Our next Get Clear, Get Found, Get Hired! (G3) Coach class has been scheduled.  Classes will begin October 14, 2013 and will be held on Mondays from 3:00pm – 4:30pm ET.

This program takes personal branding into the next generation of careering – that of branded value as the foundation to success in a chaotic Web 2.0+ marketplace.  Learn More

Bryan is a graduate of San Diego State University-California State University and California Western School of Law.  He holds coaching certifications from Career Coach Academy, Job Search Academy and Center for Credentialing & Education.

His specialty is helping clients effectively make and manage lasting change in their career, professional, and organizational development efforts.

Our Interview with Bryan follows:

What was your first job?

I have three important “first job” memories.

1) Chores!

I definitely remember earning money for doing some basic chores at home or my grandparents’ house. I was motivated to make money to go to the movies, or buy the coolest new toy or sports thing a 12 year old boy would want!

2) Paperboy!

I started as a substitute paperboy for an older boy in the neighborhood, filling in while he went on vacations with his family. Then, when he left for college, I was inherited the route! It was such a cool feeling! Reflecting on it now, I’m seeing a great example of an entrepreneurial spirit (I definitely earned my tips!) as well as good career management (starting out as a substitute/volunteer, and working my way up and into a full time role) .

3) McDonald’s

I got–no, I earned– this job after personally applying for and visiting what seemed like every….single….business….in my medium sized home town. That was tough. Real tough. But my job at McDonald’s was worth it. I loved my job! It was fast, fun, and had so many opportunities to do different jobs. I think the variety was my favorite aspect, but I certainly learned the value of routines, checklists, and discipline. From working the register, to making the food, to washing windows or cleaning anything in the restaurant, it was fast, fun, and a great experience.

What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Getting a job is hard work! It is tough to keep going on a job search. Thinking back on it, I am surprised I kept such a good attitude for so long without breaking down or giving up. That’s tough to admit, but important.  I think what really helped was a strong motivator, and a good support system. I really wanted to get a job to earn money, be able to pay for gas, ,movies, etc. Basically, typical teenager stuff. But I also wanted the sense of independence and accomplishment that comes from searching for, getting, and doing work. And that’s a great lesson for anyone in any stage of career.

When did you decide to become a coach? Why?

In one way, I decided when I was on my own long term, career change job search.

Yet in another, and perhaps deeper way, I always was a coach. Some times more effective than others, but the raw material was always there. I helped coach youth soccer teams, tutored, taught, and always loved learning, seeing connections between ideas, and then sharing what I learned. I also love helping people see new connections for themselves, in ways that help them move forward to an important goal. Those are important aspect for coaching, so it’s a pretty solid fit!

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

Doing something that sustains and enriches me that also fulfills a real need in the world.

What keeps you enthused about your career?

The always unfolding possibilities: That each person and situation is different and unique, and that I have the talent and the skills, through coach training, to respond to my clients.

How do you evaluate success?

Generally speaking, I measure success by comparing the results I see/achieve/get with the goal or expectation. But as I continue in life, I am learning that sometimes, in some cases, the very act of setting goals is not everything it seems. So I’ve learned to adjust a bit more, and I know take a bigger picture approach: “Will this make things better? For me, others, everyone?” You can probably tell I am no longer following a strict diet, exercise regime, or home improvement schedule. And my life seems…..better than ever.

What’s the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?

The ability to connect ideas, and to create and structure an abstract or undefined experience into something more concrete. At my best, I can look at things in new and different ways, see a new and more effective pattern or method, and then explain or create a tool or approach that works….better.

Who or what inspires you?

Children, especially my daughter Sophie.
Adults who are still playful and engaging.
Possibilities and ideas.
People in general, especially people who move forward, in small ways, day after day. I find it amazing to stick with a small change over time.

Besides work, what are your passions?

Reading, learning, and home improvements. And when I say “improvements” I am taking a lot of liberty there.

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

Travel abroad while you’re younger, and more mobile.

Live with less, and you’ll have more.

Create the healthy habits in exercise and eating while you are young, so you have positive momentum and inertia when your body starts saving those calories and your body doesn’t feel quite the same as it used to!

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to new/aspiring coaches?

It is both harder and easier than you might think. If you think you can do it, you probably can. Strive to balance your approach, in intention as well as technique, to the ever changing needs of your client in that session. And of course, welcome to a wonderful journey and profession.

Connect with Bryan at:

Bryan Lubic
Strengths Based Professional Development Advisor
San Diego State University College of Business Administration
blubic@mail.sdsu.edu
http://www.sdsu.edu/bryanlubic

Certified by The Academies:

Classes begin July 18, 2013 and will be held 1pm – 3pm ET every Thursday.

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern/ New York
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Central
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Mountain
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific/California

Register Now

Jory holds coaching certifications from the International Coach Federation, the Institute for Life Coach Training, the Christian Coaches Network, Career Coach Academy, the True Purpose Institute, and the Daily Marketing Coach.

She is passionate about helping Christian Women Entrepreneurs integrate calling, confidence, clarity, and savvy marketing strategies into their life and business.

Our Interview with Jory follows:

What was your first job?

Assuming you don’t mean part-time jobs in high school, college, and grad school… for my first full-time position, I was a bilingual secretary for the World Bank.

What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

That if you’re not in a position or career that’s a good fit, move on! I stayed with the World Bank for one year then transitioned to a 5-year career in the federal government. I experienced several more transitions after that…

When did you decide to become a coach? Why?

In 2007 I sought training as a coach to help law students at Liberty University School of Law where I was employed. So many students struggle with how to use their law degrees – and how to manage law school. I believed a foundation in coaching would help me help them determine their best course.

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

Transformation. With the kind of coaching I do (spiritual, personal, and professional development), I get to be a part of my clients’ journeys and help them make significant strides in their life and career. I love that!

What keeps you enthused about your career?

An “inner knowing” that this is the path God has called me to take at this stage of my life. Having had the pleasure of working in a wide variety of roles (e.g., as a writer/editor for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as a United Nations representative for Prison Fellowship International, as an Executive Director of the Child Abuse Prevention Center, as an assistant public defender, law professor and associate dean), I’m joyfully content to be working as a professional coach and mentor helping others become all they’re designed to be so they can make their most meaningful contribution to the world.

How do you evaluate success?

Easy. Yet oh so difficult. Success is discerning who we are and what we’re designed to do and being faithful to that revelation. Once we know the answers to such universal questions as “Who am I? Why am I here on earth? What is the unique contribution I’m meant to make? What is my responsibility to God, myself, and others?” – we have a choice. Do we live according to that revelation or do we pursue our daily routines irrespective of our divine purpose? For me, “to glorify God through success” means to carry out our sacred assignments with love, humility, enthusiasm, and joy.

What’s the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?

My God-given ability to see the good in people. That is not to say I don’t get frustrated and angry if people don’t treat me and/or others the way I would expect them to—I’m far from that level of spiritual development! However, I think my innate inclination to love others and help them feel accepted and appreciated has been my number one asset in developing my personal and professional relationships (thereby equipping me to “succeed” in my various careers).

Who or what inspires you?

Softly falling morning snow (which I’m observing out my bay window right now), brilliant sunsets over a blue-green ocean, a homeless sojourner gratefully receiving a simple meal, Mozart, Enya, Fredrick Buechner, the movie Gandhi, my daughter’s poetry, my clients’ progress, the luscious sounds we sing in our choir, the bravery of Esther, the sacrificial love of Jesus, the devotion of my toy poodle, William Wilberforce, Joni Eareckson Tada… In short, I am inspired by glimpses of the Divine.

Besides work, what are your passions?

• Inspiring others through singing, speaking, and writing
• Helping shape the growth and development of my daughters
• Sharing the Good News of God’s love and compassion for His creation
• Musical theatre and dance
• Fitness and nutrition

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

“Become an expert in one subject area and stick to it.” This just doesn’t fly with somebody like me who has myriad interests and passions—and perhaps just a touch of A.D.D.

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to new/aspiring coaches?

Stop fretting, hire a mentor/coach with whom you can relate and whose work you admire, and take action now!

“Thank you for this interview. I’m honored and humbled that you would shine a spotlight on my work. Susan Whitcomb and The Academies continue to have a considerable influence on how I help others.”

Connect with Jory at:

Jory H. Fisher, JD, ACC
Jory Fisher & Associates, Inc.
Jory@JoryFisher.com
www.JoryFisher.com

Certified by The Academies:

Published in 14 national career books, Abby also holds eight highly coveted and respected certifications including Master Resume Writer, Certified Personal Brand Strategist, Certified Job Search Strategist and Certified Career Management Coach.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts and holds a MBA degree from Boston University.

Abby works global executives who struggle with self-marketing to strengthen their brand reputation, become sought after leaders so that they can earn higher salaries and achieve their career goals.

Our Interview with Abby follows:

What was your first job?

My first job out of college was as a loan clerk for an asset management division of a major NY bank.

What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Hmmm…I really did not like that job, so the only thing I could think of was the importance of understanding office politics

When did you decide to become a coach? Why?

I think back in 2006, when I realized that clients need more than a good resume to have a successful career. I was concerned that I was only giving them half of the help they really needed, so I expanded to personal brand coaching, career management coaching and now executive/leadership development coaching.

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

Experiencing clients reach that breakthrough or “aha” moment in their lives and when they finally embrace their true career and personal life goals without restriction, hesitation or concern about what others’ think.

What keeps you enthused about your career?

The ability to connect with others and help them get comfortable and confident in themselves and their career/personal life goals. I believe that each person has an unlocked gem inside and I enjoy the process of helping them identify and uncover that.

How do you evaluate success?

When you can reach that optimal point where your inner peace, balance and overall satisfaction in life that is not dictated by wealth, status, career title or ranking in society. At the end of the day, you have to have peace of mind, joy and passion in whatever you do.

What’s the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?

The thirst for new knowledge, I am constantly looking for ways to improve how I serve my clients and how I can be better at what I do.

Who or what inspires you?

I am a Christian woman and govern my life by that faith and its principles first and foremost, but I also admire and get inspired by people who exhibit drive, commitment, diligence and sacrifice in everything they do. The overcomers’ stories are ones I always connect with when I need a boost.

Besides work, what are your passions?

I have a variety of interests and passions, but I truly love food and cooking – I enjoy every ethnic cuisine and find joy in cooking especially for others. Take me to TJ Maxx or Marshall’s and I end up in the home goods section checking out specialty foods and new cooking devices. Besides that I love reading non-fiction books, attending live performances and plays (Cirque du Soleil, Alvin Ailey, etc) and travelling for vacation.

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

As tough as being a soloprenuer is, I am glad that I didn’t give in and at least gave it a try. Some people thought it was crazy to leave a job with benefits to become self-employed, but it’s a journey I don’t regret…well, I don’t regret on most days:)

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to new/aspiring coaches?

Coaching is a unique gift that only some people have. Make sure that you are serving an audience that you can connect with, relate to and keep being inspired to do your best. Remember that your words can have a profound impact on someone else’s life.

Connect with Abby at:

Abby Locke
Premier Writing Solutions
alocke@premierwriting.com
www.premierwriting.com

Certified by The Academies:

With more than a 18 years’ experience in the field, Don serves as the personal career coach for executives in every occupation—from senior academics to rocket scientists to C-level decision makers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors—helping them win the careers they deserve.

Don’s speciality is rising, senior, and very senior executives in all fields with a concentration in CEOs, COOs, EVPs, AVPs, senior academics, senior transitioning military professionals, thought leading scientists, ordained clergy, and senior sales leaders.

Don is a graduate of The Academies’ Certified Career Management Coach, Certified Job Search Strategist, and Social Networking Career Strategist courses.

Our Interview with Don follows:

What was your first job?

I worked as a reservations control agent for American Airlines.

What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Everything was about helping the customer—something that is part of my brand, even today.

When did you decide to become a coach? Why?

I became a coach in September 1993. I had a full career in the Air Force. I got every assignment I ever had through résumés and cover letters. When I retired, I was getting job offers.

Then my wife Nina pointed out I had a valuable skill and there was, at the time, no industry that did that.

That’s how I became a career coach, even when there wasn’t a name for what I did.

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

Changing people’s lives for the better.

What keeps you enthused about your career?

I so love what I do; I don’t consider it a career—it’s play for me.

How do you evaluate success?

I go far beyond the usual objective metrics. I measure negative as well as positive elements. For example, if I fail to qualify a client properly I “charge” myself $2K. I put that money in a savings account and keep it there for two years.

On the positive side, I evaluate success by the number of excellent clients I can help. Since I have never had a website, have no active Facebook presence, and have little time for Twitter, my success is based on doing what I ask my clients to do.

I get every client through active networking. After all, I require my clients to do the same thing. And if I cannot do that well, I’ll hardly have the credibility with my clients when I ask them to do the same thing.

What’s the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?

The ability to capture others’ thought and spirit and make it become visible. I do that through much more than producing job search documents. My skill must also shine in every other area—from coaching digital visibility to interview prep to compensation negotiations.

Who or what inspires you?

My wife, Nina.

Besides work, what are your passions?

My family is my passion. I also love to cook. I’m crazy about my two rescued West Highland White Terriers.

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

I could hardly answer that question if I didn’t take the advice.

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to new/aspiring coaches?

Never, ever, forget that we change people’s lives. If you are tempted to sell your services as a commodity, if your goal is just to make money, get into another line of work. But if you are completely dedicated to your clients’ success, you’re on the right track.

Connect with Don at:

Don Orlando, MBA, CPRW, JCTC, CCM, CCMC, CJSS, MCD
The McLean Group
3001 Zelda Road, Suite 400
Montgomery, Alabama 36106
334.264.2020
dorlando@yourexecutivecareercoach.com

Certified by The Academies:

Register now

Linda M. Van Valkenburgh, MS, CCMC, CJSS possesses more than 20 years of experience in the business world. She is the owner and certified executive career coach of My Executive Career Coach, LLC – Stamford, CT.  She has great business experience in a broad range of corporate environments including marketing, advertising, engineering, entrepreneurial partnerships, industrial manufacturing and full time career development work experience.

Linda is a graduate of The Academies’ Certified Career Management Coach, Certified Job Search Strategist, Online Professional Networking, Social Networking Career Strategist, and Microblogging Career Strategist courses.

Our Interview with Linda follows:

What was your first job?

I was a special education teacher in NY State and Indiana. I worked with learning disabled, autistic, cerebral palsy, and down’s syndrome children.

What lesson did you learn on that job that you keep with you today?

Patience. We all learn – and we all learn differently. The children taught me and gave me some of my sweetest memories and funniest stories.

When did you decide to become a coach? Why?

Once my 3 children were in school full time, I worked with two manufacturing firms. I was the Director of Marketing. I helped the companies brand their products and reach their target audience. It was a natural move to become a coach when I decided I wanted to work for myself. Coaching was the perfect confluence of teaching adults how to market themselves and reach their target audience!

What is the most rewarding part of being a coach?

Watching client after client achieve their goal, attain their next position, and remembering their networking contacts by paying it forward!

What keeps you enthused about your career?

I am so wonderfully busy. (Busier than a one armed paper hanger!) It is constantly challenging, constantly demanding, constantly moving. It’s wonderful to know you are making a difference in a person’s life at one of their most difficult times.

How do you evaluate success?

A client that returns for additional packages; a referral; a testimonial on my wall; a retweet, a sweet e-mail that is heartfelt; a spouse that signs up once their partner has landed; clients that continue to network once they are in their new position; a client who signs up their son or daughter for a graduation present….

What’s the number one skill or practice that has contributed to your success?

I find my ability to encourage my client, demonstrate that I am a partner and a resource in their search, and offering a structure to their campaign that can otherwise feel overwhelming and crushing.

Who or what inspires you?

I love the interactions, professionalism, and deep industry knowledge of The Academies, Career Thought Leaders and their board members. The generosity is remarkable.

Besides work, what are your passions?

I love traveling, Broadway Shows, a great hotel, knitting sweaters, Cape Cod, my 4 cats and 1 dog, my children (but not in this order! Ha!), morning coffee on the back deck, mastering Angry Birds!

What’s the best advice you didn’t take?

Buy facebook stock.

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to new/aspiring coaches?

Constantly invest in your coaching education, re-education, and certifications. You bring this cutting edge information forward to the benefit of your client. The ripple effect is tremendous.

Connect with Linda at:

LindaVan@MyExecutiveCareerCoach.com
@LinVanVal
www.linkedin.com/in/lindavan
http://on.fb.me/CoachLinda

Certified by The Academies:

Fresno, CA, September 6, 2012  – The Academies has announced the final Career Management Coach certification class this year will begin Tuesday, September 18, 2012.  This 30-hour, 15-week course (approved by the International Coach Federation as an Accredited Coach Specific Training Hours [ACSTH] program) will empower new and seasoned coaches with powerful coaching techniques to help propel clients to meaningful job search success.  Coaches will also walk away with the tools to increase lead generation, ideas on niche marketing, time management tips and other critical practice-building strategies.

The 2012 ICF Global Coaching Study found six in ten coaches experienced an increase in clients over the previous 12 months and that trend in the demand for coaches is expected to continue. According to the study, the biggest obstacle facing the coaching industry in the future is untrained individuals. “It is important that a client trust their coach and believe that individual is invested in their future. A certification from an accredited program may help job seekers in their selection of a career coach,” says, Susan Whitcomb, founder of The Academies.

While the Certified Career Management Coach program is perfectly appropriate for people with little or no experience in the coaching/careers fields, it also attracts experienced professionals says Lyndsey Lehman, Vice President of Operations. Lehman explains, “The program is very comprehensive – teaching everything a coach needs to know in terms of coaching skills AND career management. Plus, it offers many opportunities to practice coaching in the class and receive live feedback from the instructor, which is priceless.”

Packed with rich content designed to strengthen the career professional’s skill set, sessions cover the entire career coaching process from career exploration techniques and career decision-making to job search and interviews. Held online via teleseminar, students are not required to travel and may participate in the program using their computer and telephone. For information about certification requirements, payment, course technology and more, visit http://www.theacademies.com/programs/certifiedcareermanagementcoach/.

The Academies was founded by Susan Britton Whitcomb, a career and leadership coach, careers industry speaker, trainer and author with eight books to her credit. With more than 20 years’ experience in the careers industry, she holds designations as a PCC from the International Coach Federation (ICF), Certified Career Management Coach, Nationally Certified Resume Writer, Master Resume Writer and Credential Career Master. For more than a dozen years, The Academies has trained and certified coaches from around the world in Career Management, Executive & Leadership Development, Tough Career Transitions, and Social Media Strategy.  More information is available by calling 877-659-3769 or online at http://www.theacademies.com.

Contact Information:
The Academies
877-659-3769
www.TheAcademies.com

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