The Courageous Space for Change
Laura was in the Spring 2023 cohort of the Coaching Circle and I had a chance to catch up with her at last month’s live event.
Some of you have asked about what kind of results or change can happen after joining the Coaching Circle so, in case you missed it, I want to share Laura’s story so you can see what’s possible for you too. Some answers have been edited slightly for clarity.
Ashley: Where were you in your career and life, what were you struggling with, what were you wishing for?
Laura: I was on medical leave from my job for stress and close to burnout when I started the group.
I realized during the “stress leave” that I wasn’t feeling like myself. The job itself was causing the stress and the impact to my body was so big.
I wanted to give myself the time to pause and think things through. And I joined the Circle. I think it really gave me the courageous space—they say “safe space”—but courageous space means you have the space to tackle tough things. I was struggling.
Ashley: Tell us about how being part of the Circle calls—being in community with other women—how that supported you to reconnect to your authentic self.
Laura: It was like an awareness. Participating in the activities. Hearing that ‘you’re not alone’ that others have similar experiences, that everyone is there to support you. That really helped energize me and made me feel like, yeah, I can do this.
When you don’t have anyone at work because work is so stressful, coming into a group like this where everyone is so open to receive and listen and not judge, that we're all in different struggles with where we’re at and how we’re struggling with it is OK. There’s no perfection working through where you want to go and what’s important to you. Yeah it was really a wonderful environment.
Ashley: I’m curious, as you reflect back on your experience, what have been the biggest changes or lessons?
Laura: My shift was pretty big— I did change jobs. I found that the shift was really about putting myself first. The key pieces that were up against my values, those were so easy to use to make decisions in my life. I could make not only job choices, like which to apply for, but I made choices about how I am going to present myself. Like, I was so caught up in trying to be the leader in my previous role. Now, I decided I don’t have to be the leader as long as I am who I am. As long as I’m bringing my best self. It’s amazing that my values, my authentic self, is mirrored by others in the room. So when you find a job where you are all working towards the same goal, and not competing to where you are going, that’s an amazing feeling. I’m only 4 weeks in but I know I’m with my kinship.
I’m using it in my community volunteering work, I’m using [my values] at home and I’m just saying if it doesn’t feel right if it doesn’t fit, don’t put those shoes on. I think that’s been the realization. Also, I’m sleeping better. And my FitBit says that my resting heart rate is better.
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If Laura’s story resonates with you, let’s talk. Learn more about the Coaching Circle and book a call with me here.
I hope you’ll join us on October 5th.
Onward,
