CHRISTINE DENIS
Empowering Women Through Healing and Transformation
DAPHNE E. JONES
A Trailblazing Executive and Digital Transformation Leader
DR. COLLEEN GEORGES
A Pioneer in Life and Career Coaching
UNIQUE CHALLENGES
WOMEN FACE IN COACHING
LEADING WITH PURPOSE, PIONEERING CHANGE
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CONTENT CURATOR
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A Journey Rooted in Leadership
22
CHRISTINE DENIS
Empowering Women Through Healing and Transformation DR. COLLEEN GEORGES
A Pioneer in Life and Career Coaching
28 DAPHNE E. JONES
A Trailblazing Executive and Digital Transformation Leader
48
Leading with Purpose, Pioneering Change
For Dianna Anderson, leadership has been an integral part of her life since her early years. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shares, "Growing up, gymnastics and leadership were intertwined for me. As long as I can remember, I was obsessed withgymnastics."
Despite the lack of competitive gymnastics programs in her area, Dianna's passion for the sport drove her to seek opportunities wherever she could find them. As Dianna recalls, "At fourteen, I became the head coach for the after-school children's gymnastics program for our city where I led a small team of fellow gymnasts from my high school to teach kids the basics of thesportweloved."
Dianna would go on to coach her high school gymnastics team after the coach left, while also coaching herself to multiple years of provincial-level success. This early formative experience deeply influenced her approach to leadership, and instilled in her a passionforhelpingothersrealizetheirpotential.
Dianna's professional journey into coaching began with a serendipitous discovery in 1994. She recalls, "I opened the newspaper in Houston and read one of the first articles written about this new thing called professional coaching. I knew immediately I wanted to do that." This revelation led her to become one of the first graduates of Coach University and a founding member of the International Coaching
Federation (ICF), making her part of the early wave of professional coaches who shaped the profession. She recalls conversations at the first ICF conference where participants pondered whether coaching would take off or not; “We weren't sure!”
As she began her coaching practice, Dianna noticed a recurring theme: her clients were most successful when they adopted a coaching approach to leadership. "When people got curious about how
others viewed situations, asked questions instead of pushing answers, and focused on finding common ground, they were able to resolve differences, build stronger relationships, and get things done." This realization was a turning point, leading her to develop an "in the moment" coaching approach that could be integrated into everyday conversations. She did this at a time when it was widely held that coaching could only be done by expensive, professionally trained coaches in hour-long sessions.
By 2005 Dianna could see the transformative potential of “in the moment” coaching as the foundation of organizational culture. After co-authoring the first textbook on the ROI of coaching, Dianna and her partner joined their respective companies together to focus on creating coaching cultures. They eventually renamed the company Cylient, which Dianna explains is “a derivative of the word consilience that means unity of knowledge where different fields connect through shared truth.”
At the heart of Cylient's philosophy is the concept of a "Safe and Seen" coaching culture. Dianna describes this culture as one where traditional leadership, focused on controlling processes, is balanced with a coaching-based approach that emphasizes realizing human potential. "The intention of a coaching culture is to wire up a new shared worldview of leadership that empowers the organization to navigate complex change more effectively by intertwining these leadership styles in a balance that is appropriate to their industry and values.”
Cylient's “Coaching in the Moment" workshop has made a significant impact globally, with over 55,000 participants. The shared language and approach fostered by Cylient's methods have led to profound organizational changes. Dianna shared that, “One of our clients that did pre and post measurement through their enterprise-wide engagement survey saw improvements of as much as 9 percent in all areas where individuals rated their experiences with their supervisors. Another client demonstrated significant positive impacts on team retention, employee satisfaction, and engagement.”
Dianna highlights the practical benefits of establishing a coaching culture, noting that, “Our clients consistently report leaving our workshops with the confidence to engage in conversations they previously avoided. And those are consistently the conversations that get things done.” In a recent implementation with midlevel managers 98 percent of participants reported being able to use their new skills immediately. As one client put it, “ Coaching in the Moment is positive, practical and intuitive. It has helped me get to underlying behaviors that were influencing poor performance. The entire concept of Untying the Knot is useful to me not only as a manager, but also to help other managers untie knots and get to the heart of issues.”
Looking ahead, Dianna is passionate about the future of coaching in leadership. She hopes that "within the next decade what we now call insight-based coaching will be ingrained as the globally preferred leadership style." However, she also expresses concern that the current emphasis on everyone having access to a professional coach might overshadow the drive to instill coaching as a leadership style. "It gives the impression that the responsibility to offer coaching lies with the professional coaches, rather than with the leaders of an organization," she explains, emphasizing the need for leaders—and all people—to integrate "in the moment" coaching into their daily interactions.
"The ROI lies in balancing these two approaches," she asserts, highlighting the need for coaching to efficiently deliver value to avoid being viewed as too expensive to be scalable, which caused the demise of some early attempts to build coaching cultures. Dianna offered the analogy that “teaching leaders “in the moment” coaching skills is like providing them with home repair toolkits that enable them to handle more challenging conversations by themselves, in the flow of work. Professional coaching services will still be needed to support people through more complex challenges, just like calling in professionals to do more
complex home repairs.” Dianna observers that, “The better leaders are at using their “in the moment” coaching skills, the higher the ROI of a coaching culture will be.”
Throughout her career, Dianna has been deeply moved by the stories of those who have used Cylient's methods to overcome challenges and build stronger relationships. "Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have come when teams or even an entire division of a company used Untying the Knot as a shared language that united people to take on challenges that eluded them previously." These experiences continue to fuel her belief in the power of coaching to bring about meaningful change, increasingly, at scale.
Looking to the future, Dianna is excited about her upcoming book, which she believes has the potential to guide organizations –and even the world—toward a more sustainable future. "I'm currently working on a book that shares my vision of how wiring up Untying the Knot as a leadership style and globally shared language of change has the power to put the world on a path to a more sustaining and sustainable future." She sees the evolution of “in the moment” coaching as essential to addressing the complexities of today's world, and her book invites readers to join this journey to co-create a brighter future.
Dianna Anderson's journey from a passionate gymnast to a pioneering force in the world of coaching reflects her unwavering commitment to leadership, learning, and the realization of human potential. Through Cylient, she has created a legacy that continues to transform organizations and inspire leaders worldwide. Her work not only shapes the future of leadership but also embodies her belief that meaningful change is only possible through meaningful conversations that inspire people to take courageous action, together.
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FEATURE ME
Christine Denis is a woman whose life journey is as inspiring as the lives she transforms through her work as a life coach, Reiki master teacher, and author.
From a childhood marked by financial hardship and personal struggles to becoming a force of empowerment for women around the world, Christine's story is one of resilience, growth, and an unyielding commitment to help others achieve their fullest potential.
Growing up in Ottawa, Christine faced a series of personal challenges that shaped her path. As the oldest of two siblings, she witnessed her family struggle financially, a reality that deeply impacted her early years.
Her father, an entrepreneur, was often absent, and her mother juggled raising
two children in tough circumstances. Christine recalls her childhood with a mixture of fondness and difficulty, describing herself as a shy child who often faced bullying in school. Despite these early challenges, she developed a strong sense of justice and leadership, qualities that would become the foundation of her future success.
As a teenager, Christine's relationship with school was ambivalent at best. She was recognized for her leadership skills and creativity, but her focus wasn't always on academics. Instead of taking the traditional route to college, she embarked on a professional journey that saw her rise through the ranks in the legal field.
Starting as a legal secretary, she worked her way up to becoming a court clerk, justice of the peace, and eventually the administrator of a courthouse. Her 25-year career in the justice system was one of
determination and success, but it was her personal life and struggles that ultimately fueled her transformation into a life coach and healer.
By the time she was 32, Christine was married with two
children. However, after the death of her father in 2000, she began to question the dynamics of her marriage and realized that she was in an abusive relationship. “Losing someone close makes you question life and your happiness,” she reflects. This revelation led her to leave her marriage and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Her subsequent relationships revealed a pattern of attracting abusive partners, prompting Christine to dig deep into understanding why. This introspection laid the groundwork for her future career in personal development. She learned to set boundaries, practice self-forgiveness, and embrace healing as a way to reclaim her life. She recalls,
“Through setting boundaries, self-forgiveness, and a journey of healing and empowerment, I reclaimed my life and prioritized the safety of myself and my children.”
Her personal journey of transformation inspired her to seek formal education in administrative studies, a challenge she took on while
balancing full-time work and being a single mother. Earning her Administrative Studies Certificate from Algonquin College was a milestone in her personal growth and an example of perseverance that she set for her children. In 2005, Christine found her soulmate, a supportive partner with whom she continues to share her life.
It wasn't long before Christine began to feel a pull toward something greater. After nearly 25 years in the justice system, she retired in 2021 to fully dedicate herself to her mission of helping others.
Alongside writing two books, founding a non-profit organization, and establishing the Peaceful Warrior Healing Centre, she pursued life coaching and Reiki, combining her passion for helping others with a holistic approach to healing.
Her first book, Armed for Greatness , was a critical turning point. The book, which earned recognition as a finalist in two categories at the Third Annual Body, Mind and Spirit Book Awards in California, inspired Christine to share her message of healing and empowerment through public speaking and workshops.
Christine's coaching is deeply rooted in her own experiences of overcoming trauma and finding self-worth. She primarily works with women who feel stuck in repetitive, unhealthy patterns, helping them identify and dismantle limiting beliefs that hold them back.
“Most of the women I coach are eager to understand why they feel stuck and find themselves
trapped in repetitive patterns,” she explains. Her coaching approach is as personal as it is transformative. She openly shares her own life experiences to create a deep connection with her clients, fostering a safe space where they can confront their challenges and start their journey toward healing.
For Christine, the role of a coach is multifaceted. She sees herself as both a teacher and a healer. Drawing from her understanding of the law of attraction, she guides her clients to see the bigger picture of their lives, helping them connect the dots between their current circumstances and their potential for greatness. She incorporates Reiki healing into her sessions, offering an added layer of spiritual insight that often resonates powerfully with her clients.
Christine believes that healing and personal growth are deeply intertwined. “Once my clients gain a clear understanding, the healing process begins without dwelling on the past,” she says, emphasizing the forwardfocused nature of her work. By providing holistic support, Christine helps women move from feeling stuck to embracing their full potential and stepping into their greatness.
Despite her busy professional
life, Christine is deeply committed to maintaining balance in her personal life. As a mother, wife, and grandmother, she prioritizes self-care as a foundation for being able to take care of others. "I realized early on that prioritizing myself was crucial; if I didn't, I couldn't effectively take care of my other responsibilities," she says. She believes that parents, particularly mothers, must take care of themselves first to be fully present and capable in their roles.
For Christine, self-care includes meditation, writing, and staying connected to her higher self. These practices keep her inspired and grounded, allowing her to bring peace, love, and guidance to her clients. She also makes time for her family, ensuring that her husband, children, and grandchildren feel valued and supported.
Christine's passion for writing plays a major role in her life and future goals. Her first book, Armed for Greatness , was both a personal catharsis and a tool to help others. Grounded in her real-life experiences, the book explores how abuse shaped her life and how she ultimately found joy, peace, and love. She is currently working on a sequel to the book, which will be tailored for an adult audience and delve deeper
into the themes of personal growth and empowerment.
Beyond writing, Christine's speaking engagements have allowed her to reach a broader audience. She is committed to empowering women who have freed themselves from toxic relationships and helping them transform their lives. Whether it's through changing careers, healing from the past, or attracting a soulmate, she uses her platform as a speaker to provide practical tools and inspiration. She has also created several online courses, including guides on attracting a soulmate and self-publishing on Amazon, offering additional resources for those seeking personal growth.
Christine continues to host healing retreats for women, run her coaching programs, and expand her influence through podcasts. Her work remains focused on empowering women to overcome obstacles and embrace their potential.
Through her writing, coaching, and speaking, Christine Denis is not only changing lives but creating a ripple effect of empowerment and healing. Her journey from overcoming personal trauma to becoming a leading figure in life coaching is a testament to her resilience and dedication to helping others.
aphne E. Jones, an accomplished executive and digital transformation leader, has built a remarkable career spanning several major corporations such as IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric.
As a pioneer in using digital technologies to drive business transformation, she has also made significant strides in corporate governance and board service. In this interview, Daphne shares pivotal moments from her career, offers advice for aspiring leaders, and discusses the importance of balance between professional success and personal wellbeing.
Q: Daphne, your career spans several major corporations like IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer), and General Electric. Could you share some pivotal moments or experiences that
shaped your journey to becoming an accomplished executive and digital transformation leader?
A: One of the first pivotal moments in my career occurred early in my life. After excelling in school, I was told by my high school counselor that my future would be limited to the role of a secretary. He advised me not to pursue college, saying that as a Black girl, it would be impossible for me to get into college, graduate, or secure a job. I briefly took his advice and became a secretary, but I soon realized I wasn't meant to be a secretary; I was meant to have a secretary. This realization led me to pursue higher education against his advice. I earned my bachelor's degree in three years and my MBA in one, both from Illinois State University. Joining IBM as a systems engineer kickstarted my career, and it was there that I learned the power of not letting others' limitations define you.
Another key moment came when I was laid off from IBM amid personal challenges, including a divorce and a custody battle. I realized the importance of focusing on all areas of life, not just career, which led me to develop what I call the "5 F's": Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, and Furthering my career. Balancing these areas gave me greater control over my life and my decisions.
A third defining experience came when I faced rejection at a company where I was considered a 'star.' Despite being highly regarded, I was rejected from working in a new role because of my limited experience in supply chain. While male colleagues with potential were nurtured, I was pushed aside. Instead of quitting, I took this rejection as direction. I sought feedback, improved my skills, and ultimately succeeded, which led to a promotion at another company as Executive Director.
Q: Throughout your career, you've been a pioneer in using digital technologies to transform business models. Can you share a specific project where your leadership in digital transformation made a notable impact?
A: One project that stands out involved enabling real-time visibility into customer profitability on a global scale. Business leaders were frustrated by their inability to segment customers and understand profitability across
regions. They said it was impossible to achieve, but I'd heard the word "impossible" before! I assembled a global team, negotiated with regional leaders, and leveraged a business analytics platform to pull data from servers worldwide. We began with Europe and created a system that provided visibility by region, country, and customer. The project was highly visible and deemed impossible, but my team succeeded, and I was promoted to VP of IT. This kind of challenge—what I call "scaling the glass cliff"—is often given to women, and I'm proud we prevailed.
Q: As an authority on preparing individuals for corporate board service, what advice do you give to aspiring directors looking to enter the boardroom?
A: I offer three key pieces of advice to aspiring directors:
Ÿ Learn what boards do and why they exist : Understand the role of a board, what responsibilities you will hold, and the different types of boards. Then, decide if you truly want to join a board.
Ÿ Identify your superpower : Know what makes you shine and how you can add unique value to the board. Be ready to articulate how your skills can help a company drive shareholder value.
Ÿ Become discoverable : Build the right network and make
yourself known. Join relevant organizations, maintain a strong social media presence, and connect with current board members to increase your visibility.
Q: You've been named a 2024 'Director to Watch' by Directors & Boards Magazine and recognized as a trailblazing Black executive by Fortune Magazine. How have these accolades impacted your career, and what do they mean to you personally?
A: Interestingly, I believe my career has catalyzed the accolades rather than the other way around. These recognitions are a result of my contributions to businesses, leadership development, and community service. When I receive an accolade, it serves as confirmation that I'm on the right path and motivates me to do more. I see these awards as opportunities to be a role model for others, showing them that whether I stumble or succeed, I'm committed to uplifting others.
Harriet Tubman is one of my role models. In my book, Win When They Say You Won't , I write about her 'push/pull' approach. She pushed forward despite the dangers and pulled others toward freedom. Similarly, I aim to push myself forward while pulling those who are overlooked or undervalued along with me.
Q: Balancing a demanding career with personal interests
and well-being is crucial. How do you maintain this balance, and what activities or practices help you rejuvenate outside of work?
A: I don't believe in true balance across all aspects of life; rather, I believe in prioritizing focus and integrating only when appropriate. I use the 5 F's—Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, and Furthering Career—to guide my priorities. For example, when I was offered a VP of IT role at Johnson & Johnson, my son was in high school, and relocating would have disrupted his life. Family took precedence over career at that moment, and I declined the promotion.
For rejuvenation, I love reading, boxing, traveling with my husband, and spending time with my grandchildren. One of my superpowers is maximizing potential, and I enjoy designing programs that help others succeed.
Q: What are your aspirations for the future, both personally and professionally? Are there any specific projects you're excited to pursue?
A: I'm excited about continuing my work as a motivational speaker and author. I'm particularly interested in exploring topics like cybersecurity, AI, leadership, and corporate governance. One goal is to deliver a TED talk, and I'm eager to find the right guidance to help me achieve that.
Dr. Colleen Georges
t the core of Dr. Colleen Georges' philosophy is the belief that a pioneer is someone who identifies and acts upon opportunities for positive change. Positive change that empowers others, enables growth, and inculcates strong values.
A pioneering leader herself, Dr. Colleen's journey is marked by her relentless pursuit of positive change and a deep-seated passion for empowering others.
As a life and career coach, she helps her clients and students to maximize their strengths and take action to achieve their dreams.
Being an Award-Winning author, keynote speaker, University Lecturer, Certified Life and Career Coach, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Organizational Trainer, Colleen helps people transform their lives and careers in more than one way. She mentions, “In my business, I work to help people bounce back from unemployment, toxic workplaces, and job dissatisfaction, as well as improve mental and physical wellbeing, boost confidence, and enhance life and
career satisfaction.”
Talking about her childhood and growing up years, Colleen shows her gratitude for being raised by two amazing parents. They raised her to value kindness, compassion, diversity, education, and working hard.
She adds, “They role modeled these values and led me to strive to be the best person I could be.”
Most importantly, her parents taught her to be a person who stands up for others. “I feel my earliest experiences as a leader were the moments in my childhood when I befriended and was kind to kids who were being outcasted by others.”
Colleen further recalls how much she loved going to school and valued the importance of working hard because of her parents' influence. She firsthand saw her parents work hard to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals.
These formative years laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment
to education and advocacy.
In her role as a life and career coach, Colleen emphasizes the importance of understanding her clients' unique backgrounds and objectives. She makes sure to have a 20–30-minute conversation with each prospective client.
Prior to the first coaching session, she asks her clients to complete some pre-coaching questionnaires to understand their strengths, challenges, objectives, priorities, and current life and career satisfaction. “During our first session, we discuss these items and begin to strategize how we'll reach our goals together and where they want to begin,” she explains.
A firm believer in tiny habits, her methodology involves setting small, incremental targets, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation in her clients. “This tends to be very motivating and generates hope and confidence toward accomplishing even bigger steps.”
Moreover, she also makes sure to send recap/action emails right after her sessions to have a documented record. This helps organize the overall process and fosters accountability.
Finally, once a coaching relationship has ended, Colleen
encourages her clients to share any additional questions that they might have and checks-in on their professional and personal progress from time to time.
Colleen's award-winning bestselling book – RESCRIPT the Story You're Telling Yourself –brings together her years of training, research, and experience working with clients and students. It comprises practical tools to help us practice self-compassion, maintain accountability, and
reach our goals in each area of our lives.
RESCRIPT stands for - Release Rumination, Engage Your Growth Goals, Seek Your Strengths, Challenge Catastrophizing, Restrict Regret, Invite Imperfection, Pursue Passion & Purpose, and Think Thankfully.
The acronym represents various steps towards self-improvement and empowerment, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their selfdialogue and take positive action in their lives.
Through her previous workaholic habits, Colleen has come to the realization that a satisfying, joyful life is indeed a balanced life. Her daily routine is a testament to this belief:
I'm an early riser with a morning routine and I get up at 4:30am or 5am daily. I find I can get a lot accomplished early in the morning personally and professionally. I schedule all my personal and professional activities into my Google Calendar well in advance, including client sessions, post-session action emails, workshops, presentation prep, writing projects, business administration tasks, teaching, class prep, assignment grading, volunteering, breakfast/lunch/dinner (I make sure I eat!), self-care, treadmill, outdoor walks, audiobook listening, time with family and friends, travel time to outings, and downtime. These are the items that typically make up my day and week.
I hold around 20+ client sessions each week and maintain pre-scheduled time slots for my sessions. So, while I work
Colleen shares, “It's been really cool these last few years since its release to have readers share the ways RESCRIPT has helped them be kinder to themselves and others, shift their perspective, and make big changes in their lives.”
seven days a week, I'm typically done with my sessions by 2pm on weekdays and 11am on weekends. This allows me plenty of time for activities that bring me peace and joy. I love to visit cool outdoor places like arboretums, gardens, parks, woods, meadows, waterfalls, and quaint downtowns so I plan at least one day or afternoon trip like this per week with my family/friends. We throw in some Halloween scare attractions, winter holiday lights attractions, ziplining, and other adventures too! My husband, son, and I make sure to plan several bigger trips each season as well for a longer getaway.
With everything scheduled in advance, I just have to wake up and follow my own instructions each day! It simplifies things so I rarely feel worried about having time for work and life tasks, since it's all planned out. Of course, emergencies and unexpected things happen that can throw things off balance, but I try to move things around to make sure everything gets attended to as much as possible.
For Colleen, a pioneer is an individual who's willing to make a positive change. She integrates this ethos into her business, teaching, and personal life, advocating for not just people but also animals and
the environment. Her 13-year tenure teaching a women's leadership course at Rutgers University emphasizes social justice, molding students into advocates for diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.
She claims, “Knowing each semester I can support 20+ individuals in fostering positive change in their own and others' lives is incredibly important to me.”
Colleen extends this commitment to social responsibility beyond the classroom. “Since my son was five (he's 14 now), we've been volunteering together at our local food pantry and with community clean-ups and environmental organizations.”
Her dedication to these causes is further enriched by her recent completion of certification courses in ecology and environmental stewardship, reflecting her deep commitment to community service and environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on her 15-year journey thus far, Colleen remains passionate about continuing to serve others while enjoying a fulfilling life.
She mentions, “It's still sometimes hard to believe that something that began as a little side hustle has become the thriving main hustle it is today. I spent the early years achieving so many big dreams – to do a TEDx talk, write a book, create a planner and gratitude journal, publish articles in psychological journals, and earn industry certifications.”
Her focus now is on enjoying her work, learning continuously, and experiencing successes alongside her clients.
One Book Entrepreneurs must read – Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
One Productivity Tool / App that you use – Google Calendar
One Quote that Motivates you the Most – "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead
One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs – Don't wait, initiate! Sometimes we spend too much time waiting for the right time, right opportunity, and right support. If the time isn't there, see what you can move around or eliminate in your schedule to make the time. If the opportunity isn't there, research what you need to do to create it and take those actions. If the support isn't there, launch your idea on your own and then build your team of supporters as you go.
One Show you recommend – Happy (Documentary, 2011)
The coaching industry, dedicated to guiding individuals towards their fullest potential, is not without its own set of challenges, especially for women. Despite the growing presence and success of female coaches, there are unique obstacles that hinder their professional journey.
These challenges range from combating limiting beliefs and self-worth issues to navigating deep-seated biases in service pricing and leadership roles. Women coaches often face the struggle of balancing multiple roles, advocating for fair compensation, and breaking through societal norms that undermine their expertise and credibility.
This article delves into the eight distinct challenges women encounter in the coaching industry, highlighting the voices and experiences of seasoned professionals.
•Combat Limiting Beliefs and Self-Worth
•Navigate Bias in Service Pricing
•Close Leadership Gap and Empowerment
•Break the High-Profile Role Barrier
•Develop Negotiation and Balance Skills
•Build Networks to Overcome Gender Bias
•Challenge Societal Norms and Power Dynamics
•Persist Against Societal Biases and Misogyny
Monique Catoggio, Life Leadership & Balance Coach & Trainer, Fiercely Flowing
As a 10-plus-year Certi ied Professional Coach who primarily supports other women coaches and those transitioning to a profession in coaching, I ind that women are still struggling with their own limiting beliefs around:
1. Being good enough/experienced enough to coach effectively.
2. Not pricing their services based on the value they offer, which can also be rooted in low
Angel Henry, President, AngelsSpeaking, Inc.
As with many other professions in this country, women, especially women of color, experience bias when selling our services to potential clients. It is important to remember that we are speaking with people (not an entire company or organization) and these people have personal preferences and preconceived notions about our capabilities and our value. These biases rear their ugly heads mostly during contract negotiations and pricing discussions. We are constantly (and openly) compared to our
peers and low-balled when it comes to them making a inal offer.
To be clear, it is not only men who struggle to see our value, but women do it as well. I once had a female VP of HR say, 'I had an executive coach, and he was like $350/hr, so I'm surprised your offer is the same.' I knew who she was referring to, and he has the same experience and certi ication as I do. The best advice is to constantly remind yourself of your worth and all the years of experience and
self-worth, and
3. Being able to distinguish themselves con idently among the sea of coaches, which grows daily.
So, what's the lesson here? As women coaches, we MUST continue to do our own inner work, believe and trust in our value, and give our businesses a unique voice, knowing that with our conviction, our ideal clients will ind us and thrive with our support.
training we have amassed to coach others effectively; if we focus on the transformation, we achieve versus the hourly rate we bill, we can successfully navigate those that dull our shine!
Loribeth Pierson, Resume and LinkedIn Writer/Coach, Linked Journal LLC.
The in lux of talented women into coaching has been remarkable, yet leadership positions remain disproportionately occupied by men. This disparity poses challenges for aspiring female coaches seeking mentors who understand their unique journey. Pervasive biases and stereotypes exacerbate dif iculties, as many women battle self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Navigating this path is arduous, but every step taken progresses
Juliet Dreamhunter, Founder & AI Strategist, Juliety
Women in coaching often face the unfair reality of unequal access to high-pro ile roles. This bias is deeply ingrained in many industries, including sports, where men routinely dominate the most prestigious coaching positions. As a result, women coaches must work exceptionally hard to gain the same level of recognition and opportunities as their male counterparts.
This lack of visibility creates a vicious cycle. Fewer women in top coaching roles can discourage aspiring female coaches, further perpetuating the imbalance within the industry.
toward empowerment. The journey is one of resilience, growth, and ultimately, tremendous ful illment as they overcome barriers. Despite obstacles, these trailblazing women are reshaping the coaching landscape. Their perseverance inspires others to embrace authenticity and pursue passion fearlessly.
Representation matters, and diversity in leadership fosters innovation and inclusivity.
Coaches across various industries often encounter a myriad of challenges, with some being uniquely experienced by women due to societal norms and industry dynamics. As a solopreneur, I can't address every obstacle, but here are a few noteworthy ones:
Ella Scaduto, CEO, Matchmaker & Dating Coach, Smoky Matchmaker
1. Pricing and Negotiation: Research suggests that women tend to underprice their services compared to men. This may stem from a lack of con idence in their value or concerns about being perceived as too aggressive. Learning to con idently negotiate pricing and advocate for fair compensation is an important skill for female coaches to develop.
2. Balancing Work and Family: Many women in the coaching industry also juggle family responsibilities alongside their careers. Balancing these demands can be particularly challenging, as coaching often requires lexibility and a
Sarah Marie Naska, Founder, SMHavice Investments
II'm a female business coach, expert investor, public speaker, and a constant traveler who has faced a few challenges throughout my journey. I've also navigated these multifaceted challenges that women encounter within the coaching industry head-on.
One signi icant hurdle is the pervasive gender bias that can undermine our credibility and expertise, particularly in male-
dominated sectors. Balancing familial responsibilities with a demanding career can also pose a unique challenge, often requiring women to juggle multiple roles simultaneously. Despite these obstacles, one insight I've found crucial is the power of building a strong network of supportive peers and mentors. This not only offers invaluable guidance but also fosters a sense of solidarity within the industry, enabling
signi icant time commitment.
3. Self-Care and Wellbeing: Coaching is inherently demanding, often exerting strain on mental and emotional health. Women, who frequently embody nurturing qualities with caregiving instincts woven into their DNA, may ind themselves prioritizing others' needs above their own. Consequently, female coaches often contend with heightened pressure to ful ill caretaking roles while neglecting their personal well-being. Establishing boundaries and prioritizing self-care are paramount for ensuring longterm success, sustainability, and resilience against burnout.
women to overcome barriers and thrive in their pursuits.
Amy Tribe, Director, OGLF (Our Good Living Formula)
The primary challenge for women in the coaching industry is often societal expectations. A signi icant barrier for women in discussing power in coaching relates to deep-rooted societal norms. Women have historically been encouraged to adopt more reserved, modest, and humble roles. Engaging in open discussions about power may clash with these longstanding societal expectations. This ingrained conditioning frequently leads to self-doubt and hesitancy in assuming leadership roles and addressing issues of power.
Johannes Larsson, Founder and CEO, JohannesLarsson.com
Based on my observations, one signi icant challenge women encounter in the coaching industry is the persistent struggle against societal biases. Unfortunately, there's still a prevailing attitude where some individuals, particularly those with misogynistic beliefs, undermine women's capabilities as coaches.
Despite their expertise and dedication, women often ind themselves battling against preconceived notions that their efforts are less credible or valuable compared to their male counterparts. This affects their professional growth and dampens their con idence and opportunities for advancement within the industry.
The thing is, we lack suf icient representation in the coaching industry. From my own experience, the scarcity of women in leadership positions across various ields also hinders the conversation about power. The dearth of female role models and mentors who can offer insights into power dynamics makes it more dif icult for women to engage in these discussions effectively. This lack of female visibility in leadership can further enforce a cycle of silence and marginalization.
Youth unemployment is a pressing challenge that transcends borders, affecting nations and communities worldwide.
The repercussions of youth unemployment are far-reaching, encompassing not only economic ramifications but also social and psychological burdens.
Lolita Beylina is an example of a pioneer who is not only addressing this prevalent issue but is working towards finding potential solutions to reduce its impact.
For Lolita, being a pioneer means embracing the uncertainty to bring about meaningful change into the community and across industries.
Fittingly, featuring as a pioneering woman in this issue, we look into the vision of Lolita Beylina, her journey, as well as her individual struggles.
Raised in a household of immigrant women who came as refugees from Ukraine, Lolita's early life was marked by various challenges.
At the age of 3, Lolita was evaluated to have the language development of a 13-month-old. Her inability to articulate sentences comprehensively in English or Russian made her earliest academic years difficult.
However, her determination and creativity shone through, and she eventually found her academic footing. She recalls, “I lacked the strong logical reasoning skills, but creativity was a distinct cognitive side I relied on to excel in education. I went from being in a special education needs program with an IEP to earning a sweep in honor roll and Dean's List awards.”
Years later, Lolita's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited during high school when she participated in the Junior Achievement Company Program. The program is for empowering high school students to create a successful startup business, developing transferable entrepreneurship skills, and receiving direct mentorship from an assigned company throughout the program.
Under the mentorship of Accenture, Lolita and her team brainstormed a business named "Portify," selling portable charger products. “We presented our business against other high-school students at the program's local competition.”
This experience ignited her passion for entrepreneurship and marked the beginning of her pursuit of a meaningful career.
Today, as a Career Readiness Coach at Hopeworks, Lolita Beylina plays a pivotal role in empowering young adults (aged 17-26) to secure living-wage opportunities and enter the workforce with confidence.
She mentions, “Each day, I foster a collaborative environment with my caseload to help them envision and strategize their future goals.”
Her daily responsibilities involve fostering a collaborative environment, guiding individuals through comprehensive training and internship programs, enhancing job readiness, and optimizing their professional profiles, including LinkedIn.
In addition to her core responsibilities, Lolita goes the extra mile by capturing professional headshots for her clients and curating job opportunities to help them secure lasting employment. She also coordinates Listen-andLearn (L2) network events, where subject-matter experts share their knowledge and skills with young adults, enriching their career journeys.
“In essence, my day-to-day efforts are dedicated to ensuring young adults on their career path of lasting success and breaking barriers,” Lolita asserts.
Lolita Beylina's career journey is
a testament to her adaptability and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth. She acknowledges that, in hindsight, committing to psychology earlier might have expedited her academic path.
Nevertheless, as the first woman in her family to achieve both a bachelor's and master's degree, she takes immense pride in her accomplishments.
Lolita started her professional career right after high school at the age of 18 as a retail associate.
After losing her first job at 21, she struggled to secure a new job, facing multiple rejections and lack of worthwhile employment opportunities. During these eight months of struggle, she persevered and honed her skills in resume building, interview preparation, networking, and more.
She explains, “I've learned to view each stage of my professional life as purposeful, seeing challenges not as roadblocks but as opportunities for learning and development. Shifting from asking "Why is this happening to me?" to "What is happening for me?" has been crucial in navigating and gaining value from my experiences.”
This innate ability to turn challenges into opportunities has been instrumental in her continued success.
For Lolita Beylina, being a pioneer is about embracing uncertainty to create meaningful change. Her career is a testament to this philosophy, as she has continually sought innovative ways to drive positive impact in both communities and industries. Through proactive mentorship, innovative workshops, resourcefulness, and networking, she has woven a pioneering spirit into her leadership style.
Lolita's journey is defined by her holistic approach, strategic thinking, data-driven decisions, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning.
Leveraging this mindset in her
advocacy of reducing youth unemployment, she points out the following key strategies:
Ÿ Innovative program development aimed at addressing creative solutions to break any barrier for youth and young adults entering the workforce.
Ÿ Establishment of partnerships with diverse stakeholders leveraging a supportive ecosystem within the community.
Ÿ Technology integration to enhance career development programs with digital tools promoting neurodiversity, such as online training and job matching.
As Lolita Beylina looks ahead, her vision remains clear. Professionally, she is dedicated to designing experiential learning programs and breaking barriers to youth unemployment. She aims to foster strategic partnerships and integrate neurodivergentfriendly technologies into career development initiatives.
On a personal level, Lolita envisions self-improvement and a thriving family life. She also aspires to write a self-help autobiographical fiction series titled "The Glow-Up Formula," chronicling her journey of reflection and transformation over the last five years.
Ÿ One Book Entrepreneurs Must Read - The Happiness Project (10th Anniversary Edition) by Gretchen Rubin
Ÿ One Productivity Tool / App That You Use - Google Calendar
Ÿ One Quote that Motivates you the Most - “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to
success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer
Ÿ One Advice for Women Entrepreneurs - Power through to grow through what you go through
Ÿ One Movie / Podcast / Show You Recommend - Movie: Legally Blonde | Show: Undercover Boss
