Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Leeds.
So, Karen, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started reading self-help books at age 14 to learn everything I could about these confusing creatures called people. Schools taught history and math but not how to be happy, present and successful. I was shy and focused on pleasing people. I did well in school mainly because I was scared to death what would happen if I didn’t focus on grades. I also took lots of personal development classes on this life long quest for knowledge and understanding.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My parents both died 4 months apart when I was an adult. And then we sold the only house I remembered. That was a turning point for me. I realized this was my one life and I wanted it to be incredible. I started speaking up for myself. Then I wondered how different others’ lives could be if they discovered a few powerful tools I had stumbled upon. I wasn’t sure I believed in it, but I went to Burlington Hypnosis for fear of public speaking. It enabled me to conduct group workshops for BIG and PGN (for example “Stop the Sabotage: How to Create the Peaceful Life You Crave.”) I went on to conduct communication training at GWARC, a 40-person non-profit in Waltham serving people with developmental disabilities. (I wore boots for that presentation because I also led a diversity workshop and wanted them to appreciate others’ differences.) Most people don’t even realize how remarkable their lives could be. (I like the picture of gourds that look like ducks, not the round blobs we typically encounter. Our lives can be just as unique!)
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Life Coaching Magic – what should we know?
When you think about it, almost everything we do in life involves communication and relationships – often the way we talk to ourselves is holding us back. I believe you can say almost anything to almost anyone if you do it in a kind, non-judgmental way. I empower clients with simple tools that enable them to build on their strengths and recognize their blind spots. They can create effective communication, which builds strong relationships to support them in bringing their dreams to earth while they are still here. So far, I have not come across a client or issue that I couldn’t address. My clients gain clarity, which brings them peace and allows them to see what their life could look like. (Sometimes like an unusual vegetable called kohlrabi.) People can take a starring role in their own life and shape it to fit them, instead of taking what they get.
I am most proud of my writing. I wrote my first book in 3 days! I had struggled with it but hadn’t seriously just sat down to write it. So, I attended a virtual Write-a-Book-in-a-Weekend that made the process fun. Unfortunately, my illustrator went mountain biking and got a concussion. He finally felt well enough to continue so, it is almost ready to publish. My book, “Life’s Magic Carousel: How to Grab the Brass Ring Before the Music Stops” is funny, light-hearted and entertaining. I believe even teenagers would find it easy to read. In addition, I’ve written 13 articles for Good Men Project, an online website discussing what it means to be a good man today.
I tend to bring about rapid changes in clients, typically meeting 1:1 with clients for only 3 to 4 sessions. I named my company Life Coaching Magic because my clients’ results seem magical. My Master’s Degree in Management, real life experience as a management consultant and a degree in Math have allowed me to form excellent problem-solving skills. In addition to being supportive and accepting, I am creative, quirky and have a robust sense of humor. I am a good listener and read people very well. I customize my knowledge for my client’s advantage, giving practical tools and information that can bring perspective to even difficult challenges. Most people think they can’t have what they want or that they can’t have it now. I help them figure out how to get it, and often in a relatively short period of time. I will go above and beyond – taking clients shopping for clothes to feel confident too.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I am very accepting and believe in people. I think a client could share just about anything with me (other than having committed a crime). And I don’t judge or criticize or make them feel bad, foolish or wrong. I appreciate people as they are. This might be the characteristic most important to my success. Most of us have experienced things that have made us the way we are today. People are fallible – me too. I have a positive attitude and have learned to laugh at the silly things I sometimes do and say. People are not the behavior or thoughts or attitude they exhibit. They can change if they choose to do so. It is this belief in the power of positivity and the desire to change that can completely change our happiness.
Pricing:
- I offer a free one-hour coaching session. Then I charge $100/hour. Sessions can last up to two hours.
- I write up notes so clients have a written summary of our sessions. It gives them a way to refer back to what we discussed so they continue moving forward and building their knowledge, confidence and skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: LifeCoachingMagic.com
- Email: Karen@LifeCoachingMagic.com
Image Credit:
Jon Fischer, GWARC
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