Claudia, 56 yrs, El Salvador
I had a thriving Marketing career for over 25 years. My whole life was around advertising campaigns, market research, product launches, and press conferences. I had a stable position and traveled a lot for business meetings, workshops, etc…Somehow, the passion I had for marketing began to vanish. I started to question myself if the marketing profession was my true calling and after deep thought and reflection, I found my passion. I pivoted my career to becoming a Life & Executive Coach so I can help my clients find their purpose, empower their voices, and live a meaningful life.
What’s the biggest life transition you have had?
The advertising world was the only life I knew, and being true to myself and honoring my values was the key ingredient to my success in the corporate world.
After 28+ years in the industry, I was asked to lie to a potential client which happened to be a dear friend. I had a serious conversation with my manager at the time and told him that what he was asking of me was not in my set of personal core values.
I didn’t follow his orders and refused to lie to my friend. A few months later, I was laid off from my managerial position and had to decide if I wanted to be an independent consultant or an employee, again.
After serious thoughts, I ventured and started my marketing firm and began to work with companies and entrepreneurs. I also designed a workshop for marketing executives and began teaching at a local university.
This teaching position allowed me to work with professionals on a personal level. We worked on personal branding, emotional intelligence, and other soft skills that made me reconsider deeply about becoming a professional Coach.
I must admit that pivoting my career felt awkward and challenging. I felt as if I was turning my back on the career that gave me all the rewards and professional opportunities.
During one coaching session, my mentor said something that has stuck with me:
“Everything you know will travel with you and will serve as a foundation for your future coaching business. “
That day, I realized that my life could impact more people and give meaning to my life.
What were the emotions felt during this transition? What’s the biggest emotion you struggled with?
Upon receiving the news, I felt discouraged and saddened. This job had been my dream, and I had worked tirelessly to achieve the position of country manager.
I felt devalued and betrayed, lost and hopeless. I could not think clearly about my future or professional fate. Everything inside me stopped and the world around me felt the same.
“I had been loyal to the company’s vision and values and my integrity was the deal breaker. My honesty and professionalism were the ingredients for my termination.”
How did you handle this transition?
My first thought was “I need to talk to someone with a clear vision about this, someone with wisdom that could help me see outside of the hurricane of emotions I was feeling.
I talked to my therapist, close friends, and my mentor at the time.
I sat with pen and paper and started brainstorming about possible businesses or services I could create that would turn into a business.
I was sure that I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I wanted to have the freedom to be who I am, live up to my core values, and maintain my integrity at all times.
After a few weeks, I created my consulting business, had new clients, created a workshop, and began selling my products.
What looked like a curse, turned into a blessing.
What is something that you have now that if you could go back, you would tell yourself?
I now have more experience and know that if you work hard and do it intentionally, you can achieve all your goals. There is no easy way or shortcut.
When you rehash this transition again, how can you use it for future life changes?
I can reflect on my determination and strong character to achieve every single goal I set for myself.
What was the best advice you had at the time from a friend, a loved one, or a mentor?
I remember my father’s words: “You will achieve whatever goal you set for yourself with hard work and determination.”
How did it make you grow? What were the learnings?
I learned to believe in myself and never give up.