We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessie Marcus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I once wrote a blog entitled “Life is change and I object!” and I still feel close to that sentiment. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one to want a repetitious boring life but change has frequently felt overwhelming and sparked that holy @#$% out of control sensation. So how do I respond to opportunity or change when I clearly prefer a permanent address in the illusion of the safety zone?

Only through experience have I come to know that taking a risk offers me benefits that far outweigh staying in my realm of comfort and supports my personal growth. I believe the risks I have taken have shaped and saved my life quite literally. The results from taking a risk are not just about my personal development but extend to my achievements in the world as well. I’ve discovered strength, resilience and creativity in myself that I didn’t know were there.

And if I am to really think about it, the greatest risk I’ve taken and continue to take it listening to my intuition, my inner wisdom. Whether it’s been pivoting careers or choosing an oncologist, taking myself into account as I make life decisions is not something that is as deeply conditioned into our process as looking outside at external circumstances. To follow that inner lead as I made life challenging decisions to choose a team of Doctors for a treatment plan is some serious stuff with a high stakes outcome, yet that guidance came through above the noise and fear and directed me right where I needed to be. And the “smaller” risks have been no less significant. Should I start my own coaching practice and teach expressive arts, should I say yes to this trip, should I go on Splash Mountain? Each risk cultivates a sense of empowerment and creates a reservoir of self confidence that I can draw upon in the future. And throughout my career as a Television Producer and a Coach and everywhere in between that wisdom is keeping me aligned with what I value most; self discovery.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve been a student of personal and spiritual psychology since I was a teenager. Exploring meditation, studying with spiritual teachers and attending a Masters Program in Spiritual Psychology were stops along my life path while raising my son and working as an award-winning TV producer. No matter what I’ve been fortunate enough to experience I’ve always had this compelling pull to explore and discover what to do with this gift while we are here on this temporary assignment called life,

My work focuses on people reconnecting with their true nature where you easily and naturally access well-being and clarity, It seems that “self improvement’ is sold to us as more work we have to do and my approach starts with the premise that self awareness and self acceptance is the key and part of our innate nature not something else we have to add to our to do lists.

With a passion for facilitating personal growth and transformation, I’m a seasoned coach, mentor, and Expressive Arts facilitator known for my dynamic approach to empowerment. I specialize in guiding individuals towards recognizing their potential, igniting their innate creativity, and achieving sustainable results in a gentle joy-filled way. The emphasis on your own innate well-being ensures that the progress made is not just temporary, but a lasting foundation for ongoing growth.

Working with me is more than a traditional coaching experience; it’s a voyage of self-discovery, insight, and expansion. Through a blend of mentoring and expressive arts, I support and encourage clients to explore their inner landscapes, express their emotions, and channel their creativity. And have fun in the process! I invite clients to embrace the uncharted territories of their potential, leading to a life that’s not only enriched but also authentically aligned.

I work with clients in a variety of ways: 1:1, family groups, Expressive Art workshops, in nature and in immersion sessions. We collaborate to design what works best for your needs. schedule and desired outcome. I am grateful to have studied a multitude of modalities and to be able to draw from many schools of thought to create a meaningful, transformative safe space for my clients to explore and grow. I see clients on zoom and I love working together in person.

From my vantage point coaching is not about fixing something that is broken. An athlete or artist works with a coach/mentor to expand their skillset, a business person hires a coach to develop leadership skills, a person who is learning to drive hires someone to teach them the rules of the road. Having a coach is giving yourself permission to grow in whatever direction you feel called. Do you want to improve your relationship, be more consistent or simply show up fully expressed with friends and family? Are you longing to take that class, improve your parenting skills or change the conversation that you repeatedly have in your head? A coach is your biggest cheerleader and strategic partner against procrastination, insecurity and fear of the unknown. We are your ultimate partner in growth and in supporting you to unlock your “hidden” superpowers. I’d love to be your trusty “sidekick” on your journey!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Being present and truly listening is the magic potion for connecting with others. We all crave that feeling of being heard and seen, and guess what? It’s not just about your ears doing the work – it’s about your heart being in the game too. Though there aren’t certifications for becoming a good listener it is the foundational skill I believe to be a good coach, friend or lover and one that is beyond measure in impact and transformational qualities.

As a coach, my job isn’t just to rattle off solutions; it’s about creating a safe space where clients can unload their thoughts, dreams, and fears. Heart-centered listening is like wrapping their emotions in a warm, cozy blanket. It’s where the magic happens, because in that moment, I’m not just hearing words – I am holding their stories as sacred and helping them be a witness to themselves. It’s giving someone the gift of validation, understanding, and a sprinkle of transformation all in one go.

Life can be a wild ride, and sometimes, we just need someone to sit next to us, hold our hand, and really get what we’re feeling and going through. Whether catching up with an old friend or wearing my coaching hat, being present and listening like your heart depends on it is a game-changer. It’s a reminder that you matter, your story matters, and there’s power in simply being there, in the moment, with no distractions. It is something I value highly as the giver and receiver and the most powerful part of the alchemy in a coaching relationship.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Looking back, coaching chose me, not the other way around. I’ve spent most of my life being that go-to person, the one friends and family speak to about important things because they know I’m all ears and strive to listen without judgement. This knack for listening deeply and being that shoulder to lean on is where it all started but you know what? It’s more than just a knack; it’s a calling, a way of being of service to others.

Funny how life works. I spent years in the TV industry as a producer, and turns out, mentoring people was my secret superpower. Supporting others has been woven into my professional DNA. Every opportunity that I could I was nudging people towards their own spotlight, helping them discover their strengths and uniqueness. And I loved it! Now, as a coach, I’ve hit the sweet spot where my nature, my heart, and my career intersect. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about being that cheerleader for someone else’s self-discovery journey. It’s not just a job; it’s my heart’s way of saying, “Hey, I’ve got your back, and I’m here to support you in creating your unique awesome story.

So here I am, walking the coaching path. It’s like the universe tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hey, you’ve been doing this all along, now let’s make it official!” It’s not about giving advice; it’s about listening and asking the questions that unravel those “aha” moments, and helping others uncover the gems they’ve had within them all along. Sometimes holding a mirror, other times holding a hand and some times dancing our #$%^& off; coaching opens a world of possibilities for everyone involved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessiemarcus.com/
• Instagram: artnsoul_jessie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiemarcus/
• Other: @[email protected]