The following quotes are paraphrased from actual client feedback forms, emails and personal notes. Specific details are suppressed to protect client confidentiality.

Account Execs/Sales/ Business Development	"I changed companies 2 years ago because of what seemed like a great opportunity to help build business in an emerging market. My collaborative style was effective and highly valued in my previous industry, but this new field seems to be dominated by cut-throat and even unethical business practices. For the first time in my career, I'm feeling unproductive and lacking confidence, which is not a good thing for someone in sales!" Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, 15 years experience, 2 sessions Other client feedback….
Attorneys/Legal Professionals	"I'm a single mom and recently changed law firms, thinking that working for a smaller firm would be less stressful and allow a better work/life balance. I'm eager to make some changes in my personal habits to coincide with my job change and need someone to help me look critically at my workaholic tendencies so I can change them." Attorney, 15 years experience, 2 sessions Other client feedback….
Finance/Accounting Professionals	"I was the lead finance person in the company until the new CFO was hired, and now I'm no longer included in key meetings. This is very awkward for me, especially since I was passed over for the CFO role. I'm finding it hard to step back down into a lesser role and am thinking about leaving the company. VP Finance, 11 years experience, 6 sessions Other client feedback….
Human Resource Professionals	“My company has gone through a lot of change recently.  We purchased a very large company and I wanted to chat with an unbiased party about my career goals and next steps.  I truly love the company I work for and enjoy going to work everyday, but with this recent transaction I need to take a step back and determine if the direction the company is going in is in alignment with my career goals.” HR Director, 10 yrs. experience, 4 sessions Other client feedback….
Managers/Other Professionals	“I have been having problems with a former co-worker since receiving a promotion and a reorganization that has put her underneath me. I attempted to get help from our HR department, but it has been an awkward situation, and I feel vulnerable in sharing some details of the situation. I need to get independent, unbiased feedback and advice on how to manage this problem.” Manager with State Agency, 3 years experience, 1 session Other client feedback….
Marketing/Public Relations	"I'm spread so thin and feel like I'm always behind. I've been an individual contributor for most of my career, and now I'm in a management role. I'm "downward" managing my team and "upward" managing my boss, who is new to the company. I'm also traveling 50% and need better work/life balance. The most pressing issue, though, is acquiring skills needed for my new responsibilities, especially personal time organization and management skills to address an issue with one of my direct reports." Marketing Director, 20 years experience, 6 sessions Other client feedback….
Small Business Executives	"I run a successful business and have always thrived on a fast-paced schedule that leverages my organizational skills and focus. So, I've been frustrated with how much I'm struggling to balance my work and home schedules now that I have a little one at home. I've got excellent childcare and support systems, but I don't seem to have any "me" time anymore. Yet, I'm torn when I do take a break because I feel as though I need to spend every available moment building the business. It's wearing me out!" Small Business Owner, 10 years professional experience, 2 sessions Other client feedback….
Technical/Developers/ Engineers	"I have a great deal of responsibility right now and my bandwidth is stretched too thin, with more than 30 direct reports in multiple functional areas. As a result, I don't feel I communicate well as a manager and have difficulty identifying real issues because I'm an inch deep and a mile wide on everything. Because of other issues in the company, I don't foresee any organizational restructuring in the near future to help me manage all these projects, so I feel I need to come up with a plan of my own before I stop dropping the ball. Sr. Development Manager, 10 years experience, 5 sessions Other client feedback….

“I changed companies 2 years ago because of what seemed like a great opportunity to help build business in an emerging market. My collaborative style was effective and highly valued in my previous industry, but this new field seems to be dominated by cut-throat and even unethical business practices. For the first time in my career, I'm feeling unproductive and lacking confidence, which is not a good thing for someone in sales!” Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, 15 years experience, 2 sessions
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“My boss has moved into another position and wants me to come over with her. My Director is telling me I'll have a better opportunity with the company if I stay where I am, although the final decision is mine. I need help sorting through this one...some political stuff in play as well.” Account Executive, 12 years Business experience, 2 sessions
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“I got into real estate a few years ago and have been one of the most successful agents the company, but the volatile market has worn me down. I need help conducting a personal career re-assessment and helping me get back into an area of business that is a better fit for me. For example, I feel that I am a team player, and I am realizing that real estate is more individualistic.” Real Estate Agent, 5 years experience, 3 sessions
Return to Top of Page “I am an attorney and have an opportunity to buy into a small firm whose principal is planning to retire. Although I have several years of professional experience, firm ownership and employee management is new to me. I need help considering the opportunity and structuring an action plan." Attorney, 10 years experience, 6 sessions
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"I'm a single mom and recently changed law firms, thinking that working for a smaller firm would be less stressful and allow a better work/life balance. I'm eager to make some changes in my personal habits to coincide with my job change and need someone to help me look critically at my workaholic tendencies so I can change them." Attorney, 15 years experience, 2 sessions
Return to Top of Page Finance/Accounting Professionals "I was the lead finance person in the company until the new CFO was hired, and now I'm no longer included in key meetings. This is very awkward for me, especially since I was passed over for the CFO role. I'm finding it hard to step back down into a lesser role and am thinking about leaving the company. VP Finance, 11 years experience, 6 sessions
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"There have been some organizational changes, and it feels like I'm back doing some work that I was doing 5 years ago. There has always been a lot of change here, but it's usually not affected our team. Maybe it's time for me to move on." Controller, 9 years experience, 2 sessions
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"I thought I would be hitting my stride by now, but starting a family has proved to be more than I'd imagined. I really hate to give up my community involvement, especially since it's somewhat expected by the firm, but I'm not sure I can keep juggling all the responsibilities at home and at work. The stress is starting to affect my performance, and I've got to figure out what to cut out." Manager-level, Public Accounting Firm, 8 years experience, 4 sessions
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"I used to be so passionate about my career, but the constant stress has worn me down. Frequent organizational changes, unclear communication, and unrelenting demands that cause me to work late at night and every weekend are affecting my health and my marriage. I'm not sure how much control I really have over any of this, but something has to change soon because I'm burning out." Division Controller, 20 years experience, 6 sessions
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"I am CFO for a division of a foreign-owned company. The parent company has recently decided to collapse Austin-based operations, and I am responsible for executing that directive, which will also result in the loss of my position. I need guidance from someone with experience in leading such a transition to give me insight on my next career move." Chief Financial Officer, 13 years experience, 2 sessions
Return to Top of Page "My company has gone through a lot of change recently.  We purchased a very large company and I wanted to chat with an unbiased party about my career goals and next steps.  I truly love the company I work for and enjoy going to work everyday, but with this recent transaction I need to take a step back and determine if the direction the company is going in is in alignment with my career goals." HR Director, 10 years experience, 4 sessions
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"I would like help dealing with some aggressive females in my company.  One is my boss's admin, which presents unique challenges, and another support individual who is a few years older than me. Both are extremely abrasive and most people are fearful of them. I have to work closely with both of these women.   My goal would be to find that very fine line of coming across respectful and cordial, but firm and professional, without being pushed around or abusing my authority." HR Director, 8 years experience, 1 session
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"I feel like I've been handed my dream job, however, I feel like I am lacking confidence in my abilities and I have an overall sense of disorganization.   I've experienced a loss of direction and confidence partially due to the end of my marriage.  I realize I haven't really set and pursued any goals or discipline.  I'm turning 40 at the end of the month, and I'm choosing to view it as an opportunity to say goodbye to some old habits and to build the life I want through planned and deliberate action. I think having you as a resource will help me get/stay on track by defining my strategies, by holding me accountable to my commitments, by helping me make better choices in my personal life, and by helping me push through some of the fears that have been holding me back." HR Director, 8 years experience, 6 sessions
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"I have been unemployed since September which has been a new experience for me.  I have only been unemployed one other time and that was for about 2 months when I moved to Austin in 1993!  I have been trying to make the best of it but am going crazy without something to do." HR Generalist, 20 years experience, 2 sessions
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"I have been having problems with a former co-worker since receiving a promotion and a reorganization that has put her underneath me. I attempted to get help from our HR department, but it has been an awkward situation, and I feel vulnerable in sharing some details of the situation. I need to get independent, unbiased feedback and advice on how to manage this problem." Manager with State Agency, 3 years experience, 1 session
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"I sort of fell into this career and have been 'successful' in terms of money and advancement, but I don't feel fulfilled. My husband's career has finally reached a place where I could consider making a career change without affecting us too much financially. We're also considering starting a family soon, and I don't know whether it would be best to make a career change before or after that. I'm also realizing that it's time for me to start down the path of a career I can love for the rest of my life." Hospitality Industry Manager, 8 years experience, 5 sessions
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"I want to be more successful within my position. More specifically, I want to be able to generate ideas and receive recognition from my peers and management. My position has grown to require more Business Development involvement, and I do not feel that I am as strong at networking, so I am hesitant to move forward in this area. The internal challenges I would like to work on in our sessions include disorganization, a lack of focus and a lack of confidence." Bank Branch Manager, 9 years experience, 3 sessions
Return to Top of Page "I'm spread so thin and feel like I'm always behind. I've been an individual contributor for most of my career, and now I'm in a management role. I'm "downward" managing my team and "upward" managing my boss, who is new to the company. I'm also traveling 50% and need better work/life balance. The most pressing issue, though, is acquiring skills needed for my new responsibilities, especially personal time organization and management skills to address an issue with one of my direct reports." Marketing Director, 20 years experience, 6 sessions
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"I thought this would be a dream job for me - I've always wanted to do agency work - but there is so much drama going on that it's amazing we get anything accomplished. Some of that probably comes from working such crazy hours, but I think I'm also getting sucked into the drama more than I should, and I need help putting up boundaries so I can be more productive." Marketing Manager, 11 years experience, 4 sessions
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"My husband's travel has ramped up, and I'm finding myself overwhelmed in trying to pick up the slack with the kids and their activities. I've gotten permission to work from home two days a week to save drive time, but can't seem to get enough done and I'm still up after midnight almost every night. Maybe I just need better organizational skills, but I'm not sure that's going to fix things." Marcom Manager, 12 years experience, 8 sessions
Return to Top of Page "I run a successful business and have always thrived on a fast-paced schedule that leverages my organizational skills and focus. So, I've been frustrated with how much I'm struggling to balance my work and home schedules now that I have a little one at home. I've got excellent childcare and support systems, but I don't seem to have any "me" time anymore. Yet, I'm torn when I do take a break because I feel as though I need to spend every available moment building the business. It's wearing me out!" Small Business Owner, 10 years professional experience, 2 sessions
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"I'm an executive in a closely-held business. Although I am very confident in my professional skills and leadership abilities, our biggest challenge as a company seems to be internal conflicts within the senior team. Besides relationship issues, there are financial strains which seem to polarize the team and undermine a focused, collaborative action plan. My coaching objective is to gain insight into how to move the team beyond their interpersonal differences and work towards addressing our critical financial situation." C-level executive, 25 years experience, 3 sessions
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"I'm a marketing executive and launched my own company a few years ago. My biggest challenge is that I have a blended business model, where I do some direct work, some indirect work through another consultant and am also a part-time employee for a company." Small Business Owner/Marketing Executive, 20 years experience, 10 sessions
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"I formed XXX Consulting three years ago to do some consulting work on the side and am currently building a book of business.  At this point, I need input on which skills I should highlight in my marketing materials that you feel would be most compelling to business executives." IT Director, 12 years experience, 1 session
Return to Top of Page "I have a great deal of responsibility right now and my bandwidth is stretched too thin, with more than 30 direct reports in multiple functional areas. As a result, I don't feel I communicate well as a manager and have difficulty identifying real issues because I'm an inch deep and a mile wide on everything. Because of other issues in the company, I don't foresee any organizational restructuring in the near future to help me manage all these projects, so I feel I need to come up with a plan of my own before I start dropping the ball." Sr. Development Manager, 10 years experience, 5 sessions
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"I'm interested in is planning the next step in my career and looking at what goals I want to achieve 5 - 10 years out, not just focusing on where I am right now and in finding work/life balance at the present moment.  In other words, I'm in a good place right now and happy and fulfilled but don't know where to go next and what to do to get there.  For example, I'm contemplating going back for a masters degree, but don't know which one to get - MBA, MS, etc. - or even if I need one and what I would use it for." Customer-facing Engineering Project Manager, 15 years experience, 2 sessions
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"I am currently working at XXX as a device analysis engineer, however I have been considering switching jobs. I have only been with the company for ten months. But I continue to feel that my skills and personality do not fit with the type of engineering or culture at this company. Since I am still blessed with having a job, I feel that it would be beneficial to take the time to seek career counseling rather than just pursue another job for the wrong reasons." Device Analysis Engineer, 3 years Experience, 1 session
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"911! My manager turned in his notice today.  I really want his position.  I want to talk to my VP but want to time it correctly and say the right thing.  My "urgency" is very high right now.  My manager took the rest of the day off, so this afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to go in and talk to the VP without my manager seeing me and feeling I'm trying to get his job before he is even out the door.  There is a great opportunity here and I want to use it wisely. Can we do a conference call and discuss what I should do?" Developer, 5 years experience, 1 session
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"I was surprised to learn that I was being laid off. My manager and the senior staff all have great things to say about my performance, but the company had to cut expenses. There's really not a similar position in town like the one I'm leaving. Besides, I think that this would be a good time to evaluate my long-term career path and develop an action plan." Web QA, 7 years experience, 4 sessions
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"When the company was bought a year ago, my position morphed into something that is quite different than it had been for years, and is now somewhat outside my comfort zone. In addition, I'm struggling with adjusting to the company culture, even a year later. I think I want to make a move, even though I would leave some retirement benefits behind, but I still feel "stuck" and want some insight to help me push through to make an ultimate decision." Support Specialist, 13 years experience, 1 session
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"This is a great time for me to meet with you.  I need honest feedback, even if it means I need to consider opportunities outside of XXX Company.  I love working at XXX and my intent is to take the correct actions to progress upward in this organization.  However, if at any point this does not appear to be possible, I need to be realistic about that." Software Developer, 5 years experience, 4 sessions
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