Coaching for brilliant, ambitious world-changers ready to get unstuck
Smart, accomplished people still get stuck sometimes. I help you slow down and figure out what matters next.
I see you. You're smart and ambitious, trying to do it all and make a difference in the world with your work. From the outside, it looks like you’ve got everything handled, but it doesn’t always feel that way on the inside. Maybe you find yourself stuck in decision fatigue or overwhelm more often than you'd like. I provide a calm, structured space to help you think clearly. You'll be able to make decisions you trust, so you can move forward with confidence in your next steps.
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Many of the people I work with are entrepreneurs or people juggling big responsibilities or complex projects. Some are running businesses, others are managing research, teams, or career changes. All are looking for space to think clearly and make choices they trust.
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 actually matters.
What this work often involves:
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Subtracting external influences so you can hear yourself think
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Strengthening your inner guidance and self-trust
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Experimenting, playing, and making small changes that matter
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Centering your decisions around values and desires
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Setting boundaries and protecting your energy
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Nourishing yourself and identifying energy-regenerative practices
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Embracing imperfection and recognizing what’s enough
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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.
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Experience as a certified coach: ICF Associate Certified Coach and Martha Beck-trained, with years of experience helping people uncover answers from within.​
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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.
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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
Questions?
I'd love to hear from you!