Q&A to help you get to know Joanne

How did you get to be a Coach?

With 3 small children (born very close together!) and my company bought out and undergoing massive culture change, I left my corporate job in 2000 to start my business. I happened to go to a night school class given by a coach. She opened my eyes to what could be possible. I began attending coaching meetings and taking classes. I found that my work facilitating meetings had unknowingly taught me incredible listening skills vital for a coach. 

Have you always loved your work? 

No. I was miserable in my first job, which was a nuclear engineer. Even though I was paid a great salary, it did not make up for the daily tedium. My BS was in Physics from Georgetown. The engineer position seemed like a good fit and was considered to be a ‘good job.’  I learned that money isn’t everything very early on. I left there and become an astronaut trainer for the Space Shuttle program. Yes, at NASA. This position allowed me to use of my technical know-how, while adding a people component. It was a first step toward my dream job and a lesson in not settling. While at NASA, I pursued a MBA, graduating summa cum laude and specializing in organizational development.

What types of clients do you work with? 

I specialize working with women who want and expect a lot out of their careers and lives. Whether starting a new role, feeling frustrated or looking for the next fun adventure, I provide concrete tools and a fresh perspective, allowing my clients to thrive. And yes, I also do work with male clients too!

How are you different from other coaches?

I’ve been where my clients are. I only suggest tools that work.

I have worked primarily in male dominated environments being the lone female. I have felt the insistent calling of my soul telling me that there was something more for me career-wise. I have felt the pressure from family who wanted me to stay in my ‘good’ job, even though the culture was not supportive and work unfulfilling. I understand and know how to deal with fear and politics.

I’m not using a system that I picked up from someone else. I have designed the processes and tools and have used them myself and tested them with hundreds of my coaching clients.  Click here to read some client testimonials.  A selection of corporate clients include: J&J, Siemens, Astra Zeneca, IRS, Penn State, Novartis and KPMG.

I am also here to tell you that it can be done. You can have work that you love and thrive.

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