The Challenge of the "What Do You Do?" Question

Have you ever grappled with that pesky question of "what do you do"? Yeah, me neither. Ha!

Blending Business and Healing Practices

This question has been gnawing at me for months—OK, maybe over a year. Last year, I spent merging my (masculine) business consulting practice of 11 years (SparkPath Consulting) with my (feminine) private client practice of 5 years (SparkPath Healing). The goal was to bring earth-based wisdom into the business setting to help leaders—especially women—embrace and integrate their natural, innate qualities to lead in a balanced and empowering way. This merging is not just a job but a calling I've been dedicated to, often unknowingly when I didn't have the language to describe it, throughout my career. SparkPath Guidance was born as my integrative coaching/mentoring/guiding for people and businesses.

The Struggle with Traditional Labels

Every part of my being lights up in this merged role—until someone asks me, "What do you do?" I've been conditioned to respond with a label or title that people understand, especially in social or networking settings.

It's been a struggle. I've tried on different labels, searching for the one that truly reflects my work. Some of the ones I've tried and instantly felt a "nope" were:

• Executive Coach
• A-Typical Executive Coach
• Business Leadership Coach

It's like shopping for jeans everyone recognizes, but they never quite fit right—too restrictive, too baggy, or just not you. That's how these titles felt.

Exploring the True Essence of Coaching

I realized I was stuck on the word "coach," so I did some research. Coaches are incredible resources! They help you improve performance and have a forward-looking approach, bringing you from feeling like a -2 or -1 to +5 or even +10. Yet, they're not for severe anxiety or depression. That's where therapists come in.

Understanding the Role of Therapists

Therapists address mental health issues using a diagnostic-driven model to help you go from feeling like a -8 or -10 to 0 or +1. Therapy requires specific licenses and focuses on stabilizing severe issues. Therapists are essential for bringing stability into your life when things feel out of control.

My Unique, Integrative Approach

So, after diving into this, I created this visual to crystallize how I work when guiding business leaders to reconnect, re-remember, and re-source from their inner wisdom.

I rely on a blend of hypnotherapy, innate coaching, and intuitive guidance rooted in earth-based intelligence. At the intersection of these three approaches, magic happens. You connect to your purest form of wisdom! This unique approach sets me apart in the field of leadership mentoring and coaching.

There's a phenomenon that when business leaders like you rely on your inner wisdom, it neutralizes the conscious and subconscious imbalances that affect your personal, leadership, and organizational challenges. When this happens, leaders move through difficult situations in unexpected and powerful ways, driving long-lasting change and impact.

Trying on New Titles to See What Fits

Returning to the story about trying on labels that encapsulate my work, here are the new "jeans" I tried on—this time, influenced by my deeper exploration.

• Integrative Personal and Business Coach
• Integrative Leadership Mentor
• Corporate Shamanic Consultant

None of these titles feel quite right, either. So, I'm still searching for that description or label that people recognize and understand, like a brand of jeans. But the existing ones don't feel like me. So, when asked what I do - I end up explaining what I do. Sometimes, it works. Sometimes, it doesn't.

The A-Ha Moment

In talking with my clients and my community, they reflected that how I work is beyond traditional titles and new to most established businesses and large companies. While a growing number of people are doing similar work, it's still a relatively new concept.

Then it hit me!

I don't want "jeans". I want a unique and flowing garment that can be dressed up or down and worn during the day or night. Perhaps it's artisan-made and something people love when they see or hear it.

So, the descriptor, title, or label I'm seeking needs to be created!

The Search for a Perfect Descriptor Continues

But what is it? Here are a few creative ways to reflect my work and respond to the “What do you do?” question.

• Transformational Leadership Guide - Leading business leaders through profound, meaningful change
• Holistic Business Mentor - Move forward in your career through self-discovery
• Earth-Based Leadership Expert - Return to Earth's intelligence to navigate business challenges
• Integrated Wisdom Coach - Accessing your wisest wisdom is accessing your magic
• Authentic Leadership Mentor - Move from the patterned you to the powerful you

Your Perspective

I welcome your perspective. Does one of these creative descriptors resonate with you? Or is there another phrase or title you feel reflects what I do as I describe it here? I'm eager to hear your reactions and ideas.

Reflect on Your Journey with Labels

While we look at labels and titles, I invite you to reflect on how they've shaped your journey. What label do you use to describe your work? If that label feels odd or off, how have you navigated the quest for a name that truly represents your essence and work? You might even notice the wisdom that lies in the spaces between labels. Please share your reflections and thoughts with me—perhaps through a personal message. I'd love to learn from your experience and insights .