Leaf Consulting: Celebrating 5 Years in Business

Five years ago, my world changed.   I was consulting as an Executive Coach with the state of Colorado, and dreaming about the next stages of my life.  I retired a few years earlier at age 56 from my position with the Colorado Division of Youth Corrections, and I knew that I was far too young to become a full-time retiree, and besides, I like to work!  So I utilized the funds I was making as an Executive Coach to save for attendance at Gallup’s Accelerated Strengths Certification program that was being held for the first time in Denver, Colorado. And thus, Leaf Consulting LLC was born.

My own top five strengths indicate my propensity toward entrepreneurship.  I am Strategic, a Maximizer, an Activator, a Relator and high Command.  All of these talents indicate that I have stepped into a role that I can embrace as a Clifton StrengthsFinder coach and consultant.  I like to understand and create the big picture, create action, activate change, and connect with people on a deep level.  I also like to have a voice that is heard and improve efficiency within a team.  While I was able to use all of these attributes in my past roles, building Leaf Consulting has given me a place where I utilize all of these strengths on a regular basis, thus creating a very happy and fulfilling role for this chapter of my life.

Some fun facts about me, top five style!

5 Reasons I started Leaf Consulting:

1. I retired from the Colorado Division of Youth Corrections when I was 56 years old after 20 years of service. I was too young not to work at all.

2. I knew I could only swim and ride my bike so many hours a week.

3. Gardening season in Colorado is only 6-7 months of the year

4. My favorite part of leadership was coaching and mentoring other professionals.

5. I wanted to pursue something outside of my comfort zone.

My 5 favorite drinks (don’t judge):

1. Coffee

2. Coffee

3. Coffee

4. Coffee

5. Flavored water

5 things that drive me:

1. Role modeling strength and kindness.

2. Being healthy and fit so I can run circles around my 4 grandchildren.

3. Cooking with my husband and talking while we listen to music.

4. Being available for my family and friends

5. Taking my role as a coach and mentor very seriously.

5 facts about me:

1. I'm the youngest of three children and the only girl. I was my grandmother’s only granddaughter and my aunt and uncle’s only niece. Yes, I am spoiled!

2. I love the ocean and often feel connected, comforted and energized when I visit the shoreline.  I don’t experience this feeling anywhere else.

3. My father passed away when I was 20 of brain cancer. He was one of my biggest supporters and motivators. I wish he got to see more of my life.

4. I completed my first triathlon when I was 57 years old, the year after I retired from State government. It was one of the hardest things I ever did. Now I swim and ride my bike but do not compete against others, just against myself. That fits me better.

5. I participate a few times a month in an International Coaches Mastermind. I am humbled to participate with peers from New Zealand, Australia, Toronto, Manilla, California, Washington State and so many other parts of the USA. It still blows my mind that for many participants it is already tomorrow when we meet. These are some of the smartest, most talented, generous people I have ever had the privilege to partner with, and I value them greatly.

I love what I do each day, and as I celebrate five years in business, and the journey that has brought me here, I am both grateful for the past and excited for the future!  If you would like to learn more about me and Leaf Consulting, please visit my website at leafconsultingllc.com.