Alice I.

Montessori Teacher

Lisa has helped me take an idea that I have dreamed about for years—improve education back home in Ghana--and bring it into the realm of reality . . .Her deep listening and reflective conversation allowed me to articulate my goal… Lisa is a provocateur. She provokes and challenges you to dig deeper within you until you put your finger on it . . . The most wonderful thing about Lisa is that, when all is said and done, I feel I have done it myself. Now, that is real coaching! “

July 06 update: I have Lisa to “blame” for helping me bring my dream into the realm of reality.  I have launched an organization, Partnership for Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education in Ghana (PAMBE-Ghana) , whose goal is to establish a new, alternative approach to promote mother tongue and bilingual literacy in the Ghana education system. The dream is to start with one preschool class.  Then add a new class and new teachers every year up to Grade 6 level. 

April 07 update: received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. First pre-school class to start September 2008. July 07 Update: Moving to Ghana in August ! Aug 07 Update: She's there! June 09 Update: first pre-school class graduated.

Marisa S.

Teacher and Educational Consultant

I was dissatisfied with my teaching job. I enjoyed some parts of my work, but I also felt I had many talents that weren't being utilized. Lisa's process allowed me to take stock of my talents, and discover new areas where I could apply my strengths. I realized that I wanted to stay in education, but desired a different role--one that allowed me to innovate, create, and motivate other teachers and education professionals to create quality results in their environments. I began to work on a business plan centered around helping educational organizations and professionals achieve their potential through workshops, consultation, and organizational products. I am hoping to work as a consultant to help schools improve their performance through individual behavioral change.

With Lisa, I learned how to be flexible. Lisa believes in creating concrete goals but also working on envisioning new possibilities by focusing on values, not specific metrics. Many of the exercises we did allowed me to envision new possibilities. Maybe I didn't need to work for an organization--maybe I could start my own. Maybe I didn't need another degree--I just needed a few specific business classes to learn the basics. Lisa helped to challenge my doubts and also opened my eyes to areas where I wasn't looking closely enough.

The result for me was a new way of thinking about what I wanted to create in my life by opening my mind to all the resources that surround me: time, money, expertise, and the local community. Lisa is wonderful at getting you to see things a new way, and often challenges your fears and misconceptions about why you can't achieve a certain outcome. I am excited to see where my new direction will lead, and I would still be sitting around waiting for the right opportunity to come along if I hadn't worked with Lisa. It was a jumpstart that I really needed, and I recommend it to anyone who is feeling in need of a push in the right direction.

Lewis T.

Writer/Editor

I was stuck. That's the best way to describe it. My chosen industry (newspapers) was slowly dying and very few companies anywhere were hiring.

I had stayed in my comfortable job for far too long. I was no longer passionate about what I was doing, and it showed. The quality of my work was adequate, but I was by no means a star. Had I been more inspired, I might have been able to do the work that would allow me to write my own ticket. But I wasn't doing that. My work no longer felt like a calling. It was just a job.
My job paid well, gave me good benefits and rarely required more than 40 hours a week. I realize, now, I was a little too comfortable. With no promotions or other job opportunities on the horizon, I had no incentive to work harder. I could continue showing up, collecting paychecks and feeling slightly unfulfilled indefinitely.
Still, there was something nagging me to get out. About once a year these feelings would overwhelm me and I'd launch a job search. Then summer would come, I'd lose my motivation after one too many rejection letters or I'd simply decide I was happy enough where I was.

After several unsuccessful rounds of this, I called Lisa. She came highly recommended from a colleague who had managed to execute her own escape from the newspaper industry. On a whim, my wife and I both signed up. To read the rest scroll to the end.

Being cynical newspaper people, we were both a little skeptical about the whole career coaching concept. We were not the type of people who frequented the self help section of bookstores, and the idea seemed a little bit too "Oprah-esque. But we told ourselves we'd buy into the program, wholeheartedly. After all, my current strategy was obviously not working.

While my wife had almost instant success with Lisa, it took me a little longer. I spent a lot of time asking myself what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life. After all, I hadn't thought about those kinds of big issues since college, a decade earlier.

This was the first area where Lisa really helped me. I had taken "What Color Is Your Parachute"-type tests before and alway felt frustrated by the results. I'd be left with a list of potential jobs, but I had no idea whether they were really right for me. Lisa helped me draft a description of my ideal job. It's amazing how closely my new job resembles that description.

By encouraging me to do informational interviews, Lisa helped me build the web of contacts that would eventually lead me to my new career.

She gave me the confidence to approach anyone. Instead of blindly sending in cover letters and resumes, I was targeting the jobs and employers I wanted. For the first time I really understood the meaning of the word "networking." People wanted to help me find a job, and the more people I added to my network, the greater my chances of finding something.

Lisa was invaluable in helping me keep up the momentum. In the past, I had always run out of steam, but with her there pushing me forward there was no giving up. And I was able to use her as a sounding board.

At one point, I found a job that was almost right for me. Left to my own devices, I might have been more confused about the opportunity, but with Lisa there, I knew instantly that it was not the perfect match.

When I finally did find the job that was right for me, Lisa shared in my celebration, and with good reason. In the three months we spent together, she became nearly as invested in the job search as me.
And that skepticism I had in the beginning? That didn't last. I've
become a convert to the idea of career counseling, and I don't think I'll ever undertake another job search without Lisa by my side

Meredith A.
Attorney at Law

I am a professional and very self-sufficient. I have never needed or wanted "help" before. But when I returned from living abroad for two years, I wanted to explore a new career path and was overwhelmed by the possibilities. Lisa helped me identify what was truly important and satisfying in an intelligent and low-key way. She gave me the tools I needed to stop feeling overwhelmed. She pushed me to consider new ideas but she was never pushy. Now, with Lisa's help, I am clear about what my strengths are and how I want to use those strengths. I have a plan and a path to success and career satisfaction. June 05 Update: Lisa helped me to prepare for an interview for my Dream Job, which I aced. I started last week and it feels like such a good fit! Sept 07 Update: Delighted to announce the arrival of her new baby.

Charles G.
Management and Technology Consultant

When I met Lisa I was in a transitional period following a difficult divorce. She was able to assist me with:

• Finding work in my area of interest
• Rebuilding my confidence
• Directing me to resources to help ease the way into a new life as a single father of a ten year old boy
• Rebuilding my business as a management and technology consultant

RebeccaT.

Management Consultant

I needed a change, but after 12 years as a newspaper reporter, I felt trapped in a profession I no longer loved. I had plenty of skills, a master's degree and a great resume, but I feared my experience and knowledge base applied only to my work as a journalist. I had toyed with looking for a new career before, but had given up partly because I had no idea what I wanted to do next. I was paralyzed by fear of rejection and I was certain that no one would hire me.

A colleague suggested I call Lisa. I did, and it was the best career move I've ever made. Lisa helped me see that my skills were transferable, relevant and in demand. She helped me design the "perfect" job and focus on what I really wanted. Together we devised a strategy to show potential employers how my skills and talents could benefit them and their organizations. We also worked on goals outside my career, work that improved my relationships with my family, friends and community. Most importantly, she kept me on task. In a matter of months, our efforts led to my getting my dream job – a job I never would have considered applying for without Lisa's encouragement.

Now I'm thriving and feeling more satisfied than I have been in years. Since then, my husband has made a career change with Lisa's help and we recently closed on a much larger home that better accommodates our growing lives and family. Thanks so much, Lisa! We couldn't have done it without your help.

Marilyn N.

Court Administrator

While I am looking forward to retiring in less than a year, I was feeling overwhelmed by the world of opportunities available to me.  Literally I was feeling like a kid on the doorstep of a vast candy store! 

A friend recommended Lisa Anderson.  Lisa immediately put me at ease.  Our phone sessions were fun and full of laughter!  Playing off the name of her company, I always greeted her as “Exceptional Lisa,” and could count on her response of “Hello, Marvelous Marilyn.” 

She challenged me with questions that made me really think about what I want out of life.  When I told her that I wanted to live the rest of my life with wild abandon, she encouraged me to describe that vision in more detail and to develop specific goals to work toward. 

Lisa was also very supportive in helping me stay on track with my plans.  As a result I am in the process of getting my house organized, writing poetry and learning stand-up comedy!  Now I’m more eager than ever for retirement! Jan 07 Update: Retired and loving it!!!

Oct. 07 update: here are some of my accomplishments since retiring:
--walked a half marathon
--sang Brahms' German Requiem
--lost 10 pounds
--marched as a flying pig in the Celebration Parade.
On tap for next year are:
--a trip to China
--take a class to learn Italian.

I'm doing great! Love retirement.

Now Program Director and Aspiring Writer

Whitney Z .
Volunteer Coordinator

Three months ago, I was burned out at my job in social services and looking for a change, but had no idea how to make it happen. Then my friend, Emilee, recommended Lisa to me.

After our first meeting, I cut down from working 50+ hours per week to the 40 hours a week I'm paid for. Doing so freed up energy to focus on my next step. With Lisa's guidance, I created a mission statement and a 3-5 year vision. She taught me how to set smart goals and create an action plan to achieve them. Throughout this journey, she gave me concrete tools to work towards achieving my vision and purpose in life.

It's amazing to look back and see how much I've accomplished with Lisa in just three months. Once I put my wish out the universe, doors opened and opportunities hurtled towards me, as if I were a magnet. I'm getting interviews for jobs that pay almost twice what I earn now. I've joined a writing group, and have started my first novel. I can't wait to write Lisa with an update soon to tell her I've landed a fantastic job that pays me what I'm worth, I've published my first book, and my partner and I have bought a house. Thanks, Lisa! July 07 Update: She got the fantastic job that pays her more than double what she was making. She is looking forward to spending the time she had been spending on job search on her writing. Sep 07 Update: My new job is great! . . . After six weeks, I'm starting to see where the challenges will be, but I'm looking forward to finding creative ways to address them. And being paid what I'm worth is fan-tastic :)

Emilee C.

Community Organizer

When I met Lisa, I was starting a job search and considering alternative career paths and possibilities for self-employment. I have always been a planner, but I usually focused on what seemed practical and realistic.

Lisa encouraged me to dream big and reach beyond self-imposed limitations to envision my ideal work.  In three months, she helped me to create a clear life mission statement and a planning system that has increased my focus and effectiveness.

Lisa is very supportive, open to people of all backgrounds, generous, compassionate, motivating, and fun! I am very grateful for our time working together.

July 06 update call from the airport: I just accepted a great new job and negotiated a salary that is nearly double the income that I was making before. I start next month after I get back from my month-long yoga teacher training. Thank you again for all of your support and encouragement. Jan 07 update: I have to pass along this great news! I have accepted a new position with a substantially higher salary, and I will have the opportunity for another increase in 6 months. This is much closer to my dream job! We're getting closer to our dream of buying a house! Yippee June 07 update: We just closed on our beautiful home!

August 08: I am very excited to report more dreams fulfilled. I am now teaching at an established yoga studio with a wonderful group of teachers, volunteering with an incredible yoga outreach organization, and starting an even better full-time position in my exact passions. I waited two years for the position to open, and I was offered the job immediately after my interview! My partner and I love our house and the community where we live - life truly has never been better.

Carole B.

Mental Health Therapist

I was drowning and floundering; very stuck and unable to motivate myself out of an unstimulating and unrewarding job, Sound familiar?

Last winter, I completed Lisa's Design Your Life Success Group. From that group, I have moved from being stuck. I completed and became certified in Neurolinguistic Programming; Hypnotherapy and Time Empowerment Therapy. Now,I am in the process of starting my private counseling practice.

Lisa has provided valuable insight and business/technical know how throughout my career transition.

Lisa's dedication to helping me discover and design my new career has been the single most significant factor in this endeavor. I will continue to have the greatest appreciation and respect for her gifts and talents.

David B.

Insurance Agent

When I started working with Lisa I was fed up with settling for a mediocre life.  I knew I was capable of more but didn’t know what.  Lisa helped me identify my strengths and stay positive during the process.

At this time I am pursuing working with a mission agency.  It has been a lot of work so far but it's been a good experience.  If all goes as planned I will be in China around the first of the year.  I am excited and nervous but I know this is the course for me.  I will be in language school, teaching English, doing music and many other things that use my gifts, talents and interests.  I'd like to go NOW!!!

Besides China, my Pastor asked me to lead a team from our church to go to India for 2 weeks in November. .  Thanks for helping me to really see where I am going to be most fulfilled.  I know I am embarking on a strange and curious path that is not for everyone, but it is the one for me.  It hasn't been easy and I have done a lot of work in research, interviews and travel.  I am proud of what I have accomplished and look forward to living out what I have been missing for so long.  Again, thanks for your much needed assistance!

Gail T. (and Lucy)
Caseworker for Adult and Family Services

Lisa and I worked together on a national research project helping people identify, pursue and achieve a career they were passionate about and increase their income. These were challenging people to work with, most had multiple barriers to success. She was able to help them feel worthwhile and that they were a person of consequence. She gave them the tools to focus on their goals and provided a path of easy steps to get them there.

She provided career development services with perseverance, enthusiasm and warm support. The numbers are in: our clients showed an unbelievable average wage increase of 270%!

Laura D.
Certified Medical Assistant

When I first met Lisa, I was starting a new career and was having a hard time on my job search. With her suggestions and guidance I quickly started getting interviews and that’s when I knew I was in trouble. I didn’t know anything about interviewing and froze up . . . What helped me the most was when I interviewed her and she used my experiences for her answers. She is very open, honest and gets right to the point.

One thing I treasure about Lisa is she never gave up on me. She saw something in me that I did not see in myself. Well thank you Lisa I now have a job.

Lynne E.
Registered Nurse

When I first started working with Lisa I had recently left a relationship that was emotionally and psychologically abusive to my children and me. I had a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, but had been out of nursing for several years because my husband had forbidden me to return to my profession. Lisa coached me in creating a better life for my children and myself by motivating me, building up my confidence and tracking down full funding for an approved RN re-entry program.

I am thrilled to say that I got my nursing license on January 31, 2005 after an 11-year absence from the profession and I have a great job. My children now have the life and future they deserve, and I have my confidence and joy back for the first time in a very long time.

Sharon C.
Eugene Wellness Center

www.eugenewellnesscenter.com

I was asked to present a 15-minute speech about myself at my local chapter of Women’s Business Network. I agreed to do it but as the day got closer I kept thinking of backing out, blaming it on being too busy, or that I couldn’t handle it right now, maybe later.

When I met with Lisa she called it what it was-- Fear of Public Speaking--and told me she knew a simple but effective technique that could eliminate the fear called Emotional Freedom Techniques. Instantly I noticed a release of my fear. It was easy to learn so I even practiced it at home. The next day we met again. With no fear blocking me we were actually able to plan out the mechanics of my speech.

When I stepped up to the podium I was relaxed, composed, not panicked. The delivery was smooth and I was even able to make impromptu adjustments while speaking. Afterwards, I asked another attendee for an honest assessment--she rated it as an 8 out of 10. . .I thought it was a 9. I also received many heartfelt compliments afterwards—people were touched but not overwhelmed. I couldn’t have done it without you, Lisa.

Kathleen H.
Physical Therapist

Lewis T. cont.

http://www.luxurylapdesk.com

I was caught between returning to my previous career, physical therapy, and trying something new.

Lisa helped me look at my transferable skills, narrow my fields of interest and focus on what I really enjoy doing . . . I am feeling confident that I can return to my former career with a new perspective and renewed enthusiasm or do something new using my many skills. I am so much more aware of my talents and skills and how they can be combined in new ways.