my story
I’m a writer, speaker, coach and outdoor adventurer.
I haven’t always been all of these things.
I spent the first 20 years of my professional life trying to solve the world’s problems as a public policy expert. I worked with politicians and national experts. It was my dream job.
Until May 9, 2013 when I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic melanoma. I had less than 10 percent chance of living longer than nine months.
I spent the next two years fighting for my life. I responded well to the first round of immunotherapy treatments and was cancer free for about a year until a tumor showed up on my lungs. I went through a different immunotherapy regimen and in June 2015 my scans were free of tumors.
During this time frame I got married, promoted and I was putting more and more energy into my job. I went back to normal.
But something kept nagging at me to do something different. After four years of trying to be normal, I threw in the towel. I had to follow my gut or I was afraid I wouldn’t get another chance. I had already used up too many opportunities.
The break
I quit my dream job.
In 2017 I hit my two-year cancer free milestone. This was the first time since the diagnosis that I began thinking about living – not dying.
The question became – how do I want to live?
I did not have an answer, other than a gut feeling that it was drastically different than my current reality. So I quit my well-paying job. I believed if I could calmly face a terminal diagnosis, I could certainly use that same courage to face my self-doubt.
After many miles of hiking, running, biking, camping, backpacking and mountain summits, I kept hearing the same voice. The same directive to share my story. To help others find the courage to live their best life.
I have spent my life learning from others – feeling like I had nothing to offer but lots to gain. I finally realized that eventually the student becomes the teacher. It is time to honor my own expertise and help others to live with courage. I became a certified coach to do exactly that.
Just as I fought my fear and found the courage to live when no one said I would, I must tap that courage for life, not just in facing death. I am finally living my most courageous life. Daring to lean into my gifts as a leader, listener and true lover of life.
The world needs more bold and brave, courageous people who embrace their true selves. Would you live differently if you knew you only had a year to live?
Starting over
Speak your truth. Shine your light.
Courage of Cancer
If I could calmly face a terminal diagnosis, I could certainly use that same courage to face my self-doubt.
How I can help
Individual coaching
Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving? Contact me for a free 30-minute call and we can find out where you are, where you want to be and how I can help you achieve your biggest dreams.
Speaking
I speak to groups of any size. My message is about authenticity as the key to courageous leadership – in work and in life.
Workshops
Coming soon
ready to find your courage?
Would you like a travel companion on your journey? I’d love to join you if we’re a good match. Contact me for a free 30-minute phone call and you can decide if you want to take me along for the ride.