We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebecca Babcock a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rebecca, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
TRUST ME, I’VE BEEN THERE…
BY 16 YEARS OLD
I had already experienced numerous moves, including a memorable stint in Spain during the Gulf War. Additionally, I was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease, which lacked both a known cause and cure. Despite these challenges, I excelled academically, maintained an active social life, and pursued my passion for ballet.
AT 21
I graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Human and Organizational Development. I faced ongoing medical issues throughout college but embraced the vibrant Nashville scene and even studied abroad in Florence, Italy.
UPON GRADUATION
I returned to New York City, determined to find my dream job. However, the devastating events of September 11th significantly impacted the job market. Undeterred, I persevered, going on… 47(!!) interviews before I landed a role as the Marketing Coordinator at Harper’s BAZAAR Magazine.
AT THE RIPE AGE OF 25
I had achieved the position of marketing manager for luxury goods and retail/fashion at VOGUE Magazine. While battling colitis, I also completed full and half marathons and enjoyed the exciting lifestyle reminiscent of “Sex and the City.”
HELLO 30
I received the prestigious Conde Nast “Marketer of the Year Award” and made a significant impact in the industry. I experienced personal milestones such as marriage and further career advancements, including a role as Sales Marketing Director at a lifestyle startup. Simultaneously, I faced health challenges and ran the Marine Corp Marathon without training.
BY 35
I underwent surgery, experienced a divorce, got sober, and transitioned careers. I returned to Conde Nast as a Senior Director at Glamour Magazine before venturing into business development consulting at eBay, where I successfully launched a new revenue stream. By this point, I knew I felt “stuck” and “lost” but I had NO idea what to do instead and the stakes felt way too high. I started hiring coaches of all kinds with little luck.
CLINGING TO LIFE AT 38
I faced multiple life-threatening surgeries, including an emergency surgery to remove of my entire colon. Despite these challenges, I continued to achieve personal and professional milestones, froze my eggs, and embraced the mantra of #nocolonstillrollin.
FORTY AND FLOATING
Since surviving and thriving as a #nocolonstillrollin warrior, I embarked on executive sales leadership roles in ad tech and digital media, navigating travel and maintaining a rigorous chronic illness medical protocol. Along the way, I had a transformative experience floating in the Dead Sea, leading me to get my first tattoo.
THIS IS 44
During these unprecedented times, having had COVID-19 despite abiding to the utmost precautionary measures, I was reminded of the lessons I have learned in facing fear and making a new plan when life gets lifey.
Taking decisive action, I have chosen to step away from Corporate America after 20+ years and utilize my life experiences to help others unleash their inner badass warriors and live their best lives.
Life may throw curveballs, but I’m here to guide you through the challenges, transitions, and triumphs. Together, we’ll embrace the now and create a life that is unapologetically extraordinary.
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 think this will be far more helpful than me typing all that. LMK
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a chronic illness warrior, a 9-year sobriety champion, a resilient divorcee, and a highly effective corporate leader, I’ve faced triumphs and setbacks throughout my 20+ years of experience. But now, I’ve chosen to embrace my true calling: empowering others to live their best lives NOW, no matter the challenges they face.
In my 40s’s I took stock of everything that had happened- a divorce in my early 30’s, 5 massive surgeries, getting sober, being fired, losing jobs, experiencing brutal break ups, financial fear, and so much more. I intentionally decided, instead of running from it and striving, even more, to “make it” in the traditional definition of financial success, impressive titles, and fancy zip codes, to embrace the truth.
And the truth is that I am bold, optimistic, energetic, AND totally flawed!
In embracing who I am instead of fighting it, I have been able to finally build a career that aligns with my passion and purpose, AND a life that is filled with meaning.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
yes!!
These 3 are prerequisites for me and all my clients:
The Artists’s Way and corresponding The Morning Pages
Radical Acceptance
The Second Mountian
They all come at the same premise from a different angle and, when used together, give an astonishingly simple (not easy, but simple) roadmap for living your best life, regardless of how lifey it gets.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebeccababcockcoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rbc.coaching/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccababcockcoaching/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccababcock1/
- Youtube: @rebeccababcockcoaching3881
Image Credits
Kathleen O’Neill