IMG_2651.JPG

Dr. Mel Fortuna

Founder & Principal Coach

 

I believe all that we have yet to experience is on the other end of the decisions we have yet to make.

It didn't take me long during my graduate study to realize I placed myself on an education and career path that wasn't consistent with who I am, nor did it reflect what I wanted to do. What were my aspirations? I didn't quite know what that was, but I did know that a Ph.D. in Materials Science wasn't it. That feeling persisted throughout my career.

I wanted to do something that could generate income that would afford me a different lifestyle than I grew up knowing. If I'm honest, that was my primary focus. I come from humble beginnings. I witnessed the impact of my parents' struggle to pay their bills and feed our family of 6 - I didn't want the same for myself or my family. My mother always encouraged and supported me to do more than she was able to do in her lifetime. My narrow view of the world only allowed me to see her struggles and her message in terms of financial means and nothing more.

I was two years removed from graduate school and beginning to settle into my role as a Process Engineer when I truly began to consider my bigger picture and how the work I was doing fit into that. I had what I perceived to be a lousy manager. On my worst days, I would get a headache on the drive into work that worsened as I got closer. I wasn't clear on where I should be long term, but what I did know in those moments of head throb was that I should not continue where I was. Have you ever had that experience? I've heard of similar experiences from multiple clients already - it didn't happen to only me.

I decided to change roles and give the company another shot. I moved into a management role as an opportunity for progression, development, and well-being. I wanted to be in a position that handled those critical areas with care.

I was a new manager to a team of 22 Process and Equipment Technicians in high volume manufacturing on a 6P to 6A, Wednesday through Friday, and every other Saturday shift. Of that group, I was both the youngest and newest to the company. Combined, their years of experience was nearly five times my age. What could I possibly offer to this team? I struggled with realizing how and where I could best contribute. Two months into my new role, I stumbled upon StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. I took the accompanying assessment and learned my top 5 talents are as follows:

Futuristic, Strategic, Ideation, Connectedness, Individualization

This discovery changed my perspective more than anything else in my recent history. Not only was I motivated to lean into these talents on my journey to become an excellent manager, but I also wanted to share this with my team. I bought books for my team and discussed each person's results during our next one on one meeting. Little did I know, this was the beginning of my journey as a coach.

A few short months after, I was paired with a coach internal to my company as part of a program geared towards new managers. Lori was phenomenal! After each of our sessions, I realized I was growing to be more self-aware and more present. I was learning to shift perspectives and understand alternate views. Also, I consistently had insights that brought my clarity to my talents, motivation, and values that helped me to chart a new path forward. It became increasingly clear to me that I wanted to share with others what I was experiencing with Lori - real transformation. I noticed a favorable shift within myself from my coaching experience and I wanted to promote the same in others.

A coach is born!

I spent the next few years in training: (1) earned Gallup certification in strengths-based coaching using the CliftonStrengths assessment, (2) trained with Coach Training World, an ICF-certified training program, learning methodology in Whole Person Coaching, and more recently (3) earned certification on the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) as an LPI Coach. I will continue to expand my knowledge as a coach to learn new techniques and approaches so that I'm able to serve my clients best.

The beauty is in the discovery.

My technical education opened the door to a job in the high tech industry, where I became a manager and leader. That opportunity led to a transformative experience through coaching. Had I not gone this path, I may not have had the chance to discover all that I have as a leader and experience the power of coaching. I needed all of what happened to lead me to where I am today. And I've taken those lessons about life, myself, and others during that discovery to propel me forward into a more purpose-filled life. Now, I choose to chase clarity as I grow more intentional with my time, thoughts, and actions to design a life best aligned with my visions and goals.

And now we're here!

You have the answers to all of your questions about moving forward from where you are - in your being, and your journey. Coaching will help you to discover those answers. You have to be ready to invest in yourself, trust the process, and commit to the work to be successful. I'm here to help.

Let’s do this!

I am an insightful, creative, perceptive, strengths-oriented visionary. And I put my gifts to work in service of you and yours. 

My journey to coaching began with my desire to help others navigate the challenges I experienced on my path to leading a more fulfilling life. I was going through the motions of everyday living but, deep down, yearning for something more. I wanted to feel alive, have a better sense of self and direction. I wanted to have more of an impact. To do that, I knew I needed to become an improved version of me that lived with purpose and acted with intention. I knew I needed to unearth my potential, become who I am meant to be, and design a life in better alignment with that person. Sound familiar?

Here’s what I offer:

  1. I will guide you through the discovery of your unique, innate talents and help you to grow them to excellence. 

  2. I will help you to create a clear vision for your desired outcome and design a strategy that propels you forward.

  3. I will support you in the necessary transformation to achieve, sustain, then exceed your desired outcome.

Are you someone who hasn’t yet scratched the surface of your unique abilities? Do you know you have more to offer but not sure what or how? Do you want more for your personal and professional endeavors? Are you ready to level up, prosper, and lead a more fulfilling life? I can help. Click the button below and let’s get started.