We had the good fortune of connecting with Yvette Sandoval-Schoenholt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvette, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Creating and maintaining a work/life balance is crucial to overall well-being. It’s ridiculously easy to technologically stay tapped into work, but we need to know when it’s time to unplug. There was a point in my career before I started my coaching practice when I reached a state of burnout. At the time, my work-life had highly stressful elements that I managed for so long until it caught up with me. I was fortunate that I was able to take some time off for myself to decompress, reestablish a wellness routine and find some new paths to explore… literally and figuratively!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always enjoyed long walks and hikes with friends and family as I’ve found it more than beneficial mentally, psychologically and of course, physically. It’s a great way to communicate, exercise and connect with nature. Multi-tasking at it’s best! During these walks, so many life goals are discussed, plans laid and ideas hatched!

Throughout my career, I have been chosen to work alongside world-renowned social entrepreneurs, NYT bestselling authors, professional sports team owners, presidents and CEOs of Hollywood film production companies, actors, directors, musicians, artists of all genres, international speakers, educators, students and seniors in an assistant/advisor/mentor role. With each client, there would always come a time when I felt the desire to go beyond the walls of an office and into a natural setting to take a break from whatever problem/issue/project they were working on in order to clear their mind, breathe and rejuvenate.

It was during one such office visit that I suggested a walk. And lo and behold, during that outing we had a magnificent breakthrough! As time went on, I began to incorporate these outings more and more. I found that during these excursions, my clients most often would experience some sort of epiphany or “light bulb” moment where they figured out a way to overcome an obstacle relating to either a professional or personal matter. I, along with my clients, started to realize that simply walking or hiking for a short time not only has tremendous benefits for physical, mental and emotional health, but can also lead to surprising self-discoveries.

Spending this quality time outdoors with clients is enormously fulfilling for both myself and them. It’s a wonderful instrument in helping others solve problems or achieve goals by walking together, listening, asking questions and sharing insights and sometimes different perspectives. I then decided that out of the office and into nature as a life coach was the best approach not only for me but more importantly, for my clients!

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?
Some of my favorite places to hang out are Point Dume, El Matador Beach, The Self Realization Center – Lake Shrine, Temescal Canyon Trail and Lake Hollywood. I’ve recently discovered Sugar Taco and it’s become one of my new favorite restaurants in addition to Crossroads Kitchen and H.O.P.E. And I’m always up for a night at the Troubadour or the Hollywood Bowl.

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?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Michael Sanville. He gave me so much encouragement and emotional support throughout my time of decompression and discovery. It was a huge comfort to know he had my back completely throughout this time. I’m forever grateful for his love and support!

Website: https://walkandtalklifecoaching.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkandtalk.lifecoaching/

Image Credits
Michael Sanville

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