As the sixth child of nine and the third girl of four, I have always known what it takes to be part of a team and still stand out. For me, it’s knowing your strengths, understanding what’s important, and building strong relationships.

As I grew up and looked back, I realized that even though I was part of a large family, I was often on the outside looking in – an ideal viewpoint for a coach. And because I was a middle child, I was pretty good at seeing things from a number of perspectives. This is the skill-set I’ve relied on most as a grown-up.

I began my career as an instructional designer, creating training and developmental opportunities for a global consulting firm. I traveled the world: Europe, Australia, Asia and the US. Each trip gave me a chance to see things from new vantage points, to experience how others see the world. I still love to travel.

Developing training wasn’t enough for me; it became too mechanical. I wanted to do more than share skills and knowledge, I wanted to create space for my clients to find their own insights and fresh ways of seeing their lives, work, families and futures: I wanted to coach professionally. I learned coaching basics at the Coaches Training Institute and was certified through the Newfield Network US in 1999.

Yes, I’ve been coaching for a long time. I’m also a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coach Federation. Fingers crossed, I’m sitting for the Master Certified Coach designation in the next few months. For those who are counting, I have over 10,000 hours in the coach’s chair.

My coaching approach is all about shifting and widening perspectives through insightful and unconventional questions. When someone changes how they view the world, new possibilities for action are revealed – actions that are often right in front of them but can’t currently be seen. Then, together, as partners, we identify new behaviors that create success.