We were lucky to catch up with Jackie Hanselmann Sergi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie Hanselmann , appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Over eight years ago, I took one of the biggest professional and personal risks of my life. I left a senior executive role at a well-respected national search firm where I was managing a robust client portfolio, leading a remote team, and parenting a toddler — all while pregnant with my second child (though I didn’t know it quite yet!). I was navigating a season that demanded everything of me, and still, I heard the quiet call to something more aligned with my purpose.

An executive coach I was working with at the time asked a question that changed everything: “Why aren’t you coaching full time?” I told her it wasn’t a “real job,” and she laughed gently and said, “I do just that — and quite successfully.” That moment was the catalyst for Radical Spark Coaching.

Since then, I’ve built a coaching practice rooted in igniting the possibilities in others — especially women, leaders of color, and working parents — to thrive authentically and sustainably. Most recently, I’m thrilled about the upcoming launch of our “Reigniting Your Career Spark” self-guided course and the Radical Sparkle Deck — tools designed to meet clients where they are with flexible, purposeful, values-aligned reflection and growth.

Jackie Hanselmann , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the Founder of Radical Spark Coaching, where we center whole-person coaching for women, leaders of color, and working parents — supporting them in strengthening their leadership, reconnecting with purpose, and growing their careers without compromising their well-being.

My professional background spans nonprofit leadership, education, philanthropy, talent strategy, and executive recruiting. I hold a PCC credential from the International Coaching Federation, along with certifications in Conflict Mediation, Core Strengths Relationship Intelligence, and 3 Brains Coaching. I’m proud to coach across a wide range of sectors — from education to tech, philanthropy to policy — and have served as a coach for the Yale School of Management, PEAK Grantmaking, and as a coach of choice for a variety of corporate and nonprofit organizations.

Before launching Radical Spark, I held leadership roles with Koya Leadership Partners, Stand for Children, and The Broad Foundation — and earlier in my career, I worked as a producer for a travel show and as a consultant for a women’s fraternity. Every role along the way has shaped the coach, leader, and human I am today.

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

I’m incredibly grateful that the majority of our growth has come through referrals and word of mouth. My approach has always been about connection over conversion — even discovery calls are designed to be a meaningful experience, whether someone chooses to work with me or not. I’ve had people refer multiple clients after just one conversation.

I also believe in celebrating life with my clients — I send cards and gifts when they land new roles, get promoted, or move through a big transition. It’s about being in genuine relationship with the people I serve.

My advice? Stay curious and pay attention to when things start to feel too comfortable. It’s okay to stretch and explore new ways to serve. That’s how we’ve expanded into team coaching, facilitation, and national speaking — and now, the upcoming self-guided course and Radical Sparkle Deck. Growth doesn’t always come from hustle — sometimes it comes from alignment and curiosity of what’s the best that could happen.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Radical Spark Coaching was born from resilience. I launched it while pregnant, moving across state lines, buying a home, navigating the death of multiple family members, and transitioning out of a beloved leadership role — all in the same season. It was a leap into the unknown, and it required every ounce of trust I had in myself, my family, and the work I was being called to do.

Another defining moment came in March 2020. As the world shifted in response to COVID-19, I found myself holding space for clients navigating grief, uncertainty, and transformation — while simultaneously parenting two young children at home. Coaching became a lifeline for many, and I realized how much this work matters, especially in times of upheaval. That season stretched me — and reminded me of the quiet, steady strength that lives in all of us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.radicalsparkcoaching.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiehanselmannsergi/