Meet Colleen

10 years experience as a Career & Leadership Coach (as a side hustle while working at Microsoft & Google)
Over a decade of experience as a career & leadership coach
Eight years’ experience as an executive & career adviser for a career transition firm
Former top-rated internal “Career Guru” at Google
Provides a holistic coaching approach to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals remove barriers in order to reach their full potential
Leads with a culturally aware perspectives due to work in DEI
Offers a spiritual perspective of the material world in order to help those seeking greater meaning, purpose, and joy in their personal and professional lives 
Educational background: BA, English & MBA
Former internal coach at Google
Started in-depth coaching for myself at the age of 25

A “Catalyst” With A Desire To Light The Fire Within & Be An Agent Of Change

As a leadership & career coach with over a decade of experience working in corporate America, I am passionate about empowering my clients to dream big, set lofty goals, and embrace their full potential. When partnering with clients, I help identify what is causing them to remain stuck, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled in their careers and overall lives.

My Background

My interest in coaching came about when I started working with my own career coach at the age of 25. I learned firsthand how powerful coaching can be in transforming your life.

During the Great Recession, I found myself as an unemployed MBA grad with few job prospects and no clear path before me. As the stock market crashed and the unemployment rate hit 10%, I had to dig deep in order to remain resilient and focus on possibilities (instead of succumbing to a scarcity mentality). One day while sitting in a coffee shop in Seattle, I had to ask myself, "What makes my heart sing?" Boom. Coaching was the answer, especially since I had such a positive experience working with my own coach and a genuine passion for helping to guide, motivate and inspire others. I realized coaching was what I truly loved! That very day, I went home and started creating my very first website. I also had a vision of one day moving to California, joining Google, and becoming an internal career coach. Fast-forward a number of years later (after time at Microsoft), I found myself living in Silicon Valley, working at Google, and coaching employees around the world!

Throughout my career in the tech industry, I've had the opportunity to work with a wide range of talented individuals and really learn from the very best. My experience in the corporate world helps me tremendously as a coach since I know firsthand what it's like to navigate situations such as: managing up, down, and across, leading highly visible cross-functional projects, setting yourself up for promotion, dealing with “big” personalities, developing executive presence, etc..

Besides my corporate experience, I've also had an opportunity to serve as a career & executive advisor for Slate Advisers, an outplacement and coaching firm located in the heart of Silicon Valley. In this role, I've partnered with C-suite executives, mid-level managers, as well as individual contributors to help them navigate a layoff and successfully land a new job.

My Approach

As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) with a finely honed EQ, I use my strong intuition to understand what makes a person tick. I am adept at reading people’s energy to uncover what makes them come alive, or conversely, what drains them.

My approach to coaching operates from a keen understanding of my clients’ mental and emotional blueprints. In other words, I help clients identify how certain mental models were internalized in childhood and how these mental models are either positively or negatively impacting a client’s life as an adult.

Having faced a considerable amount of adversity myself—due to a 10-year bout of chronic illness, being unemployed during the Great Recession, and navigating tricky family dynamics—I’ve realized the importance of having compassion, an open-mind, and a non-judgemental attitude towards others. Life isn’t always easy and the majority of people are dealing with something.

In regard to my communication style, I provide direct and honest feedback while also ensuring it’s rooted in compassion and empathy. In my career, I’ve encountered some challenging personalities (including my own!) that have helped me understand how one’s ego can be the source of internal as well as external conflict. As a coach, I strive to bring awareness to a client when unhealthy self-perceptions and behaviors are preventing them from being the best versions of themselves.    

Harmonizing all aspects of your life—whether emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual—is the key to reaching your full potential. My holistic coaching approach takes into account all of who you are and what elements you desire to change.

More About Me

There is a saying that deeply resonates with me: “Every leader is a reader.” As a curious student of life, I am a voracious reader and love learning about a variety of different topics. At any given time, I am typically listening to an audiobook, reading two nonfiction books, and one fiction book for fun. Each week, I strive to listen to at least one podcast to learn more about business, leadership, mindset, health/wellness, and spirituality.

What brings me the most joy in life is spending time outdoors, especially exploring the many trails around beautiful Colorado. As a former long-distance runner (who retired from the marathon at age 20), I now spend my free time hiking, biking, lifting weights, doing yoga, and running shorter distances. I really love being active and strive to move my body daily.

For those interested in mindfulness, I have ten years’ experience practicing meditation daily. I’ve attended a number of silent meditation retreats and have led meditation groups both at work and outside of work. As an example, in order to help others “Stay Sane in Silicon Valley,” I founded a meditation meetup that grew to 1500 members.

Serving the community and giving back are core values of mine. One of my passions is helping to empower females to speak up, shine bright, and embrace all of who they are. Previously, I served as a mentor to three teenage girls through Big Brothers Big Sisters and Youth Eastside Services (located in Seattle).

Finally, another area of passion is helping to support those experiencing homelessness. While living in Seattle, I volunteered with Real Change, where I led trainings to help individuals sell newspapers in order to generate income. Most recently, I started volunteering at Boulder Shelter for the Homeless where I help to prep and serve meals to unhoused individuals.

Get The Support & Encouragement You Need To Change Your Life For The Better

My holistic approach to career, leadership, and wellness coaching empowers clients of all backgrounds to achieve greater satisfaction and fulfillment in every area of their lives. I am available for in-person coaching sessions (including walk n' talk coaching sessions) in Denver, Boulder, and surrounding areas. If you live outside of Colorado or the US, I offer virtual coaching sessions via phone or Google Meet.

I would be honored to work with you and look forward to hearing from you!