Need Help Defining Your Personal Brand?
Recently I had the privilege of photographing Catlin O’Shaunessy Coffrin, Founder and CEO of Captivating Consulting. She shared some of her transformational journey.
“My whole business is grounded in helping executives who are considering leaving corporate America or who may be in a personal identity crisis. The year of Covid taught me so much. It was a pivotal year for me, as the pandemic was raging, I was developing my own business intending to do corporate brand strategy after the experience of leaving my corporate career. In late 2019, after pouring heart and soul into the work that I was doing, I came to appreciate that I had given my whole identity over to the companies I worked for. Stepping out of that arena created a massive identity crisis but also gave me space to rediscover my true self. This became the context for starting my own business and gave me a barometer to engage in opportunities that most align with who I am or have always been. What was auspicious was 6 weeks later the whole world was in an identity crisis as well, due to the Covid lockdown.
Four and a half years later I am thriving as an independent brand strategist doing corporate and personal brand work. I work with women who are corporate executives at mid-point in their careers. They often have understated challenges and need to find their momentum again. I hear them say, ‘I need to get my groove back.’ And I do that, through research. We walk through their story which can feel like shame at first, transforming into joy by getting input from people who adore them. They find the pieces of who they are. I listen to the language they are speaking and reflect that back to them. When they hear the desire in their hearts, they find themselves describing who they are in a new way. I want people to see how they can be seen and show them a slightly different way of seeing themselves.
If I had my dream-come-true new normal in the workplace, it would be to normalize the practice of self-awareness and journaling, so we don’t have these mid-career crises.
Sometimes we get to lean into our busy schedules and business to avoid the challenging big hairy questions. It is easier to be super busy and not ask questions. Nothing is louder than an empty calendar. If that is your reaction to going slow and you find yourself rushing from one thing to the next, slow down give yourself some grace, and recognize you may be on the horizon to build new infrastructure. You will always be rewarded for being a little selfish with that time.
Since leaving my corporate job, I realized I had given myself a gift I had been waiting on for years. I am worth it. I’m so pleased with the results. It reflects where I am, with so much more confidence and I am starting to hit my stride!
I also moved from the city to another state and now live in the country. I used to spend time commuting I now use to walk in the woods and ask myself what I am thinking about today with no judgment, just listening. I do that more now.
I find myself saying to my younger self, keep something for yourself. I do look back and see how I voluntarily overworked and now I keep some in reserve for myself and my family. Understand the overlap and the divergence and hold that sacred to you. Trust your gut!
My photo session was fabulous. I love Alissa choosing the caliber or the hallmark of her brand. With explanations she instructs, ‘Here’s how you need to stand. Look like you are looking through the picture.’ Her photography feels authentic and genuine.
I have had headshots and portraits before but not like this. They are special. Everywhere I use them I see an uptick in my content. Thank you, Alissa!”