Kara Thompson
Lawyer-turned-Public Relations, Event Management, and Human Resources consultant
Atlanta, GA
www.karathompsonenterprises.com

"Monica helped save my life! I had been practicing law for nearly ten years, but never really felt fulfilled. Going to work everyday truly became a struggle and I yearned to do something different. The problem was I had no idea what I really wanted to do! Coaching with Monica helped me to sift through my confusion and pinpoint what I value most and what is really important to me. Monica helped me figure out that what I really wanted was a career in which I could feel in control of my life and schedule, where I could express myself creatively, and assist others in fulfilling their dreams. Without Monica’s guidance and encouragement, I would not have been able to reach my “ah ha” moment of clarity of what I wanted to do as quickly. Coaching with Monica also helped me create a plan of action and kept me accountable in moving toward my career goals. Now as a new entrepreneur, I finally feel like I am being my authentic self! Thanks Monica!"
 

Sean Park
Stay-At-Home Dad / Lawyer on Sabbatical

"Let me start off by saying that I absolutely loved working with Monica and am so glad that I found her in the summer of 2009.  Before Monica and I began working together, I had been miserable in my job for the better part of two years working in a small plaintiff's firm.  I didn't feel like I was growing or being challenged and didn't enjoy what I was doing.  However, I also felt trapped by how well I was paid.  I would always ask myself, "How could I leave a job that paid me well, especially when there are so many people being laid off and the economy is so bad?"  Through the brainstorming, homework exercises and my calls with Monica, I was able to realize that there are so many more possibilities out there and that you don't have to be trapped in a job you don't enjoy or be confined to work that is unfulfilling.

"Monica has a wonderful coaching approach that is compassionate and caring, but she also challenges you to look inward to uncover (or in my case rediscover) what your values are and what you truly enjoy doing.  Monica helped me answer that nagging question by helping me re-align my values and priorities and gave me that push to leave my job as a lawyer in November of 2009.  Since that time, I've reconnected with my kids and my family and was able to enjoy the holiday season without having the constant anxiety of work hanging over my head that haunted me in years past.  2010 has started wonderfully and restfully and I look forward to the prospect of finding work I truly love and enjoy.

"There have been at least a dozen people who have commented to me that I look happier and less stressed.  I owe that change along with the courage to leave an unhappy job largely to Monica and her coaching.  She will give you a fresh perspective, a compassionate ear and tough love when necessary.  She's been in your shoes and she knows all the emotions that unhappy lawyers go through when they have finally had enough and need a change.  She can do the same for you as she has for me.  It's just up to you to decide if you have had enough and want to make that change."

Aharon Hill
Lawyer-Turned-Photographer
Atlanta, GA
www.aharonhill.com 

“I needed help making a transition from law practice into a creative career. Monica listened to me and helped me uncover my desires for both the personal and professional aspects of my life, and helped me structure a plan for how to arrive at my goal. If you are an attorney in desperate need of change, there is no better time than now... and no better person than Monica to help you get there.”

Terri-Anne Davis
Lawyer-Turned-Legislative Assistant
New York, NY

“I came to coaching with Monica because I wanted to be able to speak with someone who understood personally what it was like to transition out of a legal career. Many of my friends and family just do not understand the special and various issues (psychological, financial or otherwise) related to making this sort of life change. I also wanted someone who is neutral outsider who was not as emotionally invested and had biased opinions about what I should do. I also wanted someone who would make me focus and zone in on what I really wanted to do next.

"Through coaching with Monica, I was able to figure out what I wanted to do next and to take steps in that direction. Monica also gave me the confidence and the support to leave my law job to begin looking for work that truly interested me. I am currently in a new position doing legislative work.

"I would definitely recommend Monica because she really does help you hone in on what steps you need to take to get you going in the right direction. I think that one of her strengths is her ability to help you deal with the emotional aspects of the career change. She is an amazing cheerleader while still being able to be honest with you about how you can achieve your goals.

"Monica also was extremely helpful in breaking down the career change process into easy manageable steps. I really feel that her support was an invaluable part of my career change process.”

Rebecca Vandiver
Lawyer and career coach
www.rebeccavandiver.com

"I struggled for a long time with the fact that what I was doing everyday was not fulfilling or exciting and I knew that I wanted more out of my career than a very decent paycheck, despite how selfish that sounds in today's economy. I realized that I had not learned very much about any alternative careers with a J.D. and started exploring and reading career guide books, particularly ones geared towards lawyers.  I stumbled upon Monica's book, which was very motivating and helpful, and decided that I was serious enough about getting to a point of career satisfaction that is was worth it to invest in career coaching with Monica.

"I am extremely grateful for my time with Monica because I came to a point of clarity that I never thought possible.  We intensely explored a variety of career options which allowed me to focus in on what was really important to me in terms of both intellectual stimulation but also what careers fit my personal values.  With the ability to fully explain my situation and background and explore a variety of options, I came to a place I would never have predicted before.  I now practice at a mid sized Atlanta based firm and actually enjoy going to work.  I also discovered that I have a passion for career coaching and a zeal for learning about what makes others tick and helping them identify what's most important to them.  I have recently started career coaching on my own and feel a true desire to help other lawyers, as Monica helped me.  I had a number of break through realizations with Monica in a few short months which otherwise may have taken years to get to on my own.

"I would highly recommend Monica as she is not only an exceptional and very talented coach and advisor but she also makes a  process which can be very difficult at times a lot of fun!"