The Greater Sarasota Coaches Alliance will be alternating virtual Zoom meetings and in-person meetings scheduled on the third Monday of each month.
Upcoming Meeting
June 19, 2023
TOPIC – Summertime… And The Living Is…???
Here we are – it’s summer already! Here in the greater Sarasota area, we’re now in the off-season, when all the snowbirds have gone back home and things start to quiet down during these hot and often humid months.
But what about those of us who live here year-round? Does the “off-season” affect your coaching work? This time of year may present some challenges for us. Does the amount of work you do stay more or less stable, or does it change with the season? How do you need to take care of yourself as the coach and caregiver now that the first half of the year is over? What do you do to sustain and nurture yourself when/if you feel like you’re burning out… or even just bored?
Join us in person on June 19 for an informal, social, discussion of these and any other relevant issues you’re dealing with in your coaching practice… or in your life! Let’s take some time together over lunch to reconnect with each other and to give and receive some gentle support and encouragement. Members and non-members are most welcome (no fees this month!).
- DATE: Monday, June 19, 2023
- TIME: The meeting will be held 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET
- LOCATION: Tara Golf & Country Club in the Grill Room, map link
6602 Drewrys Bluff (off SR 70 near I75)
Bradenton, FL 34203 - Lunch: Separate checks
- GSCA Members: You MUST RSVP via the Meetup (link to the right) or send an email to .
- GSCA Non-Members: You MUST 1) RSVP via Meetup (link to the right) or send an email to and 2) The $10 non-member fee is waived for this month.
- RSVP by Noon on Sunday, June 18th.
Previous Meetings
May 15, 2023
ChatGpt and Generative AI: Possibilities and Impact of This New Technology
Presenter: Martina K. Schmidt
Are you curious about the recent advances in the newest cutting-edge technology taking the world by storm: Artificial Technology (AI), including ChatGPT and other chatbots? Do you wonder how this new communications technology may impact your own personal and professional lives? In this engaging webinar we explored the world of generative AI, dove into the capabilities of ChatGPT, discussed some ethical implications, and gave you some hands-on experience with this cutting-edge technology.
February 20, 2023
Release Your Inner Visionary and Creativity in 2023
Presenter: Gail Condrick
Author, teacher, and consultant Gail Condrick discussed the personality attributes, gifts, and challenges of creatives and visionaries at any age. We learned how to remove creative “blocks,” bring visions to form, and energize the passion to create. Whether you are the Artist and Visionary of your every day, a writer, artist, or leader — creativity is the key to changing the world. When watching this video, bring your journal, enthusiasm and open mind and be prepared to release your genius.
January 16, 2023
“Peek Your Peak Performance”
Discover your online entrepreneur wellness!
Presenter: Mona Baker
Mona Baker is delighted to have an opportunity to introduce her patented method for movement, Actionomics, to the members of GSCA. Since numerous coaches and entrepreneurs are now working long hours online, many are now experiencing most unpleasant challenges from their body’s distress and discomfort. As a practitioner for over thirty years helping her clients to move pain-free, Mona has now developed her Actionomics method to assist those professionals who work online. She now teaches “Peek Your Peak Performance” to entrepreneurs so they can learn to how move pain-free.
For her presentation to the GSCA, Mona introduced her method by teaching everyone how to “peek” their joints, literally how to “see” their joints so as to engage with them in a new way!
November 21, 2022
Mission Statements: 15 Words That Say Much More Than You Think
Presenter: Lesley Hetherington
Personal or business mission statements are often dismissed as marketing hype. Yet a good mission statement can literally make a coach’s personal or professional reputation. A poor one tells you way more about the person than they would actually want you to know.
Together we explored what to look for in a mission statement and how so many people are displaying their ‘dirty underwear’ in plain sight without realizing it.
Lesley guided us with a basic exercise to get us started in the right direction as we began to develop our own individual professional or personal mission statement.
October 17, 2022
My Stars! What In the World Is Going On? An Astrologer’s Take on Recent and Future Events
Presenter: Rosemarie Brown, MSW
The last two years have been turbulent and surprising to say the least. Little, if anything, in world events seems to have been predictable, defying our expectations for what we’ve always taken as “normal.” As coaches, many of us have faced additional challenges in trying to figure out how to support our clients through these difficult times even as we ourselves have been trying to navigate our own way through recent events.
Our guest speaker was coach, counselor, and professional astrologer Rosemarie Brown, who discussed the astrological influences which have been contributing to the last two years’ roller-coaster ride. And most importantly, she gave us a heads-up as to what we can expect the trends to be in the coming months.
Whether you believe in astrology or not, join us for a fascinating alternative perspective on life’s recent events and how we as coaches, with a little advanced knowledge, can better navigate our own and our clients’ paths in the near future.
September 19, 2022
The Story of Your Life in the Present Moment: What are your symbols and dreams telling you about where you need to focus and heal?
Presenter: Marilyn Gansel, PsyD
What you will be discovering in this interactive presentation:
- A coaching tool to develop a deeper level of self-awareness and self-development.
- A way to work both sides of the brain in harmony and without the analytical mind working to control what happens.
- A process to allow your subconscious to have a voice; the subconscious does not use words or written language, the messages are relayed through imagery in the form of color and symbols and metaphors.
- How to rely on our intuition.
- How this process can help you gain insight into any area of your life.
July 18, 2022
How To Use LinkedIn Effectively to Boost Your Business – Part II
Presenter: Cheryl Fenelle Dixon
We’re delighted to welcome back Cheryl Fenelle Dixon for “How To Use LinkedIn Effectively — Part Two.” In this month’s meeting, Cheryl will show us the nuts and bolts of how to use LinkedIn properly. Key elements she’ll cover will include such topics as how to post, when to post, what kinds of posts work best, how to become more visible on LinkedIn, how to find and use helpful keywords in your bio and in your post.
June 20, 2022
How To Use LinkedIn Effectively to Boost Your Business
Presenter: Cheryl Fenelle Dixon
LinkedIn is an essential tool every coach and consultant should ideally be using as a way to be visible in your area of expertise, to create fruitful connections, and to potentially attract new clients. But if you’re not already familiar with how LinkedIn works and how best to utilize it, it can seem very intimidating and complicated.
Cheryl Fenelle Dixon, a communications expert, makes it clear how to understand and use LinkedIn most effectively without wasting too much time and energy. She will also discuss LinkedIn’s latest updates, important information which isn’t always easy to find.
May 16, 2022
There is No New Normal (Redux)! So Now What?
Facilitator: Leslie Austin
Our group discussion included these questions:
- How are we faring, what are we doing to adapt to our ever-changing professional and social environments?
- How have we gotten through the last two years?
- What have we done to take care of ourselves and others?
- How can we support each other going forward?
February 21, 2022
Credibility for Coaches
Presenter: Mitchell Levy
Are you standing still? Are you taking the right steps to connect with your prospect base? When and if they stumble upon you, do your prospects run toward or away from you?
Mitchell Levy discussed how you, as a coach, can learn the steps you need to take to show up credibly and attract the “right” prospects. Mitchell has interviewed over 500 thought leaders on credibility and will offer his well-researched insights in a lively, interactive format.
January 17, 2022
SELLING without Hype or Manipulation!
Presenter: Denise Hedges
Wish you were better at closing sales? Wish you could get more comfortable selling yourself? Frustrated because you haven’t found a way to do that without sounding too slick and salesy?
Denise is an expert in sales and marketing. She can teach you how to sell by being your most authentic self … by focusing on service. When you use the core competencies during the sales process, you will come from a place of integrity, genuine caring, and a deep desire to serve people and you’re automatically more attractive to potential clients.
November 15, 2021
ENERGY FIRST!
How Spirituality & Energy Healing Intersect with Coaching
Presenter: Lynne Brisdon, MCC
What are the correlations between spirituality, energy-based practices, and coaching? Lynne shares her journey into coaching after years of study and practice in the healing arts. Now she has melded these pursuits in dynamic, deeply moving ways that lead to practical, applicable results for her clients.
We’ll explore coaching methods that cross into spiritual practice and reflect on how coaching awakens new levels of consciousness in our clients. We’ll also look at spiritual practices that support our self-care as practitioners while navigating uncertain times, like now, for better outcomes.
October 18, 2021
“Influence Marketing is the New Gold”
Building an Expert Authority Business to Build Your Income
Presenter: Ann Carden
Do you know that when you raise your influence you will raise your income? When you do this effectively, you will draw opportunities to you. Whether you are a coach, consultant, or other practitioner, would you like to have potential clients show up in your inbox? How would you like to raise your influence and income with higher-end clients in the next 30-90 days?
Ann Carden, a top Strategic Business Growth and Marketing Consultant and Coach, shared with us how to market like an expert to win more opportunities and clients.
September 20, 2021
“Time to Refresh: What Are Your Best Self-Support Practices?”
A Group Discussion facilitated by GSCA Member Leslie Austin, Ph.D.
In a time of uncertainty and upheaval, what are practices and habits are helping you stay grounded and inspired and feel supported? What’s helping you keep a better work/life balance?
July 19, 2021
Positive Intelligence and Mental Fitness
Presenter: Kristen Lessig-Schenerlein, CTACC, CPQCC
An introduction to Mental Fitness, using the Positive Intelligence Framework.
June 21, 2021
From Good to Great: The FourSight Framework
Presenter: Suzanne Dameron, APR, CPRC, Creativity Consultant, Certified FourSight Facilitator
How the FourSight Framework for creative problem-solving can be a game-changer for coaches, consultants, facilitators and collaborators.
May 17, 2021
Flow & Freedom Formula
Presenter: Kim Kaase
How to Kick Fear to the Curb, Do the Soul Work You are Meant to Do and Make Lots of Money Doing It
April 19, 2021
Is Your Office Leaking Money?
Presenter: Tandy Pryor
Tandy shared her powerful work with us and its profound impact on her client’s success and well-being. She spoke about the powerful combination of Feng Shui and empowerment and mindset coaching and the impact that it can have on your life and business. The blueprint for your life is in your physical space, and that includes your office or the space where you work most. We talked about stopping the “leaks,” the secret deeper cost of clutter, and 5 ways that you can power up your office – and yourself — for success!
March 15, 2021
The Art of Observation
Presenter: Gail Condrick, GSCA Member
Gail Condrick presented the Art of Observation, tips and experiences to assist you and your clients in appreciation of the natural world.
Whether you observe nature by gazing out your window, walking city streets, exploring the woods or by a visit to a sacred grove, there are gifts waiting when you listen to the whispered invitations of the world around you.
In this presentation, Gail shared how cultivating a relationship with nature can reveal layers of guidance, provide solace, and expand awareness.
February 15, 2021
TEDx: The Mythology, Mindset, and Magic
Presenter: Jackie Simmons, GSCA Member
TEDx speaker and GSCA member Jackie Simmons opened the curtain to reveal the organization known as TEDx. Jackie revealed:
- What it takes to be considered for a TEDx stage
- Who to work with to prepare
- The special challenges of our current environment
- And most importantly, who you will become on the journey to #RockTheDot
January 18, 2021
What’s In A Brand? And How Are Great Ones Created?
Presenter: Dee Heffernan, Brand Strategist and Designer
Anyone who wants to do business of any kind knows they have to have a great brand for themselves. But what does that really mean? What is a brand supposed to do and what’s the best way to go about creating a personal brand that really works for you?
November 16, 2020
Make Space for Abundance:
A Three-Step Process for Creating What You Desire
Presenter: Kate Varness, COC, CPO-CD, MA
In every moment, we create our experience. Whether that involves fear or faith, clutter or calm, resisting or releasing, we have the power to choose our reactions–even when we feel helpless. This presentation offers a simple framework to return to again and again. Learn best practices for using intentional language, creating a calm home, and making confident decisions so that your internal and external spaces support your desires.
October 19, 2020
Sir Grows-A-Lot, of the Kingdom of Mindset:
an illuminating and humorous presentation on fixed and growth mindset
Presenter: Beth Slezak
Growth Mindset is experienced, for many, as the hero’s journey. As we live our lives, with all its ups and downs and resulting fears and judgment we develop fixed mindsets (believing our abilities are fixed) or growth mindsets (believing ourselves capable to develop our abilities). People with growth mindsets are more likely to thrive.
This presentation helps you find the level of mastery of your abilities that is needful to flourish, leads you through the necessary dialogue skills for good communication, shows you the value of getting off ‘the beaten path’ and helps you mix the saving Elixir of Growth to take back to your village (or workplace, or clients, or etc.). You’ll learn where you are on your growth mindset journey. The how to’s of proper dialogue and productive feedback. How to distinguish between positive messages and growth messages and also how to use productive dialog in client sessions and trainings that encourage a growth mindset.
September 21, 2020
The Creative Power of Joyful Activism Revisited
Presenter: Margi Haas, wayfindingthecosmos.com
There are enumerable challenges and threats to nature that now confront us all. All the issues, threats, and unsolvable problems make many of us feel like we want to run away, change the channel, flip to the next page. Forget about it all until the next issue is suddenly there before us in the headlines.
But: we can change our perspective. We can start by focusing on what we treasure and honor on our dear planet. We can inspire and empower ourselves and others to take action joyfully to heal mother earth now. There is phenomenal power in the positive intention of a few to change the world–drops of water run to rivulets which run to rivers which run to the ocean! This discussion explored and support us to learn the first steps we can each take to create positive actions to heal the issues that threaten us now.
August 17, 2020
“Virtual” Meeting: Regenerating Images in Memory (RIM): A New Perspective
Presenter: Rebecca MacLean, Certified Master Facilitator & Trainer of Regenerating Images in Memory
Rebecca’s co-creative RIM meditations are different than most meditations, they help you tap into your Emotional Operating System and your subconscious mind will co-create a powerful meditation specifically designed for your optimum growth and healing.
July 20, 2020
“Virtual” Meeting: Choosing Resilience in Uncertain Times
A Group Discussion facilitated by GSCA Member Leslie Austin, Ph.D.
This was a group discussion focusing on how each of us has dealt with the challenging circumstances we have faced and are still facing in our professional and personal lives.
April 20, 2020
“Virtual” Meeting: Coaches, Experts, Entrepreneurs and Business Owners – How To Access COVID-19 Funding
Presented by Lauren Cohen, Esq.
Do you or your business qualify? Let’s find out. Did you know that there’s COVID19 funding available at the state level, federal level, and through private sources?
Lauren explained:
- Federal and State Funding Options
- Qualification Requirements
- What Documentation You’ll Need
- The Application Process and Timing
- Alternative Options If You Don’t Qualify For Government Funds
- The Narratives That Are Needed To Get Your Application Approved
February 17, 2020
Awakening Creativity with J.O.Y.
Presented by Marta Ockuly, .D., M.Sc.
As we enter 2020, studies show nearly 80% of human creative potential is unactualized. This statistic is even more alarming when we consider futurists and think tanks like the World Economic Forum have indicated creativity is involved in the top 3 capacities humans need to develop to meet the challenges facing humanity in this decade. In this talk Dr. Ockuly addressed the “invisible I’s” as well as the power of J.O.Y. to awaken creativity personally and professionally.
January 20, 2020
Tangible Coaching and Training Results: Creating a road map of your clients’ core issues makes a stronger case for your work
Presented by Michael Kline
As a coach, trainer, or consultant, you have clients who want a return on their investment – whether individuals or especially organizations. Learn how to make the intangible tangible and how to provide measurable, proven results on what matters most for individuals and organizations.
November 18, 2019
THE NARCISSISM SURVIVAL GUIDE: Dealing with and Managing Difficult People
Presented by Leslie Austin
We’ve all met “impossible people” in our business and personal lives — inconsiderate, abusive, or controlling people who just have to be “right and “win” all the time. Confronting or ignoring them doesn’t work, so what do you do? Staying stuck in this no-win pattern can leave you feeling frustrated and resentful – and getting nowhere! These challenging people seem to be everywhere these days!
October 21, 2019
Coaching Through the Hardest Time of the Year
Presented by Jackie Simmons
How do we help our clients handle the additional stressors the holiday seasons often place on them, and on us? With multi-cultural workplaces, practices, and commitments, plates overflow and the toll can be intense that it takes on concentration, focus, productivity, and joy.
And not just for our clients. As coaches/consultants we are also dealing with unpredictable schedules, and sometimes with income concerns.
If you’ve dealt with a difficult client during the stress-a-day season, please plan to share what worked, what didn’t, and what you wish you had known!
August 19, 2019
Growing a Successful Coaching or Consulting Business:
A Group Discussion
It’s been said that if you want to create a successful business as a coach or a consultant, then your real job title should be Chief Marketer. If you don’t market yourself, it’s likely you won’t be in business very long!
But do you know who your ideal clients are? Do you know how and where to reach them to let them know about your work? Do you have a clear picture of how you want your workload to look like? Do you want 1,000 $100 clients or 100 $1000 clients? How can you keep your business thriving while you’re also doing the actual work with your clients?
July 15, 2019
The Essential Guide to Podcasts: Everything You Wanted to Know about What, Who, How, When, and Why
Presented by Kate ONeal
Owner/Program Director
Society Bytes Radio
In this exciting and timely presentation, Kate ONeal explained everything anyone who has thought about doing a podcast needs to know. She discussed such topics as what podcasting is, the tools of the trade and what you need, who can host a podcast, how to find guests, how to distribute podcasts, and why you might want to create your own. We heard about Society Bytes Radio, an unusual message-driven media company located right here in Sarasota.
June 17, 2019
How to Survive Hosting Your Own Online Summit: Tales from the Green Room
Presented by Jackie Simmons, GSCA Member
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to host your own summit or create your own virtual stage? How could you create one that becomes a traffic magnet that even gets other people to drive traffic to it?
But things don’t always go smoothly. For example, what would you do if there was an internet outage when you were setting up your online event? That happened to Jackie Simmons, yet from her attendees’ perspective her summit came off without a hitch.
Jackie Simmons, the host of The Woman Entrepreneur Show and a GSCA member, will be taking us on a behind the scenes tour of the sometimes mysterious, sometimes tech-challenged, always “glamorous”, world of online summits and virtual stages.
May 20, 2019
Coaching Rembrandt
Presented by Jacobina Trump, GSCA Member
Rembrandt van Rijn is considered one of the greatest visual artists in the world and in the history of art. But was Rembrandt truly reaching his potential in life? He had it all and he lost it all: his wife, his house, his reputation, his children. He came from poverty and went back to poverty, this despite his paintings now being worth $500 million.
I always do a reading from the Akashic Records first when I work with clients, and I saw that he worked with the energy of power. If he had used this properly, he could have had everything he wanted. If I were able to go back in time and be his coach, I would help empower him to learn how to strengthen his left brain thinking in addition to his brilliant right brain thinking to focus on how money works so he could balance the two hemispheres.
It’s by creating a balance between the two hemispheres that we can secure happiness and fulfillment.
April 15, 2019
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities
Presented by Leslie Austin, Ph.D., GSCA Member
Why is it that so many of us say we want to do or attain something, yet we don’t take the actions that would bring us those results? Our negative beliefs about getting what we want make us focus on the obstacles in our way and why we won’t/can’t get what we want.
In this provocative presentation, Leslie Austin discussed how and why we tend to stay stuck in old negative beliefs and patterns, even when we say we desperately want to change them. There’s important information in those obstacles, and Leslie will show us how to uncover and then use that information positively so we can manifest what we say we want. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience this process for themselves during the discussion.
March 18, 2019
Entrepreneurship: Is it for you?
Presented by Deb Mazzaferro, GSCA Member
In our capitalistic society, we are led to believe that owning your own business is the epitome of self-actualization and that we are all equally capable of making it big. If you’ve ever wondered if being self-employed is for you or if you have what it takes, this is your chance to find out what it really takes. Spoiler alert: it is not The Next Big Idea!
CoachMaz has been guiding all types of companies since 2001. Her approach as a Gestalt-trained Coach is to meet the client where they are. However, her business experience over 40 years helps people determine what’s realistic and feasible at this moment in time based on their experience, their resources and their timeframe.
February 18, 2019
Archetypes for Coaches
Presented by Gail Condrick, GSCA Member
Many people today are experiencing a calling, a longing, to find the connections that bring them home to their unique life purpose, or soul work. Caroline Myss calls this process the discovery of an individual’s Sacred Contract — agreements that shape every aspect of our lives and personal destiny.
Gail Condrick, a Sacred Contracts consultant, identified emerging archetypal patterns of Creatives, Visionaries, and Mystics and gave us clues to understand these patterns for clients and ourselves. Case studies were presented and participants were invited to present a client or personal challenge to be decoded for an archetypal interactive coaching experience.
January 21, 2019
A Coaches’ Roundtable: How and Why Meditation is So Important For Us All
Our group of professional coaches and their associates enjoyed a lively, in-depth discussion of meditation in its many forms and applications. Members and guests shared important professional and personal experiences they have had with mediation.
Why do we meditate? What are its benefits? What are some simple ways to approach becoming quiet and aware? How do we use meditation in our daily lives and/or with our clients?
The discussion was facilitated by Leslie Austin, Ph.D., Program Director for the GSCA
November 19, 2018
Support Your Coaching Clients to Better Mind-Body Health and Wellness
Presented Dr. Sean Stringer
As a coach even though you may be doing excellent work with your clients, they may still feel like they are under-powered and underachieving if they are not actively also working on their health and well-being, both in body and in mind.
Dr. Sean Stringer took us on a journey through several modes of alternative medicine with which he can support you and your client’s ultimate well-being.
October 15, 2018
Using Email and Social Media to Find and Close New Business
Presented by Barbara Langdon, Owner
Market Momentum LLC
By using social media and email marketing, you can attract prospects and move them from a “shopper’s” mindset to a “buyer’s” mindset. For many businesses this sales process, called a marketing funnel, can be automated, freeing you to manage your business while your marketing continues working for you non-stop in the background. In this seminar we:
- Explored the changing role of email in the digital marketing mix
- Described personas (aka avatars) and discuss how to build them for your business
- Identified what kinds of content you will need to fuel your campaigns
- Discussed how and where to automate your marketing
- Reviewed what software needed for gaining marketing efficiency
- Shared tips, tools, and techniques for moving prospects through the buying journey in a cost and time efficient way.
September 17, 2018
Is Your Website Too Egocentric? Next Level Thinking About Digital Presence
Presented Juergen Berkessel
Is your web presence too egocentric?
For most of us, as solo entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, the answer is yes. Our websites talk mostly about ourselves and focus on showcasing the services we offer. That’s important, but it’s not enough.
From the perspective of attracting new business online, your visitors, prospects, leads and potential clients are looking for solutions to the issues they are facing.

August 20, 2018
Creative Ways to Grow and Sustain a Coaching Business
We had a lively open group discussion featuring expert coaches sharing and comparing their successful techniques and strategies.
June 18, 2018
Safely Navigating the Middle Ground:Thoughts from an Environmental Moderate
Presented Charles C. Reith, PhD
What can we learn from Kunwar Ranjeet Singh, India’s celebrated moonwalking traffic cop?
One lesson that it is possible to get people who are heading in different directions to interact with each other in a smoother, organized flow if you do it with humor, understanding sincerity, open-mindedness, and even flair. Even if you can’t dance like Michael Jackson, you can leave an impression with your conviction and creative tactics and language.
Charles Reith shared his experiences as an environmental scientist coaching and working with profit-driven businesses, cautious government agencies, and ideologically spirited nonprofits. In a lively discussion, Dr. Reith will walk us through some of his most compelling challenges and will articulate the moderate’s coaching approach toward preserving progress and reconciling agendas.
April 16, 2018
Embracing the Power of Energy to Maximize Your Coaching Success
Presented by Donna Tarquinio
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have the “success advantage” – so that everything they touch turns to gold? According to a recent survey based on extensive research, higher levels of energy promote long-term sustainable success. Energy is at the core of everything you do, how you show up, how you interact and engage with others, your ability to perform and experience success.
Getting to the core of your coaching success depends upon your ability to lead energy so that it works for you instead of against you.
Donna Tarquinio, a proven corporate leader and leadership development expert, introduced energy leadership™ and the energy leadership index assessment™ as an invaluable resource for creating higher levels of long-term sustainable success.
March 19, 2018
Introducing The Human Design System: the Science of Differentiation
Presented by Karen Spirer
Human Design is a revolutionary new decision-making, problem-solving, and crisis management tool. Human Design differs fundamentally from anything else that exists in the world today. It not only shows you a concrete map or BodyGraph of the mechanics of your unique design, how you energetically take in the world and how the world energetically takes you in, but also tells you how to make correct decisions in your life according to your design. Many call Human Design and its powerful information the “Personal Operating Manual,” the one they didn’t receive at birth.
Karen introduced the basic concepts of Human Design and how it addresses all the domains of our lives.
February 19, 2018
Learn, Grow and Create Sustainable Change with Crisis Communications
Presented by Joseph Grano
You’re a coach, consultant, or HR person. Suddenly your client or company is faced with an unexpected negative situation with serious possible repercussions. Would you know what to do, how to work with them quickly to manage the crisis situation? Whether organizational or personal, unexpected crises require immediate attention.
Joseph Grano, an experienced corporate leader and marketing and communications expert, guided us through the basic steps we need to know in order to successfully and effectively guide our clients and companies on how to make the best decisions and shape the right communications to successfully get through their challenging times.
January 15, 2018
Let’s Talk About Facebook and Your Business
Presented by Marketing Expert Barbara Langdon of Market Momentum LLC
Facebook is becoming the de facto social platform for small business. In this session we discuss how to use Facebook to grow your business. Specific topics included:
- Deciding if Facebook is the best social platform for your business
- Creating and posting content that builds engagement with your audience
- Understanding Facebook etiquette
- Saving time without compromising effectiveness
- Determining if your content is working
- Preparing for Facebook’s upcoming changes
November 20, 2017
Facilitating Through Resistance
Presented by Ingrid Bens
Ingrid took us through a lively exploration of two very different approaches to dealing with resistance. One approach is the standard telling and selling techniques which we’ve all used at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, this approach of pushing back and selling often tends to build even more resistance.
To counter these effects, skilled facilitators have developed a different, structured approach which allows them to engage the resistor to help them identify and resolve their own resistance.
October 16, 2017
How to Have More Fun, Make More Money, and Work Less – Using A Software Coaching Platform
Presented by Brian Geery
Brian led a conversation about reaping the numerous benefits of leveraging coaching software platforms to take your coaching to the next level. He shared what he has learned about coaching software tools, including his take on a few vendors and why he chose the software platform he currently uses.
He also talked about transitioning his practice, including where he is now in the process (hint: early stage), and where he’s planning to go (hint: it floats and it’s 44’).
August 21, 2017
Powerful Questions for Coaching Through Difficult Situations
With Michael Kline, Certified Canfield Success Trainer & Coach
Powerful questions are a staple to quality coaching. In our August meeting, Michael shared 9 powerful questions in sequence for coaching through a difficult situation. He’s taught this sequence of questions to teenagers, parents, business leaders, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Army officers, all of whom were amazed by both the simplicity and the depth of the process.
July 17, 2017
Uh-Oh, What Do I Do Now?
Challenges and Adventures in Coaching
An open lively brainstorming discussion
Facilitated by Leslie Austin, Ph.D.
As professional coaches, at one time or another we have all felt completely stuck, frustrated, even thwarted in our coaching efforts. We might be working with a client who is resistant or even argumentative, or even more confusing, simply disengaged. Clients who seem to be going nowhere productive week after week make us wonder why they bother coming for coaching at all, or more disconcerting, how and why we are failing them?
Alternatively, we may suddenly have a major breakthrough with a client but have no clue as to why or how we got there. In either case, we may not know what to do next. At these times, to whom can we turn for positive support and peer coaching? Each other!
June 19, 2017
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): A Transformational Approach to Self-Improvement
Presenter: Dani Fox
Dani shared her expertise in using multiple transformational approaches to self-improvement with individuals and organizations in her coaching and consulting work. The main focus of her presentation was her work with the fascinating Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as Tapping. Dani uses EFT with her clients to help them get unstuck and create powerful, specific positive changes in their lives – quickly and profoundly.
EFT, a relatively new way of working to dissolve and re-wire our internal blocks and challenges is a simple yet profound technique that consistently has positive and lasting effects. Dani’s training and experience afford her an advanced understanding of how to identify and help clear subconscious barriers to success and to foster individual and organizational growth and performance.
May 15, 2017
Speak the Truth: Using Theatre Training to Evoke Authenticity
Presenter: Kate Alexander
Associate Director, Florida Studio Theatre and Founder of the FST Theatre School
The techniques and methods used by directors in the theatre and acting coaches have much to offer coaches, counselors, therapists, and anyone who supervises or works in teams with other people in situations where truthful communications are essential. An actor must be able to authentically and truthfully convey their character’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior or the audience will not believe them and will not empathize with their character. Kate Alexander, who has been with the Florida Studio Theatre for 34 years, will benefit us all by sharing some of her insights and techniques for coaching people to speak and behave truthfully!
April 17, 2017
Moving from the Head-space to the Heart-space
Presenter: Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
Robyn Stratton-Berkessel introducd us to working with Appreciative Inquiry and the powerful results it unleashes. She engaged us with a conversation about the value of strength-based approaches to change with Appreciative Inquiry in organizations and communities. We also learned about the practice of Positivity:
- What positivity is and how it works and what it produces.
- How we can all be agents of positive change with a few daily practices.
Robyn is an author, a speaker, a podcast host, a designer and facilitator, and coach. Robyn’s strengths are leading positive change. She is building a community of Agents for Positive Change.
March 20, 2017
Success Tips for Running a Coaching and Consulting Business
Deb Mazzaferro, Coaching & Consulting for the Specialty Food Trade
Deb Mazzaferro has 17 years’ experience as a sales and marketing strategist in the Specialty Food Trade. With her marketing acumen, she is able to keep the pipeline full.With her sales skills, she is able to close enough business to live a comfortable life, fund her retirement and take a yearly vacation or 2. Everything is about balance and intention. She will share her Best Business Practices for being an entrepreneur on your own terms!
February 20, 2017
Introduction to RIM As An Advanced Coaching Tool
Michael J. Kline, Certified RIM Master
RIM (Regenerating Images in Memory) is a transformational tool which helps clients shift their focus from the relationship between the client and their inner self to their deeper, inherently whole center. As a result, clients are able to turn obstacles and issues into areas in which they can thrive.
Neuroscience affirms our ability to change emotional memory to write new endings to old stories. Testimonials frequently highlight profound results from doing this when dealing with everything from business decisions to life threatening illness.
January 16, 2017
Coaching Beyond Words: The Power of Visual Thinking
Katherine (Kitty) O Heusner, PhD
Are pictures REALLY worth 1,000 words? Explore the power of using visual images to unlock ideas, fears, dreams and hopes. Sometimes thinking beyond words can help us dig deeper and gain unexpected perspective.
In this engaging session consider how you might use visuals in your own coaching practices as well as for presentations and training. Through some simple exercises and discussion with colleagues learn to add to or expand your own tool chest with this powerful tool.
November 21, 2016
Navigating Difficult Relationships
A Guide to Dealing Wisely with Your ‘Trouble’ People
Kim Roman Corle
It’s been a long frustrating day and there you are, finishing up a tedious and testy meeting with your number one client and you are ready to pull your hair out. What do you do when the most difficult person you know is your client or another significant person in your life? How do you manage this tricky path?
Mentor and coach Kim Roman Corle shared her proven tips for managing challenging relationships and gaining a perspective which helps you find a positive point of focus in every situation.
October 17, 2016
Publishing in the Digital Age
Ingrid Bens, M.Ed., CPF
The world of book publishing has been totally transformed by the digital revolution and economic and social trends, resulting in changes in the kind of books that people buy and how they buy them. Anyone wanting to get their words into distribution now has a dizzying array of choices.
Should you try to work with a publisher or go it alone? How do you market a book when there are millions of competing books? Should you even bother to write a book at all? If not, what else can you do to get your ideas out there?
September 19, 2016
Your Authentic Speaking Presence: How to Connect and Engage with your Audience
Pavitra Ciavardone, CPCC
John F. Kennedy once said, “The only reason to give a speech is to change the world.” If you ask most coaches “why” we do what we do, almost unanimously, the answer is, “To make a difference in people’s lives.” As we help our clients align with their values to fulfill their own dreams and goals, ours are fulfilled in return.
One of the greatest ways we can impact the lives of others is by “walking our talk” and developing our authentic speaking presence so we truly connect with our audience, whether before an audience of many, or just one person.
August 15, 2016
Personal Branding… Define Yourself!
Jean Juchnowicz
Who are you? What is your value? What impact do you make?
- Obtain a better understanding of what a personal brand is
- Understand the necessity of personal branding in today’s world
- Learn which one of Carl Jung’s twelve archetypes you are
- Create your brand
- Discover how to network effectively
- Learn how to make yourself more visible
- Prepare to communicate more effectively
June 20, 2016
Practical Intuition
Leslie Austin, Ph.D.
Has this ever happened to you? You are trying to make a decision, not sure which choice to make. Suddenly you get a hunch, an intuition about it, but you ignore it because it doesn’t seem to make logical sense. Besides, you think, I’m probably making it up. So you go ahead and make a decision, ignoring your intuition, and of course later on you wind up wishing you hadn’t!
What is intuition? How does it work? Where do our hunches come from? How do we know what we know? Why, more often than not, are they accurate even if they are not logical?
April 18, 2016
STRESS: The Elephant in the Room:
How to Name it, Tame it and Take Back Control of Your Life!
Jackie Simmons
We all have stress. Even if we don’t notice it, it is there running in the background, giving us energy. Yes, our stresses give us energy, right up until they overwhelm and exhaust us. How to keep stress at an energizing level?
March 21, 2016
The Science of Change: Using Behavioral Science as a Basis to Drive Change
Jennifer Hancock
Old habits are hard to break. A lot of what coaching is … is helping people unlearn old habits so that they can establish new more productive ones. Knowing the behavioral science of how habits are broken can help you help your clients more effectively create the changes they want to make but struggle to adopt.
February 15, 2016
How to Build Your Business by Speaking: The Inside Scoop!
Denise Hedges
Speaking is one of the best – and fastest – ways to grow a business. And, if you’re not out there speaking to your target audience, frankly, you’re
missing the boat! But how do you get started? And how do you learn to navigate all the ins and outs of this powerful strategy?
In this jam-packed presentation, Denise gives you the inside scoop … everything you need to know to successfully market your business through
speaking.
January 18, 2016
NLP – Mirrorring for Rapport
Art Emrich
Introduction to neuro linguistic programming focusing on how to mirror physiology, voice, and words to get into quick rapport with anyone, anywhere, anytime.
November 16, 2015
The Narcissism Survival Guide
Leslie Austin
Objectives:
- Learn to recognize the challenging narcissist/bullies around you
- Learn what’s really going on: what are they thinking, why do they act this way?
- Basic techniques: Rules that work for dealing with difficult people. Their behavior is predictable!
- How to survive with your dignity intact; the lay of the behavioral land
- Why bother? Looking to the future.
October 19, 2015
Transformative Listening
Phyllis Mufson
For anyone who appreciates the inspiring power of really hearing others and wants to reliably get out of their own way and create more empathy and intimacy. In this presentation you’ll learn a subtle but powerful technique to be truly present, to listen to someone’s essence, as well as their words.
September 21, 2015
Men Need Emotional Intelligence Too!
Hank Clemons, PhD, CEIC
Both men and women have emotional intelligence, but in significantly different ways. An awareness of this is extremely important for today’s workplace and in relationships in general. People skills have now become more important as a culture of teamwork and partnerships takes precedence over being an independent contributor. Therefore to remain competitive, men need to develop their EI in areas that in the past have been ignored or in some cases purposely dismissed.
August 17, 2015
Curious About Coaching?
Jackie Simmons
Curious about Coaching? Looking for a quick insight? Join us for an informal gathering where you get to pick our collective brains!
At the August meeting, some members of the GSCA will be offering speed/laser coaching demonstrations. Bring your challenges both big and small and the GSCA coaching panel will gladly give you insights into them all! Facilitated by: Jackie Simmons
July 20, 2015
Coaches Resource Show-and-Tell
Ingrid Bens
All coaches and consultants have books and online resources that we use all the time in our work with clients and in managing our practices.
Please bring the resources you rely on for others to check out to our July meeting. After the session we will open a resources list on our group site so that everyone can benefit from these tools.
May 18, 2015
3 Simple Marketing Strategies for Coaches and Consultants
Shauna E VanderHoek
Business and Marketing Strategist
Do you want to make a bigger difference… but don’t have enough clients? Are you putting time and energy into your business… and your revenues still fall short?
Are you working with clients you love… or are you settling for anyone you can get? Do you scratch your head each month and ask: “What can I do next to get people’s attention?”
April 20, 2015
NLP – Fundamentals of Rapport
Art Emrich
What is NLP?
Neuro – Our neurology (Our experience using our 5 senses.)
Linguistic – Our language (How we communicate to ourselves and others about our experience.)
Programming – How we achieve automatic behavior by installing programs into our unconscious mind (Behaviors like: walking, talking, riding a bike, driving a car, reading, playing a sport, etc.)
What is RAPPORT?
Everyone always tells us, “If you want to be a good communicator, you have to have rapport.” But seldom do we learn what rapport is, how to get it, how to know if you have it, or how to keep it.
In this program you will learn the answers to these (and more) questions and have a chance to practice your rapport-building skills.
March 16, 2015
Dancing with Creativity for Coaches
Gail Condrick
Ready to experience the process that dancers use to create original choreography and apply it to any project for new insights, inspiration, and innovation? Dancing with Creativity for coaches will present the seven stages that Nia dancers use for problem solving and creative flow. You will learn how to FreeDance with your ideas to weave a new creation for yourself and your clients. Unleash your inner Creative Source to reveal unique out of the box ideas to achieve your highest potential in all aspects of life.
February 16, 2015
Stress Intervention Technique Training “SITT”
Jackie Simmons
Do you suffer from one of the Plagues of Today?
anger, depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, obesity, grief, ptsd, blame, despair, frustration, exhaustion?
If you’ve tried “lots of things” and are still being plagued – Stress Intervention Technique Training (“SITT”) is for you!
SITT: The No Talk, No Drama way to reduce your stress and trauma!
SITT is a ten session series of training workshops that build on each other. The training occurs in a state of deep relaxation and there is no need to share your story in order to learn the techniques or experience their transforming effects. Side-effects of learning SITT include calmness, happiness and joy. The intervention techniques taught in this program have been in use since the early 1990s and have proven effective for the relief of chronic stress and unresolved trauma. Learning these techniques is fun and participants often feel relief from unwanted symptoms after the first 2 hour session.
November 17, 2014
Coaching on Conflict
Marie Beck
One of the most challenging skills to hone is dealing with conflict. The program will focus on the toolbox needed for getting your coaching clients from conflict to collaboration.
Attendees will be more successful coaching on conflict situations by honing the following critical skills:
- Identifying the dynamics of conflict.
- Recognizing personal styles for resolving conflict.
- Applying a process to reach win-win solutions in conflict situations.
October 20, 2014
Emotional Intelligence: Your Competitive Advantage as a Coach
Dr. Hank Clemons
We wonder how others become successful. What’s the secret? Success in the workplace means striking the balance between achieving superb results and working well with other people. Organizations promote teamwork, however, they still reward personal achievement. In order to be recognized, promoted and bonuses, you must maintain a competitive advantage. The same apples to coaching as coaching is your workplace
This presentation is about how developing your emotional intelligence could be your competitive advantage. It also offers tips and suggestions on strategies you can take.
What is a Competitive Advantage?
- Quick look at EI
- What do coaches do?
- How is EI used in coaching
- Getting the “edge”
September 15, 2014
Cycle of Renewal
Marilyn Thompson
We all know that the only thing constant in life is change. How do we manage our lives or coach others through change to live fulfilling and happy lives?
The Hudson Cycle of Renewal is a powerful framework for understanding life’s changes and transitions. In this presentation you will learn about the four phases of the cycle of renewal and strategies for navigating through each phase.
June 16, 2014
Ten Common Mistakes Made by Life Coaches
Barbie Hall Gummin and Dr. Bob Reck
The devil is in the detail. In this humorous talk by two experienced Life Coaches, Barbie Gummin and Bob Reck share their experience and education about the more common mistakes coaches make in getting and dealing with their clients. Come and see if you want to add to the list, share an example, or correct your own errant ways.
May 19, 2014
Meet Your Muse
Phyllis Mufson
For anyone who wants to get below surface brain chatter to tap into their deepest creativity, this workshop includes discussion and a guided visualization to ‘Meet Your Muse,’ the embodiment of personal creative process.
Tap into your creative core.
Understand your personal creative process.
Learn what sparks creativity and how to fan the spark into a steady burning flame.
April 21, 2014
Decision-Making Made Easy
Jackie Simmons
“Decision-making made easy?” Absolutely! There are only three things that make decision-making challenging and during our April luncheon you will learn effective strategies to efficiently deal with each of them. This entertaining presentation will provide food for thought to go along with the wonderful Bijou fare! Join us at the April GSCA meeting and find out how to ease through the decision-making process. Jackie Simmons, will lead us through an exploration of the three major decision-making challenges and strategies for how to deal with each one. Using real-life stories to illustrate implementation options, this presentation will entertain you and you will leave with a better understanding of what’s getting in the way and how to move past it. So, if your goal is to learn effective strategies for efficient decision-making, then attending this luncheon may be one of the best decisions you can make.
March 17, 2014
Getting Out of the Stress Mess
Judith Rosner
In today’s hectic, fast-paced world, stress is a fact of life. But stress doesn’t have to be a way of life – you can be in control. This workshop will help you identify the stress in your life and cut it down to size with tips on how to:
- Zero in on your “hot buttons”
- Determine your stress level
- Relieve tension at work and at home
- Use the AAAbcs of Stress Management to get control of your stressors.
February 17, 2014
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) – the “Tapping” Solution
Presenter: Art Emrich
Art will present a practical application of a technique that is growing in popularity as its results become more widely known. Based on the ancient system of Chinese energy meridians, it is designed to allow energy to flow more freely throughout the body. In the Chinese system, blocked energy equals disease or discomfort, and free-flowing energy equals health.
The presentation will include recording the initial distress level experience, the set-up statement, the location of the meridian tapping points, the sequence of tapping, and the ending distress level assessment.
Time will be included for everyone to ask questions and do some “tapping” to practice the technique. Handouts will also be available to take home as a reference for future tapping sessions.