OFF THE PLANE AND IN TO MY PURPOSE
As an Executive Coach I often see the value of a story to illustrate an idea, inspire, or reassure my clients as they navigate pivotal steps in their leadership and business growth journey. On this 9th anniversary of a significant milestone in my own leadership journey I realize there’s a story I’ve not widely shared, until today, about the exact moment that led me to create my company, Powerhouse Leaders.
March 24th, 2015, I was sitting on a plane, at the gate, waiting for the storm to pass so we could take off for Europe. I was feeling the familiar feels of leaving my family behind for yet another business trip, but this time it was different. I loved my executive role and ambitious growth goals, but a lack of collaboration from the people I was flying to see had become very predictable. I had little hope of a different outcome. A schedule at burnout levels, and mommy guilt from recurring absences, set the stage for this trip I didn't want to go on.
That was when a tragedy redirected my path.
The rain was pouring noisily when the notification beeped. I scanned the headline, and slammed my phone back down. The news of the Germanwings Flight 9525 tragedy, shook me to my core. I later learned pilot Andreas Lubitz had locked the cockpit door and deliberately initiated a controlled descent into a mountain side, killing all 144 passengers and 6 crew on board.
In that moment I didn’t have these details, but I had absolute clarity. I resolved to start a company that would develop and support powerful leaders who prioritize growth and collaboration, and to never risk my life traveling again, if it did not align with my values. And I got off the plane.
Fast forward several months and I crossed over from corporate executive to Executive Coach and business owner. Powerhouse Leaders was born. The next step of my journey is featured in chapter 4 of Kathy Caprino’s book “The Most Powerful You.”
Since 2015 I’ve coached hundreds of leaders to strategically navigate their careers, conversations and collaboration to drive growth. I truly believe every leadership intervention can be skillfully planned and masterfully executed to create a positive and optimal impact, for ourselves and for those we lead.
Today, I do work I love and I am grateful for the day I stepped off the plane and into my purpose.
