I bring to the table.
For folks considering career counseling, call Katie first to determine if she is the right fit for you (she most likely will be, but it's important to have that initial consultation to discuss your goals and what you want to get out of the process). Then commit to the process with the same intensity, care and attention you would give to any of your projects at work.
Katie is an excellent listener, and she is extremely good at picking-up on themes in your conversation that are directly applicable to your professional life. Oftentimes, these are things that are an integral part of you and/or your work, but they may have escaped your notice. Katie helps surface these important elements for career success in your conversations with her. She has a strong network of contacts and several years of experience as a career counselor as well. That experience makes a key difference as she helps you clarify your goals and sharpen your job search and career-formation skills.
Contact Katie for Consultation
New clients receive a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. Get connected today!