Enjoy success without the stress
Regain your confidence and control at work with Sensitive Striver executive and leadership coaching.
Enjoy success without the stress
Regain your confidence and control at work with Sensitive Striver executive and leadership coaching.
From the outside, it seems like you have it all.
A great job, an upward career trajectory, a steady stream of accomplishments.
But on the inside… it feels like havoc.
- You overthink and are unable to "turn off" or disconnect from work worries at the end of the day.
- You feel guilty saying no, often take on too much, and find it hard to set boundaries and avoid people-pleasing.
- You worry that you're not good enough, and imposter syndrome holds you back from speaking up and providing value.
- You feel emotionally reactive, and every criticism or setback sends you down a negative spiral.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Sensitive Strivers – smart, driven, sensitive professionals like you and me – often do.
Emotional intelligence and ambition are the hallmarks of a powerhouse performer. But if left unchecked, they can also fuel stress and self-doubt and keep you from fully enjoying your success. That’s where Sensitive Striver executive and leadership coaching comes in.
It's time to enjoy success without the stress.
Imagine confidently saying the things my clients say after one-on-one coaching…
Coaching helped me overcome imposter syndrome and a fear of negative criticism. I came out more assertive and self-assured.
I turned a life strangled by other people’s expectations into one of conscious, intentional joy at work and at home.
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Client Success: Katherine's renewed energy
Katherine is a Product Management Lead for a high-growth startup in Silicon Valley. When we met, I could tell right away that Katherine had a naturally goal-oriented personality and put a lot of pressure on herself to perform.
Katherine came to me when she internally felt as if she couldn’t handle the demands of her role. She felt insecure about her ability to provide value. She had trouble sleeping at night, always up ruminating about issues and conversations. And she feared and avoided delivering tough feedback to her employees, which led to poor communication and confusion on her team.
But after working together, Katherine’s long standing Sunday evening anxiety disappeared.
Now she lays down at night relaxed and drifts asleep peacefully in minutes. She jumps out of bed each morning bursting with energy, excited for the day ahead.
Best of all, when she stopped second-guessing herself, Katherine developed the strength and confidence to trust her judgement, even in the face of complex, ambiguous decisions. As a result, the company’s CEO tapped her for a high-visibility project––expanding their offices internationally.
Coaching with Katherine focused on:
- Identifying techniques to manage her thoughts more effectively.
- Learning tools and skills to have candid, constructive feedback conversations with her team without dreading it.
- Making decisions with imperfect information instead of getting paralyzed.
It's time for a breakthrough.
You don’t need someone to tell you to think positively. Like most of my clients, I know you’ve tried that already.
You’ve also read countless books and maybe even spent thousands of dollars on a therapist before.
And while those things helped temporarily, you’re here because you’re still plagued by self-doubt, emotional overwhelm and overthinking.
You need an experienced, highly trained coach who understands the specific challenges you’re facing and has the proven expertise. You need a coach who can support you with customized strategies so you can…
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Quiet your mind, fall asleep faster, and wake up refreshed each morning
- Stop grabbing for fatty foods to treat your stress and gaining weight
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Be more pleasant and present with your family, friends, and co-workers
- Have time to go to the gym, volunteer, or rediscover hobbies
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Regain work-life balance to save your relationship from breakup or divorce
- Gain mental focus to make the impact you know you're capable of making
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Translate confidence into opportunities like getting a promotion, raise, or bigger bonus
I'm proud of how confident and competent my colleagues perceive me to be. But most importantly, I value myself.
Here's why Sensitive Striver coaching is different:
My clients say my approach is unlike anything they’ve tried before:
- It strikes the perfect balance between action-taking and introspection.
- It's grounded by the latest research on neuroscience, communication, leadership, and professional development.
- And it acknowledges your emotions, leveraging them to help you face your blind spots with customized steps to change.
As one of my clients put it:
“Melody is equal parts strategist, advisor, & sherpa.”
Please note that private coaching is full at this time. Click the “Apply now” button and join the wait list. Private coaching is $10,000 for 4 months (payment plans available). You may also consider working with me in my program RESILIENT.
Packages start at $8,000 for 4 months (payment plans available)
Note: I am currently booking clients for 2023. I have extremely limited private coaching spots for leaders who qualify. Packages start at $10,000. If private coaching is not a fit, you may consider joining my program RESILIENT.
Hear from past clients
Here’s what top leaders and professionals have to say about my approach and working with me:
Melody pointed me toward self-confidence and a more objective view of my work.
I worked with coaches before, but Melody's unique approach was so effective.
Melody doesn't preach concepts that sound good on the outside, but don't really work for what's happening on the inside.
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What makes me different from other coaches:
My experience
I’ve helped thousands of Sensitive Strivers break free from self-doubt and overthinking so they can lead effectively.
My clients include CEOs, executives, and top performers at the world’s most successful Fortune 500 companies.
My background
I’m a licensed social worker with a Masters degree from Columbia University, a professor of Human Behavior at Hunter College, and contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Business Insider and more.
I’m also the best-selling author of TRUST YOURSELF: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success, which was named a “Best Book of the Month” by Apple Books.
My methodology
I’ve created a proprietary diagnostic process and my STRIVE framework based on my decades of work as a researcher and coach.
These specialized tools give you data to understand and calibrate your innate qualities as a Sensitive Striver to get out of your own way and become the leader you know you’re capable of being.
My journey
I understand the challenges smart, sensitive high-achievers face, because I am one too.
I think and feel everything deeply, and like you, I’ve struggled with insecurity, Imposter Syndrome, and burnout. But I’ve also learned how to master my ambition and sensitivity and leverage my strengths productively.
Please note that private coaching is full at this time. Click the “Apply now” button and join the wait list. Private coaching is $10,000 for 4 months (payment plans available). You may also consider working with me in my program RESILIENT.
Packages start at $8,000 for 4 months (payment plans available)
Note: I have extremely limited private coaching spots for leaders who qualify. You may consider joining my program RESILIENT.
Serving clients at:
Success is an inside job, and my clients prove it.
Here are some of the goals they’ve accomplished during one-on-one coaching:
Advanced to a role in the C-Suite
Earned a triple bonus and award as the top 1% in their field
Negotiated a 20% raise
Received a skip level promotion, doubling their salary
Got promoted twice in one year
Doubled business capacity and hit highest revenue ever
Client Success: Michael earned a triple bonus
Michael is a driven, sensitive professional who serves as a VP of Marketing at a retail company. When he came to coaching, he had just started a new role and felt in over his head.
As a result of his insecurities, Michael stretched himself thin. He said yes to every request and did more and more to compensate for his perceived shortcomings. Michael was constantly exhausted as a result of constantly second-guessing himself. His fear held him back from taking risks and asserting himself in the boardroom and with stakeholders.
After working together, Michael's improved performance earned him a triple bonus and an award as the top 1% professionals in his field.
With his new salary, Michael was able to pay for his family to take a two-week “trip of a lifetime” around the world. And he can afford to invest more in his 401k, putting him on the path to retiring early.
Coaching with Michael focused on:
- Getting clear on a leadership and influence style that felt authentic to him
- Letting go of people-pleasing patterns that caused him to over-commit
- Creating boundaries and systems to support his self-care and well-being even when work pressure was on
What you get with one-on-one coaching:
After a decade of doing this work, I’ve identified the three components that go into thriving emotionally and professionally as a sensitive leader. These components will help you develop the skills and tools needed to enjoy success without the stress and self-doubt you’re experiencing now.
Get to the Root of Your Challenges
Increasing your self-awareness allows you to understand how sensitivity has shaped your behavior as well as your view of yourself and your career.
We start off with my proprietary STRIVE diagnostic, which is designed to identify and define your specific opportunities for growth. Armed with this data, we identify the top priorities for your coaching journey that guide our work together.
Turn Sensitivity Into a Strength
It’s crucial to learn how to use sensitivity to support your ambition, instead of letting it fuel self-sabotaging behaviors and thoughts.
Through proven, practical strategies, you’ll create habits that allow you to thrive as a Sensitive Striver. This includes tactics to manage overthinking, navigate Imposter Syndrome, cultivate assertiveness and boundaries, and let go of perfectionism.
Create a Path for the Future
Insecurity can lead Sensitive Strivers to pursue success on other people’s terms rather than their own. We need to unearth your true values and priorities so you can reach personally meaningful goals.
By realigning your ambition with your authentic desires, you’ll discover a hidden source of self-confidence and strength to become the person you aspire to be.
Life is tough my darling, but so are you.
Ready to enjoy success without the stress?
Here’s what one-on-one coaching looks like in practice:
PROPRIETARY Assessment
We start off with my proprietary STRIVE diagnostic to get to the heart of what’s holding you back from experiencing the confidence and fulfillment you want.
SUPPORTED ACTION
We devise priorities aligned with your goals and needs. As your coach, I’m your confidant and Sherpa, helping you get out of your own way, so you experience results.
Proven Strategies
We apply the latest, evidence-based psychology research and techniques to find practical, proactive ways to solve the challenges you’re currently facing.
- Proprietary diagnostic tools
Coaching begins with a simple yet powerful, data-driven diagnostic to based on your unique attributes as a Sensitive Striver. Uncover your biggest areas for growth and better understand where you’re flourishing versus where you need the most improvement.
- Pre-coaching evaluation of your strengths and struggles
Many clients say this assessment process unlocks insights and a-ha moments that catalyze their transformation from stuck to unstoppable. It gives me thorough background information and an understanding of your personality so I can effectively customize coaching.
- 90-minute Deep Dive Kickoff session
In this initial, extended session, we’ll lay the groundwork for transformation. We’ll discuss how to get the most out of coaching, We’ll debrief your pre-work, and set priorities for your journey so you can reach your full potential.
- 4 months of ongoing 1:1 coaching
Over the course of 8 additional sessions, we’ll uncover your blind spots and arm you with concrete steps to develop greater confidence and inner peace. Expect tailored guidance to push past roadblocks standing in your way. Sessions are typically every 2-3 weeks.
- Structured accountability to support your progress
Before every session, you get an accountability form so you can reflect on and internalize your wins, thereby maximizing your confidence and results. Plus, when you see and feel the progress you’re making, it inspires you to excel even more.
- Personalized resources to further your development
Get hand-picked recommendations as needed for exercises, articles, book recommendations to continue your learning outside our session time, designed to translate your insights into performance increases.
- Complimentary access to a library of coaching tools and trainings
Tap into the Coaching Tools Library, which includes worksheets, templates, scripts and more in areas like goal-setting, leadership and career development. You also be able to take my most popular workshops on topics like imposter syndrome, assertive communication, and managing emotions at work.
- Reflection Point review
This feedback process helps consolidate and celebrate new behaviors and improvements you’ve achieved through coaching to either bring closure to our time together or to set us up for your next stage of development.
Select The Package That's Right For You
| GOLD | PLATINUM | |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary Diagnostic Tools | ||
| In-depth pre-coaching evaluation | ||
| 90-Minute kick off session | ||
| 4 months of ongoing coaching | ||
| Accountability checks | ||
| Reflection Point review process | ||
| personalized resources | ||
| email support | ||
| Library of trainings | ||
| exclusive bonuses | ||
| unlimited document review | ||
| Private monthly masterminds | ||
| INVESTMENT | $5,000 | $6,500 |
Please note: My coaching is best suited for those who are clear on their goals and want to advance in their current role. I do not offer job search or career change coaching.
Packages start at $8,000 for 4 months (payment plans available)
Please note that private coaching is full at this time. Click the “Apply now” button and join the wait list. Private coaching is $10,000 for 4 months (payment plans available). You may also consider working with me in my program RESILIENT.
Note: I am currently booking clients for 2023. I have extremely limited private coaching spots for leaders who qualify. Packages start at $10,000. If private coaching is not a fit, you may consider joining my program RESILIENT.
Working with Melody gave me the courage to channel my sensitivity into a super strength.
Private coaching is for you if…
You deeply identify with being a Sensitive Striver. You’re a deep thinker and feeler. You’re driven, ambitious, and always want to be doing and achieving more. You’re kind, compassionate, and committed to others (your team, clients, etc) – sometimes to a fault. Private coaching is right for you if you are a Sensitive Striver, through and through.
You’re a mid- or senior-level leader at your organization. My private coaching clients is best suited for top-performing, professionals who are manager level and above (Director, VP, C-Suite). I also work with expert individual contributors and established small business owners with teams of three or more.
You have a clear goal you’re striving towards in your current position. You’re looking for hands-on support to improve your leadership performance or want to advance in the workplace. That can be a tangible opportunity, such as a promotion, influence, or high-visibility initiative. Or it can be an internal objective such as increased assertiveness or confidence. My coaching is not for those who need help defining their goals, job seekers, or those in a career transition.
You believe in your potential. You appreciate the positives in any situation and also see the opportunity behind any challenge. Possibility inspires you. Hopefulness drives you. You are relentlessly open to improvement and learning. You have an optimistic attitude and a bring a constructive lens toward everything you do – coaching included.
You’re willing to make yourself a priority. The leaders who see the biggest results from coaching are those who take the process seriously. They complete their forms, show up fully for sessions, take notes, execute the steps we discuss, and spend time critically reflecting on themselves and their experiences.
Now - Private coaching is not a fit for you if...
You’re unclear on your professional direction. My coaching is meant for those who want to find growth and emotional stability in their current career path. My coaching is not a fit for job seekers or those who are unsatisfied with their current role. I do not work with solo entrepreneurs.
You want someone to tell you what to do. Coaching is akin to climbing a mountain with a Sherpa. The Sherpa guides the way and gives you tools to succeed, but ultimately you’re the one defining the goal and walking the path. I adhere to the philosophy that you know yourself best and that as the client, you drive the coaching focus. That means our work together is responsive to what you bring to our sessions.
You have poor time management skills. This applies both to coaching and how you perform on your job. I work best with leaders who are overburdened by internal stress of their own making. For example, you may be a good fit if you re-write an email 10 times or run out of time on tasks because you overthink them – not because you do them last minute.
You’re committed to making excuses. You get out of coaching what you put in to it. If you frequently say you’re “too busy” or “can’t find the time” for your top priorities – even with the right help – then I’m not the right coach for you. If you don’t take action on the strategies we discuss in our sessions, you can never expect to see results. I only work with clients who take ownership for the changes they want to see for themselves.
You have trouble following through at work. Responsibility and discipline are high values of mine – and qualities I look for in the clients I choose to work with. My most successful clients are highly disciplined, organized, and proactive in their careers, and they bring that same energy to coaching. I’m not the right coach for you if you’re someone who frequently switches focus or gets distracted by shiny objects.
You’re not willing to get uncomfortable. My coaching will challenge you to reframe your thoughts and change your actions. It requires courage and strength to put yourself out there, try new things, and put in the inner work to achieve results.
My expectations for myself as a manager are much healthier and more empowering to me AND my team. I trust myself, which keeps me from beating myself up at the end of each day like I used to. I have
more confidence in my decision making and judgment.
My life feels bigger now than before coaching. I feel entirely
different in fundamental ways. I feel
much more confident in my ability to accomplish my goals. I feel more in
control of my emotional responses and my actions. I feel more
intentional in how I spend my time and how I approach my team. My purpose is more clear.
I'm stunned by the massive shift in my confidence. I feel a lot stronger and more resilient, less bogged down by
doubt. I feel incredibly grateful to be coached by someone who is as attentive,
skilled, and dedicated to their work as I hope to be in mine. (Insert happy tears here!)
Melody helped me strengthen my
relationships with my manager and colleagues, build my executive
presence, and develop as a leader. Moreover, she helped me grow
my confidence and conviction that I can become the leader and role
model I aspire to be.
I have tools to manage my personal traps along with the emotional
capacity to handle a demanding role. Melody's approach is so much more productive and helpful
than any counseling I've done. I've made so much more progress with the
support of Melody as my coach.
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The true cost of workplace stress and burnout
Kelly’s hair was falling out.
Kelly was poised to become a VP at media company. She was a go-getter who loved her job and took pride in going above and beyond. Recently, Kelly had taken on a big, new project. Kelly was excited about leveling up in her career, but it also meant massively more stress.
Soon the demands of her 60-plus hour weeks became too much…
- She battled daily migraines and hair began to fall out
- Her husband complained she was distracted at the dinner table
- Her son said he missed the old mommy
Kelly wanted to say no, delegate, and to stop taking on so much. But the thought of saying no felt like crushing anxiety. In her head, Kelly told herself stories like….
- I must please my boss
- I must execute this project perfectly
- I must do everything...or I’m admitting I’m a fraud
- No one can know how insecure I am
Kelly went on like this—crumbling internally under pressure for five years…until she couldn’t anymore. Kelly had to take a medical leave from her job. And she’s not the only one…
- 91 percent of workers say having an unmanageable amount of stress negatively impacts the quality of their work
- 77 percent of people have experienced burnout at their current job
- 75 percent of highly sensitive people have burned out at least once in their career
Burnout drains $190 billion from the economy every year. Without coaching, Kelly’s stress could have personally cost her hundreds of thousands in lost wages and healthcare bills––not to mention her quality of life.
Instead, Kelly was able to turn her situation around with the support of coaching.
She knew the time off and the rest was just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Kelly had struggled in previous jobs–– pushing too hard while doubting herself. She realized that if she didn’t address the underlying patterns that led her to this crisis, nothing would ever change.
Coaching helped remove the psychological obstacles that limited her potential. Through coaching, Kelly regained a sense of fulfillment and developed a greater sense of confidence and wholeness in herself –– all while remaining a high-performer.
Kelly went on to 10x her investment in coaching that year by earning the promotion she deserved.
That’s because companies reward strong, stable leaders. Leaders who participate in coaching see 50 to 70 percent increases in work performance, job satisfaction, time management and team effectiveness.
So just imagine…
- What could you do with an extra $30,000 to $100,000 a year?
- How much would it mean to you to make up to an additional $1 to $3.5 million in your lifetime?
- What type of impact could you have on your company’s bottom line and you team’s performance if you were more confident and engaged?
It’s time to discover what’s possible when you get out of your own way.
Packages start at $8,000 for 4 months (payment plans available)
Please note that private coaching is full at this time. Click the “Apply now” button and join the wait list. Private coaching is $10,000 for 4 months (payment plans available). You may also consider working with me in my program RESILIENT.
Note: I am currently booking clients for 2023. I have extremely limited private coaching spots for leaders who qualify. Packages start at $10,000. If private coaching is not a fit, you may consider joining my program RESILIENT.
Your questions, answered
Coaching is akin to climbing a mountain with a Sherpa. The Sherpa guides the way and gives you tools to succeed, but ultimately you’re the one defining the goal and walking the path.
Coaching is best suited for those looking for hands-on support to improve their leadership performance or those who wish to advance in the workplace or in their careers. Coaching provides the structure, accountability, and personal insights you need to take action and reach your potential.
I’m not the coach for you if you’re unclear about your goals or career direction, looking to discover what you want to do next, or trying to find a new job. Likewise, I work with clients who are open-minded, take ownership, and follow through on what’s most important to them when they have the right guidance. Responsibility and discipline are high values of mine – and qualities I look for in the clients I choose to work with.
Coaching isn’t for you if you want someone to tell you what to do, or do the work for you. As your coach, I’m here to support you in reaching your goals and leveraging your strengths. Your results with coaching depend on how much of yourself you bring to the process and how much work you’re willing to put in.
If you’re unsure that coaching is the next step for you, I invite you to apply for a call with me to find out. We’ll talk about you’re looking to achieve and whether coaching is what you need to get there or not.
If we determine we’re a good fit after a call, we’ll start with an assessment of the barriers holding you back from enjoying success without stress.
Based on this assessment, we’ll craft priorities aligned with your goals. We’ll meet every 2-3 weeks for your sessions.
There are three main components I work on with Sensitive Strivers, but the format and progression of the sessions is personalized to each client and their specific needs.
While I can’t guarantee specific results, many clients start to see early results in as little as two weeks. I’m 100% committed to you and will always bring my A-game to our sessions, but coaching isn’t a magic bullet. Your personal results will depend on how much of yourself you bring to the process and how much work you’re willing to put in.
I group results into two categories: internal and external.
The most common internal results my clients report are greater confidence, inner peace, resilience, ease, and a sense of control over themselves as a leader and their professional lives as a whole.
Externally, these internal translate to tangible career benefits like:
- A six-figure triple bonus
- Getting promoted twice in one year
- Doubling their business capacity & hitting their highest revenue ever
But don’t take it from me. You can read about my clients’ result in their own words by clicking here.
I take my clients’ privacy and confidentiality very seriously, and hold myself to the highest ethical standard.
We agree to confidentiality in our coaching agreement, which stipulates our sessions are protected as confidential. Your information is also stored in a secure portal.
In my over decade of coaching, I’ve found 4 months to be a sweet spot. It’s enough time for you to accomplish key goals, but also balances maintaining urgency.
While our initial commitment is 4 months, I’ve found that most of my clients and I end up working together for 8 months to a year. This extended period allows us to deepen your transformation and ensure your results continue to stick.
I’ve worked both as a coach and a therapist, and know the strengths and weaknesses of both disciplines.
Psychotherapy is recommended for the treatment of diagnosable mental disorders and trauma. Coaching, on the other hand, is for individuals who are mentally healthy and is designed to increase your level of performance (more on that answered in the question below). This comprehensive guide will help you figure out which one is right for you.
In my work, I infuse coaching with psychology to get a holistic purview of your situation and craft highly customized action plans. I leverage my decades of research in psychology, human behavior, and professional development to help you face your blind spots and devise steps to change through a balance of introspection and action-taking.
This unique approach is one reason my clients find coaching with me more valuable and effective than therapy alone.
Sessions are via phone or video. I don’t offer in-person sessions.
I serve clients around the world, and we’re always able to schedule sessions in a way that works for both of us.
Since you don’t need to leave home to join our sessions, scheduling is a lot easier!
Coaching isn’t covered by insurance, but may be tax deductible. Your employer may pay for coaching or reimburse you – ask me for more information!