Dealing with Life Changes
Discovering A Career Led By Passion

An Interview on Life Changes with Kathy Jo Pollack
Certified Life Coach, Trainer & Speaker

Contributing Author in
Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together

SM4W: You are a certified life coach, speaker and author. How did you discover your inner passion and when did it become the cornerstone for a career path altered by life changes?

KJP: First, let me thank you for this wonderful opportunity to be interviewed. Actually, I like to think of my current career path as unleashing my inner passion that had lain dormant deep inside.

I spent considerable time reflecting on all of my life experiences, what I enjoyed doing most, and finally decided to pursue my dream of starting my own business. My dream for as long as I can remember was having my own business. I thought about what I would regret not doing if I looked back in ten years. I knew that I had to start my own business or I would let myself down. I just did not know what exactly, until someone from a past training seminar approached me about the field of life coaching. Then I clearly saw the benefits of adding this one-on-one service to training. As soon as I began learning about coaching, I felt complete – coaching was the missing piece. In 2007, I began formal training to become a certified life coach and launched my own business as a life coach and trainer.

SM4W: You have experienced some major changes in your life that caused you to make choices, significantly altering your career path. Were these change decisions reactions to the life changes that occurred or were you proactive and creating the life changes?

KJP: I believe that what began as a reaction quickly turned to pro-action. It really is all about how you choose to look at it. Once you start trusting yourself and put fear and “what-ifs” aside, you start moving forward and making it happen by choice, not chance.

SM4W: In what way did these changes affect your core values?

It strengthened them. I found that I trusted myself more (my inner voice and intuition), and that I was totally capable of running my own business, doing what I love. I have much more strength and conviction in my choices and abilities. Also, my family and close friends have again proved to be invaluable in my life. Keeping and nurturing both personal and professional relationships is very important to me as is having a strong support network. Although I am stronger in many ways, I also know that I cannot go it all alone.

SM4W: When you found that life provided some hurdles you had to overcome, you were able to become your own change agent. What additional personal core competencies did you use to help with these changes?

KJP: Writing. Initially I did not write much, but very soon, I found that many people and organizations were seeking my input in writing. Instead of saying “no, I am not a writer”, I felt there was a reason for this and yet another opportunity to learn and grow. I was ready for this challenge. I again pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and can now proudly say that I am an accomplished author. There are always opportunities and choices if you are open to receiving them.

SM4W: What were some of the negative situations you encountered for which you were unprepared? How did you adjust to those negatives?

KJP: I think “negative” may be a poor word choice. I would say “challenging” situations instead. Basically I had to prove myself as a life coach and writer. I was already known as a financial trainer (for someone else), but now I was more than that. I was a business owner offering a variety of services that included training, life coaching, and writing. I went back to basics. I first and foremost became a better listener to myself and others. I dug deep and developed the confidence to voice my own questions, and invested in what I needed to make it work, including additional training for myself. I often ask myself, “What do people want and how can I help?” Again, I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone.

In addition, the recession occurred just after I had made my decision to launch my own business. Not a negative, but a challenge, for which I responded by offering expanded services and more options for my clients. My goal is always to think of how I would like to be treated if I were the client needing a service, especially during a time of crisis.

Also, I have found that life is a never-ending journey of learning, growing, and meeting new people.

SM4W: What positives, if any, came from these changes and experiences?

KJP: So many positives! I am a successful business owner, accomplished trainer, speaker, life coach and newly published writer in an inspirational book: “Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together”. In addition, my business has grown from one specialty to three, and for nearly two years and still going strong, I have been a regular monthly guest on “Weekend Focus” with outstanding host Paul Morgan (News Radio 1170 WWVA).

SM4W: In your current career status, what motivates and inspires you and how will this be reflected in your future career decisions?

KJP: What motivates me and inspires me is feedback. For example, when an organization invites me back to give another seminar or when I receive a referral. Also, a huge motivator is receiving a thank you note from a client or hearing the excitement in their voice when they “get out of their own way” and start realizing that they have choices and that there are opportunities.

SM4W: Why did you write this book?

KJP: It never occurred to me that people might wonder why I decided to be a part of the book, Life Choices: Putting the Pieces Together , but it is an excellent question. To me it all seemed to flow and fit, but then again that may be why I did not think it was a question. This specific question led me to write an answer, which follows, that was used for the online book tour.

How Do You Handle Change

Dealing with Life Changes: An Interview with Tisha Pelletier

Embracing You Life Transition

Return to Stress Management Home Page

New! Comments