Photo by Gary San Pietro

In 1996 Carole was the Executive Director for a non-profit agency serving youths and families. While there was no logical reason for her to leave this challenging and exciting position …..she experienced a  feeling of “restlessness,” that there was a bigger, better opportunity “out there” but she had no idea what it was. Having been fortunate in her career path, opportunities had always presented themselves to Carole that gave her exactly what she needed and wanted. There was something different about this. It felt really strange.  She had no idea what was next, which was troubling for a strategic, goal-directed person. In the past, she had always known.  This time she found herself in that place that she now calls “I-don’t-know-land.”  And it was not a comfortable place to be.

Carole’s older son was in college and her younger son was getting ready to go.  Her salary was critical at this time.  So when she called her husband and asked him, “Will you support me if I resign from my job?” there was silence at the other end of the phone. She guessed he was thinking that she must have lost her mind!  But then, he said “Do whatever you need to do.  I’ll always support you.”  And that was the green light she needed!

So Carole resigned from her “good” job without understanding how, why or what was next!  It was a time of deep internal trusting.  A time to quiet the doubts and really listen to her own “truth.”  A time of self-believing.   A lesson she has since carried forth and shared with her clients.

Her extensive network enabled Carole to land a per diem, temporary, part time position as interim director of another agency so she could begin her “search.” She looked into all kinds of jobs and business opportunities, including franchises, but there was always a reason she did not sign on the dotted line.  She had not found the “what” that was waiting for her.  

Carole quickly learned that “being a coach” was only one piece of the equation. The other was the “business” of coaching which included aggressive marketing and educating others about the value of coaching. She quickly learned the value of visibility and credibility, a marketing skill she now coaches other small businesses on.  She gave presentations and workshops….she coached anyone and everyone…at social gatherings, meetings, anywhere – doctors, lawyers, bankers….Her goal was to get the word out – to make sure that everyone understood what it was, so that when they came across an individual who would benefit from coaching, they would send them her way.

And that’s exactly what began to happen. Carole’s business flourished. In 2002, she earned the prestigious Master Certified Coach credential.  And many of her personal clients, upon seeing the impact of coaching on their lives and careers, invited her into their companies, saying: “Boy, could my team use you…" or "The CEO of our company would certainly gain a lot from coaching…will you talk to him?”

That's how LifeVisions has grown into a multi-faceted coaching business that offers workshops and training – all with follow-up coaching - to ensure that participants retain the skills and learning of the training.  It offers small business coaching – helping entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality and also taking small businesses to their next level of success.  In coaching non profits and corporations, Carole enjoys working with CEOs, managers, teams and high potential individuals who are committed to their growth and development.  She still continues to enjoy life coaching – especially with individuals who are up to big and exciting things and know that having a coach, a partner, will make change smoother, easier and quicker. Carole feels blessed to meet and work with so many wonderful individuals.