Impact Highlighted

My clients found me. 

One thing led to another, one referral to the next, and here I am…

This week’s humbling inclusion in LA’s Top 15 Coaches for 2023 got me thinking about what brought me here.

You see, I never set out to be a coach or motivational speaker. Instead, I was focused on turning around organizations, leading teams, and pursuing Harvard Law – hoping to someday run for a political office and spend my life in public service.

Then, I got a call.

As I pry deeper, it's also true that my early and painful experiences with trauma, poverty, rejection, and grief drove two fundamental decisions that have made me not only a passionate coach but an effective one:  

First, I resolved that life is worth living and that I'd do whatever it takes, go wherever I needed to go, and change whatever needed changing in order to shift from a place of self-loathing and fear to a place of self-love, healing, and goodness. Indeed, this resolve and the required courage meant I would figure out how to create and live a life I love. And so I have–and against all odds.

It wasn't an easy journey, by any means, but in walking it (and sometimes crawling, too), I've figured out what keeps us stuck as well as how to get unstuck and fully self-actualize, harnessing our most significant potential. 

Second, many moons ago, I chose the word “impact” as my guiding light, my purpose. Every time I impact someone's life, whether through an encouraging encounter, a thought-provoking question or insight, a passage from one of my books, or a full-blown, long-term coaching relationship – I feel complete.  

This unapologetic focus on making an impact in all areas, coupled with my authentic experiences and skillset, is likely why I landed on this list and why a few weeks ago, CEO Monthly selected me as California's CEO of the Year. 

But make no mistake – these recognitions, as warm and as validating as they are, pale in comparison to sentiments like these: 

Fortunately, there are many of these kinds of messages, and I hope plenty more to come. They demonstrate the real impact experienced and expressed by those who've entrusted me to confidently teach, guide, inspire, and support them – and they mean the world. 

Lastly – if you have a sentiment, a story, or a thought to share about our work, interaction, or even an insight you gleaned from me – please press “reply" and let me know. 

I am all ears and immeasurably grateful for the opportunity and the privilege to serve in this way. 

Thank you.

Adi