I’m here to help.
This is my story of managing my career, family, life, loss and becoming a new mom. There’s no clear path; it’s a bumpy road.
In retrospect, I know having a coach during these challenging times would have kept me focused on my goals and not distracted with painful setbacks life often brings.
Had I had acted sooner, I would have saved time, saved money, and had the assurance that I wasn't going at it alone.
And that’s what I want to do for others.
Ready to get started?
My Career Story
I landed my first job in a boutique B2B Advertising Agency right out of school. I learned how to professionally conduct myself in an office, despite the inappropriate work environment.
The culture was straight out of Mad Men.
I was the new team member, eager to soak in all I could and desperate for a mentor to take me under their wing. Unfortunately, I quickly learned if I wanted to succeed, I needed to figure out how to climb the corporate ladder on my own.
After about a year, I was hired as the Marketing Coordinator for Canada’s largest pizza Quick Service Restaurant franchise company. At the age of 23, I was promoted to Marketing Manager.
For thirteen years, I dominated the boardroom, managed high-stakes negotiations, and became the organization’s national media representative.
The pizza sauce ran through my veins.
During this time, I spread my wings and developed my self-confidence. My job felt like my identity, and it was so much a part of me. However, there were several signs that QSR life, as innovative and fast-paced as it was, wasn’t everything.
My desire was to start a family, travel and explore other industries, which seemed impossible given the lifestyle.
I was in need of a change. An opportunity came knocking, and I accepted a B2B Marketing role with one of the country’s top telecommunications businesses in a completely new industry.
This change felt right.
I was exactly where I needed to be at this time in my life.
Opportunity knocked again and what a blessing it was. My 3-hour commute would be over. Being a mom of two children under the age of five, work-life balance was more important now than ever.
In my new position, I discovered how important corporate culture and work environment were to team members’ happiness. I was continuously learning from my colleagues, improving myself and putting that fulfillment back into the organization.
Then came March 2020. Everything changed not only for me, but the entire world around me. There was so much to process that I began to question my career path and purpose.
So, I hired a coach.
I was 100% committed to the work and came out the other side, so grateful for it.
I discovered my gift and value.
To build collaborative partnerships with ambitious people and, like I did, assist them in making better decisions and realizing their true potential in all areas of life.
Ready to get started?
My Personal Story
As a certified life coach specializing in career and executive coaching, my goal is to guide leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs grow and thrive while remaining true to their most authentic selves. In order to do so, I want to first lead by example by sharing my career journey of over 20 years.
I spent the first few years of marriage to my high school sweetheart, defined by my career. It’s what drove me; I lived and breathed that corporate fast-paced lifestyle.
When a life-changing tragedy came unexpectedly, it caused me to shift my thinking about starting a family. I realized life wasn’t all about climbing the corporate ladder.
While having children was always part of our plan, it did not go as smoothly as we had hoped. Friends and family started asking why there weren't any babies yet. I’d bravely respond with, "God Willing,” what I really wanted to say was - mind your business. There were many opportunities to share my truth, but instead, I suffered in silence.
Until, after years of trying, our gift of God Nathaniel arrived August 9th, 2011.
The Balancing Act
I had planned to return to work pregnant with my second child after taking maternity leave.
During this time I grew increasingly concerned that returning to my corporate job would prevent me from spending time with my family due to the long hours I’d be working again.
My work ethic hadn’t changed, however, I quickly realized I did have to make some changes - fast.
Back to business, I was juggling multiple fertility treatments while never missing a beat at work. It became all-consuming.
I felt alone with no one to trust or turn to that would understand my struggle. I prayed for someone I could turn to for business advice as well as emotional support during my ongoing treatments.
Then a door opened, I was recruited to a well-respected organization with diversity and inclusiveness initiatives extended from the beginning.
My Brave Face
The show had to go on so during my transition period, I took a few days and underwent my first ever IVF procedure.
On my first workday, getting to know the team, I felt something was off…I later found out I was no longer pregnant. I put on a brave face, finished my day, and cried the entire way home.
On to the next round of IVF, my husband and I eventually went to our 10-week ultrasound appointment. I went in first, and the technician started doing her thing.
My heart sank as she removed the equipment and told me there was no heartbeat. I was inconsolable and mourned the loss of our future child again.
Third time's a charm, right?
I was notified by email weeks later after daily blood tests (which felt extremely impersonal but that’s a whole other story) that I was, in fact, pregnant!
We were cautiously ecstatic with my mindset in a much better place. I felt supported by friends, family and colleagues as I began opening up about my journey and no longer felt ashamed about my struggles.
Mia Maria was born November 16th, 2015.
“I enjoy Tina’s direct yet supportive approach to coaching. Every session is beneficial and I leave feeling rejuvenated.
I struggle with external judgement from others, assertiveness, and personal relationships. I learned new insights about how to handle different situations and relationships. I always had the answer, but Tina helped me gain clarity and change my mindset.
I would recommend Tina’s services to anyone who is truly open to growing and changing and anyone who wants to hear the truth.”
Tiffany Hutchinson, Professional Counselor
I believe that we all have strength and power within to achieve our dreams and desires.
Together, we set out a clear plan to turn ideas into actions that provide real results.
The internet often provides us with quick fixes and non-personalized generic tactics, which, let’s face it, will only take you so far.
A dedicated coach can help you when they know you personally. Whether you want to excel in your career or navigate life's changes and trials - I’m with you!