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Coaching for smart, capable people who feel overwhelmed and stuck

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It makes total sense that you're feeling overwhelmed and stuck. So much of our culture is set up to keep you feeling this way. I help you sort out what's truly important to you and decide where to focus next.

You're smart and ambitious, trying to do it all and make a difference in the world. You're good at what you do, and from others' perspectives, it looks like you've got it all handled. But your inner experience may be of perpetual bewilderment, of asking yourself "is this really what life is supposed to feel like?" Maybe you find yourself stuck in decision fatigue or overwhelm more often than you'd like, which is also confusing because you know you have the skills to make things happen. You wonder "what am I doing wrong here?"

If this is you, I see you. I know this feeling well. You are not alone - so many of us are navigating a world that continues to ask more and more from us with less and less support. We end up structuring our days to meet expectations that have been put upon us, and by the end of the day, we're too exhausted to figure out how/what to change in order to move towards a more peaceful or fulfilling life. In many cases, we're too depleted to even figure out the answer to the question "What do I really want?"

This is the work we do in coaching. But instead of trying to answer the big, heavy questions all at once, we break it down and start from the things that matter most to you and what's getting in the way.


Many of the people I work with are juggling complex responsibilities. Some are entrepreneurs building a business, others are leading a team, managing research, raising a family, or navigating a transition. Or doing multiple of these things at the same time. All are thoughtful and capable. And all have a desire for clarity, change, and making decisions they trust.
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How do we do that?

My coaching is tailored to you. It’s about strengthening your self-trust, asking questions that help you notice what’s true and meaningful, and making small shifts toward the changes you actually want. You don’t need to "fix" anything about yourself. Even the most capable people need regular space to slow down and make sense of things, especially when they’re trying to decide what matters most.

What this work often involves:
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  • Noticing and examining what's coming from external influences or expectations so you can center your own voice

  • Strengthening your inner guidance and self-trust

  • Experimenting, playing, and making small changes 

  • Shaping your decisions around values and desires

  • Setting boundaries and protecting your energy

  • Nourishing yourself and identifying energy-regenerative practices

  • Embracing imperfection and recognizing what’s enough

  • Developing leadership that feels human, not transactional

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A little about me:

I’m a coach, former research scientist (PhD in Molecular Cancer Biology), small business owner, podcast host, and mom. I know what it’s like to juggle ambitious work, family, and the pull of everything else, as well as the corresponding overwhelm and burnout. Coaching has helped me slow down and trust my own judgment. I love helping other brilliant, capable people do the same, so they can see what matters and move forward with confidence.​

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What I bring to coaching:

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  • Thinking & perspective: I excel at spotting patterns, navigating uncertainty, and moving between details and the big picture.

  • Experience as a certified coach:  ICF Associate Certified Coach and Martha Beck-trained, with years of experience helping people uncover answers from within.​

  • Business & entrepreneurial experience: 8+ years running my own small business, navigating growth, burnout, and life balance while raising a family. Plus a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell.

  • Mission: A personal commitment to empower people to expand leadership rooted in self-trust, break free from unhelpful social rules, and contribute their unique brilliance to the world.

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If you're curious to learn more, I invite you to check out my Work with Me page, send me a message, or book a free introductory call. Either way, I'm rooting for you always!

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- Shirley Markant, PhD, ACC

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Thank You for Reaching Out!

© 2026 by Shirley Markant Coaching

Sequel to a PhD, LLC

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