Growing up I spent a lot of time working in my family's pharmacy in Providence, RI. Along with proudly servicing our community, I also became aware of how much people relied on medication. That awareness formed a decision to not rely on meds, choosing a more holistic approach to living instead. In hindsight, it also shaped my altruistic why for how I now help people to overcome stress and burnout to strengthen their leadership.
My career path has chosen me. Health, well being and connections have always been a priority for me. In my teens I noticed I had a way of speaking and being that sparked others. Although the term 'vision board' was not in existence yet, my bedroom was one big vision board! Filled with sports pros, entertainers and positive messaging, it was my 'go to' place to dream... big.
I continued working with my family up until my last year of college. That last year I got a job in the post office to finish putting myself through 5 years of night school at Bryant University. Equipped with my BSBA, I went into the work force with enthusiasm to begin working in the IT department of a jewelry company. Within 2 years, I decided it was not a good fit, or what I wanted, and left.
During my job interim, I set some goals to structure my time including working out daily at my local sports complex. It brought my mindset, confidence, self awareness and self care to a new level. Within a short time, other gym members noticed my body transformation and sought my expertise to train and transform them. My next step was education and certification that landed me a personal training position at my gym. It was okay for a while, but I wanted to be more than a staff trainer.
I earned more certifications and kept my goals upfront. Putting drive and ambition together, I boldly set out to LA for a week, which extended into the summer. Before I knew it, the wild ride of my vision board came to life. It was fun, exciting and lucrative. 6 months at a local gym grew my clientele and an opportunity to step into a trainer gym. At the same time, I fell into acting and a SAG card. It was the time of my life!
There were a lot of celebs and execs that came into the trainer gyms... it was a who's who of LA. My own clientele was filled with socialites, celebs, casting directors, agents, prominent business owners and even members of a royal family. The gym offered privacy and discretion. Most did not offer memberships, and if they did they were limited.
During the course of 15 years, I built a boutique 6-figure business. I was usually early for training appointments, so I would be timely for my clients. It was also a good time to transition and prepare for my upcoming session. Even though I've met a lot of celebrities, One of my fondest moments included my client Annie who was 16 and would come after school a couple days a week at 3PM. I adored her!
At one point, there was a new client who began coming in and we would arrive around the same time. She would always say hello in passing or engage in idle chit chat. She was very pretty and my guess was she was an actress. Gym policy was engage when a client engaged and to the extent they offered. I left it at that.
One day Annie came in for her session and as we were training on the cable fly, all of a sudden she dropped to the floor, saying "OMG, OMG!" I had no idea what happened and my adrenaline spiked. Finally she said, "OMG, it's Rihanna." Although we exchanged pleasantries, we never introduced ourselves and the 'mystery girl' was not an actress, but a singer who became world renowned and a very savvy business woman to boot!
Even with all the glam, perks and opportunities, it felt like something was missing. I could feel a transition coming but no idea what. Then it happened... coaching. I don't even remember how I became aware of coaching, as it wasn't very popular in 2000. I went back and forth with the idea and investment. I decided to go for it.
Turned out it was a natural fit and I loved it. I gave up counting reps and tuned into vibration. My thoughts, my visions made sense. It was my jam. New clients, new approaches, new language. Eventually I phased out my training business and went fully into my coaching business.
Studies in conscious anatomy, hypnotherapy, tapping, NLP and several other modalities ensued to build out my career as a success and performance coach. It was easy, like I was born for it. After all, I'd always rooted for the underdog. Clients knew I had their back regardless of the size of their leap. Win/wins all around.
Developing quick rapport with people is natural for me, and I do my best to acknowledge those I cross paths with. I'm the person someone will reveal things very quickly to. Whether speaking with a client, team member, colleague, or even someone I don't know, I hold space for respect and listening, which contributes to a feeling of trust and care. Very often, people easily confide in me and I often hear "I've never said that to anyone." I'll take that compliment any time.
After years of being a 'go to' person and providing service, I noticed there was an underlying theme of spirituality. One of my clients, an author and expert at negotiation said best, "Paula has something special about her. She brings an awareness level, a mindfulness and a spiritual quality I try to hide... I don't talk about that very much because I'm a commercial negotiator. The spirit element is critical to everything I do, and Paula brings that same spirit to everything she does... so there's a resonance between us."
Other clients would write similar testimonials and colleagues dubbed me a "coach of coaches." My transformation skills go beyond personal/business growth and really pare down to empowerment of the soul in addition to life and business skills. As a spiritual leader I open the door for clients to see themselves as more authentic, aware beings on their path to self mastery and leadership with renewed focus, value and spirit.
Scaling that led to burnout, lateral positions, income ceilings, delegation and corporate moves, as well as personal events like illness and divorce, are some of the experiences my clients have had when they've sought me out to guide them. Their journey requires courage and a whole-hearted commitment to cease judgment and peacefully accept their considered flaws and imperfections with admiration and love.
My gifts include listening, navigating darkness, holding space and giving hope. There is a special bond between myself and my clients... a mutual respect and trust. A prominent leader recently said, "I was in deep despair and you caught me in the dark." In their vulnerable position clients are able to trust, be inspired and activated by my strength with comfort, grace and ease.
It is both an honor and privilege to be an advocate for leaders who are willing to dive into their challenges and be empowered at a soulful level. Once they are on the other side of their pain, and able to integrate their new energy, resilience and confidence, most leaders continue to consult and coach with me on their way to self mastery, their true north.
I firmly believe every day is an opportunity to step into more of who you and use a daily practice to strengthen and stretch me. It includes different ways to play and practice my energy with singing, guided meditations, walking, movement and writing. I also love working with other mentors, coaches and healers to sharpen my craft while learning their modalities and techniques. Our interaction gives me more access to my expertise while amassing a phenomenal referral network for clients who need resources beyond my scope.
Transformation is renewal of the soul. It is a beautiful compliment to be known as a 'coach of coaches' who helps bring communities together with hope and inspiration. The legacy I'm creating in my body of work will be a soul compass for those seeking renewal for years to come guiding them to strengthen their leadership.
Self mastery continues throughout your life... you're never done. There is always something to notice, something to be in awe of, something to feel. Keep in mind, Picasso was still practicing brush strokes at 80!
What I've learned from my clients is that they crave structure and support - it's how they excel. For anyone feeling stuck/frustrated or making a transition, 3 keys to your success are support, accountability and consistency. Vet and invest in a mentor who has a lot of flexibility and can give you what you need. Step into yourself every day and design the life and business you want.
I'm here, and I'm rooting for you!
Paula D’Andrea
The Reset Expert
