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Critical Reframe: Discovering Opportunity In Setbacks
Introduction
In this podcast episode, host Erica D'Eramo is joined by executive performance coach, Erin Smith, Ed.M. who delves into the art of reframing challenges within coaching practice, emphasizing the importance of shifting perspectives to find opportunities for growth.
Career Path, Financial Industry, and Personal Growth
Erin shares her journey from a psychology degree to the financial industry, recounting how the 2008 crash influenced her career trajectory. Despite setbacks, including a job loss, she discovered a passion for sports psychology and eventually transitioned into coaching, particularly focusing on helping women navigate male-dominated spaces.
Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces and Career Growth
Erin Smith discusses unexpected job loss from Bridgewater and how it spurred them to start their own coaching practice. They now specialize in assisting women overcome barriers to leadership roles in male-dominated industries.
Sports Psychology and Coaching in Male-Dominated Industries
The discussion explores Erin’s journey from sports psychology to coaching, emphasizing the importance of maximizing potential and focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses. Erin's experience in the realm of therapy also influenced her coaching approach, leading to a focus on helping individuals and teams thrive.
Unexpected Life Changes and Finding New Opportunities
The conversation touches on the challenges of transitioning out of high-stress careers like finance, highlighting the importance of coaching in finding new opportunities and agency in such transitions.
Coping with Unexpected Setbacks and Maintaining Confidence
Erin stresses the significance of focusing on what's within one's control and building a support network to navigate unexpected setbacks, urging listeners to draw on past accomplishments to regain confidence.
Acknowledging and Processing Emotions After a Difficult Experience
Erica and Erin emphasize the importance of acknowledging and validating emotions as a crucial step in making informed decisions, highlighting the concept of "feelings as data" in decision-making processes.
Workplace Dynamics and Personal Growth
Erin reflects on their decision to leave Bridgewater and pursue coaching, underscoring the importance of aligning actions with personal values and goals. The discussion also touches on the complexities of human experiences and the limitations of trying to change others' behavior.
Overcoming Challenges and Shaping One's Future with a Career Coach
Erin shares insights on supporting women in male-dominated spaces through coaching and mentorship, emphasizing the need for chemistry in coaching engagements and finding the right coach for individual needs.
For more information on working with Erin, you can find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, or her website, Driven Beyond Excellence.