​

Dear Reader,

Last December, I got a panicked LinkedIn message from K. “I just got laid off and your brother said I should contact you.” My brother has a tendency to suggest that I can help with things I can't really help with 😂 … but luckily this was not one of those times!

I offered to meet and talk things over and K took my first available slot. The panic was palpable. I really felt for her.

We met at Starbucks and over her first Gingerbread Latte of the season (why do I remember these details?) I listened. By simply listening to K share, and by asking a few open ended questions, I got a clear sense of what she needed. K needed to step back, give herself the time and space to turn this unexpected turn into an opportunity, and to have some structure to hold herself accountable.

My FCR Coaching series seemed like a perfect fit, and K agreed.

Eight sessions later (12 weeks due to some unanticipated scheduling issues), K is no longer living in a state of panic.

How did we get there?

• Set aside the urgency by creating a high level timeline.
• Identified K’s strengths and challenges, as well as lessons learned from previous employment experiences.
• Got clear on what K wants and doesn’t want from her next role.
• (Gently and with support) pushed K out of her comfort zone.
• Set a clear vision and did a gap analysis.
• Created a plan for K’s active job search AND a plan for accountability, reflection, and revision.

While K does not yet have that new role in her hand, she is no longer living in a state of panic.

She is being proactive, purposeful, and productive.

K sees the promise that lies ahead.

Are you facing a moment of uncertainty or change? What strategies help you get beyond the panic and move to proactive and productive – with purpose?

The end of March?!?

Another month is ending – how can this be? Timmy’s last baseball season has begun, TJ is 6 weeks away from being halfway through college, and there are big transitions on the Cocuzza homefront in the works. (Oh and did I mention that in three days I will be the mother of a TWENTY YEAR OLD???)

With so much movement, I’m grateful for the consistency of writing Almavina Insights to keep me grounded!

What’s going on in your world? I’d love to hear! (I read and respond to every email, so don’t hesitate to reply here!)

Wishing you a peaceful and purpose-filled week,

Beth