In this Coaching Q&A episode, I’m answering a common question: “What if I don’t know what I want yet?”
Many people hesitate to seek coaching because they feel unclear about their goals or next steps. But that’s exactly where coaching can make a difference.

Drawing from my coaching experience, I share how we work together to create clarity, uncover your goals, and map out actionable steps—whether you’re a career pivoter, a leader, or building a business. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure, this episode is here to help you move forward with confidence and a plan.

Key Takeaways:

• The Role of Coaching: How coaching helps you gain clarity through self-discovery, not by dictating solutions.
• Self-Guided Discovery: The process of uncovering your values, strengths, and goals through patterns in your past experiences and feedback.
• Breaking Down Big Goals: Turning vague aspirations into a clear, actionable plan.
• Leadership Clarity: Understanding feedback like “build executive presence” and translating it into tangible actions.
• Real-Life Insights: How coaching has helped clients and me personally gain clarity, create plans, and take action.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Coaching Q&A Series
01:00 What If I Don’t Know What I Want Yet?
02:00 Coaching vs. Consulting: Finding Clarity Without Dictating Solutions
03:00 Self-Guided Discovery: Uncovering Values and Patterns
05:00 Leadership Feedback: Turning “Executive Presence” Into Actionable Goals
06:30 Creating a Clear Path Forward: How Coaching Works
08:00 Real-Life Examples: Career, Leadership, and Business Coaching Outcomes

For questions about coaching or to book me to speak, reach me at:

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In episode 74, I sit down with Paige, one of my inspiring clients, to dive into her transformative journey. From years in retail management to pursuing her creative passions, Paige shares how she moved past the fear of change, reclaimed her artistic confidence, and created a life aligned with her values.

Paige opens up about the challenges of being a first-generation college graduate, the importance of community support, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace her identity as a performer, artist, and leader. Her story is a testament to the power of trusting your intuition, leaning on your community, and creating a career on your own terms.

Key Takeaways:

• How Paige transitioned from a retail career to a life of creative freedom.
• The role of coaching in building confidence and rediscovering her passions.
• The value of networking with curiosity and the power of rejection as a sign of growth.
• Creating a support system and staying present in the face of challenges.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction to Paige and Her Journey
• 06:00 – Facing Fear and Breaking Free from Comfort Zones
• 12:00 – Rediscovering Confidence and Embracing Creativity
• 18:00 – Building a Community of Support and the Art of Networking
• 24:00 – Reflections on Growth and Coaching

Connect with Paige:

Paige is a colorful creative born and raised in Chicago, IL. She holds a BFA in Acting Performance from Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music and recently made her professional theatre debut in February of 2024. You can also catch her prancing around the city as a burlesque performer! Some of her favorite hobbies include studying astrology and tarot, learning about exoplanets, and yoga at the beach. Learn more about her work and performances here.

Learn more and stay connected:

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In episode 73, we’re tackling how to show up for your interviews prepared, confident, and ready to shine. If interviews have ever felt overwhelming or if you’ve struggled to communicate your value, this episode will change the game.

You’ll learn how to turn job descriptions into a roadmap for impactful storytelling, helping you anticipate questions and craft thoughtful answers. I’ll also share strategies for researching companies and interviewers, allowing you to align your goals and values with theirs seamlessly. And if you’ve ever hesitated to take credit for your accomplishments, we’ll cover the power of using “I” statements to own your impact and leadership with confidence.

Whether you’re making a career pivot, stepping into leadership, or aiming for a stretch role, this episode will empower you to approach interviews with clarity, authenticity, and the tools to make a lasting impression.

Key Takeaways:

• Use job descriptions to prepare tailored stories and examples.
• Research companies and interviewers to find alignment and connection.
• Structure your answers to highlight metrics and measurable results.
• Own your leadership by confidently using “I” statements.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction: Confidence and Clarity in Interviews
03:00 Turning Job Descriptions into Stories
08:00 Researching Companies and Interviewers
12:30 Structuring Your Answers with Metrics and Examples
19:00 Using “I” Statements to Highlight Leadership
23:30 Final Takeaways: Practice and Preparation

Learn more and stay connected:

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In episode 72, I’m sitting down with Rui, one of my amazing clients, to talk about her journey from feeling stuck in a tough job search to stepping confidently into leadership and starting her own purpose-driven business.

Rui shares how she aligned her career moves with her values, overcame challenges as a first-time leader, and started building a freelance business to support women of color founders. Together, we explore:

• How she navigated a challenging job search and said no to misaligned opportunities
• Building confidence, self-trust, and leadership skills as a first-time leader
• Balancing her new leadership role with the vision for her purpose-driven business

Chapters
00:00 Intro to Rui and Her Career Journey
06:00 Job Search Challenges and Choosing Alignment
12:00 Building Leadership Confidence and Stepping Into Leadership
18:00 Launching a Purpose-Driven Business to Support Women of Color Entrepreneurs
24:00 Reflections on Coaching and Key Takeaways

Connect with Rui

Rui is on a mission to help founders build sustainable, values-driven businesses. Learn more about her work and connect with her here.

Learn more and stay connected:

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In this bonus episode of the Coaching Q&A Series, I’m addressing a big question: “Is coaching too expensive?” This mini-series is designed to clear up common misconceptions about coaching and share practical insights around the coaching process.

Today, I explore finances, risk assessment, and decision-making when it comes to making an investment—whether it’s coaching or something else. I share my personal journey from growing up in a low-income household with limited financial literacy to becoming confident in managing and investing my money.

If you’ve ever wondered whether coaching is “worth it,” this episode will give you a framework to make confident financial decisions that align with your goals, values, and risk tolerance.

Key Takeaways:

• Assessing Risk: Learn how to evaluate if an investment will yield the results you want and how to step outside your comfort zone for growth.
• Understanding Your Numbers: Why knowing your finances—expenses, savings, and goals—gives you clarity and reduces decision anxiety.
• Creating a Financial Plan: The value of having Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C to support your choices and create financial security.
• Making Decisions: How to research, ask direct questions, and give yourself a timeline to confidently make investment decisions.
• Real Client Outcomes: Examples of clients who invested in coaching and transformed their careers, lives, and leadership, from landing remote roles to achieving double promotions.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Coaching Q&A Series
01:00 The Big Question: Is Coaching Too Expensive?
03:00 My Personal Journey: Financial Scarcity to Abundance
06:00 Assessing Risk and Knowing Your Financial Plan
07:30 How to Research Before Making an Investment
09:00 Making Confident Decisions and Overcoming Fear
12:00 Real Client Stories: Career Growth, Relocation, and Leadership Development
15:00 Why Investing in Coaching Can Transform Your Life

For questions about coaching or to book me to speak, reach me at:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.danitan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In episode 71, I’m breaking down negotiation—whether it’s for a salary, client contract, or career move. Negotiation is about advocating for yourself, knowing your value, and communicating with confidence.

You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare with research and set your range.
• Communicate your expertise using examples and data.
• Navigate counteroffers and hold space during the conversation.

Plus, hear real stories of clients who’ve doubled salaries, secured leadership roles, and mastered negotiation.

This episode is here to help you build the skills to advocate for yourself and achieve what you deserve.

Key Takeaways:

• Preparation is everything—know your numbers and research the market.
• Communicate your worth with data and examples, not just demands.
• Pause and hold your ground to avoid undercutting yourself.
• Practice negotiation as a lifelong skill to build confidence.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Why Negotiation Matters
05:00 Researching and Setting Your Range
09:00 Communicating Your Value
13:00 Handling Counteroffers
18:00 Client Success Stories
22:00 Final Tips

For questions about coaching or to book me to speak, reach me at:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.danitan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In this bonus episode of the Coaching Q&A Series, I’m answering a key question: “Is coaching just giving advice?” This mini-series is designed to clear up common misconceptions about coaching and offer clarity on how it differs from therapy or consulting.

Drawing from my experience as a coach, I explain why coaching is about self-reflection, advocacy, and taking actionable steps—rather than simply being told what to do. Whether you’re considering working with a coach or curious about the process, this episode will give you a better understanding of what coaching truly offers.

Key Takeaways:

• Coaching vs. Consulting: Why coaching is not about prescribing solutions but guiding you to find clarity and take ownership of your goals.
• Coaching vs. Therapy: How coaching focuses on actionable steps forward while acknowledging past experiences without diving deeply into them.
• Advocacy and Empowerment: Why coaching is about helping you advocate for your needs and build self-trust to make confident decisions.
• Avoiding External Noise: The importance of reflecting inward to align your actions with your values and goals.
• Long-Lasting Impact: Why coaching isn’t about short-term advice but fostering meaningful, self-driven growth.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Coaching Q&A Series
01:00 Is Coaching Just Giving Advice?
02:00 Coaching vs. Consulting: The Key Differences
03:00 Coaching vs. Therapy: How Coaching Looks Ahead
04:30 Self-Reflection and Advocacy: The Foundation of Coaching
05:30 Avoiding External Noise: Building Self-Trust
07:00 Long-Lasting Impact: Why Coaching Helps You Take Action

For questions about coaching or to book me to speak, reach me at:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.danitan.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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In episode 70, I’m sitting down with Xiaosu, one of my inspiring former clients, to talk about her leadership journey and what it really takes to transition from individual contributor to people manager—and eventually director.

Xiaosu shares her story of pivoting from a biochemistry major to a nonprofit leader, her love for managing people, and her commitment to bringing joy to her work and team. Together, we dive into the strategies she used to:

• Build confidence as a first-time manager
• Set boundaries for herself and model them for her team
• Navigate direct conversations and manage up effectively
• Lead with purpose and create a joyful workplace

Chapters
00:00 Intro to Xiaosu and Her Career Journey
06:00 Transitioning from Individual Contributor to People Manager
12:00 The Power of Setting Boundaries and Leading by Example
18:00 Why Joy Is at the Center of Leadership
24:00 Trusting Your Team and Asking the Right Questions
28:00 The Role of Coaching in Building Confidence

Learn more and stay connected

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