Coach Kenzi Headshot

International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC)Certified Coach, Hudson Institute of CoachingCliftonStrengths CertifiedMBA, University of CA – San Diego (UCSD)MA, San Diego State University (SDSU)BA, Biology This is my story The good news is I’ve built and am building my dream career. I took the time to reflect, receive coaching, get clarity on my values, and begin taking the necessary steps toward a career that energizes and delights me. But it wasn’t always this way. I worked many years for a company that was stable, well-paying, and regularly promoted me. However, I was never “at home” there. The mission of the company, my role(s), and the style of leadership were never a great match for my skills, strengths, and values. Nevertheless, I stayed much longer than I should have because it was comfortable. I simply didn’t know what else was possible and was frankly too scared to take the risk to leave and find out. Until one day, the stars aligned. I received some bad medical news, and my husband was also feeling burned out at work. So we decided to quit our jobs to travel for a year. It was the scariest, most invigorating decision we’ve ever made, and we’ll never regret it. It was just the shakeup I needed. Upon return, I knew I couldn’t return to my old career so I received coaching and began taking small steps to create the career of my dreams. My Coaching Approach Simply put, I offer a soft place to do the hard work. That means I create a warm, safe, welcoming, nonjudgmental space so that clients can do the hard work of growth and change required to achieve their goals. I believe that clients are resourceful and that my job is to support them by providing the process, while they provide the content. I couple internal work (becoming aware of blind spots, uncovering internal resistance, addressing old griefs, etc.) with external work (building awareness, collecting data on self, making small changes). I check in with clients regularly to see how we’re doing on the original goals and we adjust as needed. I also coach the “whole person”, meaning that aspects of a client’s personal life may come up when we’re working on professional goals. People aren’t compartmented, so my coaching helps to integrate the various parts affected by the client’s goals. Two of my strongest values are connection and curiosity. Coaching allows me to live both of those out through deep connections with clients and curiosity about what makes them tick and what will help them move toward the life they want. This is why I love coaching and often enter a “flow” state when coaching. I’m naturally empathetic, encouraging, and consistent. I listen deeply and reflect what client’s say often. I also appreciate feedback throughout a coaching engagement and bring in tools and assessments when appropriate. What my clients say “I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional coaching services I received from Kenzi Judge over the past year and a half. My experience working with Kenzi was nothing short of transformative. She was an incredibly attentive and insightful listener who created a supportive and encouraging environment. Her ability to understand my goals and challenges was remarkable. Kenzi consistently offered excellent, practical suggestions that empowered me to make meaningful progress in both my personal and professional life. She was a pleasure to work with, and I feel fortunate to have had her guidance. I wholeheartedly recommend Kenzi’s services. The positive impact she had is a testament to her skill and dedication as a coach.“ – J.A. Muntz – “Kenzi approaches coaching as a true partnership, and I’m grateful for her support of my career exploration. Kenzi is consistently curious, empathetic, and kind, and her open attitude put me at ease. She brought structure to our sessions, guiding me to new insights with questions that invited me to look inward and reflect on what I valued and needed. Kenzi also met me where I was, adapting quickly when my goals shifted partway through our coaching. If you’re looking for a coach who can suggest tactical strategies for daily challenges and help you craft a clearer vision for your life and career, Kenzi is a wonderful choice.” – Julia H, Product Manager, Chicago  – “Kenzi helped me during a particularly challenging inflection point in my career. After decades in various careers, I found myself at an impasse where the next steps for my work and personal life were unclear. Kenzi’s careful, thoughtful, and responsive coaching helped me keep moving forward and to put structure and goals into what had been an amorphous lump of concerns and approaches. I recommend her unreservedly.” – David S., Finance Executive, Chicago – “It’s been such a pleasure to work with Kenzi. When I started this journey, I felt lost and unsure of what I want to do next in my career. Through this coaching experience, I was able to identify my core values, hone down on qualities that are most important to me, figured out my strengths, and explored various career paths based on my interests. Now I have more clarity on what I want to do next and a path to get there.” – May C., Startup Executive, Sacramento – “Kenzi led me through exercises and conversations that challenged me to grow and encouraged me to expand my horizons. She gave me tools and strategies to navigate through some major changes. I am much more prepared and confident to face challenges as a result of our time together.” – Kindra A., Teacher, Florida – “Kenzi has really helped me organize the chaos of my life during my journey through grad school, single parenting and trying to find the right job. I really value our sessions together and I come out of each one with so much. I apply the things I learn instead of sticking them on a shelf, because she draws out the strategies that are already within myself.” –

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Melissa Kalil Headshot

Associate certified coach (ACC), International Coaching FederationNeuro Linguistic Practitioner, Thriving Coach Academy CertifiedEvidence based parenting, Mental Health Academy CertifiedCertified Divorce SpecialistMaster in Healthcare Administration, UNC Chapel HillBachelor of Science, UNC Chapel Hill This is my story Hi! My name is Melissa and coaching is what I never knew I needed, so much so that I have built a career bringing its transformational power to others. Transitions have been the story of my life, you name it, I have been through it! Immigration, career, numerous domestic moves, parenthood, career re-entry, divorce, single-parenthood, and, most recently, graduate school during midlife. For the longest time, I would dread change, so afraid of missing out, that I completely overlooked what lay ahead.  After learning how to manage my mind, I began to embrace change with curiosity and excitement, and now show clients how to do the same. Whether you are looking to transform your job into a career, your career into a calling, or perhaps revamp your life’s purpose in the midst of a divorce, my mission is to help you find meaning and build resilience along the way.  Outside of Ama La Vida, I am a busy single mom to three young girls who, like it or not, are the guinea pigs for the various personal development and mental health approaches I pick up along the way. I am happy when reading or learning and am currently pursuing a second masters in clinical mental health counseling. Born and raised in South Africa, I am an African wildlife fanatic and truly at peace when back home in the wild.  My Coaching Approach My clients experience growth by pairing mindset shifts with productive action. With a background in science and mental health, clients can expect some psychoeducation and neuroscience along the way.  While clients work hard during and between sessions, I am a firm believer in moderation and this extends to my coach approach as well. While I challenge and hold individuals accountable, I work best in a warm environment with plenty of humor along the way. No one said change is easy, and therefore I believe in having fun while we get there! Who I serve Individuals seeking life coaching around: Individuals seeking career coaching: What my clients say “Brought me back to my passion — supporting people in their ability to communicate and make connections.” – Annie M.

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Coach Bethany's headshot

Ph.D. in History, University of California – DavisB.A. in Communication Studies and History, Westmont College This is my story Hi! I’m Bethany and I’m a career coach at Ama La Vida. I love helping people on their career journeys, and I’m passionate about supporting folks as they clarify their values, design a life in line with their goals, and tell their career story with confidence. Here is mine. I have always been fascinated by people and their stories. My first professional job was writing features for a daily newspaper, where I discovered the power of asking good interview questions and crafting a clear narrative. I went on to do a Ph.D. in U.S. history, in pursuit of my dream of becoming a college professor. I loved researching, teaching, and writing a dissertation about women who ran orchards at the turn of the century. But pursuing the elusive tenure-track professor job became detrimental to every other aspect of my life. After I graduated, I started working with a coach and talking to folks who had left academia to find a path more in line with my values. That’s when I made the pivot to career coaching! I started working in a higher education setting, and have branched out to support professionals from all fields. My Coaching Approach My coaching approach is holistic, making space in my sessions for transformation and growth as folks identify their core values, set goals, and make career changes. In addition to pure coaching, I draw on my background in teaching and advising, iterating with a design thinking as a framework, and using self-assessment tools (values, strengths, interests, and skills). I’m the right coach for you if you are seeking help with: I want you to own your story, and to create a professional life that sets you up to flourish. Let’s go on that journey together.

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Eric G Headshot

B.A., Journalism, WVUFormer Adjunct Professor/Publishing M.A. program, NYUMultiple coaching certifications from CTA, ACE, EMCC and Positive IntelligenceAn ICF member coach who serves on the outreach committee and the programming committee of ICF South FloridaHost of the ICF South Florida Coach’s Corner podcast This is my story Hello, I’m Eric Goeres. My career started as a production assistant at a PBS documentary studio in Morgantown, WV. Twenty-five years later, I retired as the president of the automotive division of the Motorsport Network, a media company with 30 newsrooms around the world, covering the world of auto racing in 35 languages, and 20 subsidiaries working in video games, e-sports, electric vehicles, stock photography, and sports ticketing. That was my last corporate job, before I walked away on a whim and purchased an ice factory in Miami. And that ice factory was my last foray in business growth and ownership before becoming a coach. These days, I coach business leaders, innovators, passion-fueled inventors, technology disruptors, product marketers, on projects that they are passionate about. I live in Miami Beach with the love of my life, we spend our off hours swimming in the warm waters, traveling through Europe (by train), relaxing with family in Key West, and staying active and healthy. Things weren’t always this sunny for me, however. My career has had some pretty dramatic ups and downs. The recessions of 2001 and 2008 both put my businesses into tailspins, and COVID really put me in a precarious situation financially and emotionally at that ice factory. I was in Manhattan on 9/11, and that day was supposed to be the signing ceremony formalizing the selling of my first startup to a big marketing agency. I bought my first house the week that Lehman Brothers collapsed and set off the 2008 housing crisis and the great recession. But the most emotional career swerve was when I was job-eliminated from my dream job of running Esquire and Road & Track magazines in 2013 — nothing personal, just a management shake-up that I am certain I could have survived if I had been working with a coach. In retrospect, I just didn’t play my cards right, manage my blind spots, handle my emotions, realign my priorities, or adjust my course. No coach would have ever let me make the mistakes I made at that point in my career, and I probably could have spent ten more years at a company I love, with people I loved working with, if I had the right support. But, we persevere. I survived those mishaps and flourished in other ways. I started my own publishing company. I went to work for the publishers of Time Magazine and wound up running the innovation department of Entertainment Weekly. I was part of the leadership team that built an 80-person advertising agency from scratch. And, life moved me from crowded Manhattan to beautiful Miami. See? It all worked out great. There are two parts to this: avoiding mistakes, and resilience in recovering from mistakes. When you become adept at both of those tasks, you’ve mastered the art of life. And that’s what so much of my coaching practice consists of — helping those I work with master the art of maximizing their potential, looking into their blind spots, taking full stock of their opportunities, beating their obstacles … and bouncing back from mistakes and setbacks (which we call learning opportunities). You have decades ahead of you. What will become of them? A little secret: Your future is influenceable and predictable. Your feelings, beliefs, and actions today will predict your future. That’s great because you can modify your feelings, beliefs, and actions, and therefore your future is influenceable. That’s the heart of what happens in coaching. Coaching empowers your influenceable, predictable future. Let’s get to work — why leave everything all to chance? My Coaching Approach I’m going to be the second head on your shoulders, your thought partner, accountability structure. I’m going to use everything I’ve learned over the years as a means for you to discover, develop, and grow. You’re the expert in what you do; I’m the expert in making you the best you can be. Together, we can’t fail. What my clients say “I had the pleasure of taking career Counseling sessions with Eric at Ama La Vida and I wanna say these sessions were worth the decision. Prior to joining and my first meeting with Eric I was clear about my wants and plans and mentioned the need of having someone who could help guide and direct me with some of the plans I have for the future and make my objectives clear and visible, which throughout the last 3 months I had good progress on them. I will recommend whoever that is interested in joining Ama La Vida to get with Eric or whomever that is suitable for their career or plans to be clear about your want and make sure to reach out to them when in doubt. I thank Ama La Vida team and Eric for their services and wish them the very best.” – Mahmood M. – “Working with Ama La Vida helped me define my career goal and persevere with the process of certification and job applications.” – Joshua P. – “Working with Ama La Vida has been hugely helpful for me as someone exploring a career change. The resources and support made a tremendous difference. Thank you, Ama La Vida!” – Talia G.

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Jana Day, Career Coach with Ama La Vida

MS Management, Leadership & Organizational Development – Purdue UniversityBA Business and BS Psychology from Coe CollegePositive Intelligence (PQ) Certified Coach, Pod Leader, & FacilitatorEmotional Intelligence EQ-i 2.0, and EQ 360 Review Programs CertifiedProfessional Certified Coach (PCC) International Coaching Federation This is my story Hello! I’m Jana Day, a Coach that genuinely loves meeting people from all walks of life. After working and living on both coasts, which had so many positives, I am happy to return to the midwest. I love to travel, and remote work makes this possible, I am a cheerleader to my two sons, love riding my bike, am a sports enthusiast, have a rescue pup named Sydney, and married to my forever and always for thirty years.  As a former Head of Recruiting and Talent Acquisition for Fortune 100 companies, I know firsthand what companies are looking for in top-tier talent. I use this knowledge to help my clients stand out in a competitive marketplace. I love helping my clients discover their own hero stories and empowering them to take action to achieve their dreams. I Serve: People who, despite the challenges and uncertainty that come with making a career shift…  Professionals who… My Coaching Approach I believe coaching is for everyone. I have supported Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning crews to accounting, marketing, and legal teams. I also volunteer as a Career Coach at my YWCA, working with women from the domestic violence program and underserved members in my community. My approach is centered around creating a supportive environment with gentle nudges to move you to the next level. I will ask thought-provoking questions that challenge your current perspectives and move you forward. My goal is to empower you to become the person you aspire to be and feel confident every step of the way.I bring experience and training in emotional and positive intelligence. Let’s work together towards improved happiness, wellness, and increased performance. And unlike a sports coach, I promise never to blow a whistle or make you run laps. What my clients say “Jana has operated with all levels of demanding organizations for decades, which gives her rare empathy as an executive coach. She has worked on Academy Award winning crews and knows what it takes to be high performing. My goals are clearer and loftier because of her guidance. I have referred her to some of my dearest colleagues and family members. They overcame obstacles through Jana’s skillful coaching.” – Cynthia M. Director of Projects – “I loved working with Jana Day. She has not only been so insightful in our time together, but she has been so patient and compassionate through everything. Ama la vida has been an amazing experience.” – Anthony MG – “Since having Jana as my career coach, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge and resources that I use to navigate through my career on a daily basis! It feels so reassuring to have such an amazing cheerleader in my corner!” – Eliza H. Casting Coordinator – “I was looking for a coach to help me working through a plan of what I wanted to do with my career. Through the course of several conversations, Jana helped me figure out and plan out that I really wanted to start my own business. I connected with Jana from day one based on our mutual bond over our shared core values and how we approach life. She provided value insight and perspective that helped me move forward with a plan to launch the business, I always wanted to but was afraid to for various reasons. She helped me figure out how to build and execute the plan to set me on a path to live my best life as a business owner. I highly recommend Jana as a coach!” – Matt H. President and Small Business Owner – “I really appreciate how Jana’s coaching is grounded in a blend of grace, truth and expansive experience. It made me absolutely confident that you could see things I couldn’t see and most crucially, could give me perspective and clarity that I could trust in a season where I didn’t have much of it. I don’t feel like I could ask for anything more.” – Gene K., Producer & Creator – “Coaching has helped me find the sweet spot between thinking, feeling, and doing. I’m more likely to operate from my head and my heart. My coach has helped me balance all my thinking and feeling with action, which is not the first place I go— and is necessary to move forward in my career.” – Maria E. – “Ama La Vida was just what I needed to help me navigate a major career transition and use my values as a compass. Coach Jana was truly an amazing coach with wisdom packed guidance and questioning that led me to make a great move where I felt 100% confident in my decision. I loved having access to the Ama La Vida membership site with modules and access to other special events/webinars on topics that interested. Would definitely recommend Ama La Vida to others!” – Danielle A. – “Working with Jana helped me figure out what I really wanted out of a job. Through that work I was able to identify a position that I really wanted, and then start applying for them. Purely by luck, one fell in my lap. But, I am even more grateful knowing that it was something that I wanted all along.” – Mary A. – “Jana changed the way I thought about myself and my values. It changed my entire career path. Forever grateful for Jana Day!!” – Sara H. – “I got a job!!! A major part of my success with this has been the time we’ve had together and working through some of my hang-ups and challenges. I cannot thank you enough for everything that you’ve helped me with thus far, you truly are a godsend!! Because of the work that you have helped me to do, I

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Lauren

Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching FederationCoach Trainer & Mentor Coach, International Coaching FederationTrauma-Informed Care CertificateBA in Interpersonal Communication, University of DelawareFormer Startup Director with 11+ years global experience across three continentsFluent in English and Spanish This is my story Hi, I’m Lauren, and I’m here to help you design a life and career that feels as authentic as it is fulfilling. Over the past decade+, I’ve been fortunate to live and work in incredible places like Spain, Chile, Liechtenstein, and Panama. These experiences opened my eyes to new ways of living and working, breaking me out of the box I once thought I had to fit into. I understand what it feels like to follow a path that looks great on paper but doesn’t align with who you are. Early in my career, I turned down what I thought was my “dream” corporate job in NYC to explore what success could look like on my own terms. That leap of faith transformed my life and shaped my coaching philosophy: life’s too short to settle for anything less than what truly lights you up. I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for happiness or success. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, redefining your relationship with work, or dreaming of more freedom and flexibility, I’m here to help you take bold steps toward designing a life you truly love. I Partner With: Individuals: Professionals: Leaders: My Coaching Approach Coaching isn’t always easy—but it can absolutely be fun! After all, we’re designing your dream life and career here. 🙃 My coaching style blends empathy and intuition with honest, actionable feedback. I hold space for authenticity, self-discovery, and emotional exploration while lovingly challenging you to dream even bigger and break through the barriers in your path. You can expect me to help you think outside the box, challenge limiting beliefs, and overcome counterproductive patterns. Together, we’ll craft creative solutions, align your goals with your values, and transform your vision into meaningful, lasting results. Testimonials “I feel like a completely whole new person. I feel like I was spiraling out for so long, just so completely lost. So to feel even a shred of confidence and excitement moving forward means the absolute world. Working with Lauren has transformed everything in my life. EVERYTHING. Invaluable.” – Gina “Working with Lauren completely changed my life and the path/direction of it. You gave me the space to really step into my authenticity, unapologetically, and go forward with that in every aspect of life: career, parenthood, whatever comes next. The way I do things doesn’t have to be the way society does things, and that’s a-ok. I really feel like you were divinely placed in my life at the perfect moment. Oh … goosebumps. I’m so grateful for you and for our time together. Thank you so much!!” – Mary-Pat “This was my first time talking to someone who really understood where I wanted to go and motivated me to start making the mindset and tangible changes that would propel me towards reaching my goals. We talked about how following your heart will open up the right doors. I love this idea and it has helped me work through the harder parts of following my heart such as quitting my job and getting out of my comfort zone.” – Danielle “My biggest takeaway from working with Lauren was the ability to see my future unfold effortlessly once I got out of my own way and stopped letting fear control my life. I now know that my dream life is do-able, I do not need to live in someone else’s version of “success.” I learned to set boundaries and to live by my own moral compass. If you need someone to help you take the first steps you will never be in better hands. Lauren will guide you along your journey in the most inspiring and helpful ways. Step up your game by investing in one thing that really matters, yourself!” – Kate “Lauren’s coaching sessions have taken me from feeling like I am all over the place to a more focused and confident place. The ideas are in you and Lauren helps bring them out and talk through exactly what it is you are looking for. Her check-ins kept me accountable and responsible, which I really appreciated. After every session I was excited to work on what Lauren’s tasks were and I always left feeling positive in what we had discussed. Lauren is a wealth of knowledge and I highly recommend her coaching sessions for anyone that is feeling a bit lost.” – Becca “Before working with Lauren I was hoping my problems would solve themselves but (surprise!) they didn’t. I had been feeling stuck for about a year, and in just a few sessions with Lauren I was able to take action and move forward.I look back at who I was before Coaching and I’m overcome with gratitude for having moved out of that stuck place with her help. I’m SO glad I worked with Lauren, it was just what I needed and truly changed my life. An investment in yourself will ALWAYS come back to you in one way or another.” – Natalia “I’ve had a complete shift in mindset over the past months. When we started I felt so ‘stuck’ and I knew I wanted and needed a change. Lauren helped me make it happen. I wake up feeling positive instead of negative about the day. I can say that I am happy and have so much to look forward to instead of being consumed by all the negative and defeating thoughts that were really holding me back.” – Dawn D. – “Without Lauren and Ama La Vida there’s no telling where I would be right now. I am so glad that I was able to work with her and she is an incredible teacher, motivator, mentor, and overall understanding and compassionate person. This experience with Lauren was not only pivotal in helping me find a new

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Rasheem Headshot

Certified Profession Coach from iPECBachelors Degree, University of South FloridaCertified Yoga Teacher from Satva Yoga School-Tampa, FL. This is my story Rasheem (Ra for short) is a Career & Life Coach specializing in helping clients achieve success in their career path and career transition goals. Rasheem is Certified Professional Coach as well as a Registered Yoga Teacher. He combines 20-plus years of corporate work experience and 15-plus years as a practicing yogi to bring a mindful, compassionate and holistic approach to coaching sessions. When Rasheem is not coaching he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, running, and reading. Favorite quote: “Infinite patience produces immediate results.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer. Best career advice received: Work for love, not for money. Best life advice received: Get your cake AND eat it too! My Coaching Approach My approach is direct yet compassionate. I tend not to “sugarcoat” things so it may be a little much for some. I’m big on accountability, not just regarding my clients but for me as a coach.

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iPEC Certified CoachBusiness Coach TrainedDiversity & Inclusion CertifiedOver 10 years experience as a Coach in Business, Leadership, Career, & Life Design Conversational Spanish Nice to meet you! My main aim is to help people find work that they love. I believe when you highlight your natural gifts, skills, talents, strengths, education, and experience you’re able to uncover the best role for you. When we work together, my focus is to hold you to your highest desire and vision. I do this by rooting you on, being your biggest cheerleader and accountability guide. I use my expertise and experience to help you with your next steps and I believe that taking inspired action is the answer to any challenge. I’m here to walk along side you on your journey and I hold you to your highest potential every step of the way. What my clients say “Before working with Jennifer I struggled with structure, completion of projects and focus. Now, I am able to take my projects from my mind out into the world now. I feel even more empowered to have my personal and professional dreams realized.” -Tomiko – “Our work together has taken me from a place of fear and longing to a place of action-taking and commitment to a completely new career. Her gifts are many and my experience with her has been uplifting and profitable. Thank you, Jennifer!” – Susan – “Wow, Jennifer was great, I’ve mapped out my whole plan, and I’m clear who I serve and what I help them with. I got my first paid customer and would not hesitate to recommend this program to others.” – Carla

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Amy Yandell Headshot

Master’s in Higher Education Leadership from Mercer UniversityDoctorate in Music from Arizona State UniversityMaster’s in Music from Arizona State UniversityBachelor’s in Music from Winthrop University This is my story Hi! I’m Amy Yandell and I’m a passionate coach who loves to work with clients ready to set off on a fact-finding journey together: from figuring out what you value, what you’re interested in, what you’re skilled at all the way to imagining, planning, manifesting, and transitioning into the next phase in your life. For many years, I thought if I just had the right title, the right salary, was in the right company, was respected, had the degrees and letters after my name, was in the right relationship, had the right body/ate the right food, ran in the right circles, that my problems with “success” and “happiness” would be solved. But I had all of that at various times yet never felt successful or happy. Until I got right with what “work” meant to me, what I needed it to do for me in my life at each specific phase and how to set boundaries around it, I was destined to repeat the same cycle over and over again. Do you have notions about how things “should” be? Are there aspects of your life where you’re letting other people -whether that’s friends, co-workers, society- tell you what “right” or “normal” or “success” mean? What if you decided that for yourself, you set the bar, you set the parameters and you were ultimately and finally clear about what success and happiness and boundaries mean for you in your life as it is right now? And then took action to bring those into reality? You’ve absolutely got it within you. And bonus: You don’t have to do it alone! If you’re a wanderer having trouble kicking into action, I’m here to challenge you into adopting a plan/process, taking action, and moving forward with clarity. If you’re a process-person that has a plan for everything, I’m here to challenge you into expanding your thinking outside of and beyond your well-laid plans, to ask deep questions and sit with the answers (even if they’re uncomfortable), and to dream and imagine possibilities you’ve not considered before. We’re in this together! The bottom line is you don’t need permission to delve into what your needs are, what your own definition of “success” and “right for me” are, and then to take immediate action to manifest those things YOUR WAY. You have access to that at any time in your life, and there’s no better time than RIGHT NOW. My Coaching Approach My style is a mixture of exploration/using our imaginations and task/list-oriented work, depending on what your needs are at this specific point in your life. I see this as a partnership with my job being to listen, to help you process, to provide guidance/challenge you when needed, to help you with accountability, and to cheer you on as you manifest your new life. I use assessments, worksheets, thought experiments, journaling and other tools to guide fact-finding and exploration as we get to know one another, but I also believe that forward movement and action-no matter how seemingly small-are crucial to launching your new path or direction as quickly as possible. So, in week 1 of working together, while we’re getting to know one another and you’re getting (re)acquainted with aspects of yourself and your goals, you’ll be jumping into action in an agreed upon way that sets you up for success. I’ve been a hand-holder, a bold challenger, a co-dreamer, a list-maker, a cheerleader, an empathic listener, a calming presence, a boisterous advocate, an editor, a resume/cover letter reviewer, a mock interviewer, a box-checker, a thought partner, a difficult conversations practice partner…and more! Depending on your needs, I wear the hat that best suits what we’re working on and the context in which we’re working. What my clients say “Partnering with Amy was truly eye-opening. It marked my first-ever one-on-one experience with a career coach, and I must admit, it opened up a world of possibilities that I had never before considered.” – Caitlin R. – “I truly recommend that everyone meet up with a career coach for at least a few sessions. I contacted a career coach while I was in the “dumps.” I had just quit my stable, good paying job with no other job lined up. I felt awkward about getting a career coach thinking that was only for well-off people, but it truly helps to go through this process, especially with Ama La Vida where I felt welcomed and listened to since my in-take call. Working with a coach is a work in progress. Don’t give up, keep showing up and remember to implement the lessons you learn with your coach!” – Diana R-M. – “Amy changed my entire perspective of the job hunt. She really taught me entirely new actionable and conscious choices to help bare the mental and emotional load of seeking a new job. I am on a completely new mindset for how to view careers, networking, and job hunting.” – Amy K.

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Coach Brenna's Headshot

Certified Holistic Coach, Radiant Coaches AcademyStrengths Coach certified to administer CliftonStrengths assessment, GallupBA Journalism, University of Georgia This is my story I am truly living a life that I love. My life is full of exciting experiences, personal growth, people I love, passion-driven work and wonder at every corner. It took me a minute to get here. That’s not to say the chapters of my life that I’ve already lived haven’t been great – they really have been! But when I realized I was living my life on autopilot, centered around others’ expectations of me, I knew I had to do something. I switched my life into manual mode, and boy am I enjoying the ride. Manual mode has required my presence, bravery, vulnerability, honesty, action and growth. It’s taken time, reflection, encouragement and several trusted advisors.If you’re anything like me, you may be struggling to balance what you feel others expect from you with what you really wish you could do. What would it be like if you were free of those expectations and could make that wish come true? I love helping clients shift into manual mode. Learning how to listen to your own voice is a process, and it’s crucial to building a life you really love. I help my clients increase their self-awareness, get “unstuck,” work through challenges and goals and take action toward a more fulfilling life. My Coaching Approach I lead with the belief that my clients are whole people, not projects to be “fixed.” I love leading people to lightbulb moments that help them get “unstuck” wherever they need it. I am a highly empathetic person who truly enjoys holding space for others and helping them name, claim and aim natural talents and turn them into strengths. I lead with positivity to help clients explore possibility and work toward their goals with confidence and clarity. Testimonials “Brenna does a great job of asking insightful questions and causing you to dig deep into self-reflection. She also has the perfect balance between coaching and facilitation. She’s able to allow me to draw my own conclusions and steer the conversation while also coaching me through the topics I bring up. She does this well in team settings as well! Brenna’s preparedness and intentionality with sessions makes me feel that she really cares for the time we have together – in how she sets agendas and provides follow-up resources and tips.” – “It was very helpful for me to talk everything out with someone. Brenna asked thought-provoking questions that helped me answer my own questions and provided me with more clarity. We identified what my ideal role could look like and any deal breakers. We also identified some actionable steps to help the job search not be so overwhelming.” – “I love the freedom that we have to discuss what work looks like AND what is happening in my personal life. I think understanding how they overlap actually gives you the room to be a better employee.” – “Working with Brenna feels so natural and uplifting. Brenna is really, really great at encouraging the ah-ha process. She has an uncanny ability to see when an ah-ha moment is happening and press in for more. I really like that Brenna uses time to “practice” what I learned like “let’s play this out, you describe your strengths to me…” because I feel like it sticks that much more.” – “Working with Brenna is an absolute dream! She has a listening heart. I approached Brenna about helping me re-hone in on my top strengths as I continue to grow as a professional and move into managing people. She really took the time to help me get re-familiarized with my strengths and how to use them in my professional career, but also set boundaries!” – “Working with Ama La Vida has been fantastic! As a coach in a different field, I really saw the value of having a coach with navigating a career change or career questions. Brenna was so warm and thoughtful and really helped me sit through my own thoughts but also challenging me on different fronts to take actionable steps and really think deeply. It has been of tremendous value to me!” – Emily F. – “Ama La Vida gave me the tools I needed to navigate the overwhelming process of job-searching AND they held me accountable for reaching my goals in the timeline that I proposed – which turned out to be really important. I got what I paid for and more.” – Rachel F.

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Coach Sherry's Headshot

International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC)St. Mary-of-the-Woods College – Accounting B.S.American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal TrainerHuman Potential Institute – Certified Human Potential CoachInstitute of Integrative Nutrition – Health CoachPrecision Nutrition Level 1 CoachEnneagram in Business – Coach TrainingConscious Living Center – Enneagram Trainer in the Narrative Tradition This is my story Before embarking on my dream work of living my values being a Professional Coach, I worked corporate America for more than three decades. I understand the demands and expectations placed on professionals today: My Coaching Approach Working with me you can expect a partner that meets you where you are and partners with you for where you want to go. I coach from a space of invitation, intuition, thoughtfulness, mindfulness, trust, and challenge with a sprinkle of cheerleading. I’m excited for this journey in partnership with you to increase resilience, confidence, self-awareness, growth and creating the life you are excited to live! What my clients say “My journey with Ama la Vida began under the guidance of Adam, who brought a sense of calm serenity and self-reflection to our sessions. His approach laid the groundwork for my personal and professional growth, helping me build a strong foundation of self-awareness and insight.As my coaching journey evolved, I transitioned to working with Sherry. From our very first session, Sherry immediately created an atmosphere of trust and openness, making it easy to tackle even the most complex issues. Her wealth of life experience and professional insights have been invaluable to me as both a mentor and a coach. Sherry’s unique ability to navigate intricate leadership and company situations has been a game changer. Whether it’s fostering team dynamics or charting a strategic course for the future, her guidance has been a lighthouse, illuminating the path toward success and fulfillment. Together, Adam and Sherry have provided a well-rounded coaching experience that has profoundly impacted my life.” – Gary C.

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Sophie Leroi headshot

MA English Studies, Sorbonne University, ParisCertified Professional Coach, Academy of Executive CoachingPast Vice President of ICF Bay Area Chapter, ICF Fluent in English and French This is my story Hello! I’m Sophie Leroi, and I’m a Leadership and Career Coach at Ama La Vida. For the past 20+ years, my focus has been on the training and development of individuals who ultimately own their career progression. I have coached leaders from early career to executives, across a wide range of industries. When I’m not helping people at work, you will find me spending time with my husband and 5-year-old son. We’ll be listening to some relaxing jazz (ok, sometimes the Moana soundtrack), baking, tending to our hydroponics farm, and making plans for our next trip to Europe to visit our family. Ah yes, I’m from Paris, France, and I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area 8 years ago. I’ve also lived in Paris, Toronto, Copenhagen, and London. My Coaching Approach I’m here to support and guide you. Together, we create a powerful and unique coaching alliance that relies on trust, accountability, and mutual effort, and focuses on results and sustainable change. Very often, you will hear me say “let me take off my coach’s hat,” because I am at my best when I can consult with you and share practical and actionable tips to help you progress along your journey. Whether you want to craft an efficient job search marketing portfolio, build a confident and memorable personal narrative, or develop confidence and leadership skills for your career, we will design a coaching plan that gets you where you want to be. While each coaching journey is different and unique, I like to create a framework for our work together, which typically includes a beginning, a middle, and an end. I take great care in contracting with you, so that we have a clear path ahead of us, and each session will reflect a step in the direction you want to follow. Think of each coaching session as a stepping stone that will get you closer to your goal. Whom I serve Empathetic professionals who:✔ Are ready to invest in their career and progression✔ Are passionate about learning✔ Think it might be time to pivot in their careers and need help choosing the right direction✔ Are just starting in their career and want to work on their impact and define long-term strategies✔ Want to contribute to true coaching and empowering cultures in their work✔ Want to become leaders, have just become managers, and who want to get the best out of their relationships with their employees✔ Have just started a new job in a new environment, including culture, language, and/or country I’m excited to be a part of the Ama La Vida community and to be your coach. Ready to grow? Let’s talk! What my clients say “Thank you so much for helping me realize my self-confidence was still there. Your questions were key in drawing out the answers from within me. The tools you provided helped trigger the thoughts and ideas I needed to move forward. I was able to restructure my habits to help plan out my future and reflect on it each day, week, and month ahead. It launched me forward towards my goals by clarifying my plans and thoughts. Your coaching was a vital ingredient I needed at a critical moment.” – Andrew M. (Business Owner) – “Sophie Leroi’s help as an executive coach has proven to be an invaluable resource as I transition from freelancing to opening my own consultant business. Ms. Leroi is extremely gifted in creating a space where individuals may examine issues in new ways in order to generate solutions. She is adept in asking insightful, thought-provoking questions as well as facilitating exercises that hone my thinking as I approach my work. I have seen a direct link between our sessions and my productivity and overall confidence in my professional life. She is skilled in her craft, articulate, organized, and empathetic. I highly recommend her to those in search of an executive coach.” – Kathryn L. (Business Owner) – “Sophie has been an essential asset to my career growth. She earned my trust through getting to know me, my priorities, my strengths and weaknesses. She also has a natural ability to motivate people. In some of my tougher moments she helped boost my confidence and encouraged me to reach for what seemed unattainable. She made me accountable by arranging frequent check-ins. It was only with her coaching that I was able to land my first job in web development. Since then I have consulted her on all of my career moves. She has a business instinct that allows her to offer salient insights about companies I’m interviewing with. When she’s not totally sure about a company, it’s a red flag. Her input is priceless. She is a people person, a gifted communicator, with a personality that is a combination of caring and empathetic, balanced with pragmatic and results oriented. In short, I feel privileged to have her advice and coaching.” – Greg C. (Software Engineer)

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