What People Are Saying
Coaching relationships are deep and meaningful, and they can make a real difference. Here are some observations from a few of my clients about what coaching has offered for them.
Do you think you are incapable of change? I used to think that of myself. My solo introspection was frustrating and unsuccessful. I couldn’t see that I was trapped in an echo chamber of negative self criticism. But then, I found Michael as my coach.
Michael became my change agent, a fresh-thinking, compassionate, steady voice. I learned to reframe (my favorite new word): To examining my feelings, get out of negative loops, consider different perspectives. Michael helped me set concrete goals: be more flexible instead of just being less rigid. Look for opportunities instead of just seeing challenges when difficulties arise. Avoid haste towards judgment. It’s not easy and I still struggle, but, thanks to Michael, I ask myself, how do I reframe this situation in a more positive way?
It’s been months since I finished our coaching sessions, but Michael still checks in with me periodically. I continue to reflect on what I learned so Michael still occupies space in my head! I highly recommend Michael to everyone and had even recommended him to my son who also benefited greatly from Michael’s coaching.
Marcia L.
MSN, retired registered nurse
“Working with Michael was life changing for me. My family was undergoing a huge change in our home and my husband was approaching retirement, both of which were stress inducing for me. I was also struggling with procrastination and balancing my work/life/volunteer commitments. Michael helped me to reimagine my assumptions, tell a different story, focus on my values when I make choices and connect to the world around me in a different way. The practices and exercises he asked me to try were transformative. Putting “The Judge” living inside me in their place helped me to be less critical of myself and others, freeing me from much negativity.”
Neva Fairchild, MS
“Michael is a born coach! He’s insightful, inspiring, curious, and encouraging. Working with Michael was illuminating because of his uncanny ability to help me focus on my spiritual and emotional journey while assisting me with navigating my daily work tasks. Having someone like Michael shine the beacon of introspection and growth during our many conversations aided me in creating order and infuse meaning as I checked off my to-do list. I highly recommend working with Michael!”
Heather Iarusso, Head of Practice
Tassajara, San Francisco Zen Center
“Michael guided me through a period of growth in family, career, and personal development, using both practical techniques and spirituality. Michael always listened to what I was going through and responded with meaningful questions. His recommendations for a personal growth were challenging, but surprisingly prescient. I met Michael through the blindness community. I would both recommend him to other people who are blind or vision impaired and who are searching for growth, and I am confident he would be an excellent coach for anyone who is ready to take on coaching.”
Skylar Covich, Ph.D.
“I began working with Michael because I felt stuck in my career development, but what I realized over a series of coaching conversations with Michael was that my feeling of being stuck has had so much to do with a disconnect from my true self and how I felt about how I made choices that were not true to me. I wasn’t identifying with goals and the values that make me feel complete as a person. Having a coach who opens the door to me being able to clarify what my true purpose is has become a new force in my life. I see real avenues for change, both in my current career and in my life in general, because now I have a better idea of what I really want and who I really want to be.”
Alexander F., Project Manager