Three years ago, I had a conversation that changed the course of my life. I remember the moments leading up to this moment vividly because in my case it was a process, not just a single moment. There were clues to what was coming - previous dissatisfaction with my role, the acquisition that ultimately replaced the leader I supported, and the broken trust of colleagues with whom I had shared too much. Ultimately, it ended with the fact that the choice for my future was no longer my own…but maybe that was really what I needed to move on.
The Conversation & its Aftermath
As I took the call from the newly appointed leader, I knew what was coming. What I didn’t know was how little he seemed to want to own the message. “I’m not sure how we got here”, he said. But I did. An erosion of culture, a series of broken promises, a lack of trust, and ultimately my own disengagement.
In the days that followed, I cycled through a storm of emotions—shock, frustration, anger, sadness, and even embarrassment. The security I had known was gone, and the future felt like a murky, intimidating page. Yet, amidst that uncertainty, a tiny spark of possibility began to flicker. I started to realize I now had a rare opportunity: the chance to redesign my life and career on my own terms.
Reflection, Support, & Rising
I leaned heavily on my support system, reaching out to friends and colleagues who reminded me of my strengths and encouraged me to look beyond my fear. As I reflected on my career, one theme stood out: I had always found joy in helping others grow, whether it was mentoring colleagues or leading team workshops or simply listening and helping others feel seen and heard. That realization planted the seed—perhaps I could turn my passion for supporting others into something new.
That’s when the idea of becoming a professional coach began to take shape. I had already taken some coaching training, decided to take a certification course, and established McGinty Coaching LLC. Each small step brought a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. The first time a client told me, “You helped me see what’s possible,” I felt a jolt of optimism I hadn’t experienced in years. Every win, no matter how minor, fueled my determination to keep building.
Peaks & Valleys
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were weeks when progress felt agonizingly slow, when self-doubt crept in and whispered that I might never succeed. Comparing myself to more established coaches sometimes left me discouraged, and financial worries were a constant companion. On my toughest days, I questioned whether I’d made the right choice. But I learned to treat myself with compassion, to seek mentorship, and to remember that even setbacks were part of the journey.
What keeps me going through the hard times is a deep, unwavering belief in the power of coaching to change lives. Every time I see a client achieve a breakthrough or take a step closer to their dreams, my own motivation is renewed. The adversity I experienced makes me a more empathetic and effective coach—it gives me insight into the fears and hopes that drive us all.
Embrace the Blank Page
Three years later, I look back on that layoff as the beginning of my most meaningful chapter. If you’re facing your own moment of uncertainty, remember: sometimes the worst day is actually the first step toward your best future. Embrace the blank or murky page—you never know what incredible story you’ll write next. Want to talk more about how coaching can help you navigate your next chapter?
Reach out, I’d love to connect!
