AARON HANDELSMAN

The coaching support I got from Aaron was invaluable. He supported me during a time of big transition—both professionally and personally—and helped me step into my own power, trust my instincts, and navigate some difficult situations. I became the Vice President of Policy at my organization right as we were going through a merger and there were a lot of unknowns. In my new role I had to define my department's programmatic direction given our changing organizational context, while also managing staff expectations and needs related to the merger. There were so many big questions and very few answers and I often found myself questioning my ability to lead during this time of uncertainty. Working with Aaron allowed me to identify what kind of a leader I wanted to be (versus what I've been told a leader should be), so that I could trouble shoot new challenges as they emerged, while staying true to my values and who I want to be in the world. Aaron also worked with me to identify concrete strategies that gave me greater balance in my life and encouraged me to nurture my creativity. As a result of one of my commitments and Aaron's follow-up (asking me to actually create a plan and timelines for myself), I was able to collaborate with a friend to compile an illustrated poetry anthology. It's the first time I've ever done anything like that and our coaching conversations helped me seed and nurture the idea. He comes to this work from a place of compassion and liberation and I’ve greatly appreciated his thoughtful approach. I’d highly recommend working with Aaron if you’re ready for a shift; both in how you show up as well as how you approach your work and life.

I had a major career change on the horizon. My job of over a decade was not quite right and it was time to do something about it. I came into my first session with Aaron with a mixture of excitement and skepticism, but I was blown away, even in that first hour, with his level of insight. From asking simple questions and repeating back my answers, we came to moments that felt simultaneously surprising and completely natural—things that I’ve “known” but never fully let myself know. By the end of that first session, I already felt like I knew myself that much better. And with weekly check-ins, I was able to keep pushing myself forward. While the transition is still in process (does the transition ever really end?), I now more fully know myself and my goals to help light the path forward.