Hillary Hutchinson, The Change Strategist

Hillary Hutchinson

Hillary Hutchinson
The Change Strategist

Helping you light the way forward to a fulfilling life and career

Hillary’s story

I believe in being happy. Since we spend a significant portion of our lives working for money to support ourselves, I believe it is essential that we find love and meaning in our work. Happiness is an earned by-product of that quest.

I have overcome some major personal hurdles in my life (see the following paragraph) and have finally found happiness in my chosen career, helping academics, professionals, and individuals who are stuck in a rut to transition their lives into something meaningful and fulfilling. In my own life, I have had at least seven distinct careers, including market researcher, political lobbyist, non-profit journalist, legal assistant, manager at three different academic institutes, professional business organizer, and career change strategist. Embracing transition instead of resisting it can be the key to moving from merely surviving to truly thriving in your career and the rest of your life.

After financing my husbandʼs graduate degree and moving across the country for his first tenure-track job, I sadly became the sole support of our two small children when my young husband was tragically killed in a car accident that nearly claimed my life as well. I had to physically and figuratively recreate myself and regain a sense of trust in the universe, knowing that all would be well. After 17 years as a widow, I remarried and now share a happy home with my second husband and two rescue cats, His Highness Big Boy King and Tinkerbell the Tipster.

I would not be where I am today, or be the person I am, without going to all the places Iʼve been and doing all the different things Iʼve done. While I might not have said it at the time, I am now grateful for every challenge I have faced and overcome.

How my experience can help you

I can help you cut through the mental clutter of negative self-talk of your unconscious mind and increase your confidence to share your unique gifts with the world. If you suffer from intense overwhelm and chronic disorganization, my professional organizing skills can help you see what is important.

My specialty is working with academics in higher education, and I see the fear that change brings even to clients with extensive education and training. If you are the main financial support for your family, there can be a lot of pressure not to create changes that could—even temporarily—lessen income, rock stability, and stress familial relationships.

You deserve support and encouragement with significant life transitions such as relocation, coping with marriage and parenthood, life-threatening experiences, or changing careers (especially in the case of academics who may have put years into getting to a place they thought they wanted to be, only to discover otherwise) precisely because they are difficult. My job is to help illuminate the path, step by step, making change manageable, exciting, and fun.

Education

I received my Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from George Washington University. I hold two master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin: a Master of Arts in Social Anthropology and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration. I was certified by Coach Training Alliance, and continue to enhance my coaching through CCEUs.

In brief

  • Certifications: Coach Training Alliance
  • Memberships: AAUP (American Association of University Professors), AAUW (American Association of University Women),  Coaches Rising, ICF (International Coaches Federation),  National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO)
  • Published works:

Schedule your free, one-on-one strategy session with Hillary today and take the first step toward transitioning your life. Alternatively, contact me with any questions.

 

Lighting the way forward