Welcome back to #transitiontuesdays where we feature a fearless leader and their transition story.

In these stories, you are learning how these leaders took action on their dreams. Some have transitioned to exciting new jobs, others to a completely new career, or to their own businesses.

This week our Spotlight Series #transitiontuesdays introduces Luis H. Leon, III, Senior Finance, Business Analyst & Market Trends Expert.

In May 2020 as the USA was entering the second month of a global pandemic, like many, Luis received a furloughed letter from his employer of two years. Luis found this challenge as an opportunity to completely rebrand himself as he was looking to step into the next phase of his career.

With a finance and accounting background, Luis’ natural talents landed him in positions where he worked not only as a financial analyst but a big part of his responsibilities and experience was as a general business analyst. His resume and LinkedIn however did not reflect that.

When we began working with Luis we had two goals, one was to help him rebrand as an expert Financial & Business Analyst and two to get him back into the healthcare industry where he enjoyed knowing he was contributing to a larger cause. Within three months after working together Luis was hired as a Sr. Analyst for Cardinal Health in the middle of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.

The following letter was sent to us by Luis on October 1, 2020, after working with him. Learn what steps he took to get his dream job in the midst of this pandemic.

A year to remember…

Covid-19 and its effect on my professional career path in 2020

During the first wave of the pandemic, I receive a Furlough letter from my employer that said effective immediately. The first thought that came to my mind was “what I’m going to do with no job in an economy that is closed”. Having a family to take care of and the responsibilities that come with it, I knew that something different needed to be done.

I started a professional career strategy plan to explore opportunities in the middle of the crisis. The first area I looked at was updating my resume. In previous experiences when I was looking for a career change, the first barrier was using the right wording in my resume. The second was how could I overcome ATS resume filters used by employers, where many times these systems can disqualify you from the list, even if you have the right experience to compete for a job opportunity.

To overcome these challenges, I started to research companies that could assist with these tasks. I found Be Productive Coaching with excellent reviews. The first thing that gave me confidence and positively impacted me during this professional career rebranding process was the structured plan received from Vimari Roman. Every strategy session helped me to understand or rediscover talents that I possessed to compete for my dream job. The confidence I gained during this process helped me to better understand the challenges that companies are presented within today’s market and gave me a clear understanding of how my skill set and experience could help them achieve their business goals.

In addition to the career strategy and coaching, the tools received as the final product (new resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile) were the ones that opened many opportunities in this job market during a pandemic. Today I can confirm that my dream job in the Healthcare market has arrived. All thanks to the support received during my rebranding process from Be Productive Coaching and a clear strategical plan focused on opportunities that can be found in a crisis like the one we are living in today.

Luis H Leon, MBA

Senior Finance, Business Analyst & Market Trends Expert

 

Welcome back to #transitiontuesdays where we feature a fearless leader and their transition story.

In these stories, you are learning how these leaders took action on their dreams. Some have transitioned to exciting new jobs, others to a completely new career, or to their own businesses.

This week our Spotlight Series #transitiontuesdays introduces Molly Mulhern – Social Media Manager, Lead Admin, and a Candle Maker for The Beeswax Co.

I first learned about Molly’s transition when I read a post she wrote on LinkedIn back in July. In that post, Molly shared her transition story and I was immediately compelled to share her story. Everyone knows that the COVID-19 Pandemic has affected many industries, especially the Hospitality and Meetings industries. Therefore Molly’s post gave much hope to many people. As of October 2020, her post has had 99,491 reactions and 2,675 comments on LinkedIn, and we weren’t the only ones that thought her story was worth sharing. In Sept 2020, Rhodes College her Alma Mater featured her story as well. Congrats Molly and thank you for allowing us to share your story!

Learn what motivated this fearless leader to make her transition.

What was your first job and how did you get it?

My first job out of college was working for Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL in Merchandise. I worked for the gift shops in Tomorrowland! I applied for the Disney College Program, a program that I’d been researching for years, and did a series of interviews before I was accepted to the internship program. I lived and worked at Disney for a year, and can’t overstate how valuable that year was for my personal and professional growth. 

When and how did you decide to transition your career to what you do today?

Before COVID-19, I was an Event Coordinator in Austin, TX. After being furloughed & eventually let go due to a lack of events, I searched for months to find a job that aligned with my Social Media/Marketing experience & skill set with no success. One day, I came across a job posting to be a “Candle Maker” at a local beeswax candle company. My first thought was “I think I would really enjoy doing this, it sounds like a really cool job.” My second thought was “Would this veer me away from my career goals?” and “Would I be able to afford rent?” After doing research, I found that I really aligned with the company’s goals and mindset. I decided to apply for the job. I received an interview the next day. 

What steps did you take to make that transition and how long did it take?

What tools, training or coaching did you acquire/learn to help you make the transition?

What does life look like now that you have transitioned into doing what you are doing?

I’m in an industry I’d never thought I’d find myself in. I imagined being in Events for years and years to come- but life had other plans. Working for the Beeswax Co. has forced me to slow down, and to appreciate the little things every day. I feel a greater sense of peace in my new job, and do not fear the future anymore. I’m taking things one day at a time, and taking time to smell the Beeswax Candles along the way! 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Take every opportunity that comes your way. 

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Don’t ever reduce yourself to fit into just one box. You are a multidimensional person with many talents and skills- do not ever forget that. 

Describe your ideal vacation:

I’d love to go to Ireland, walk along the coast visiting castles and museums during the day, and checking out Irish pubs at night! I did Irish Dancing for 12 years, so I’d love to see some of that as well while there!

Where could we find you at 10 am on a Saturday?

Sometimes I’ll be at Barre class, sometimes I’ll be at a coffee shop doing work, reading, or strengthening professional connections. 

 

Follow on Instagram @instagram.com/missmolly_goodgolly/ and you can follow her work for The Bees Wax Co. @instagram.com/thebeeswaxcompany

 

 

Welcome back to #transitiontuesdays where we feature a fearless leader and their transition story.

We took a break the last couple of weeks after launching our Latin Heritage Month project where we featured 30 Powerful Latina Trailblazers and are ready to continue with this amazing weekly series. At Be Productive Coaching we believe that when we lift others we grow. We are hoping that these stories inspire you or someone you know to follow your dreams and do work that brings you excitement and fulfillment.

In these stories, you are learning how these leaders took action on their dreams. Some have transitioned to exciting new jobs, others to a completely new career, or to their own businesses.

This week our Spotlight Series #transitiontuesdays introduces Rachelle Stone, ACC – Executive & Burnout Prevention Coach

Rachelle and I have known each other for well over 20 years. We met when we both worked in the meetings industry. In 2014 Rachelle found herself burned out from a successful 25-year career. The stress she was carrying made her implode and today she is living a fulfilled life on the West Coast of Florida with a successful coaching and consulting practice.

Learn what motivated this fearless leader to make her transition.

What was your first job and how did you get it?

McDonald’s! My sister was a supervisor but I don’t think this was a good or fun job. She scheduled me to open every Saturday and Sunday morning and made me clean underneath the cashiers’ machine with a toothbrush whenever there were no customers in the store. Needless to say, I did not have this job very long.

When and how did you decide to transition your career to what you do today?

I transitioned in 2014. I honestly thought I was just ready to get back to being an entrepreneur and starting something new again. I thought I was bored. I wasn’t. I imploded. I figured that out when I was getting my coaching education. I am now an executive coach following being a serial entrepreneur for over 25 years.

What steps did you take to make that transition and how long did it take?

What tools, training or coaching did you acquire/learn to help you make the transition?

What does life look like now that you have transitioned into doing what you are doing?

Peaceful. In line with my values. Rewarding. Fulfilling!

What advice would you give your younger self? 

1: There are no do-overs, just re-boots so get it right the first time and

2: Start listening to your intuition and stop listening to others’ opinions.

Where could we find you at 10 am on a Saturday?

Gardening! I volunteer to maintain part of a Butterfly Garden for Dunedin in Hammock Park. I am there every Saturday morning, usually with my dog, Stitch. I garden, she greets visitors and we talk butterflies and plants until it gets too hot.

 

You can learn more about Rachelle by visiting her website at www.RStoneConsulting.com

Follow on Social Media: Instagram @even_wonderwoman_gets_tired Linkedin @linkedin.com/in/rstoneconsulting

 

 

Welcome to #transitiontuesdays where we feature a fearless leader and their transition story.

You’ll learn how they took action on their dreams. Some have transitioned to exciting new jobs, others to a completely new career, or to their own businesses.

We are hoping that these stories inspire you or someone you know.

This week our Spotlight Series #transitiontuesdays introduces Candis Hickman, Personal Branding Coach for Rising Leaders

Two years ago when I was looking to re-brand my coaching practice at Be Productive Coaching I wanted to learn more about Personal Branding and I took one of Candis’ Personal Branding courses. I can honestly say the information that I learned about myself was extremely valuable and key to my professional re-branding earlier this year. I learned that as a solopreneur and a service provider, knowing who you are and what you like are key to branding yourself. One of the things that drew me to Candis was her career transition story, not knowing that I would be sharing her story with you today.

Before becoming a Personal Branding Coach, Candis had a successful career as an Occupational Therapist in Australia. She moved to the USA in 2011 thinking that her credentials would transfer but she quickly found out that it wasn’t so. That’s when she saw herself having to make the choice between going back to school to get the USA credentials she needed or she could decide to do something completely different. She chose to identify her passions and head in a new direction. She spent several years exploring herself and different industries, hiring coaches, and taking all sorts of courses before recognizing her talent for helping others rise up by becoming the face of their brand. 

Learn what motivated this fearless leader to make her transition.

What was your first job and how did you get it?

I cleaned a house and babysat the children of the family whose house I cleaned. I knew my boss from church!

When and how did you decide to transition your career to what you do today?

 I was an Occupational Therapist in Australia and I moved to the US in 2011. When I arrived I learned that my professional credentials wouldn’t transfer despite my best efforts to get them recognized. I had two choices – go back to school and get the extra classes needed to continue or do something completely different. I chose to identify my passions and head in a new direction. I spent several years exploring – from TV Hosting to Real Estate to studies in Image Consulting and then starting a business in Health and Relationship Coaching. It was once I started my business that people began asking me how I was doing it –  getting clients and branding myself – I knew then that I was tapping into a skill that I needed to develop and leverage. Many coaches, strategies, courses, and programs later I have a full-time business serving people who are ready to rise up in their leadership, build a business, and become the face of their brand.

What steps did you take to make that transition and how long did it take?

What tools, training or coaching did you acquire/learn to help you make the transition?

What does life look like now that you have transitioned into doing what you are doing?

Life is amazing! I can honestly not imagine doing anything other than the work I’m currently doing. I’ve found my zone of genius and it is truly fulfilling to live a life of freedom, running my own business, setting my own schedule, and living in my purpose.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Become more of who you are.

Where can we find you at 10 am on a Saturday? 

Usually out to breakfast somewhere! 

 

You can learn more about Candis by visiting her website at CandisHickman.com

Follow on Social Media: Twitter @candisahickman – Instagram @candishickman Facebook @candisalicia1 – Linkedin @linkedin.com/in/candishickman/

 

 

 

 

Welcome to #transitiontuesdays where we feature a fearless leader and their transition story.

You’ll learn how they took action on their dreams. Some have transitioned to exciting new jobs, others to a completely new career, or to their own businesses.

We are hoping that these stories inspire you or someone you know.

This week our Spotlight Series #transitiontuesdays introduces Angelica M. Lenox, Founder & Master Designer at Sweet Guilt

Before starting her luxury dessert atelier, Angelica led a very successful 28-year career in Hospitality as a Director of Sales and Marketing for some of the most acclaimed luxury resorts in the world, such as The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Canyon Ranch and the luxury portfolio of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts. Her career permitted her to visit almost every corner of the world, which allowed her inquisitive mind and taste buds to try new dishes, expand her horizons, and discover new flavors that inspired her cooking. Angelica soon found that she was good at baking, and she decided to enroll in every possible baking and decorating course that she could take during her leisure time. She loved every minute of it and knew then she was destined for it.

“I would bake every day of my life if you let me!  I have been baking for the last 25 years, it is my passion, drive and joy.” Angelica M. Lenox

Learn what motivated this fearless leader to make her transition.

What was your first job and how did you get it?

Don’t freak out, but very first job at 15 was in the forensic autopsy department in Ponce, Puerto Rico.  When I was very young I wanted to study forensic science and was given the opportunity to work in the lab.  My job was to record the measurement, weight and color of the organs after an autopsy.  Sexy, no?

When and how did you decide to transition your career to what you do today?

Even though I am still obsessed with forensic studies, it was very obvious that unless the dead spoke back to me the solitude of the lab amongst the dead was not the path for me.  I studied Hospitality Management and International Business that led me to a fabulous 28 years in the hotel business.  I have always enjoyed cooking and baking and soon discovered that I was really good at baking (modesty aside) and I enrolled in every possible baking and decorating course that I could take during my leisure time.  I loved every minute of it and I knew then that I was destined for it.

What steps did you take to make that transition and how long did it take?

To be honest,  the business took a shape of its own.  I was forced to take some time off to recuperate from several surgeries and when it was time to return to the office my heart was not in it.  It was then when I decided to take time off and during that time Sweet Guilt emerged and took off.

What tools, training or coaching did you acquire/learn to help you make the transition?

I took many courses in baking , decorating that gave me the foundation, however I had no idea how to properly assemble large scales cakes, banquets and intricate work of edible art.  I enrolled to every possible hands on classes to learn the craft.

What does life look like now that you have transitioned into doing what you are doing?

It has been almost five years and I love every minute of it.  We have a gorgeous gallery, commercial kitchen, commercial vehicle and a team that allows me to create great desserts.   I am very fortunate that my previous career armed me with a vast knowledge for marketing and business experience, that has made the transition easier and less painful.  Owning your business is not for the faint of heart, it is hard work EVERY minute, it requires determination, focus, enthusiasm and most importantly love for what one does.

What advice would you have given your younger self?    

Don’t be afraid to jump in, things always work out.

What is the best career advice you have ever received?

Be yourself, your inner star always shines brighter than you think.

Describe your ideal vacation.     

A full Spa vacation sounds heavenly right about now.

Where can we find you at 10am on a Saturday? 

Decorating cakes or setting them up in venues.

 

Follow on Social Media: Twitter @sweet_guilt – Instagram @sweetguiltbyangelica – Facebook @sweetguiltbyangelica

You can learn more about Angelica and Sweet Guilt by visiting their website at sweetguilt.com