Testimonials

Isn’t it wonderful when people say nice things about you? Of course it is but in order for that to happen, you have to positively influence their life in some way. We are so lucky to be able to do just that on a regular basis. These testimonials show you some of the wonderful things people have said about Hillary.

A former client posted this, and kindly mentioned our work together:

Creating a new identity: the third stage of leaving an academic career

The testimonials below are broken out into topic areas (in no particular order) on coaching, writing, career transition, setting priorities, handling change, dealing with stress, setting goals, and getting organized.

On Writing

“You really helped me during a low point in my career, when I was considering leaving the academy, and working with you helped me to realize I actually loved the work and this helped keep me motivated to continue writing when I was feeling disillusioned. [After the book publication] I have been promoted to a Tenure Track position.”~Assistant Professor, Vanderbilt University

“I am writing just before getting back into this week’s chapter – don’t worry, I’m on target!! Thanks to you also I feel more in control of other things, too. You are a great listener and kindly provoker.”—Full Professor, Boston University

“I truly could not have finished writing without your help. You helped me stay motivated and on target with weekly goals, and the whole thing suddenly became more manageable.”~PhD Graduate Student, The Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland.

“I cannot tell you how much I have valued [Hillary’s] services to help me improve as a writer and begin thinking of new alternative markets for my skills.”~Independent journalist, Istanbul, Turkey

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I feel like I am now reaping what I have sown.”~Former software engineer, now children’s author, New York, NY

“I have had some great conversations with editor-reader @CoachHillary You need many sets of eyes if you want to write well! Happy to have her helping me.”~Fiction writer, Detroit, MI

“I would not be doing the new things I am doing if I had not been talking with you. It’s exciting.”~Author and musician, New Orleans, LA

“I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks for your help, advice, compassionate ear! I was able to put fear behind me and prepare the RFP I needed to get done on time.~Sessional instructor, Ryerson University, Canada.

“Just finished watching a video on being out of control, and my mind immediately saw “Hillary” inside the word, “exhilarating.” What a great reframe for me.”~Freelance writer, Portland, OR

On Career Transition:

“At certain points in our professional lives we hit that wall that requires us to reinvent ourselves. When that occurred with me last year I reached out to Hillary and it’s made all the difference. I went from an unhappy academic administrator to a much happier association executive. Most importantly, I regained myself. I highly recommend Hillary to help you on your journey to a new professional pathway in life.”~Former university administrator, now association executive, Chicago, IL

“I honestly did not know what direction I should go. Not only do I feel like I figured that out, you have also helped me understand all the pressure I was putting on myself.”~Clinical drug trials investigator, Former Assistant Professor, University of Rhode Island.

“This process was really useful for me. I learned how to present myself outside of academia in a completely different way. I enjoyed Hillary’s guidance helping get me through a career shift.”~Washington State government DEI writer and instructor, former Associate Professor.

“I have really enjoyed and benefited from your coaching…I now have a clear vision for my career and life. It has been wonderful to have your support, encouragement, and guidance as I’ve worked through this process. I feel much more confident and clear about what I want and what I can prioritize now.”~Associate Professorial Lecturer, London School of Economics.

“The work…has given me a solid foundation from which I can confidently make career decisions moving forward.”~PhD candidate, on graduating and pursuing work in industry, University of Texas at Austin

“I knew I wanted to leave academia but had no idea how. You helped me through the whole process, and continue to help me as I navigate my new position. AI Researcher, formerly Associate Professor, University of Denver.

“It’s been wonderful working with you!!! You’ve helped me through a huge transition and I will be forever grateful.”~UX researcher, formerly Professor, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands

“It was extremely rewarding working with Hillary. Before I started working with her, I felt stuck and worried about my ability to land another job at my age, and what I would do when I retired. I was questioning whether I wanted to make a career change. She helped me focus on the things that truly interest me. From there, I was able to make a transition to a better job in my field, AND figure out that I really wanted to write, rather than return to school, when I retire. The whole process was invigorating. Instead of dreading the future, I look forward to it.”~former Fundraiser, Lesley University, now freelance writer

“My life and entrepreneurial ambitions have been turned around 180 degrees, for the better, since I began working with Hillary 6 months ago.”~Academic Advisor, deciding to stay in academia, University of Colorado

“Having tried to change my career several times, I was amazed by the insightful questions that really made me think about what I truly wanted for my own future, and start the process moving in that direction.”~Former sales manager, now freelance writer, Portland, Oregon

“Hillary has been my coach for three months, while I have been going through a very difficult work/life transition. She has been very effective in creating new options, helping me through the job market, and structuring a plan for the future she helped me create. I can say honestly say this is better than therapy! It’s wonderful to have a coach that really helps you find your passion.”~Former adjunct, now private event planner, Charleston, SC

“I’m now older and wiser! This is a huge change for me in the last year — thank you! — and yet I’m the most me ever.~Recent PhD graduate now solopreneur, Toronto, Canada

“I just wanted to let you know what was going on, and also to thank you again for your help over those months. It took me a while to absorb everything, but I’ve come to realize that the things we identified as important to me: nice physical environment, co-workers I can relate to, an engaged manager, varied tasks – are all more important than I would have thought. Looking back on jobs I liked and didn’t like, those were so much the deciding factors!”~PhD now in corporate marketing, Baltimore, MD

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
~ Stephen Covey, American educator and author

On Setting Priorities:

“Hillary has really helped me focus on setting my priorities, as well as boosting my confidence in what I have already accomplished.”~Graduate Student in materials science, Florida State University

“This process has been amazing. I have such a different concept of myself now than I did in the beginning and how to handle my work. And I passed all my exams!”~Nursing graduate student, Virginia Tech

“I think of you often and remember how instrumental you were to seeing me through my post-PhD and re-patronization. I am more accepting of a slow–very slow–transition. But I am on my way.”~Former clinical professor, now counselor, Perth, Australia

“I feel ready to graduate to the next phase of my life; you gave me the nudge and provoked the work I needed to do to get going.”~Former public school administrator, now in private religious education, New York, NY

“It has been a pleasure to get to know you, and I appreciate the tools, support, and clarity you’ve provided.”~Visiting professor, on deciding whether to leave or stay, Miami University.

“Hillary’s coaching definitely improved my interview performance, and helped me be more confident.”~Computer science lecturer, now in private industry, Columbia, SC

“Thanks for doing your work and for all the support you gave me.” Written years after initial coaching: I can honestly say I would not have succeeded in my desire to be promoted to a higher level of responsibility without your help.~Professor and administrator, Seminary, Austin, TX.

On Handling Change:

“Thank you for all of your encouragement and support, Hillary! You were tremendously impactful during a difficult time! I will hold you and your advice in my heart!”~Assistant Professor, University of California, Santa Cruz

“Hillary can help you find your own solutions to the next phase of your academic career, whatever stage you are in.”~Retired Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin

“Coaching sessions with Hillary helped both my wife and me navigate conversations and difficult decisions about our respective careers.~ Lecturer, public university.”~Lecturer, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

“I can’t express enough how much I’ve enjoyed this process and how you have helped me work through a jumble of knotted feelings to see how I can take on a new career path at this stage of my life. You are excellent at your job, Hillary! Thank you!”~Former university Department Chair, now entrepreneur, Knox College

“You have given me insight on a number of “little big things” and helped me to reshape my approach and my reactions to the world. Thank you for your skilled hand and heart.~Database manager, municipal government, Austin, TX

“My internal life is far better now than it’s ever been. Your work played an important role in the improvements I’ve experienced, and I will always be grateful for that. I’ll never forget my conversations with you, especially our last. You changed my world for the better.”~Software engineer, Nashville, TN

“What you’ve done for me feels as a ‘re-set’.”~IT technician, Vancouver, Canada

“You’ve helped me in ways I didn’t even know were possible.”~Former non-profit employee, now entrepreneur, Boston, MA

On Handling Stress:

“Thanks for all your help and encouragement. I don’t think I could have made it without your help.”~Adjunct Professor, Clark University

“Working with Hillary increased my confidence and well-being for both my life and my current academic career. The visualization exercises were especially beneficial in helping me imagine a more powerful and centered future for myself.”~Assistant Professor, Montclair State University

“I have learned a great deal about the joy and sanity that my own pursuits bring me…my wings are sometimes unsteady but are firmly affixed and gaining strength.”~Former real estate agent, now entrepreneur, Chicago, IL

“I am very appreciative of your insight, availability and humour!”~Candidate for department chair, Chicago, IL

“I love that I have fewer phone calls and emails – it’s great. Your work with me really helped. I hope you know that. Thank you.~Dean of community college, Albuquerque, NM

“I was trying to remember everything you told me, and then magically your email appeared! Thank you for all your help, it has been great working with you to figure out how to handle all my different roles.”~Private school administrator, Charleston, SC

“You carry such a wonderful, supportive brilliance….you are fantastic at coaching people into what most suits their next steps on their personal pathways of success.~PhD researcher, Edmonton, Canada.

On Goal-Setting:

“I found coaching far more effective than therapy.” ~Career transition client, Charleston, SC

“You are a true coach. By watching you do the high jump, I know I can do it, too.”~English professor, Brevard College

“Talking to you really helped. You were there for me through some really rocky times. It’s been a real roller coaster, but in the end, things worked out very well. I so appreciate you being there for me.”~Associate Professor, Goshen College

“I did do a lot of my own research, but I know that I would not have done it anywhere near as well or as often or as good-naturedly as I did with working with a coach. It helped enormously.~Full professor, York University

“Thinking about goals and what I truly need at this point in my life, in addition to some deep insights about what I need for myself has been really, really helpful, and I thank you.~Former adjunct, now grants administrator.

“Thank you for making me focus on ‘one thing at a time.’ That’s what really helped me move on.”~Former estate lawyer, now in non-profit agency.

“Many people don’t understand that therapy, while serving a purpose, does not tackle many areas people can grasp to move forward immediately.~Events planner, Seattle, WA

“I feel like I have made huge progress and had some wonderful insights in working with you and that I am moving the right direction.”~Programme Officer, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany

“Thanks for your advice, Hillary! Just wanted to let you know I got the job and I’ve accepted their offer. It’s not a research or tenure-track position, but it is a Ph.D.-required position that has a lot of room for growth and upward mobility. I also get to work with students, which is what I love.~PhD, now assistant director university program, Houston, TX

On Coaching:

“Hillary came into my life at just the right time: I was feeling stuck in my professional life and purposeless in general, and newly determined to do something about it. Her energy, enthusiasm, and support—even when my dreams seemed silly or out of reach—were crucial to my moving forward in my career and my life. Coaching got me excited about my life again! I feel so much better about where I am and where I want to go, and I confident I can get there.” ~PhD, leaving academia after finishing degree, now counselor

“This process is amazing. I feel like a different person from when I started this process.”~Former Chair of English Department, Kent University

“The hardest part of this process was when I was experiencing my own resistance to doing tasks. I know you are a career coach, but you really pivoted as I needed to deal with underlying health issues before I could move on; I was so surprised by the meditations and the healing experiences coming from those. I honestly don’t know how you do it. I have now tapped into my inner strength and am more confident than ever before.”~Former adjunct and academic editor, University of Tennessee, now web designer

“Hillary’s work [with me] was crucial to my career change process, which can be harrowing enough when one doesn’t have any support. The way she worked using weekly sessions was a great structure for me; it ensured I kept moving forward. This ongoing work is something that university career services can’t usually offer, hence their limited use if what someone needs is ongoing coaching and not basic information or one-off advice about specific things.~Former adjunct professor, University of Toronto, now entrepreneur.

“Working with you both helped me and inspired my sister to call a career coach for herself, especially after we talked about how you helped me overcome my fears of leaving academia.~Adjunct, Boston University

“Working with my career coach, Hillary, made an enormous difference for me. She didn’t speak in platitudes nor did she tell me what to do, but she coached me to do the hard work of figuring out what suited me and then going after it. Without her coaching, I am convinced that it would have taken me much longer to sort these things out.”~Recent PhD, now entrepreneur, Toronto, Canada

“I greatly appreciate the help you have given me. You have really been a big part of me finally starting to feel like I really HAVE moved on from my grad student/immediate post grad days. I’m no longer feeling so lost! I have very sincerely regained a great deal of confidence about myself and what I am doing, which is something that hasn’t happened all of a sudden but rather gradually.”~Assistant Professor, Northwest Nazarene University

“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” Attributed to Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

On organization:

“Thanks to your help, I threw out tons of paper, gave away zillions of things, sold a couple pieces of furniture, wiped clean an old computer before handing it over, ditto my cellphone. What a relief!”~retired Professor, University of Massachusetts.

“I appreciate how prepared, organized and well-thought out this program is; the forms and documents really got me thinking.”~Professor, LeHigh University

“Hillary has tremendous experience in academia and is a pure joy to work with. She is able to listen and help faculty and administrators find their own solutions in that unique work environment. In addition, her qualifications as a Certified Productive Environment Specialist can help academics struggling with chronic overload to regain control of their life.”~Recent Entrepreneur, Charleston, SC

“I discovered that getting organized is not nearly as painful or time-consuming as I first thought. Hillary tailored the systems she teaches to my own unique office situation, and helped me decide which part of my own system were already working well and should be kept.” Former Executive Director, Center for Women

“Using the system that Hillary taught, I now have an overview method for managing and following up incoming information for my day-to-day activities.” Broker, Coldwell Banker United

“I heard Hillary speak about her process, and told her she would have a challenge in organizing me. But she taught me a system and helped me set up an electronic index in eight hours, exactly as she promised.”~Car dealership owner, North Charleston, SC

“As soon as I implemented the organizing system in my office, I felt like I had lost ten pounds: a weight lifted off my shoulders.”~Entrepreneur, Summerville, SC

Read our Case Studies to see how Hillary has helped some of her clients.