SARAH DECKER
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It's nice to meet you!
I was about ten years into my career when I realized that I DESPERATELY needed a change. I was overworked and underpaid. I needed to do something DRASTICALLY different or I was going to burn out completely.
I did a lot of networking, re-wrote my resume, and I FINALLY landed THE interview for the job that checked all the boxes: higher salary, reputable company, a field I was dying to get into. This was the dream!
On the day of the interview, I got up early, put on a suit (I am never wearing a pencil skirt EVER again), got on the train, found the correct high rise, pushed 14 on the elevator, and sat down in front of the hiring manager.
Her first question:
"So why are you here?"
Ummmmm cause I want the job?!?!?
While what came out of my mouth was something slightly more intelligent than that, I was completely unprepared.
I knew I didn't want to continue doing what I was doing, but I didn't know what I DID want and I certainly wasn't able to translate my previous experience into how it prepared me for that role in particular.
After that, I knew that I needed a new approach. So, I....
Did the inner work (imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, healing burnout, etc...)
Defined my professional purpose and what I ACTUALLY wanted
Identified my transferable skills and found the words to talk about them with others
PRACTICED interviewing over and over again
... ultimately I found a path that was a MUCH better fit for me than that first job ever could have been.
Several jobs and a couple career pivots later, I now have the pleasure of helping my clients define exactly what it is that THEY want for their next chapter, helping them gain the tools they need to get there, and supporting them as they build a more balanced and fulfilling life they LOVE.
Each client's experience is different as is the outcome of our work together. I feel deeply HONORED that each of them have trusted me to support them on their journey.
Facts about Sarah:
The fun stuff....
I'm a mom to two WONDERFUL and very ENERGETIC boys who keep me on my toes. These days we're playing lots of Magic the Gathering, building epic forts in what was once my living room, and piling into my king size bed for family movie nights.
My husband and I met in Mexico about 25 years ago, life took us separate ways, and we are now happily married. We speak about 2/3 of the time in English and about 1/3 of the time in Spanish.
Summer is my favorite season. I enjoy riding my bike, swimming in our local pond with the family, having a fire in the backyard, attending summer camp reunions in Wisconsin, and family reunions on the shores of Lake Michigan.
I thought I wanted to be a stay at home mom. As it turns out, I love being a working mom and am committed to finding and maintaining balance in my life that allows me to pursue both my personal and professional goals.
The credentials...
Founded Advance Professional Coaching in May 2000; supported 100+ clients through career transitions and professional pivots
Reviewed hundreds of resumes and interviewed candidates across a wide range of roles and industries
Hired, supervised, advised, and mentored professionals in diverse workplaces, including three prestigious Boston-area colleges
Led the growth of a small education business by more than 600% over eight years
Supported diverse individuals in leading teams, identifying strengths, building confidence, and improving performance
Designed and facilitated custom leadership development programs for individuals, women’s groups, men’s organizations, faith communities, and youth leadership settings
Education: B.A. in Spanish and B.S. in Education (Ohio University); M.A. in Higher Education Administration (Bowling Green State University)
Certification: Certified Professional Coach, iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), an International Coaching Federation–accredited program
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