We recently connected with Lynda Fraser and have shared our conversation below.

Lynda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I was in the top 2% of a direct sales company, earning a nice FT income and six all-expense-paid trips to various world locations when I felt a shift in sales and the economy nearing the end of 2019. I enjoyed having my own business and working from home, so I knew I needed to do something else before all my bills started piling up. So I took a risk and went back to school (online) to change my business direction.

In a recent career role, I was a department administrator overseeing HR, including interviewing candidates, payroll, benefits and career and personal counselling. I enjoyed that position and knew I was good at it, so I enrolled in a certified Life and Career coaching program. I also began to take some counselling courses. Within a year and over 15 different certification courses later, I was now a Certified and Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Practitioner and a Certified Master Life and Career Coach. Did the risk pay off?

Anyone in business knows how hard it is to get your name out there, so I joined a few networking groups and presented at the Ontario School Counsellors conference. In addition, I did some social media advertising. In my first two years, I received numerous awards (Reader’s Choice Platinum and Gold) for Best Family Counsellor, best Career Counsellor and best Life Coach.

I am thrilled with my current role; the risk paid off big! I have clients who I work with weekly and biweekly. As a CBT Practitioner with life and career coaching skills, I can offer a unique experience for those needing a Life or Career Coach as I can incorporate all three disciplines unlike anyone else. What does that mean? There are many bad habits and negative thoughts we need to break in life or career coaching to be successful, and this is where CBT comes in. I can work with a client’s skills and assist with cognitive training to provide the best possible opportunity for success.

In addition, because this risk has become so successful, I have continued my studies and am currently wrapping up my MSc Psychology thesis. So, if you have dedication, discipline, and drive for an idea or career, go for it. I am happy I did.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I talked about most of this in my previous answer. However, I am unique because I am a CBT counsellor with career and life coaching experience. This helps my clients achieve their goals more successfully as we incorporate healthy and effective cognitive tips. For example, I work a great deal with teens and young adults who struggle daily with anxiety and depression to help them change their negative thinking patterns to more positive outcomes. This is what makes them successful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business started as a Life and Career coach, but I discovered early on that my client’s past experiences, traumas and mental health greatly affected their life and ability to grow. This was when I realized that more education in this area was needed, as my past role and education were insufficient for counselling. Therefore, this led me to return to school to become certified in CBT and do an MSc in Psychology.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The single most important thing that builds a business is establishing good relationships. It’s a great compliment that my clients refer me to their family and friends after they have worked with me and grown or become successful. My clients are important to me, and I tell them I am always here for them if they need me. I like them to know I care and want to help them succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lyndalayneconsulting.ca
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndalayneconsulting
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyndalayneconsulting
• Linkedin: LyndaLayneConsulting