Why should I hire a career coach?

Dana Underwood of Avanti Alliance career coaching

why career coaching?

When my son was born, I, like many working moms, realized that the demanding career I loved wasn’t going to allow me to show up in my life the way I wanted. I knew I either had to adjust my expectations or make a change. So I did. I quit. And I started a company founded on the belief that women shouldn’t have to choose between a career and a life. That flexibility breeds productivity, profitability and innovation. That working smarter is…smarter. I am passionate about what I do because this is my story too.

Too often we are left struggling to do it all, or at least do some of it well. We’re tired of feeling guilty or like we are letting people down at every turn. We go to work every day feeling like there has to be a better way but we aren’t sure how to get there from here. I’ve been there – I know what that struggle feels like. Stuck between trying to make everyone happy and the reality of pleasing no one. Of surviving – not thriving. Giving everything you have to your career, what’s left to your family and wondering how you are going to keep it all together without anything left for yourself.

There is a better way!

It doesn’t have to be that way! You can have both. You can build a life you love and find flexibility in a great career.

I started Avanti Alliance to help other women navigate how to take back their lives. Instead of trying to “lean in” to everything, prioritize what matters and build around that. That’s the key to feeling like you have a grasp on this thing called life. When we’re able to work toward a meaningful goal, not merely work a job to get a paycheck.  

I decided to officially offer coaching because many of the women I work with are looking for more flexibility in their careers, but just don’t know how to get there from here. They can’t see a way out of the daily grind and they don’t even know where to begin their search. And I have built a strong network of individuals and jobs, that allows me to quickly see connections for people, create a network and help people find what will work for them. 

Why I wish I had my own coach when i was starting out

Did you know, almost everyone in the C-Suite has people helping them along the way? Executive coaches, mentors, life coaches. Usually all of the above … and more. Why didn’t anyone ever tell me that? Why did I feel like I had to do it alone for so long? If I had a coach earlier, I may have not stayed in my job as long as I did. I would have had help with critical conversations that didn’t go the way I wanted. I would have had someone helping me navigate both sides to help see things objectively and better strategize my approach. I definitely would have done some things differently. But I am so thankful for where I am today, and that I’m now able to offer all of those things (and more!) to my clients with my new career coaching offering. 

What you can expect from avanti alliance coaching

First, I offer a few different kinds of coaching. Do you know where you want to go, but just need help to get there? That’s where Career Direction Coaching comes in. Or maybe you need help figuring out which way is right for you. Clarity Career Coaching is specifically tailored to meet those needs. Also I offer Complete Career Coaching, someone to guide you through the entire job search process step by step. During our coaching we’ll identify who you are and what makes you happy. What you want from your career and how you want that career to look. Do you want to work from home? Do you only want to work 20 hours a week or do you want to work on a project basis. And once we have identified the ‘what’, I actually do the work to find you the how. Using the extensive network of Avanti Alliance, I present you with personalized, current opportunities that get you closer to your dream. 

Why I’m different

I am interested in your success without skin in the game. I am able to objectively look at the situation and help you navigate it to achieve the most benefit, without emotion involved. This helps me work with you to define a path, but I am also able to help you execute your vision. For example, I know very well that your first impression is made well before you even get in the door. Your resume and your LinkedIn profile speak volumes.

I help clients update their resumes and LinkedIn profiles with an objective eye. Sometimes women can be shy about their accomplishments, they feel the need to be modest. But, let me tell you, your resume is not the place to do that! You have worked hard to get where you are and you have earned those accolades, time to shout it from the rooftops! What is yours saying about you? I can help you ensure you are accentuating the positives and putting your best foot forward.  

I have helped women move out of corporate careers into remote work situations in new fields. I have shown clients that they are not just limited to the options in their small town, that there are remote working possibilities at amazing thriving companies with the benefits and compensation that comes with that!. 

In all, coaching has been as rewarding for me as it has been for my clients. I’m able to meet so many amazing women, and I’m inspired by my clients every day. I can’t wait to help you, as I’ve helped so many other women, to pursue your dreams with passion and confidence. Together we’ll identify, plan and execute a journey that works best for you, your family and your life.

You can find out more about my coaching services and all that Avanti Alliance has to offer at https://www.avantialliance.com/services

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