There is nothing so humbling as trying your hand at something completely new – especially when you are an expert in another field. I’ve been working in entertainment for the last 30+ years. My first professional gig was in high school as part of a performing arts troupe and then summer stock. Over the years, I’ve worked as an actor, singer, production assistant, wardrobe assistant, executive assistant, sales rep, casting director, producer, and director. The jobs have spanned theater, indie film, commercials, print, branded content, television and film.
Embracing New Beginnings: From Filmmaking to Life Coaching
Most recently, I’ve been working as a documentary filmmaker, a job that, at its heart, I adored. It merged my love of storytelling, deep empathy for mankind, and ability to make friends wherever I go. But my whole life, I’ve been a spiritual practitioner. At first, I was enamored with astrology, devouring horoscopes and Astral charts. Then, I was introduced to Transcendental Meditation while still a tween. I continued studying everything I could get my hands on—A Course in Miracles, Buddhism, and all the self-help rockstars like Louise Hay, Dwayne Dyer, and Deepak Chopra—and finally finding a spiritual home with Pema Chodron and Thich Nhat Hanh.
Throughout my life, I’ve given tons of advice, held space for copious tears, and (hopefully) been a good friend to those I’ve loved. I’ve been told repeatedly that I should be a Life Coach. The idea of helping others always resonated with me, but finding the time to become certified felt nearly impossible due to my ongoing production schedules.
The Journey of Becoming a Certified Life Coach
And then I did it. In a leap of faith, I signed up for Martha Beck’s Wayfinding Coach Training. Immediately thereafter, I booked a documentary feature film and had to juggle prepping, shooting (sometimes internationally), and editing while studying and finishing the program. It was not optimal, but as anyone in production knows… there is never a good time! And despite all the challenges along the way, I DID IT!
And guess what? I love it! Years of directing and producing documentaries had given me a running start. That thing that I already had done thousands of times while conducting interviews: deep listening and creating space – is exactly what I do as a coach! Getting the person sitting across from me to dig deeper, explore their heart and mind, and clarify what they are trying to say? Same thing! So, while I was filming my documentary, I was also sharpening my skills as a coach!
Navigating Uncharted Territory: Building a New Career
But I’ve been working in one business for a long time: I know many of the main players. Here, I’m starting from scratch. It turns out the biggest learning curve is actually figuring out how to get my message and name out there as a coach! Even when I was a baby sales representative for directors, I was working for a reputable company with very well-known talent, so I really only had to field calls. No cold calling, and god knows no social media! This is a new world for me.
So, I’m slowly finding my way. It is as uncomfortable as it is exciting. But yet again, thank you for filmmaking. It taught me to be an avid researcher. So, I’m diving into everything new, and I’m learning. I’ll admit some days, it feels like I’m learning to speak an entirely different language and it makes my brain hurt! But other days are spent writing and contemplating programs I can offer to help people enrich their lives. And that fills me with purpose and ease. And this is exactly what I want to offer clients: Purpose and Ease.
I don’t know exactly how this life will unfold, but I know it will always involve me listening with deep empathy as someone tells me their story, whether on a documentary shoot, with a dear friend, or with a coaching client.
And two out of three of those will come with some killer advice.
