Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mindy Santo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mindy, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
On Wednesday, August 9th, 2006, I had a come apart counting hundreds of khaki pants in a stockroom; 24 shelving units full of them! In that moment I knew — no matter what — I would take control of my destiny to use my education, skills, and gifts to their fullest potential. I reached out to my network and made a plan for the next 6-8 months. Next, I turned in my resignation.
I felt liberated and also wondered, what on earth am I going to be when I grew up?!? I opened myself up to a long period of self-discovery and uncovered opportunities beyond anything I could have imagined. Some turned out good, some not so much. When I finally stepped away from my corporate path, a knowing started to emerge. Was I ever really connected to my work, or was I just going through the motions? I had been stripped of all creativity & inspiration, and started to realize how important it was for me to do something that mattered to me.
Over the next decade, I worked as an event planner, built a thriving pet sitting & errand running business, worked with a small business consultant, and was even a nanny – I don’t even have kids ;), and I even got an opportunity to tap back into my creativity skill merchandising a friend’s furniture & design business.
A pattern started to materialize. I discovered that I loved to support, and build strong relationships with people. I applied that knowledge to the next phase of my work as a speaker for young adults & women’s groups, a women’s small group facilitator, and mentor coordinator for a local non-profit.
In early 2021, my professional and personal goals felt like they were at a standstill. They felt unattainable. I asked my coach for guidance, without hesitation she encouraged me to identify my top core values.
Later, a colleague suggested we plan a productivity workshop. I was reluctant, and I really, REALLY wanted to do it. When I shared the news with my coach, I expressed my fear. Still, I said yes. Growth was one of my top core values.
Something clicked…
As I aligned my core values with my goals, a connection formed that evoked meaning. I felt more certain in my ability to reach my goals, and was amazed at how quickly it happened. I used them as a filter for all my decisions, from choosing my next role, embarking on a sabbatical, co-facilitating a workshop, selling a house, and SO much more.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey to a Vision & Values Coach has been an evolution of my experiences, and the work I’ve done with my clients, so far.
When your core values are aligned with your goals, they become a powerful catalyst for change; it’s also an integral part of my offers. They enable you to:
Make better, more informed decisions that impact your professional and personal life.
Filter your priorities with clarity, so when faced with tough choices, you can confidently ask, ‘Does this align with my vision?’
Take intentional steps that move you closer to your goals.
My services include the following offers:
A 1:1 90-Day program that’s perfect if you’ve been working to make big changes, but struggle to make progress. You’ll have my full support as you work toward your new goal, and learn to shift old thought patterns, so you can stay committed to your vision.
An interactive 1:1 VIP session. If you’ve struggled to connect with your vision, or you’re not seeing results, we dive in and get laser-focused to help you align your values with your vision. We’ll play with your big sky vision so you can bring it to fruition!
What if you’ve never identified your core values, or they don’t feel meaningful? My 1:1 Core Value Discovery Mini Offer is a jump start session if you’re new to the process and impact they provide.
*Core Value Team & Workshop offerings are available as well.
And, I have a free offer! Discover Your Core Values is a free self-guided 4-step process with prompts to discover your core values.
Click here for the link to access the “Discover Your Core Values” Google pdf: https://mindysanto.com/discover-your-core-values
Find out more on my website.
Recently, I came across the following quote:
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” ~Jim Cohn.
I agree wholeheartedly…
At this stage in my life, and experiences, I can identify with women who have been on a path and realize it’s not working anymore. They struggle, but don’t know what to do next, or where to turn. There can also be confusion when we feel like we have to accept what we thought we “should” be doing, but they’re no longer working for us. It’s okay. You can pivot. At first it may be hard to do, and when you start, each step gets a little easier. Give yourself grace.
To complement my work, I’m proud of the work I invested — with the help of my community — to design a core value card deck. It’s been hard work, and it’s been worth it. The meaning of each core value reflects a blend of professional and personal values that feel relatable. I believe we’re neither 100% professional, or 100% personal. We’re at the in-between. Each participant of my 1:1 Offers and Core Value Team & Workshops receive their own deck.
I’m also proud of my strong relationship and connection core values!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Wow, isn’t that a question in which most of us can relate? When I started on this journey, I had no idea what I was doing, or if there were any resources available. I just knew deep down I was supposed to do something different. When I made the leap from corporate, I said yes to every opportunity, and worked in a multitude of roles. Some of those were not what I thought they would be. That’s okay. I felt uncertainty, and a tiny bit exhilarated. Hmmm, was I supposed to feel success?
Early on, I crossed paths with people online who I thought could help me. But, all they did was make me feel shame for not being further ahead, not signing up for their program, or whatever it was they could convince me of NOT being able to do. There are books, coaches, and messaging out there that doesn’t always align with who you are. That’s a sign; it’s not for you. You’ll find what you need when you need it. It can be frustrating to believe in the process and not want to push things along.
Also, as you try to shift old established thought patterns, it can be a challenge. I was talking to a friend as I was filling this out about life and transitions. Change is hard. Allow yourself to adapt the mindset that it will be worth it. There’s so much to explore in life. On your journey, it may be a long, winding road, or you may feel like you’re going in circles! That’s part of the joy, as well. The unexpected spaces and experiences we get to experience and create. I feel like that’s where things get lost in translation. You may believe that you have to get to a certain “somewhere” when in reality, it’s the path that’s part of that experience.
Those barriers that at first prevented me from feeling like I was successful — because it was unusual — at times made me wonder if maybe I was on the wrong path. Maybe this isn’t supposed to happen. Thankfully, there was something that kept me going. I’m not sure if it was an “inside job” (in my head) or from my former support system? That changed too. Some of my friends weren’t comfortable with my choices. It’s easy to have doubts, especially when the people you thought were supposed to support you now question your actions. And, I still took a chance.
The process continues to have its ups AND downs, and it’s worth it to create my own future where I get to do what I really want. There are moments where you feel like you’re killing it, and then the next day, you feel like you’re in quicksand…
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
What I learned in school was helpful then, AND now, it no longer applies. The work you want to do in the world doesn’t have to follow the same script everybody else has written. We’re not all meant to concentrate on one profession, or to follow one specific path as a doctor, engineer, or as an accountant. We can try new things. We can switch. We can approach work in a way that speaks to our strengths. I work hard to embrace my Manifesting Generator energy of doing work that lights me up, because that’s where I thrive! That’s a hard lesson to learn & unlearn. It’s against the norm.
Being on a non-linear path can feel uncomfortable. It can also be invigorating.
My suggestion, and best recommendation is to find the right support system, and be willing to learn from somebody who has been on the journey longer than you. Stay in a frequency, or vibe, with people, inspiration, etc. that are positive. You will have low moments, and when you do, you have the ability — with the help of your core value work — to recover faster and get back on track. How awesome is that, we get to re-write the rules, our rules!
After trying for so long to fit my square peg into a round hole, I’m just now learning my journey doesn’t have to look like anybody else’s. To be successful, I don’t have to follow a certain structure, or seek out one role or industry, there are dots that are connected in any role you experience. I liken it to compound interest, the human skills variety ;)
CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY OF A TIME WHEN YOU HAD TO PIVOT (BUSINESS OR LIFE)?:
When I finally admitted corporate life was NOT the life for me! I was committed; it depleted me. That moment in the stockroom was the impetus for where I am today. Even though there may be moments of frustration, despair, or things not going the way I planned, I’m still on the right path. That moment coincided with the end of a long-term relationship. As I was in transition = uncertainty, I was left with a house note and three dogs. I realized I had manifested him out of my life, it didn’t feel good at the time, and it was for all the right reasons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindysanto.com
- Instagram: @mindyjosanto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindysanto/
Image Credits
Tess Blackmon
The personal photos are mine