We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Marcy Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Marcy, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
This is a time of unprecedented stressors, including economic hardship.  Many individuals are losing their jobs or choosing to change course.  Consequently, much is being revealed regarding what is working well and what has never truly been in alignment in the first place. To thrive, during this turbulent time of uncertainly and the dismantling of what we thought we knew or wanted, will require some level of risk.  Risk to let go and move on from what is familiar, in order to find what companies, causes and possibilities resonate with you.

The idea of “risk” comes from the mindset that there could be a possibility of loss or injury.  When it comes to career pursuits, my perspective is that taking what you may assume to be a “risk” is really about listening to the whispers in your heart, that are calling you forth. The next step requires due diligence research, necessary to vet an inspired idea or opportunity.  What beckons us then is to trust taking that leap into the unknown, which requires courage and faith…courage to step into uncharted territory and faith that there will be unknown blessings on their way as a result.  From that perspective, in many instances …if risk is about the fear of losing something, then it was never really a risk after all.  Rather, what becomes clear is that what you truly feel called to let go of…whether it be a career, a relationship or a home, more often leads to greener pastures and alignment with who you are today and what your true heart desires.

Upon reflection, I have changed gears on the career front many times and chosen to leap into the unknown.  Here are a few examples to share, along with the subsequent rewards.

“Risk” 1:
The Leap:  Upon graduating from college, I was initially thrilled to be invited into a prestigious broadcasting masters program in Washington DC,  through Northwestern University.  Very close to the start date, I realized that it was not what I wanted to do at after all.  What had been leading me there was following an assumed destiny to continue on a path that supported my Radio/TV/Film major.  But it became apparent to me that this felt rote versus real, and out of the ego illusion of pursuing a career in the public eye that seemed glamorous.  I consequently spent the summer, out of college, having zero idea what the alternative path would be.

The Reward:  This space, inquiry, and exploration led me to discover a new career opportunity that I had never known existed. I ended up working as an Account Executive for a Television Rep firm, offering me an amazing work/life balance and financial dependable flow in my twenties.

“Risk” 2:
The Leap:  As serendipity would have it, a roommate informed me about a two-year clinical masters program in Social Work.  It was one of those moments, when “you just know”.  I left the corporate company, which was grooming me for management.  Many in my world were overtly or covertly wondering “What in the world is she thinking?”

The Reward:  A Lifelong career as a psychotherapist, stimulating my innate curiosity about why we are the way we are and my heart’s longing to be of service to other hearts in this lifetime.

“Risk” 3:
The Leap:  Leaving Chicago after a twenty year run and a wait-listed private practice…moving to Los Angeles, where the state did not recognize my accredited doctoral degree or license!  I had to begin anew, pass the state exam, and be supervised by another licensed professional.

The Reward:  I launched a successful private practice yet again.  And my transformational leadership career expanded, as my connectivity with notable thought leaders and influencers entered my profession orbit.  It has been a true joy and honor to have many of them speak on the stages of the Life Enrichment events I produced monthly, through a platform called “First Tuesday”.

“Risk” 4:
The Leap:  With zero experience in the Non-profit arena, In 2011, I launched a 501-C3 organization, advocating for the connection between individuals and couples without children with children in need.

The Reward:   As Maya Angela said “Giving Liberates the Soul of the Giver”. There were the blessings that followed for folks who are childless, by choice or circumstance, along with orphaned and abandoned children.

“Risk” 5:
The Leap:  After six years, it was time to let go of managing the non-profit.  It felt like “my baby” and it was not easy to do.

The Reward:   A larger organization, Kidsave.org, adopted our programing which we were able to support financially for the next 3 years!

“Risk” 6:
The Leap:  With space now open, I asked the universe to bring something in part-time (in addition to keeping my private practice).  I asked specifically for something I would not have to create from the ground up, that would stimulate me intellectually, that would use my transferable skills, and that would offer work/life balance and would be FUN!

The Reward:  A totally new career in education literally fell into my lap.  For the past three years, I’ve worked part-time with a K-6 Independent school teaching Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mindfulness…providing education support to Parents, Faculty and Students.  My current title there is Wellness Educator and Facilitator, which feels so right ON.  This IS what happens when we get clear on what we desire, let go of what no longer serves us and have the courage to ask for guidance.

What led me to taking all of these “risks” was visceral and intuitive.  While I may have dreamt of the generous expense account during my media days (which literally did come up in my dreams :)…I never looked back.  They ALL brought gifts beyond what my mind could have imaged.

Thus, I am clearly a staunch believer in Goethe’s sage wisdom:  “At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires to assist you.”

So it’s no surprise that…

“Risk” 7?
The Leap:  To Be Determined

The Reward:  Something FABULOUS I’m SURE!

We’d love to learn more about your career.  What are some of the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way, that you can share with us?
Regarding career information, challenges and success tools, I would refer them to my previous feature on Voyage! http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-dr-marcy-cole-holistic-psychotherapy/
As for Lessons Learned, here’s a few big ones:
– Listen and Trust your Instincts
– Take the Leap and Ye Shall Find!
– Just Reach Out. Connectivity is our Most Valuable Currency
– Don’t ever be afraid to Introduce, Invite, or Inquire.  More often, the right people will be interested in connecting with you and offering support. In the end, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain
– The Capacity for Having Courageous Conversations and Finding Win/Win Solutions is the Key To Your Success
– Collaboration is Essential for Growth
– You Are The Common Denominator in All of your Experiences. When patterns are revealed, reflect upon them, take responsibility, and learn from what they are teaching you
– Investment in Your Business Breeds Profitability
– Do What You Love and the Rest Will Follow
– Everything Changes
What more do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am very excited about what is new in my career landscape, since the last Voyage feature. First Tuesday is a women’s group that began in living rooms, years ago in Chicago, and has been growing and going strong in LA for the last fifteen years. We are all about creating community through fostering personal connectivity, supporting professional growth, and committing to social justice for all. The GREAT NEWS to share is that First Tuesday USA, soon to be First Tuesday GLOBAL is now virtual!  This means that women from across the globe can join us for our virtual events, usually the First Tuesday evening of the month 5:30-7 PST. For more information, visit: https://firsttuesdayla.com/join/

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a west-sider, so a bit short-sighted I admit:

–  Marina del Rey Beach, Eat at Venice Pier, Walk the Venice Board Walk. Bike toward Santa Monica and have lunch at “Back at the Beach Cafe”
– Bike from Marina del Rey to Manhattan Beach and stop for lunch there
– Take a scenic drive up the coast on a weekday when traffic is light (9:30-3:30) all the way to the end of Malibu
– Take a Hike … there are so many to choose from.  Split Rock Trailhead is Gorgeous
 – Shop and dine on Abbot Kinney in Venice, Have lunch or dinner at  Gjusta or Kreation Cafe
–  Visit Huntington Gardens
 – Visit Downtown one day and evening: Walk around, Disney Hall for a concert, The Broad Museum, Egg Sandwich at Grand Central Market, Visit the “Last Bookstore”, Dinner at Bestia, Perch
 – West Hollywood Nightlife and the Hollywood Bowl in the Summer
–  Hike Topanga Canyon and then eat at the Inn at the Seventh Ray
I love LA and all that is has to offer, which is limitless.  And this is a good metaphor for LIFE!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes Yes!  We cannot have our talents utilized or visions soar unless we have folks along the way who believe in our potential, hold space for our growing pains, and inspire us to strive for new heights of awareness and achievement.  There are so many along the way whose shoulders I rode to find my own wings.  I’d begin with my mother, who grew up with very little means as a child, but who later became a leader in her field, incorporating and sharing  the optimistic lens of “you can do anything” with a “go for it” stride.  Teachers in school reflected back my talents, as well as pointed out areas that deserved greater attention, focus, discipline and grit.

My manager, Bob Johnston at the Television Rep firm, hired me at the age of twenty-two… to work on the 32nd floor in a private office with an exquisite view, with an assistant that answered the phone “Marcy Cole’s office”.  For the first year I felt like an imposter, until I realized that he saw something in me that could contribute to the greater whole of the company.  And, in fact, he was right.  I humbly recognize, however, that it was his management style that deserved credit for my success.  He taught me productive work habits and a work ethic that would translate into everything I would go on to do. Rather then manage the team in a uniform and rigid manner, he mentored and treated everyone as an individual…celebrating their strength.  When I told him I wanted to get a masters in social work, he encouraged me to go to school on the side. When I gave notice to leave the company, in pursuit of this new career, he graciously assured me that I would be welcome back any time.
And then there were the professors, supervisors, peers, coaches and clients in my field that have deepened my understanding, experiential learning and professional growth.  Lastly, I will never forget the countless individuals in my world, all through the years, who have spoken on the stages for the Life Enrichment events I produce…so graciously accepting my invitations and championing me and the causes I have advocated for.
It truly takes a village to raise us all UP and FORWARD.   For this and for it all, I am grateful.

Website: www.Dr.MarcyCole.com
Instagram: marcy.cole
Facebook: @DrMarcyCole
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarcycole
Other: www.FirstTuesdayUSA.com www.ChildlessMothersConnect.com

Image Credits
Photography: www.emilywestberg.com Margie Woods Photography
Makeup: https://www.viviennesomers.com/

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