A FEW COMPLIMENTS I first met Ilene through the "What's Next" program offered by Stanford's Business School. After staying home for over 10 years to raise my children, I decided I wanted to return to work. Although I'd already had a successful career in banking, I was concerned no one would hire me at this point, and even questioned whether my skills still had value. Ilene helped me articulate my strengths and accomplishments, restoring the confidence I needed to get back in the game. She was a joy to work with - she is a total professional who knows when to listen and when to gently push. - Lou Ann, Palo Alto As a consultant, I recognized the value of having someone like Ilene to guide me through the process of a career shift, but Ilene provided so much more. Before meeting Ilene, I had decided to change jobs but was considering only incremental changes. I had met with a few other career coaches over the years, who had offered feedback on how to get to Plan B. However, Ilene was the only one to urged me to look for the bigger picture and consider whether or not Plan B was worth working towards. Through Ilene’s process of asking the right questions, listening closely to the answers, and providing access to her wide network, she has helped me make a dramatic change in my career direction. She is astute at uncovering roadblocks, both real and perceived, and at helping to develop an action plan for real progress. She offers endless support, enthusiasm, resources, and constant encouragement. I am now doing what I love every day, not just "some day", and that is in no small part due to working with Ilene. - Natalie, Berkeley Working with Ilene has been so inspiring for me. As a stay at home mom for the past 10 years, I was ready to begin a new chapter in my life, but did not know how to get started. I did not want to return to my former career; rather I was interested in exploring new options, expanding my hobbies and interests into a possible independent business. After just a few short meetings, Ilene was able to help me focus in on some simple, yet life changing goals that have allowed me see my true potential. Ilene is a true "glass is half full" optimist. She has a way of making me believe I can do anything, and is always full of creative and original ideas. After every meeting with Ilene I feel invigorated and excited to work on my new goals! My work with Ilene has helped me feel more confident, organized and focused, her optimism is infectious-- she has really made a difference in my life. - Kristen, San Mateo County I always feel better after meeting with Ilene. Life transitions for mothers are challenging and complicated. Ilene does a wonderful job validating the challenge, understanding unique circumstances and developing a realistic action plan. I always walk away from our meetings more positive, inspired and focused. - Julie, San Francisco Ilene has made a huge impact on my life. When I started working with Ilene I was at a turning point in my life with my youngest daughter about to enter first grade. I wanted to develop a working situation that would enable me to be there for my kids, yet allow me to work while they were in school. I had a lot of great ideas about how I could create a business using my professional dance background, but felt overwhelmed by what it would take to pursue the various paths. Ilene helped me evaluate my goals and look at pursuing each career idea as a series of manageable steps that I could slowly tackle over time. After walking and talking with Ilene, I decided to pursue my Pilates certification. Now, two years later, I have my own successful business teaching Pilates and Ballet - I am so happy and fulfilled in my life! I love having a career I feel passionate about and that enables me to be the Mom I want to be for my kids. I am grateful to Ilene for helping me get to this place in my life. - Kim, Belmont Ilene helped me to step back from the day-to-day and recognize what my real priorities are. In some cases those lined up well with what I was doing with my life, in others, I was missing out on some real priority areas. Ilene helped me make a plan to implement changes, so I could get to a place where I felt more satisfied with those neglected areas. I also appreciated talking with Ilene about the idea of fulfillment - not trying to do everything, everyday, right now - but finding places in my life for the things that are most important to me - whether career, family, social life, home, or the spirit. I especially enjoyed talking with Ilene while we walked. Being outside, and moving, made our sessions feel more relaxing than a 'counseling' session. I always felt energized after talking with her. - Katie, San Mateo County