Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Lidome.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
As an executive in the corporate world for more than 17 years, I have had a chance to work for some of the top Fortune 500 companies. I was responsible for international business development, which gave me an opportunity, throughout my career, to travel around the world, to more than 30 countries. I interacted with so many different cultures, sharing problems, best practices, ideas, and innovative ways to grow the business. But perhaps the most satisfying part of my job was the human interaction – empowering people to develop their own potential.
Women, I have seen, have their own special issues. No matter which countries I was in, I observed that each culture struggled with the same issues regarding women in leadership and managerial roles. Almost 20 years later, it seems to me, sadly, that not much has changed. Many women are not given the same professional opportunities as men. Statistics have shown that for the same positions, women are paid on average 20% less than men.
The toughest part of being a woman executive is that you often find yourself with very little professional support to help you navigate and advance your career. Essentially, mentors are hard to come by. In addition, even if you are successful and are promoted, chances are you may find yourself even more isolated, as your closest colleagues may not share your success, nor understand the new pressures you have to face
Therefore, many women who have invested in their careers, trying to become strong leaders who can make a difference, have ended up discouraged, unfulfilled or burnt-out in the process.
I started my company five years ago to focus on finding better solutions. Because I have seen firsthand, the devastating effects that burnout can have, I want to change that by raising awareness and introducing a more engaging corporate culture through coaching. And this, by the way, is an issue for both men and women.
The good news is that these days, coaching is becoming more accessible to all levels of corporate staff when in the past; it used to be reserved for C-suite professionals. It is rapidly becoming the most efficient way for executives to get the tailored support they need to strengthen themselves and enhance their careers.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Before you can become a coach, you have to have had some exposure to different types of corporate culture.
Having lived in different countries, and having been exposed to many different cultures in my own personal and professional life (I have lived in 6 different countries and speak 4 languages); I have had my fair share of transitions, changes and challenges. In the end, this is what inspired me to take my own insights and learned skills, and offer those to others.
Having said this, I have to say that receiving coaching is not for everyone. This empowering process can only be successful with a willing and motivated client. You need to see a strong level of commitment, the willingness to be introspective and openness to consider new perspectives.
My most successful clients have been those who have been open to exploring their own strengths and weaknesses, taking responsibility for their thoughts and actions. Later, action plans require some deep personal changes. However, in my experience, the positive and sustainable results well out-weigh the effort.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what you are known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
I will start with what I am the most proud of: that is helping people avoid burnout, reduce their levels of stress and anxiety, and help them find fulfillment.
It is a real privilege and joy to support individuals so that they can align their actions and choices with their values, and help them tap into their unique set of skills and potential
We work in three different formats:
- One-on-one coaching
- Group coaching
- Corporate coaching
The process is quite simple. First, we offer a complimentary call to evaluate the current situation. Together, we decide if we are a good fit to work with each other. The coaching process is very personal and the #1 priority is to have good chemistry between us. Once we decide we are both committed to working together for the next few months, we tailor the coaching packages according to the goals of each individual.
For Life Coaching we offer three different packages:
-The Jumpstart package to give clarity and direction
-The Detox-the-mind package to offer confidence and strength
-The Leadership package to focus on one’s leadership skills and mindset.
For Business Coaching, the topics we work on are:
-Career Growth
-Transition and Change
-Leadership Development
-Engagement and Performance
What we tend to see quite often is that people suffer from burnout, yet for a myriad of reasons, they talk themselves into not taking action. Their condition continues to deteriorate until they feel trapped and are no longer productive or engaged at work or in any other areas of their life for that matter.
Ideally, we can start working with companies or individuals before they get to that state and help them get back on track by empowering them with clarity, confidence and renewed energy!
The insights and clarity you gain from the process will help you get clear on your goals, how to reach them with concrete steps that you can you use over and over, creating a new positive paradigm. The benefits are endless and completely sustainable over time.
Think of it this way, if you feel energized and engaged, you will perform at your best in all areas of your life. You can become an inspiring leader at work, and a fulfilled partner/spouse/parent at home. The actions you take, as a result of feeling empowered become a legacy you can be proud of.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
“Life is a box of chocolates: you never know what you are going to get” – -I find this quote from Forrest Gump very endearing and true. You spend your time planning or imagining how your life will be and it always throws you for a loop. I suggest that the writer Marcel Proust had it right when he said, “the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
If I had to go back in time, I would not change a thing. My journey has made me the person I am today and I am grateful for every scar, every experience, and every opportunity I have had. I have met incredible people along the way who have taught me invaluable lessons. It has been priceless.
Life can be challenging. I believe that success is a function of having the tools to help us navigate change. As much as it is painful to admit, the only constant in life is change. Anticipating it with the proper tools can make you an empowered individual and inspiring leader. It is my hope that people realize how accessible coaching has become and it is worth investing in themselves to create a life and legacy they actually want and are proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clairelidome.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/claire_lidome_coaching/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mindsetgrowth/
Image Credit:
Seemi Sanuel for Coffee Shop
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