We recently connected with Summer Watson and have shared our conversation below.

Summer, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)? Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style.

Once upon a time, in the sunny city of San Diego, CA, when I was in my mid-20s, I embarked on a wild adventure in the non-profit arena. With my heart full of passion and my mind brimming with dreams of making a difference, I dove right into the world of counseling and community development.

My journey began with two remarkable women, who would become my mentors, guiding me through the ups and downs of this challenging but rewarding field. One of my mentors took me under her wing to supervise my clinical hours, ensuring that I honed my counseling skills with individuals, couples, and groups. Together, we delved into the depths of human emotions, navigating the intricacies of the human psyche with compassion and empathy.

Meanwhile, my other mentor sent me into the heart of the community, overseeing the work I did in schools and neighborhoods. From facilitating direct service groups in bustling school halls to reaching out to teens in areas marked by high gang activity, I worked tirelessly to bring about change, one person at a time. Together, my mentor and I rallied the community, bringing people from all walks of life to the table to create a better, brighter future for San Diego County.

Despite the long hours, the minimal pay, and the endless challenges, I pressed on, fueled by my passion and the unwavering support of my mentors. I juggled my responsibilities, all while navigating the joys and trials of newlywed life as a military spouse.

And though the road was tough, the rewards were immeasurable. With each passing day, I grew in confidence and competence, my skills sharpening. The job wasn’t just a job—it was a journey of self-discovery, a testament to the power of mentorship, and a springboard for my future endeavors in the human services arena.

As I reflect on those whirlwind days of my youth, I realize that the true dividends of my labor were not in the form of money or material wealth, but in the lessons learned, the lives touched, and the bonds forged along the way. And though I may have started out as a wild woman, running from one task to the next with boundless energy and enthusiasm, I emerged from the experience as a seasoned professional, ready to take on whatever challenges the world had in store.

For in the end, it wasn’t just a job—it was the beginning of a lifelong journey dedicated to serving others, making a difference, and leaving the world a little brighter than I found it. And for that, I am forever grateful to my incredible mentors.

Summer, 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?

As an Entrepreneur, I wear many hats, such as High-Performance Coach, Podcaster, Live Show Host, Event Producer, and Doctor of Psychology. But beyond titles, what drives me is creating spaces where connections thrive, learning flourishes, and individuals are empowered to live their best and most empowered lives.

My journey to becoming a coach, educator, event producer, and podcaster wasn’t a quick overnight transformation; it’s been a lifelong process of gaining wisdom and learning valuable lessons. Growing up in a beautifully blended mix of Armenian, Filipino, Hispanic, and European heritage, I’ve been shaped by diverse cultures and perspectives. With such a rich and diverse background, it has taught me to approach coaching from a holistic framework, recognizing that every individual and organization is shaped by a multitude of factors.

If you’re a solopreneur or a small to mid-size business owner seeking a high-performance coach who can address your needs from a holistic perspective, I might just be the perfect fit for you. My approach combines deep knowledge and skill with a genuine passion for helping clients strategize their vision, goals, and missions.

Curious about my work? You can find me at KOREWomen.com, tune into my live show on Instagram at The.Emotional.Entrepreneur page, or catch The KORE Women podcast on most podcast platforms. This podcast, which I’ve been producing and hosting since 2018, features incredible women sharing their stories packed with insight, resilience, and actionable tips.

Now, you might be wondering about the name – KORE Women. It’s all about Kinetic connections, Organic learning, Reshaping lives, and Empowering each other. It reflects my belief in the transformative power of authentic human connection and collaboration.

I can’t wait to connect with you and learn more about your journey. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!

Have you ever had to pivot?

As the spouse of an active duty U.S. Marine for over 21 years, I’ve become intimately familiar with the art of adaptation, readiness, and resilience. Even before meeting my husband, I harbored dreams of a “professional” life—career progression, perhaps even tenure, and a sense of stability. However, fate had other plans, leading me to fall in love with someone whose career path was uniquely shaped by military service. With the military’s unpredictable deployment orders looming overhead, we embarked on a journey marked by frequent moves and constant change. Multiple relocations demanded a recalibration of my professional aspirations, challenging me to find creative and strategic ways to align my goals with my husband’s commitments. From adapting to a new country, while my husband was deployed to an entirely different country, every hurdle became an opportunity for growth and innovation. Despite the distance and uncertainty, we thrived, carving out a path that allowed me to flourish in the human services arena as a Doctor of Psychology, clinician, coach, educator, event and show producer, and entrepreneur. Through perseverance and determination, I not only survived but thrived, proving that with resilience and adaptability, any challenge can be overcome.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In the journey of building a social media community, one thing became abundantly clear—it takes time, patience, and a genuine desire to connect beyond the surface level. For me, it meant embracing creativity and stepping away from transactional interactions, focusing instead on forging authentic connections with fellow human beings. It was about more than just numbers or metrics; it was about understanding the person behind the profile, their journey, their passions, and the impact they aspire to make in the world. As I embarked on this path while launching my business, I envisioned a far-reaching network where women could find a safe haven to share their stories, both personal and professional. It wasn’t just about expanding my reach; it was about creating a supportive and meaningful community where giving back was at the core. While my social media following may not boast millions of followers, the connections I’ve cultivated are invaluable—each one meaningful, supportive, and authentically forged.

Contact Info:

• Website: korewomen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korewomen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoreWomen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerdwatson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@korewomen7481/videos
• Other: The KORE Women Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kore-women-podcast/id1401140103 The Life, Love, and Money Website: https://thelifeloveandmoney.com/

Image Credits
Catherine Hatfield