There’s a more personal side to this backstory, if you’re interested:

It wasn’t always like this, me loving what I do.

In fact, my first career was a terrible mistake.

As a woman working in engineering, it would seem that I had the world at my feet, landing a high paying job at graduation. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had made a huge mistake when choosing a career. Engineering and I just didn’t get along, and we needed to break up.

I had no idea what to do, what I was good at, or how I could pivot from a technical field into something different. Or what that different field might be.

What I was 100% certain of was that I could not spend the next 30 years working at something I didn’t enjoy.

Unhappy and frustrated, I took a second, part-time job at a jewelry store, James Avery, where several things occurred:

1. I learned that I thrive working in a fast-paced environment

2. I learned that I’m good at managing multiple projects

3. I discovered I work well in teams and can handle customers (or those who don’t work with me)

4. I found out I can leverage both my creative and analytical skills to drive business forward

5. Most Important: I met James Avery, who became my mentor and long-time friend, encouraging me towards a new career

Finding a mentor that wasn’t a friend or family member was critical to my success. I’m forever grateful to Mr. Avery for sharing his passion for design and encouraging me to find mine own way.

I was afraid to tell my wonderful dad that I wanted to leave a high-paying job simply because I didn’t like it.  That made no sense to someone like him: first-generation born in the U.S., no college, who worked very hard to be successful.  

Armed with a fresh perspective and a bit of bravery, I entered business school and earned my MBA. After graduation I jumped feet-first into my retail career at Neiman Marcus and I’ve never looked back.

Since then, I’ve worked for and with six major brands. I can’t go anywhere without seeing a brand I’ve worked for (seriously, even overseas).

My experience ranges from being a men’s underwear buyer to telecom to working in motorsports to director of marketing and corporate communications to working for PR agency.  

I’ve worked with people at all levels of the company and all walks, from shipping and receiving, to CEOs and celebrities.

Looking back, it’s been a great ride. I’m really glad my career did not go according to my original plan.

And dad? He came around. He valued education and was very proud of the fact that I earned an MBA. Most of all, he was happy to see me happy, and he got to see me achieve career success at the same time.

There have been lots of “Key Learning’s” throughout my career that are significant in my role as a Career Coach: 

·       Career Transitions – 4

·       Job Searches – 5

·       Lay-Off – 1

·       Interviews - countless

In addition, as a hiring manager I’ve read hundreds of resumes and interviewed dozens of candidates.

Your situation may not be the same as mine. You may simply be making a job change. You may have experienced a layoff. You may be fresh out of school or a seasoned career veteran.

Whatever the case, my real-world experience provides a unique perspective that helps guide you to achieve your career goals.