Client Experience - Rachel Unruh

Denice changed how I function as a leader, not by telling me what to do, but by building my knowledge of how the human brain works and consistently asking questions that allowed me to discover and re-map long-held ways of thinking. As a leader, I was struggling under the weight of reacting to and solving every problem before me (or what I perceived as problems). From Denice, I learned the freedom of not reacting. But more importantly, I learned how the lightness of not reacting can change the very perception of a problem, and that it can empower staff to own and solve their own challenges in more effective ways. This shift not only gave me the energy to continue as a leader, but unlocked time, focus, and creativity that I have been able to direct toward growing my leadership in new ways. This shift in my leadership also gave my staff the space and opportunity to grow into new roles – something that my organization needed in its own growth and trajectory.

Denice walked with me on this journey. I came into my coaching certain of the challenges facing me and the limits of what I had the ability to change. I left coaching with a completely different way of thinking that benefited my organization and made me a happier leader, no longer on the verge of burnout, but instead at the beginning of an exciting second act. This shift has made me happier, more creative, and more effective in work and in life in general.

Denice’s ability to start with big questions and discovery and narrow down to concrete goals and actions means that you will see results. You will also take with you the knowledge and tools that will allow you to become your own best coach.

- Rachel Unruh, Chief of External Affairs, National Skills Coalition