From Corporate Powerhouse to Mindfulness Maven: Chere’s Journey of Transformation

My corporate career spanned over 30 years, with various roles that taught me a lot about leadership and human dynamics. But the real turning point in my life came about 17 years ago when I was pregnant with my son.

It was a challenging time – my husband and I separated, and I filed for divorce just 11 days after my son was born. Someone recommended meditation to help manage the stress and heartache. Little did I know that this practice would not only save my life but transform it entirely.

I dove deep into meditation, attending retreats and collecting teacher certifications in different disciplines. It became my anchor, helping me navigate both my personal life and my corporate career.

Meditation gave me a new perspective on leadership. I started incorporating mindfulness practices into my work, creating environments where people could thrive, not just function. It was about bringing humanity back into the workplace.

As I progressed in my career, eventually becoming the president of a mental health organization, I realized that my true passion lay in helping others find the same peace and clarity that I had discovered through mindfulness.

It was a gradual process. As I continued to deepen my practice and share these tools with others, I saw the profound impact it had. People were transforming before my eyes, finding balance, reducing stress, and uncovering their true potential.

I reached a point where I felt called to dedicate myself fully to this work. It wasn’t an easy decision – leaving a successful corporate career is daunting. But I knew in my heart that this was my path, my way of contributing to the world in a meaningful way.

Trust me, I understand that fear. It’s natural to feel apprehensive about leaving the known for the unknown. But here’s what I’ve learned: our deepest fulfillment often lies just outside our comfort zone.

Start small. You don’t have to quit your job tomorrow. Begin by exploring your passions on the side. Take classes, volunteer, or start a small side project. Pay attention to how these activities make you feel. Do you feel energized? Excited? That’s your inner compass guiding you.

Remember, it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Every experience you’ve had, even in a career you’re looking to leave, has taught you valuable skills that you can apply in new ways.

Absolutely. In my corporate roles, I always strived to create an environment of psychological safety. This means fostering a culture where people feel safe to be themselves, to speak up, to make mistakes, and to grow.

I introduced mindfulness practices, encouraged open communication, and focused on developing emotional intelligence in my teams. The results were remarkable – increased productivity, better collaboration, and happier employees.

Now, as a coach, I help other leaders implement these practices in their own organizations. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positivity and growth.

The most prevalent issue I encounter is a disconnect from one’s authentic self. Many people come to me feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or simply lost. They’ve been so busy meeting external expectations – from society, family, or their own perfectionism – that they’ve lost touch with their true desires and values.

My role is to guide them back to themselves. Through mindfulness practices, breathwork, and coaching conversations, we peel back the layers of conditioning to reveal their authentic core. It’s beautiful to witness someone reconnect with their inner wisdom and start living from that place of truth.

Remember this: you are not just the roles you play or the job titles you hold. You are a beautiful, complex, ever-evolving being with infinite potential. Don’t be afraid to question the path you’re on, to listen to that quiet voice inside that’s yearning for something more.

Meditation and mindfulness are powerful tools for this journey of self-discovery. They help you cut through the noise of daily life and connect with your inner truth. Start small – even five minutes of quiet reflection a day can be transformative.

And above all, be kind to yourself. Growth is not always linear. Embrace the journey, with all its twists and turns. That’s where the real magic happens.