Once upon a time I was a 39-year-old mother of three with no career, no education, and the reading and writing comprehension level of a pre-grade 7 student. When I decided to go back to school, I was told many things by many people. Most of them were variations on a theme:
“You can’t do this.”
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since then was to succeed despite the dissenting opinions of others and to exceed everyone’s expectations — even my own.
Education was one of the major obstacles I faced in my childhood. I was told all through school that I lacked enthusiasm. “Liana would do so much better if she would just try harder!” It was a phrase that haunted me. But enthusiasm was never my problem: knowledge was. Or rather, a lack of it.
As a result, in my formative years, I was left behind. It wasn’t until I had a life changing revelation that I decided to face my fears and have my education level assessed through the Unemployment Help Centre. It was both the worst and the best day of my life.
A year later, at 40 years old, I finally finished high school.
It was with the assistance of an executive coach that I decided to become an executive coach. After finishing my high school diploma, I had originally wanted to be a teacher. However, as a working adult with three children — one of whom was about to go to post-secondary herself — I had to acknowledge that my chosen goal was unobtainable. It was time to find an education that was within my financial constraints, and which had specific meaning for me. Coaching was the perfect fit.
Classes – way too much money. Textbooks – way too much money. A career that was within my reach and one in which I could be successful – priceless.
I have found that one of my favourite parts of coaching leaders and entrepreneurs is knowing that, in assisting one person, I am actually affecting beneficial changes for an entire community.
Another valuable piece of information I have come to understand is that the leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow are today’s students. They are going to be in charge of the world we’re leaving them, and I feel a commitment to them. I want to offer my knowledge and expertise, gained from the struggles of my own circumstance, to assist them in finding their place in the world.
So what I really want to say is, “Welcome.” Thanks for taking the time to check out my site, and hear my thoughts.
Oh, and remember that coach that got me on the track to becoming a coach? He coached me for free with no obligations and no sales pitch. My pay-it-forward is to always offer that first session for free, so if you feel like this is something you could benefit from, see my Services page and booking calendar.