Let’s chart the course to the happiest, most meaningful version of your life
My Catalyst Coaching experience is designed to help you fine-tune your inner compass and shed a clearer light on the life you’ve always dreamed for yourself, so you can forge a new path from a place of confidence, peace, and self-trust.
Navigating a huge transition can stir up a lot
Whether it’s your personal life, your professional life, or often even both, realizing that something isn’t working for you anymore is a difficult realization in and of itself. Let alone all of the heavy, hard feelings that come with it.
There’s the guilt that comes from not being satisfied with what others would consider a pretty successful life, career, or relationship.
The overwhelm from going around in circles, trying to make sense of a future that feels foggy, and constantly second-guessing every move you make.
The fear that you’re wasting your time, running out of years to cross things off your bucket list yet continuing to hold yourself back.
The loneliness of feeling like the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out, and that your friends, family, and partner just don’t seem to ‘get it’.
And even the shame that you can’t seem to figure out your next step on your own.
If that all feels painfully familiar, you’re not alone. (Not even close)
The reason I know you’re experiencing all of those feelings is because it’s the exact same way all of my clients feel when they find me.
Whether…
Your career no longer feels exciting or rewarding, and you want to make a major pivot with more confidence (and without the fear of regret)…
You crave more time, space, and energy to pursue your creative work, pour into your relationships, or build a lifestyle that’s full of freedom, flexibility, and adventure…
You want to take your art, voice, or style in a clear direction, so each new project you take on feels like a fully-aligned step…
You want to take a sabbatical from your work to rest, re-energize, and gradually explore a new direction for your life or career…
You want to rebalance your priorities, so you can explore the things you’ve always wanted to learn, see, and experience…
You want to take an intentional pause to set a clear path for the next chapter of your life before you’re in the thick of it…
I want to (maybe be the first to) tell you: it’s okay to ask for more. It’s okay to give up. To try again. To admit that this isn’t working out.
And it’s completely normal to feel lost as you try to make sense of the path ahead.
It’s okay that you haven’t been able to find answers on your own
I know it might feel like you should be able to navigate this by yourself. After all, you’re smart, successful, and you’ve gotten yourself through some pretty hard things before.
You’ve probably been researching all of your options, gathered a ton of information, and maybe you’re beating yourself up over the fact that the answers still aren’t simple or clear.
It might be time to take a deep breath and bravely admit that you need support at this critical juncture in your life.
What you need right now isn’t more information
It’s someone who can help you…
Say the hard things out loud and realize how empowering that can be
Make space for your confusion and start asking the right questions
Reassess your interests and values and reconnect with your dreams
Challenge your assumptions in a calm but encouraging way
Remind you of your strengths and where you’re already finding happiness and fulfillment in your life
Come up with steps for progress and direction so you can forge ahead with clarity
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“Lisa helped me see alternate perspectives”
“I found it invaluable to have Lisa's perspective as someone outside of my daily life who could look at things pragmatically while keeping my interests and well-being centered.
Working with her helped ingrain these perspectives into my thought process, which has made me much more confident in my decision-making and the directions that I'm choosing to go.”
– Yuka, Artist and Designer, Tacoma, WA
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“Interesting new clarity into who I am and what I want”
Lisa was recommended to me by a colleague when I was struggling to decide where and how I wanted to grow in my career. What started as me trying to figure out my next job quickly expanded into an opportunity to reassess my own personal interests and values. And to challenge some of my own assumptions.
Throughout the coaching experience, Lisa was a wonderfully calm, encouraging influence. The tools she used gave me interesting new clarity into who I am and what I want to do. Plus, Lisa made it ok to say out loud! Something I'd been reticent to do...Which is why I've confidently referred others onto her as well.
— J. Roth, Philanthropic Advisor, Eugene, Oregon
How do I know? Because I’ve been there.
I hate seeing beautiful, brilliant people struggle to find their path, and it breaks my heart to see how lonely of an experience it can be; because you are far, far from alone. Countless people are navigating the winds of change alongside you. And not too long ago, I found myself there, too.
At age 34, I was completely disillusioned by my work in international development and humanitarian aid. A job that once felt incredibly rewarding — a job that took me to post-earthquake Haiti and the refugee camps outside of Syria — suddenly felt completely misaligned. I found myself burnt out, traumatized, and questioning the work I had been so passionate about. I knew it was time for a change.
I thought about the work that I had done with a life coach a few years prior, and how she helped me reconnect with what was really important to me. Though I’d already taken action on some big and powerful things, I realized that I still hadn’t touched some of my bigger (and scarier) dreams. Now felt as good a time as any.
I decided to take a year-long sabbatical. I got rid of my apartment, gave away many of my belongings, and set off on a trip around the world in search of new possibilities. I didn’t know what was next — probably because I could have never imagined it. Along the way, I fell in love with a Catalan farmer and his home just outside Barcelona. As they say, the rest is history.
Within a year of leaving my career, I found myself navigating getting married, moving to a foreign country, and starting a business. Then, just as I started to get my coaching business off the ground (did I mention in a foreign country?!), I had two babies and, alongside the rest of the world, was thrown into a pandemic, unsure when I’d see my US-based family again.
All of this is to say — I know what it means to navigate big change. To take big leaps and build resiliency along the way. To learn patience, self-compassion, and how to listen to my inner knowing, even when it contradicted much of what I had been taught, particularly as a Japanese American child of from an immigrant family.
Today, as a certified coach, I get to use my experiences to help people work through some of the toughest, crunchiest questions in their lives and create a life they’re excited about, even when it challenges them.
If you find yourself lost in the wilderness of a huge transition, I would love to help you navigate it.
Welcome to Catalyst Coaching
A transformative four-month experience where we carve a clear path to your fullest, happiest potential. As your companion and guide, I provide unwavering support as you acquire the skills, self-awareness, and resilience you need to trailblaze with confidence.
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“Lisa helped me to navigate a huge life transition.”
I deeply appreciated her patience and ability to accompany me during a challenging time in my life. She helped me to organize my goals, envision my future, and move forward one step at a time.”
– Leah Hazard, MPP Candidate, Princeton, NJ
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“Lisa helped me get clear about what I want”
Working with Lisa over the past 6 months has been so helpful getting clarity around where I want to go next in my career and how to get there. Her thoughtful approach and investment in her clients was clear from our first session.
I'm excited to see how I can continue to use the resources and tools she's given me as I move forward, both in my career and my life more generally.
– Maureen Iselin, Communications Professional, Nashville, TN
Our Four-Month Journey
Four months is the average time that it takes my clients to gather their bearings, chart their course, and take intentional, sustainable steps forward. While every journey looks a little different, here’s what you can expect from our time together:
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The Orientation
MONTHS 1+2
Before setting off on our journey, we’ll take time to get our bearings. Over the first two months, we’ll focus on tapping into the ‘inner compass’ that’s driving your desire for change, address your energy levels (and drains), and shed any external baggage that’s been weighing you down.
This is an intensive period of articulating where you currently are, discovering where you really want to go, and challenging your assumptions about what it will take to bridge the gap. By the end, you’ll already be ‘out of the woods’ when it comes to navigating your transition, and you’ll feel inspired and energized for the journey ahead.
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The Focused Journey
MONTHS 3+4
We’ll then spend the next two months going down your chosen path with purpose and integrity. At this point, we’re leaving the thickest parts of the woods behind us, with a bit more space to take action, learn, and discover our new surroundings.
At this point of your journey, you’re building sustainable habits and taking intentional steps toward your future. I’ll be here to hold you accountable and support you with any roadblocks you encounter along the way.
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The Solo Expedition
OUR DESTINATION
By the end of our four months together, you’ll have learned to masterfully navigate the path to your fullest potential on your own.
This isn’t a “happy ending”, because there is no arriving. Instead, my hope is that you’ll have found happiness along the never-ending journey, equipped with all the tools you need to confront future crossroads and forge ahead with confidence and self-assurance.
After Working Together…
My clients see improvements across the board, but here are the areas of greatest improvement, backed up by data derived from client self-assessments used before and after our work together.
Overall, in life and work…
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77%
of clients went from lacking clarity to having confidence in their direction in life and work.
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92%
of clients went from not having a plan to having a plan and taking action, thanks to our work together.
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85%
of clients felt more positive about being on the right path in life and work.
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77%
of clients reported feeling more optimistic and excited about their future.
Specifically in terms of their career…
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100%
of clients had greater clarity about what wasn’t working in their current job and strategies for mitigating it compared to the start of our journey.
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92%
of clients were better able to identify their perfect job or ideal role after working with me.
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The Specifics
Here’s exactly how we’ll work together to prepare you for the journey toward your fullest potential.
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Kickoff Session (90 minutes)
Our first session involves digging deep into the weeds of your journey. We’ll take a detailed look at where you are and what you want out of our time together. By the end of this session, you’ll have set your top goals and priorities for the next few months, and have a clear plan for where to begin our work.
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Strengths Session (45 minutes)
Ahead of our second or third session, you’ll have the chance to take the CliftonStrengths Assessment (on me!). Many of my clients feel an almost immediate sense of clarity, with the results showing them exactly why their current direction feels so out of alignment.
Then, we’ll review your results to help us recalibrate your sense of your strengths and come up with ideas for how you can better use them in your work and life for more joy, impact, and fulfillment.
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Months 1+2: Weekly Sessions (45 minutes)
During the first two months of our journey (“The Orientation” phase), we’ll meet weekly so you can move from visioning to action planning. These sessions will be fully customized to your specific situation, goals, and progress.
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Months 3+4: Bi-weekly Sessions (45 minutes)
By month 3, most clients have the clarity and conviction they need to take their next big steps and start gaining momentum. While 4 months total may feel like a lot of time right now, I’ve found that this is the exact timing we need to give you plenty of space to move forward and implement your ideas without the pressure or overwhelm.
We’ll move to meeting every two weeks to check in on your progress, discuss any insights, problem-solve, and decide on your next steps.
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Flash Coaching Sessions (Up to 2x 15-minute sessions)
Obstacles, roadblocks, and ‘forks in the road’ are sure to pop up along the way. You have two flash coaching sessions available whenever you could use some quick ‘roadside’ coaching between our regularly scheduled sessions.
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Ongoing Voxer Support
Voxer is a free and secure walkie-talkie app, allowing us to do some on-the-go coaching and accountability check-ins along the way. (It’s also great for spontaneous win celebrations!)
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Access to ‘Illuminate Your Career Path in 5 Steps’
Catalyst Coaching clients also get complimentary one-year access to my self-study career course. Its short videos and simple exercises take you through the five basic steps most people need to take as they search for clarity about their next career move.
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Other Client-Only Content
I love to spoil prior Catalyst Coaching clients with bonus workshops, sessions, and additional resources, even long after our official journey together has ended. I also offer an affordable way to continue working with me beyond our four months, if that’s something you’re interested in.
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Closing Session (45 minutes)
Our final session is reserved as a special Closing Session — because how you “end” a journey is just as important as how you start it. In this session, we’ll pause to look back at how far you’ve traveled before looking forward to your ‘Solo Expedition’. (We will do this even if you choose to continue working with me beyond the four months.)
All so that you can…
Create a crystal clear vision of what you truly want
Establish new habits to support your journey there
Unlock your inner compass and guiding self-knowledge
Weather the tougher parts of life
Replenish and maintain healthy levels of energy, creativity, and spaciousness
Feel fully alive and excited about where you’re headed
And ultimately blaze a new path with confidence, knowing that you have all the tools you need to overcome any roadblocks or navigate any crossroads that pop up along the way.
MOST IMPORTANTLY…
We’re going to shed the external baggage that no longer serves us and trade it in for…
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Joy
While it’s sure to get bumpy along the way, we’ll prioritize designing a journey that feels creative, celebratory, hopeful, and full to the brim with laughter and lightness.
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Care
As your companion and guide, I’m committed to creating a non-judgmental space that chooses vulnerability, curiosity, experimentation, and compassion over shame.
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Bravery
Exploring the deeper parts of change is a brave act, and we’ll create a safe space where you can show up authentically, comfortably challenge yourself, and speak your mind.
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“Putting life into perspective”
Lisa helped me realize that I can organize myself around what I want - what I want to learn, to see, to experience. She also taught me how to look. I had never considered quitting or a huge break and I finally did it in 2018. Learned French (a bucket list item), did a month-long bike trip, and more.
What is most important isn't necessarily these outcomes but rather how I now see my life and strive to make it, and organize it, to meet my life goals. I'm so grateful to the coaching experience. I think she even helped me find my life partner- the most intangible gift of all.
— Amie Wells - Int Program Director, Kenya
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“Lisa helped me avoid a breakdown!”
“Lisa provided the structure I needed to guide some critical decisions related to both life and work. She encouraged me to be brave and really dig deep to understand what I want for myself and helped me realise I could make those dreams happen. I really loved her open and compassionate approach and her ability to bring light to what felt like heavy decisions.”
– Kate, charity CEO, London, UK
The Investment
The Catalyst Coaching experience typically starts at $500 USD.
Sliding scale pricing is available based on need, situation and location in the world.
When you schedule a no-obligation call, we can discuss options for you.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am about what’s next for me.”
Meet Adam, a former Catalyst Coaching client
“Several years ago I was very unhappy in my work. What had started out as an exciting and fulfilling career became increasingly stressful and less rewarding. Not only had my job changed, but the field itself had changed too. There were also things that had changed within me that I didn’t yet understand. What I did know is that every morning when I entered the building I could feel my stomach turn from anxiety, feeling that I could no longer do what was expected of me. And moreover, I cared less and less about the institution’s mission every day.
One day, in what was a surprise to even me, I went into my boss’s office and volunteered to be laid off. I got a decent financial package and a bit of freedom that felt good for a while, but only for that while - I had run away from what I hated but didn’t know where I was going. And in my late 40s, I felt like it was too late to make changes - I was stuck again and my confidence was sapped.
Working with Lisa really helped me get on a good track. Through our conversations and the exercises I did with her I learned not just more about what I didn’t want in my life, but more importantly, what I did. I learned that working towards broad and amorphous goals just isn’t rewarding. I learned that I wanted to make things, physical things that people could use and enjoy, that is what feeds me.
In addition to this new knowledge, Lisa’s support helped me gather courage and confidence enough to follow my interests and not just the path of least resistance, which would have been to go back to my old situation, that was always an option.
A few years later I am in a really good place. Yes, I still sometimes walk into that same building that made my stomach turn in the past, but it’s as a consultant, not an employee. I choose the jobs I want to do and not the ones I don’t like or think I couldn’t do well. As bonuses, I am better compensated for those jobs, I do better work, and importantly, I am more valued and respected than before.
But that’s not all. I started filling up the extra time in my schedule with classes, using what I learned from learning the things I wanted and not worrying about where they might lead. I started with carpentry, working with my classmates on building a tiny house for a public project in my area. That led to design and fabrication, woodworking and more. A couple of years later I realized that I had “accidentally” almost completed a new certificate program, in Digital Fabrication. Next I will be the first graduate of this new track since it was created last year. I can’t tell you how excited I am about what’s next for me.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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I completely understand why you want change to happen fast, especially if you’re currently in the thick of it. But, after years of guiding clients through huge transitions, I’ve learned that lasting change takes time. Most people get the best results in four months of support.
That said, previous clients report feeling more clear and focused even after our very first session. You’re likely to start experiencing clarity, internal shifts, and other powerful results right away.
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At a minimum, you should expect to commit to weekly 45-minute sessions in our first two months, then bi-weekly sessions for the remaining two months. I’ll also assign you some “fieldwork” in between sessions, but we can tailor this to your needs, making it as challenging or as light as you’re prepared to take on.
I often work with women who are both mothers of small children and driven and dedicated professionals (like me!) – perhaps the most time-strapped of us all! So I’ve adapted many of my coaching and fieldwork to be flexible and accessible even when time is at a premium.
That said, it’s important that you feel ready to make time and space for your own self-reflection. I’m not asking you to make a big leap or change right now, but we will need some space to create the foundations of inner work and reprioritizing.
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Absolutely. There is no prerequisite self-development work and you don’t have to have worked with a coach before working with me.
Before we can get started, I recommend booking a free (no-obligation) consult with me. This way, we can cover the basics of coaching and figure out if we’re a great fit. If it turns out that we’re not a match, or if I recommend you start your journey elsewhere, I will happily offer you any alternative resources that might help.
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I recommend booking your free (no-obligation) consult, as it’s the best way for us to interact one-on-one and see if we’re a good match. If you want to get a taste of my coaching style and my guiding principles, you can also listen to the Leap Like Me podcast.
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While the strategies and exercises in Catalyst Coaching can help anyone improve and better direct their life and career, this program is likely not for you if:
> You’re looking for quick advice about how to be happier or more successful and not ready for deeper reflective work to discover your own definitions of happiness and success, and start applying them.
> You’re so overwhelmed or energetically drained that you don’t feel you have the capacity for a weekly coaching session and some fieldwork during the week.
> You suspect that deeper psychological reasons are keeping you stuck, such as unprocessed trauma or undiagnosed depression, that may first require working with a therapist or psychologist. (This coaching experience offers a supportive place to take action on the insights you’re gaining from working with a therapist, but is not a replacement for therapy.)
> You prefer to compartmentalize your problems. For example, you want to navigate a career transition without a willingness to direct the conversation toward your life, relationship, and greater future.
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Yes! Many of my clients are based in the United States (especially the West Coast, which is where I’m from) but I do work with clients worldwide and am committed to finding a schedule that works for both of us. This is something we can discuss in your free (no obligation) consult.
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Yes. I offer payment plans.
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Clients may cancel an order within 24 hours of purchasing and request a refund. The refund will be issued, minus a 5% transaction fee.
After 24 hours from purchase, I do not offer refunds on coaching services. Successful coaching engagements require a full commitment from both client and coach. When refunds are an option, there is a greater chance that you will not fully commit to the work.
It is to your greatest benefit to decide BEFORE purchasing your coaching package and committing to work with me that I am the right coach for you.
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Unless otherwise noted on this page, I currently have availability to take on new clients. I invite you to book a free (no-obligation) consult so we can discuss the best time for both of us to embark on this journey together.
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I do offer affordable ongoing coaching support and would love to chat with you about this during our work together if it’s something you’re considering.
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“Lisa helped me see what really mattered”
Lisa’s approach to coaching — strategic, empathetic, and action oriented — was instrumental in helping me get “unstuck” when it came to pursuing my personal creative work. Our sessions were grounding, inspiring, and provided me with a framework to make tangible, positive changes in both my personal and professional life.”
– Atif, Creative Director, New York, NY
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“An invaluable resource for my career break”
Lisa was an invaluable part of my road to a sabbatical/career break/life shift. She provided a safe and supportive space for organizing my thoughts, feelings, and intentions. She allowed for confusion, acknowledgement, and exploration of ideas, while also providing steps and accountability for progress and direction.
As of this writing, I am enjoying the first official month of my mid-life break, resting and traveling—currently watching the Colorado mountains pass by from an Amtrak sleeper car headed west. While my path and the months ahead are still evolving, I am excited to be alive and excited for the future for the first time in a very long time.”
— Jacob, Kentucky, USA
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“Within 3 months, I had a clear plan of action”
“Within three months, I had a clear plan of action to change my job, my location, my life. My perspective is back to being positive, bold and free — I can’t thank Lisa enough.”
– Emma Stratton, President & Founder, Punchy.co, Portland, OR
A note from me to you
I know that you’re evaluating a lot of options right now as you navigate this transition, including how to find support. Maybe you’ve even tried a route or two before this but were disappointed by the shallowness of the work or the scammy coaching “tactics” disguised as support.
I get it. Completely. I have my own critiques of the self-development and coaching industry, and I’ve had my share of disappointing and artificial experiences, too.
That’s why I always, always recommend searching for a coach who is really living what they’re coaching; not someone who is showing up in a false, inauthentically “perfect” way, but someone who is living out a life that echoes your own values.
Here are some of the ways that I’m different from other coaches:
If you’re thinking about hiring any coach, I encourage you to speak to them one-on-one to make sure that you connect.
And if you’re thinking about hiring me, I would love nothing more than to have a conversation with you so we can discuss whether I am the best fit to support you.
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“Lisa helped me find the path to achieve my personal goals”
Lisa's blend of superpowers – such as her authenticity, sincerity, creativity and trustworthiness – is a magical mix of skills which all too often is very rare in the self-development industry, where too much emphasis is placed on marketing and self-promotion. [...] With her superpowers, Lisa finds innovative ways to draw things out of you that perhaps you could not have done on your own and then supports you on your journey to realize that potential."
— Zihaad W, Consulting, London
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“Lisa helped guide me back to myself”
It has been an immense comfort to have someone in my corner, cheering me on and guiding me to be brave in taking the next steps that are most aligned with my inner compass. Lisa struck the right tone between being firm, gentle and fun as I worked through some serious blocks in my search for greater clarity. Her support at this critical juncture in my life gave me the courage I needed to make the right decisions for myself.
— XB, Sydney, Australia
Are you ready to forge your new path from a place of confidence, peace, and self-trust?
I would love to sit down with you to chat about how I can support you in uncovering a clear path to a happier, more meaningful life. If you’re ready to find out more about Catalyst Coaching, use the button below to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation consultation.