Josie, Leadership Coach and Consultant at Akili Well: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from diverse roles at California Lutheran University, including administrative assistant, RA, and dance instructor, to a thriving leadership coaching and consulting practice at Akili Well is highlighted in this interview.
The interviewee's path reveals a passion for working with young people, leading to six years of teaching before transitioning into a solopreneur role.
Key responsibilities include business operations, financial management, leadership development, and impacting organizational culture.
A day involves varied tasks, from administrative work and marketing to client meetings and training sessions.
Empathy, strong listening, problem-solving, and conflict resolution are vital skills, coupled with a holistic approach to wellbeing, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
The most rewarding aspect is witnessing positive transformations and "aha moments" in individuals and organizations. The biggest challenge is increasing visibility, especially in a challenging economy.
The interviewee's flexible business model fuels their passion for supporting others, creating transformational change and making a positive impact.
Courage, risk-taking, a growth mindset, and deep connection with others are attributes of successful professionals in this field.
Valuable advice for aspiring professionals includes patience, prioritizing personal wellbeing, and seeking mentorship.
A holistic college education and active networking within identity-based and professional networks are also emphasized as valuable.
The importance of continuous learning and viewing failure as a growth opportunity concludes this inspiring career narrative.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Josie santiago
Leadership Coach and Consultant
Akili Well
Cal Lu
Master's in Secondary Education at UMSL
Anthropology, Sociology
Professional Services
Consulting
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Leadership Coach and Consultant at Akili Well
Josie's career path began with diverse roles at California Lutheran University, including "administrative assistant at the career services center," RA, gym assistant, and dance instructor, which fostered a passion for working with young people. This led to six years of teaching before transitioning into leadership coaching and consulting, where Josie now supports organizations and individuals in "flourishing in their work environment" and achieving personal development goals.
Main Responsibilities of a Leadership Coach and Consultant at Akili Well
As a solopreneur and Leadership Coach and Consultant, Josie's main responsibilities encompass "normal everyday operations and running a business," including financial management and scheduling. This also includes "holding teams and people accountable," improving leadership effectiveness, and impacting organizational performance through "shifting culture and mindsets within their behaviors and skill sets."
A Day In The Life Of A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well
Josie's work as a wellness leadership coach and consultant involves a diverse range of tasks, from "administrative work and holding… finances" to marketing, networking, client meetings, and leading trainings, with each day presenting unique challenges. The flexibility of owning their business allows Josie to prioritize wellbeing, incorporating personal time into their schedule, reflecting the core values of their work which centers on helping others "center their own wellbeing to become effective leaders".
Most Important Skills For A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well
Josie, a Leadership Coach and Consultant, emphasizes the importance of empathy, strong listening skills, and problem-solving abilities in her work, noting "being generative and able to hold conflict" as crucial. The ability to integrate diverse practices around wellbeing, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, while constantly learning and holistically considering individual and organizational growth, forms a core component of their impactful approach.
Favorite Parts of Being a Leadership Coach and Consultant at Akili Well
Josie, a Leadership Coach and Consultant, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is witnessing positive transformations in individuals and organizations; the "aha moment" when people realize "things are possible" and collectively move "towards their vision," fueled by the information and support Josie provides.
Biggest Challenges For A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well
Josie's biggest challenge as a Leadership Coach and Consultant is increasing visibility to ensure business sustainability, a particularly acute issue given the recent economic downturn and resulting budget cuts. This has required constant adaptation, with Josie noting, "a steep learning curve" and the need to "constantly...be in the midst of change and then having to pivot."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Coaching and Consulting Industry as a Leadership Coach and Consultant
Josie, a Leadership Coach and Consultant, finds fulfillment in the flexibility of owning her business and prioritizing what matters, stating that "it feels like it's fueling me as...supporting other people." The work's impact on wellbeing and creating "transformational change that's making the world a better place" is deeply rewarding.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Coaching And Consulting Industry According To A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well
Leadership coaches and consultants who thrive demonstrate "courage" and a willingness to "take risks," actively seeking help and embracing a growth mindset characterized by reflection and learning from mistakes. This ability to connect deeply with others, particularly during conflict, and a commitment to personal and professional growth are key attributes.
What A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Coaching And Consulting Industry
Josie, a leadership coach and consultant, wished someone had emphasized the importance of "time, patience, and trust" in building a successful consulting business, advising that maintaining personal wellbeing is crucial to avoid burnout from constantly "helping, helping, helping" clients.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Leadership Coaches and Consultants
Josie, a Leadership Coach and Consultant, suggests that entry-level positions in a therapeutic space could be beneficial, noting that "a lot of the work...supports people in a therapeutic way of being." The most insightful advice offered is to seek mentorship from established entrepreneurs or coaches to gain practical career guidance.
Significant Career Lesson From a Leadership Coach and Consultant at Akili Well
Josie's most significant career lesson is the importance of "always keep learning" and embracing failure as "an opportunity to learn, um, and as an opportunity to get better and to grow," fostering a continuous growth mindset crucial to their success. This approach allows them to thrive in various roles and responsibilities.
College Experiences That Helped A Leadership Coach And Consultant At Akili Well Succeed
Josie's liberal studies degree provided a "holistic view of the world," proving beneficial in their leadership coaching and consulting career by enabling work with diverse personalities and cultures. This broad educational foundation allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of people and their collaborative potential, a crucial skill in their profession.
How Identity Has Influenced a Leadership Coach and Consultant's Career at Akili Well
Josie's experience as a Black woman and first-generation student necessitated "more intentional navigation" of career barriers, proactively seeking resources like scholarships, grants, and mentors within identity-based and professional networks. This proactive approach, fueled by a determination to overcome systemic inequities and a belief in the availability of support despite societal challenges ("we are actually very, very resourced"), proved instrumental to Josie's success.
Advizer Personal Links
https://www.akiliwell.com. : IG and ticktock Akiliwell : Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephine-s-68a918145/