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What seemed like a natural process in helping a friend find a new career, turned into a highly sought-after, productive business. Guiding people making job and life changes came naturally. Inspiration is something I use in my design business, creating beautiful interior styles, but when I recently guided a close friend professionally, I realized the techniques I used overlapped my other businesses.
Natalie’s intent was to leave Ukraine, a place she and her Houstonian husband called home after his retirement from a Fortune 500 company in Houston. She found herself alone in Ukraine, after the passing of her husband during COVID and then a war. Although she wanted to stay, it was obvious life in Ukraine would never be the same.
I met Natalie and her husband while working in Houston’s real estate. Houston was named Energy Capital of the World and I was in the midst of establishing a service for energy professionals moving in and out of Houston. They wanted to sell their townhome and move to a rental on Post Oak where they could prepare for his retirement and move back to her home country of Ukraine. Her original roots were far away but in memory close through imagination, having visions of her life back home.
“My husband passed away (from COVID), and then the war in Ukraine started, where we were at the time. Michele, not only a professional but also a wonderful friend, literally rescued me from bombings in Ukraine. She became my coach and guided me along the way,” says Natalie.
It was when she told me her intent was to go back to live in Ukraine, despite the war, I accelerated my focus on helping her decide a new career path. A different direction was needed, living safely and securely outside Ukraine. We talked extensively and while she told me she always wanted to fly internationally for an airline, I immediately knew she had the capability of getting any job she wanted. Her personal travel experience was extensive, over 25 countries we counted within the last 5 years and her languages extended beyond multiple. She only needed to be guided in how to get the job she wanted. The coaching began and I choreographed a plan specifically with one goal, a job with an airline.
My job begins identifying one’s assets, allowing the individual to realize their worth and value in themselves, which is often not perceived. She had no prior flight-attendant experience but with the proper guidance, I knew she would be an asset for any airline.
“Michele prepared my resume, advised me on every step, and even guided me with which jobs to apply. She was there every moment, urging me to follow her advice, assuring me that I would have the job I desired,” says Natalie.
It was less than a couple days when she was contacted for an interview with the first company we applied. We started the prep work and practiced making interviews. The first interview being successful, advanced her to the next and then another one after that. The final interview was during her last trip to Ukraine, and although we were concerned with her safety, this interview would be the turning point of her life. We prepped and prepared long distance, and while she made sure of good internet connection, she was hoping of no bombing.
Helping clients identify their strengths and weaknesses, while building confidence and self-worth is essential to choreographing. Looking for interests, experience and even spiritual practices helps enhance through the coaching process. For Natalie, I recommended regular scheduled meditations, taking inspirational breaks and using nature to focus on her senses, including intuition. The core of my choreography is understanding awareness and allowing, two essentials in bringing intentions into one’s reality. Most of the choreography is customized for the individual but some are repetitive tasks for everyone. Natalie will tell you, it was not an easy program but it resulted in a long term payoff she is grateful of now. She watched her life flow from one step to the next. We were both astounded with the short term progress we made and the long term potential.
Today, Natalie is on her way to living out a dream. From Ukraine back to Houston, she is now a part of an elite operation, one that only few can imagine.
“Thankfully, I can say that I have a job and an incredible coach and friend! I returned to the US from Ukraine, away from the bombings, started life anew, and now have the job I’ve dreamed of since childhood, thanks to Michele. She combines high professionalism, honesty, sharp intelligence, and a big, kind heart. If you need a coach, you won’t find anyone better than her. Thank you, Michelle, for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me.” says Natalie.
When you accidentally stumble into business using your expertise in helping others, the bigger picture reveals itself naturally. We call this purpose. When you’ve uncovered purpose in the work you do, that’s when you’ve realize it’s meant to be.