About Me
"We only live once, Snoopy." - Charlie Brown
"Wrong! We only die once. We live every day!" – Snoopy
Coaching isn’t about me. It’s about you. And if I’m going to serve you, it’s important that you feel comfortable with me. That you can trust me. So a great place to start is for you to know a little bit about me professionally. So here it goes…I have a degree in graphic design. Within 6 years of graduating from college, I started my own graphic design firm working on projects in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. In the years following, I launched two other design-related companies, but lost most of my business due to the Global Financial Crisis. So…I went into real estate. I know…it was a big leap from the design industry. After over 6 years in real estate building my business, marketing to my niche, navigating the stress of negotiations and inspections, and guiding my clients in the most professional and friendly way possible, I realized my soul wasn’t getting the nourishment it needed, so I transitioned my career into coaching. Another leap? Yes and No.
Why do I coach?
During my time in real estate, I donated 10% of my commission check to a charity of my client’s choice. It was this act of giving back that gave me moments of pure joy. I was profoundly fulfilled by the personal and life-changing stories my clients had for choosing their particular charity. I realized helping other people on that deep level gave me the sense of fulfillment and purpose I hadn’t had before! I made it my sole mission to pursue helping others in their search for their own fulfillment and purpose, as a career. And here we are! Today, with my business clients, I work exclusively as a Buffini & Company business coach.
Just like you, I’ve struggled with major life issues and events – relationship ups and downs, career issues, loss, crippling feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness, etc. More specifically, childhood trauma left me with a fear of public speaking, being the center of attention, and people pleasing to survive in this world. In order to not only survive, but THRIVE, I had to learn by doing - by facing the fears to overcome my own demons. I am still a work in progress! Now I want to AND WILL help you to overcome your own self-limiting fears.
What are my values?
Everyone is creative, resourceful and whole. Of that, I am certain. My role as your coach is to help you realize that and guide you to become your best true self. Frankly, I want to give you the tools you need, so in future, you’ll never need me to coach you again.
What’s my style?
People I’ve worked with describe me as playful, yet at the same time calming. Those who know me well say I am eccentric… and I love that! I create and hold a safe space for you to explore new ideas and challenge yourself. That doesn’t mean it’s easy! Change never is! But I will be your biggest champion and help you feel the most comfortable in the (sometimes) uncomfortable process of personal growth. Clients have trusted me with anything from helping them build their business, to their brand identity, to relationship challenges impacting all areas of their lives, to their biggest life purchases - like their home.
What are my credentials?
Aside from my challenging life experiences, you mean?
I have achieved a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accreditation level at the the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
I am a professionally trained and certified coach (CPCC) from the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), one of the coaching companies responsible for creating the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
I am certified and have completed the Co-Active Institute’s 10-month intensive Leadership Program.
I am a Certified Buffini & Company Business Coach, where I have been coaching business owners and leaders since early 2021.
My learnings continue to be profound and stretch me, allowing me to be an even more effective coach every day. I am passionate about continuing my learning until the day I die so I can be more fulfilled and best serve my clients.
Inspiration
Here are some of my current favorite and most inspiring things!
ABOVE ALL…OTHER PEOPLE: MY WIFE, MY SON, MY PARENTS, AND MY CHOSEN FAMILY
NATURE: I FIND A LOT OF INSPIRATION FROM THE NATURAL WORLD. THESE MOVE ME… THEY CLEANSE MY SOUL:
Walks on the beach, lakefront, or parks
Yearly (when possible) snowboard vacations
National and international travel
Flowers, they get me every time
oh…and baking too
BOOKS: THESE ARE BOOKS I HAVE READ RECENTLY WHICH ARE RELATED TO LIVING A BETTER LIFE AND I HAVE FOUND BOTH INTERESTING AND EASY TO READ:
Tiny Habits, by BJ Fogg, PhD.
The Way of Integrity, by Martha Beck
Social Intelligence: The New Science of Success, by Karl Albrecht
The Courage to Be Disliked, by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Eye Contact, by Michael Ellsberg
Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
FILMS: THESE ARE SOME OF MY RE-WATCHABLE FAVORITE FILMS THAT GIVE ME ENERGY TO CREATE AND LOSE MYSELF:
The Matrix, The Martian, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Coco, A Fish Called Wanda, Avatar, Spirit, Finding Nemo, Forrest Gump, Goodwill Hunting, The Incredibles, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Monsters Inc., Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Terminator, Tron