| |
"I love your PGG newsletters - one of the only ones I actually read in its entirety.
They are excellently written, and spot on. Thanks for being so inspirational and reflective!" ~ Tom D.
|
Looking for clarity, balance and/or direction in your work and life? Are you or someone you know looking for a career or life coach? Scroll down for more info, check out my website, or contact me today to learn more and schedule a session.
Want some PGG's in a handy, beautiful book form to keep on your bed stand? Buy it here on Amazon or through me directly.
First time here and wondering what the heck's a PGG?
They're essays about self-care, career direction, transition, stress, feeling lost, going with the flow, current events and more. They're ideas, observations, and unique perspectives to make you think about yourself and your life in a new way, motivate you to make positive change, help ease those challenging times and perhaps have a chuckle or two. It's also the weekly e-newsletter about the happenings of the
author, speaker and coach
Kristina Leonardi.
First time or fifth year plus reader -
WELCOME! I'm so grateful you're here and I hope what I offer can help make your life a little (or a lot!) better and brighter!
And as always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, and scroll down for info about my coaching services and featured appearances and articles.
|
NEXT WEEK! GROUP COACHING
:
Tuesday, May 2nd 6:00-8:00pm
***Click here for the most recent weekly group session reminder emails with full details and other important updates and announcements***
For more about this meeting and other offers, scroll to the bottom of this email, click on the
Update Profile/Email Address link and be sure the "Thursdays at Three/Tuesday Talk
" list is checked off.
Group coaching is a very affordable way to work with me and connect with other like-minded folks. Here's what some have to say:
"K
ristina has a special gift for helping people find their way in their careers and life. She has a sick sense about people and always made me feel better when I was stuck. She combines the perfect combination of intuition and career smarts in her sessions. Her support group has been life changing and instrumental in propelling me forward." ~ Ilana A.
"I was amazed by your ability to synthesize so much information from so many completely different personalities and tailor unique homework assignments to us. I also have great admiration for the compassion and empathy you showed to everyone, your holistic approach, and your patience, among many other traits ." ~ Shelly C
|
|
by Kristina Leonardi
My first job out of college was teaching Spanish for grades 7-11 at a private school in New Jersey. I started right before I turned 22. I left way before I turned 23.
Fast-forward many, many moons when I found myself in a high school classroom again, this time in one NYC public school's ninth grade to talk about social media.
Don't ask. Those of you who know me will find this laughable since I am a recovering technophobe who probably wouldn't even be online if I didn't kinda have to be for my type of work.
It all happened very quickly - I was asked on a Wednesday if I would start the first of six classes the following Monday, and without much thinking said yes, I guess because I trusted the person and wanted to see if I could now handle the critters that gave me so much grief way back when. Besides, I've been speaking/teaching for years, and I remember ninth grade being my favorite at the time, so why not? Social media? Apparently the entire curriculum would be provided, I just had to deliver it.
HAH! After the first day, with little to no preparation or training, it was like being thrown into a tank with 40 cranky sharks - what did I get myself into?!?! I held my own, but nearly quit. Other days it was like wrangling cats. But there were a few days of pure magic.
After surveying the students and finding out they spend nearly 100% of their free time on social media, I realized that a.) that's the first problem, and b.) beyond the general predator and online reputation issues (along with their celebrity obsession), when looked at through the lens of cyberbullying and the associated psychological and physical tolls - as in murders and suicides - it quickly occurred to me that having them understand the proper and positive use of social media, texting and the internet could not be a more important and serious assignment...and that it was quite literally a matter of life and death. In other words, I realized that since they live most of their lives on social media, I was really there to teach them about life.
Aha! Now that made sense, because that is what I do for my day job. Let's just say I tweaked the lesson plans I was provided.
It was an eye-opening experience to say the least. I could go on telling you how much I learned about kids, education, their future, our future, and the culpability of adults; the upsetting things I discovered about how our youth behave, what they think, what they do to each other; how they only care about being famous; how I tried in our short time together to turn some of those things upside down and instill them with completely new empowering ideas and perspectives (yes, the Golden Rule was one of the "new" concepts introduced after you could hear crickets when asked if anyone could tell me what it was); and how I held their attention with my knowledge of Justin Bieber (yes, I saw Never Say Never and was impressed - don't laugh - it was relevant because of how he used YouTube to become famous, but he is/was extremely talented and worked hard even though he's had some trouble lately...not to mention second highest amount of followers on Twitter etc.)
I know this is probably the first and only time some of these kids will hear about such things, and I'm pretty sure I reached at least a few who will now think a little differently about their lives and the consequences of their actions, both online and off. But I know for sure there was at least one who truly got it.
After the third lesson, which was the first on cyberbullying and the aforementioned wrangling cats day, I was caught off-guard when after class, a soft spoken but confident kid from the back of the room came up to me, shook my hand and said "Miss, I just wanna let you know I really appreciate you." He had me at appreciate! But he went on to say how disgusted he was with his classmates, that they weren't taking this seriously and that he had been listening to a lot of Bob Marley lately and was looking for his purpose, how he wanted to be a leader and that today he found his calling. STOP THE PRESSES. "Purpose" and "calling" were the exact words he used. I cannot make this up. And you can imagine to someone who does a talk called "Who Are You and What Are You Supposed to Be Doing with Your Life?" it was like winning the lottery.
My work was done, (or as my new colleague Karim goes: "Boom!" while gesturing the dropping of a mic and exiting stage left.) even if no one else got it and they did not listen to the next three lessons!
Junior (his actual nickname) and I talked about how he might accomplish such a mission, and I asked if he would like to start by talking to the class. Our final day together he did just that - the first time he ever spoke in front of a room! And he was an unlikely candidate to do so according to him and his teachers who say he's not a great student, and he admittedly wasn't even the best kid but recently had a change of heart - and my class helped to solidify and confirm his new direction. With no coaching from anyone, he spoke for almost 15 minutes about how his peers need to wake up and take life and education "fa real" and do something that helps others. I couldn't have been more inspired and proud, as I know for anyone, especially at that age, to get up in such an environment and speak his truth was quite remarkable. It was one of the best days of my life.
I tell you all this because I did not do anything special
- all I did was listen to my gut, show up, be myself and do my thing, which is all you can ever do, regardless of the context. You never know what the bigger plan is and how affecting just one person can make a huge difference. The Universe knows what it's doing - and what it had to do to get me in the same room with that 14-year-old boy was nothing short of a miracle.
Still not a Belieber? Whether you're 15 or 51 you're never too young or too old to take responsibility for your life, discover who you are and be confident enough to share it with the world. Give me a buzz and I'll help you offer more than just a #Selfie to have a positive impact in the Twitterverse and beyond....
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
If you like what I write, you'll love what I have to say in person! Scroll down for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.
Looking for a PGG? Remember this and all past posts can be found on my website
|
An offering of video clips with thoughts to help you in your career and life.
This one is from 2010 - it was my very first speaking gig for the
NYPL's Science, Industry and Business Library. At the time they were filming all their seminars; I was lucky to be one of the last ones they produced, which means you get to watch the entire 90 minute talk if you are up for it!
Pink Slips: How Losing Your Job Is a Good Thing
June 16, 2010
And you can always rely on PGG:The Book for a daily dose of inspiration, motivation and entertainment at your finger
tips!
Check out the little commercial here:
|
|
HOT OFF THE PRESSES!
Articles I've been featured in:
(I'm #3 just before Marissa Mayer #4 and Jane Fonda #7, Mark Cuban #42, Steve Jobs #44)
Scroll down for more articles written by or about me and feel free to share them all! :)
|
|  PGG is on Facebook!
Easily access, like, comment on and share your weekly dose of motivational and thought-provoking posts along with additional inspirational and fun tidbits. Please take a moment today to: 
|
|
Thinking about working with me one-on-one?
Here are a few ways my services can help you with your career and life, as most of you fall into one or a combination of the following categories:
Executive Coaching:
Who: Managers, Business Owners, Directors, C-Suite Executives
What: Authentic leadership, motivate staff, cultivate teamwork, facilitate communication, inspire vision and culture, increase employee engagement, manage stress, improve work/life wellness
ROI/Why: Productivity, People and Profit!
Career Coaching:
Who: Career Changers, Career Climbers, Job Searchers, Moms, Dads, Grads
What: Exploration, discovery and attainment of meaningful work and lifepath, improve job performance, professional development and advancement, enter or re-enter job force, time/stress management and work/life wellness
ROI/Why: Purpose, Peace and Promotion!
Life Coaching:
Who: Anyone feeling lost/at a crossroads, unsatisfied, stressed, blocked, confused, passionless
What: Life transitions, identity issues/crisis, body/mind/spirit wellness, authentic expression, improve relationships
ROI/Why: Balance, Bounty and Bliss!
Contact me by email or give me a buzz at 917-816-0834 for more information and to schedule your session today!
Click here to get an idea of what it's like working with me from past clients
...And watch this video to give you an idea of my approach especially if you have never worked with a coach before
Kristina gave me permission to be myself! I can say no other person has empowered me in that way as much as she has - and I am TRULY forever grateful for that.." - Cherise R.
"I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect." Bozhanka V.
"After the session I felt so empowered and revved up, I felt like I was ready to take on the world! and I still do. Thank you Kristina!" ~ Paula J.
I look forward to working with YOU whenever you're ready!
|
|
How can Kristina help you in your work and life?
"...the guidance Kristina provided has been worth over a 1000 books! I am extremely grateful for her help." ~ Andrew L.
"I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect." ~ Bozhanka V.
"I am so grateful to have had the pleasure to work with you. You really helped me to see that I need to value who I am and what I bring to the table. My gift to myself is to value who I am and remember it throughout my journey." ~ Maria S.
"From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better. " ~ Amy P.
|
|
FEELING STUCK IN YOUR CAREER? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!
In November 2015 was one of the career experts featured in a panel discussion hosted by
The Muse. Here is the full length video where you can hear my thoughts on career transition, working with a coach, building confidence and handling emotions in the workplace.
|
About Kristina's Coaching
Work with her one-on-one or as part of a group
Kristina Leonardi is a career/life coach who has a proven record of getting "stuck" clients empowered to make changes aligned with their true passions and talents in a short time. She provides a practical framework for each individual to make the most of their personal and professional lives, allowing them to recognize, connect to, and fulfill their role in the world at large and live a life with clarity, balance and direction.
Kristina's holistic, gimmick-free, and minimalist approach has earned her widely diverse and fiercely loyal following from all walks and stations of life, including savvy New Yorkers who have tried other coaches, approaches, and therapy with little or limited results. Click here to learn more
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"She has a laid-back approach, but don't let that fool anyone. Her ability to read people is amazing and her assessments of how a person can enrich their lives/careers are spot-on. After she asked me lots of questions, she was somehow able to give me an assessment that was frighteningly accurate and illuminating."
I was fortunate enough to have worked with you as a career coaching client earlier this year. Since our time together, and our talks, I have landed a job as general counsel for a not for profit organization here in New York City. When we worked together you mentioned that you had a feeling I was meant for a larger destiny - that I was meant to be doing work for the betterment of others, and that I was meant to lead large groups of people. My work in the not for profit realm will combine those two things, and I feel in my gut that amazing experiences lie ahead. Now, the world is my oyster. Your coaching and influence had a profound impact on me, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to you for being a guiding light. ~ Vanessa M.
What's it like working with Kristina? Click here for more info
|
|
About Kristina's Speaking
Attend an event or hire her to speak at y0ur company or organization!
K
nown as a dynamic, 'inspiring' and 'down-to-earth' speaker with unique yet practical perspectives on career development, work/life wellness, and employee engagement, Kristina has been a featured speaker for many corporate seminars, non-profit organizations and conferences, including: UBS, Saatchi & Saatchi, HR Association of NY, Ogilvy & Mather, American Business Women's Association, the Junior League, NYU and the New York's Science, Business & Industry Library.
Click here for more info
Contact Kristina for full bio and find a sample list of topics
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, May 11th 6-7:30pm at SIBL
Spring Cleaning for the Soul
It's a perfect time to review where you are at in your career and life, make adjustments and do what's necessary in order to get you where you want to be. Examine what no longer serves a purpose, and what ideas, work, or relationships need to be let go of or revised. Take this opportunity to stop and reflect on who and where you are at this moment in time to make this your best, most fulfilled year yet!
Check back for more info
Saturday, May 13th 11am - 1pm Yorkville Library
Spring Cleaning for the Soul
Examine what no longer serves a purpose, and what ideas, work, or relationships need to be let go of or revised. Take this opportunity to stop and reflect on who and where you are at this moment in time to make this your best, most fulfilled year yet!
|
About Personal Growth Gab
Kristina Leonardi's Weekly eNewsletter
Since launching Personal Growth Gab (PGG) in January 2010, Kristina has formed an avid and faithful following ("they're the only emails I read" "they really help me" "they help me start my week" "I save them until I get home and can read them with a cup of tea" "you're
such a good writer!" ) of over 1500 who look forward to a
'weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life.
You can now have PGG in beautiful book form!
"From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better."
PGG's are essays about self-care, career direction, transition, stress, feeling lost, going with the flow, current events and more. They're ideas, observations, and unique perspectives to make you think about yourself and your life in a new way, motivate you to make positive change, help ease those challenging times and perhaps have a chuckle or two.
Easily access, like, comment on and share your weekly motivational and thought-provoking posts along with other inspirational and fun tidbits.
|
|
NOW YOU CAN HAVE THE FIRST 5 YEARS (131 ESSAYS!) OF PGG COMPILED IN A PRACTICALLY ORGANIZED, BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED BOOK!
"
A great way to go to bed on a positive note and wake up with a refreshing message. Definitely one I'm keeping on my night stand!"
"I enjoy reading it as a morning meditation before the chaos begins." "It feels like you are speaking to your wise best friend, who knows just what to say to pick you up or offer that much needed nudge in the right direction." "Each essay is punchy and profound."
|
|
|
I pick up the book when I get stuck and wonder "What would Kristina Leonardi say? " She has become my muse.- Jonathan I.
|
|
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED PGG's BOOK LAUNCH!
|
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"
From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better"
~ Amy P.
If you are inspired to leave a tip, a thank you donation of $1/month for enjoying a year of PGG's of course that would be much appreciated!
THANK YOU for your support and feedback, however you choose to express it!
PGG Links:
|
Kristina's Media Mix
Articles and videos by, about or featuring Kristina Leonardi
 |
| What I Learned Working with a Career Coach |
 |
|
From Passion to Profit Career Transition Support Group
|
 |
|
|
6 Things You Can Get from a Not-Quite Dream Job (Besides the Paycheck)
|
|
|
| Pink Slips: How Losing Your Job is a Good Thing at NYPL |
|
|
| 5 Simple Steps for Finding Your Life's Purpose. |
MORE ARTICLES BELOW:
|
You can also check out these interviews with me:
|
|
|
|
| |
|
