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Coaching Insights


The Line Between High Performance and Burnout (And How to Stay on the Right Side)
Calm is contagious. So is stress. "Hustle" and "grind" aren't badges of honor. They're often early warning signs. High performance does require intensity—I saw this regularly in my career inside complex organizations. But there's a line, and it's easier to cross than most leaders realize. Not all at once. Quietly. What Chronic Pressure Actually Does Sustained, unmanaged stress doesn't make you sharper. It slowly erodes the very things you rely on most: Clarity. Patience. Judg
Mary Ellen
Apr 3


When Self-Awareness Narrows: Why Leaders Need Space to Think
Space to think. Light to see clearly. Under pressure, tight deadlines, and competing priorities, self-awareness narrows. Values go quiet. Urgency takes over. I see it all the time—smart, capable leaders who know what they stand for, suddenly making decisions that don't quite align. Not because they've lost their compass, but because they've lost the space to consult it. The Pattern I Keep Seeing A client comes to a session carrying tension and a list of problems that need sol
Mary Ellen
Apr 2


What to Look for in an Executive Coach (From Someone Who's Been on Both Sides)
I've been on both sides of executive coaching—first as a client navigating two decades of financial services and information services leadership, then as a coach myself. So I know that finding the right coach feels a bit like dating: there are a lot of options out there, and frankly, not all of them are going to be a good fit. The stakes are high because this isn't just about getting advice. It's about finding someone you can trust with your career challenges, your self-doubt
Mary Ellen
Dec 5, 2025


The Strategic Advantage: Why Top Leaders Invest in Coaching
At some point, the way you’ve always worked stops being as effective as it once was. Not because you’ve lost your edge. Not because you’re doing anything wrong. But because the role has changed. The complexity has increased. And what got you here isn’t quite enough to carry you forward. I see this often with experienced leaders and those stepping into bigger roles. They’re still delivering and respected. But underneath that, things feel harder than they should. The behavior c
Mary Ellen
Dec 1, 2025


The Power of Purpose: How Values-Based Coaching Drives Clarity and Goal Attainment
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt When we feel stuck or uncertain about our direction, the answer is not usually found outside ourselves—it's within. Values-based coaching helps you uncover what truly matters, bringing clarity to decisions and confidence to action. The Foundation: Values, Beliefs, and Purpose Self-discovery begins with three interconnected elements: Values guide your behavior and decision-making. The
Mary Ellen
Nov 20, 2025


The Most Courageous Move Isn't Always Climbing Higher
Thinking about the next chapter. After 25 years as a financial services and information services professional, I made a decision that surprised even me. I stepped away from corporate life. Not because I had burned out. Not because I had failed. But because I had succeeded—and realized that success on someone else's terms wasn't enough anymore. The Pivot No One Expected For two and a half decades, I navigated high-stakes environments, built strategic relationships, and deliver
Mary Ellen
Aug 18, 2025


The Power of Teamwork in NASCAR Racing
I went to my first NASCAR race looking for excitement, but what I left with was a deeper appreciation for the teamwork and precision that goes on behind the scenes. It was a powerful reminder that, whether you are in the driver's seat or leading a team, success is always a group effort. Sitting in the front row, I was fully immersed. The event was colorful, high-speed, loud and thrilling. Little did I know this outing would ignite a deep appreciation for the sport, the venue
Mary Ellen
Aug 13, 2024


Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence: Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Exploring the Possibilities
Exploring endless possibilities " Have you ever walked into a meeting and felt everyone else belonged more than you did? Or perhaps the people in the meeting know more than you did?" Understanding Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite evident success, those experiencing imposter syndrome feel inadequate and believe their achievements are unear
Mary Ellen
Jul 21, 2024


Embracing the Power of Team Building
As a team development facilitator, I am fortunate to coach individuals from diverse organizations that understand the profound impact of team building experiences. These experiences are like catalysts, igniting personal and professional growth on multiple levels. First, teams step out of their usual office routines for a day of adventure and discovery. This break from the norm sparks creativity and fosters camaraderie among colleagues. Second, we set goals but allow room for
Mary Ellen
Sep 14, 2023


Navigating Your Path to Success: Coaching for Career Satisfaction, Leadership Development and Personal Growth
Welcome to a coaching journey that is all about your success - whether you are an individual in a career transition, an aspiring leader,...
Mary Ellen
Sep 6, 2023


Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than Your Resume
I used to think leadership was about having the right answers. Make the tough calls. Know your industry. Execute flawlessly. Check, check, check. But somewhere along the way—probably around the third or fourth time I watched a brilliant strategist completely alienate their team—I realized: Technical skills get you in the room. Emotional intelligence keeps you there. And more importantly, it determines whether people actually want to follow you. What Emotional Intelligence Act
Mary Ellen Donlevy
Sep 4, 2023


Are You Ready to Be Coached?
Executive coaching can help you achieve higher performance and greater personal satisfaction at work. While you may be aware that you...
Erin Hamanaka
Apr 14, 2023
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