As an Identity Strategist, I have observed that thought leaders in transition struggle to give themselves permission to be the architect of their career goals, even considering all of their previous successes and accomplishments. I recently caught up with three participants of my Accelerate Coaching Intensive to learn more about their experience with the program and how it helped them to own their professional identity and personal brand.
Amy Lokoff – Creative Economy Catalyst
Describe the Accelerate 5-Day Coaching Intensive in three words?
Illuminating. Empowering. Clarifying.
What was your biggest challenge before participating in the program?
Just getting started! I had long thought about creating arts programming, curating shows, and starting my own business. I didn't know how to begin and I didn't trust that I had the skills or motivation to make it happen.
At what point during the program did you have an “aha” moment?
It wasn't a lightbulb moment per say, but on days 2 and 3 I felt like I had a small breakthrough. We were talking about our survival skills, achievements, developing our bios and LinkedIn pages. I realized that there were small adjustments I could make right away that would allow me to manifest my dreams in tangible ways.
How have you been able to put the program to use?
I instantly changed how I thought about myself and spoke my dreams into reality. One month after I participated in Accelerate, I proposed a show to Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center and it was accepted. After that I had no choice but to take myself seriously and to believe that I had what it takes to be an entrepreneur. I am proud to say the show will be opening this Friday and I have been using the skills I learned from Accelerate along the way!
How do you professionally identify yourself before Accelerate and how do you identify now?
Before Accelerate I told people I was an aspiring curator, after the program told people I AM a curator. Just making that small switch completely changed the way I introduced myself, thought about my goals and I noticed it changed how people saw me. On my business card and on my social accounts I call myself a “creative economy catalyst” to sum up all the different roles I fill in my professional life.
Learn more about Amy’s art show here.
Robin Baker – Social Entrepreneur
Describe the Accelerate 5-Day Coaching Intensive in three words?
Challenging. Insightful. Inspiring.
What was your biggest challenge before participating in the program?
My biggest challenge was clearly articulating my personal and professional story.
At what point during the program did you have an “aha” moment?
That would be Day 2. The Professional Identity and Thought Leadership class provided my “aha” moment because it introduced the concept that “I am not what I do, but what I do is the expression of who I am”. This was a brand new concept that I never considered. It was particularly insightful because prior to the program my organization, GoTherapy was my professional identity. Now in hindsight, I realized I never gave myself permission to think bigger. The idea that my professional identity is a personal brand with multiple facets of expression. This “aha” moment inspired this new way of thinking about my identity within a professional context.
How have you been able to put the program to use?
Since this program, I have expanded the scope of my professional identity by building my personal brand as a thought leader in global health and rehabilitation both within and outside of the United States. Most importantly, I have gained confidence and I am now able to clearly articulate my story, which ultimately has improved my ability to narrate the story of my organization. GoTHERAPY is now spearheading a new Initiative outside of the United States, we are establishing the very first Stroke Community Reintegration Program in Ghana to provide stroke survivors access to home-based rehabilitation services.
Learn more about Robin’s organization GoTHERAPY here.
Oyindamola Johnson – Human Capital Strategist
Describe the Accelerate 5-Day Coaching Intensive in three words?
Mindset-shift, Enlightening and Inspirational.
What was your biggest challenge before participating in the program?
My biggest challenge was bringing myself to the point of recognizing that I needed the program. Having pushed it off for a while, I finally took the leap and it's one of my best decisions ever.
My initial hesitation was because at the time of the program I had already considered myself a leader. I had worked in many countries, currently enrolled in a prestigious nonprofit management training and served as a Chief of Staff at Practice Makes Perfect, a leading nonprofit in New York. As far as I was concerned, I was on the ideal leadership path. Participating in Accelerate ended up being one my best decisions ever because it provided me with the tools to make the leap towards my personal brand.
At what point during the program did you have an “aha” moment?
I didn't have to wait too long to reach my “aha” moment. It started right from Day 1.
How do you professionally identify yourself before Accelerate and how do you identify now?
Before the program, I knew I was skilled in different areas and passionate about many things. I, however, couldn't properly define who I was. Having gained clarity, here's my purpose statement: "I am passionate about raising ethical leaders to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership in rural and urban communities, as well as empowering social change leaders to function effectively at the intersection of passion, purpose and impact”.
Learn more about Oyindamola’s personal brand here.
ACCELERATE 5-DAY COACHING INTENSIVE is designed to position you towards the path of thought leadership in your chosen industry. This 5-day program covers five action and change-oriented modules on life, career, and business leadership strategy. Learn more about the upcoming class here