We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Snyder recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

I was an at home Mom and part time teacher for many years living a very comfortable and predictable life. I was shuttling my kids to sports, school activities, doctor’s appointments and regular Mom duties that I truly enjoyed. Then, one day, a day like any other with the morning dash out the door for school drop offs, my life changed drastically. On my way to work, I got a call that changed my life forever. A paramedic told me there had been an accident with my husband and I should go to the hospital. My husband had been out for his daily jog in the mountains with our family dogs and died. By the time I reached the hospital, it was too late to say goodbye. No warning and suddenly and seemingly instanteously I became a widow and single mom. While suffering shock, trauma and relentless grief, I was haunted by the question, “what do I do now?” My late husband was the main provider for our family and left me in charge. I went back to work full time in the entertainment industry as I had previously done prior to kids. In addition to this I felt a calling and a conviction about what was I going to do with this tragedy. My husband’s abrupt departure woke me up. I felt I had a message to share with the world that the time is now! I realized how short and precious this life is. So I pursued my passion for people and I re-invented myself as a life coach. I am now helping my clients answer the same question I asked that day in the hospital, “what do I now?” Whether it is a loss of a loved one, a divorce or relationship struggles, life is a series of grievances and obstacles that can become opportunities. I help people when they feel they have come to the end of themselves to find a new beginning of freedom and joy.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have always had a heart for people and compassion for the struggles of others. Throughout my life I have volunteered at churches and various organizations, led small groups and mentored other women. When it was time for me to explore what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life, becoming a life coach was a natural transition. I took the certification classes and continue my education to equip myself to better serve my clients. My gift in life is that I have a unique ability to make people feel comfortable. My whole life I have been that person that meets someone in a grocery store or gas station and they tell me their life story. I approach each client relationally and draw upon my own life experiences to be authentic and gain their trust. I aim to be a safe place to help people set goals, provide accountability and encouragement for the changes the individual desires. I am very proud of my clients! It is an honor to come alongside them to map out their goals and fill up their toolbox with life skills. I celebrate their courage, peserverance and victories!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is “word of mouth.” While I do use social media for reach, my clients are mostly referred to me by other clients. I also write and share a blog with coaching tips and encouragement. I take more of an organic and “grassroots” approach to reaching my audience. There is a coach for everyone and coaches for every topic. There is a lot of competition in this field as it has become more popular recently with help of social media. My business growth might be a little more gradual, but it is giving me time to find my niche.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

While I was getting my coaching certification I had to learn and unlearn a few things. The first thing I learned was the difference between a coach and a therapist. Think of a therapist as dealing with the “why” and a coach as the “how.” Therapists deal with clients on the “why” meaning delving into deeper level of exploration for psychological issues and mental health. A coach helps a client decide how they will get from where they are at to where they want to go, but do not have a license like a psychologist. Coaches and therapists in fact, can be great team! A coach can help a client identify emotional blocks that are standing in the way of reaching their goals. At this point, it is up to the discernment of the coach to refer the client to a therapist. The most important lesson I had to “unlearn” was to not give advice. As a mentor and lay counselor I was familiar with giving direction. Coaches are to ask thought provoking questions that help clients reach their own conclusions. It has taken practice to re-phrase my thoughts into helpful brainstorming. I have had good success with this approach because clients feel more empowered and in control of their own growth plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennifersnyderclc.com
• Instagram: _thecoachestoolbox_