Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence with Nicole Wood of Ama La Vida
On this episode of Financially Naked: Stories from The Financial Gym, Kelly Medina is joined by Nicole Wood, co-founder of Ama La Vida Coaching. Nicole is here to share her journey from corporate life to building an accessible career coaching business and how confidence is the key in making a career shift. They discuss the power of being confident, building momentum through taking small steps toward career change, and how coaching can help navigate transitions. Nicole shares her coaching approach and provides some advice for people who may be looking to make a change in their careers.
Podcast Notes
Nicole's Background and Mission
Nicole studied finance and supply chain in college. After graduating, she found a traditional corporate job, but within the first few years, she realized that path was not for her. She knew something was missing even after doing all the 'right' things.
One of the benefits of her corporate job was the opportunity to work with a coach. Nicole was skeptical at first, but her experience was transformative, and she understood the value a coach could bring.
Nicole realized there was a lack of accessible career coaching for early to mid-career professionals, and her goal was to fill that gap. This is what inspired her to start the company 8 years ago and why she still supports people through career transitions today.
For many clients, coaching is a brand-new experience. 76% of clients have never worked with a coach before, so part of her goal is to provide education about how valuable a resource it can be, especially during transnational life phases.
When people want to make a career pivot, lack of confidence and uncertainty are common problems. Career coaching helps you find clarity and build confidence, which is the foundation for pursuing new paths and options.
The Coaching Process and Building Confidence
Nicole explains that the coaching journey follows a similar trajectory for most clients. It starts with being unsatisfied in a current role but not having a clear vision for what's next. They often fear change and don't know how to get started.
Moving forward involves careful planning, confidence-building, and addressing mental blocks. This includes learning to leverage free and paid resources and embracing growth. But, it's important to not fall into the trap of "procrastination by skill-building," where people endlessly pursue certifications or skills instead of taking the leap with what they already have.
Confidence is not something that comes from nowhere, it is developed through action. Taking small steps, even simple things like verbalizing your goals or starting research is great because being in action creates a snowball effect and builds momentum.
The desire to change is not enough, you have to put in the work and take steps in the direction you want to go. When we're stuck, we lose our confidence and get trapped in the cycle of inaction, waiting for the confidence before we make the next move.
If you want to apply for a role outside your current field, Nicole suggests finding parallels in skills and experiences that can be adapted to meet job requirements in different contexts. Many of your skills can be transferred to other industries, and the gaps in training are filled once you're on the job.
Ama La Vida Services and Approach to Career Change
Career coaching with ALV Coaching offers a structured roadmap through a membership-based model. She helps clients maintain a proactive, long-term, strategic approach, rather than just focusing on getting the next role.
This model is designed to be transparent so clients know exactly what to expect from each session. This process-oriented approach helps clients stay anchored to the goals set and move forward on a clear path. You do not have to go through this process alone.
There can be a stigma about needing help or support, and Nicole wants to challenge that stigma through coaching. Through her work, she is able to help clients find career fulfillment and improve their financial health. They have a track record of success and have built the credibility you should seek in a coaching program.
Most job opportunities come through connections, not online applications. Nicole suggests proactively building your skillsets, networks, and confidence. Do not wait until you are burnt out or distressed to seek a different path. You can take steps to be prepared for a change and start building your confidence at any time.
Your job is a huge factor in your financial health, which is why Nicole's mission is to help people find happiness in their careers. She believes finding work you love that supports your overall financial goals is possible.
If you want to work with a Certified Financial Trainer to help navigate your finances, schedule a free warm-up call today! If you have any ideas or questions for the show, send an email to trainerpodcast@fingyms.com.
Resources
Connect with Ama La Vida Coaching
Website: https://alvcoaching.com