CM: When did you complete the Transformative Coaching Essentials program and what are some of the most valuable things you got out of it?
PB: I completed the 2021 cohort in the summer of 2022. It was one of the deepest development experiences of my life. I would say it was more challenging than my MBA program! I chose TCE as much for the personal self discovery “deep dive” as much as the coach skills training. What happened in my life was transformative. I literally changed the trajectory of my way of living and feel like I really leapt forward on my path to “awakening”.
CM: Do you consider yourself a life coach? If no, how would you describe who you are professionally?
PB: Yes, I consider myself a life coach. While I definitely coach a lot of clients in matters of work/profession, my passion is helping people develop a deeper understanding of themselves: their beliefs, expectations, thoughts, feelings. How they choose to apply this to their world, relationships, goals, sense of identity… that’s up to them and only they know. I’ve found that I’m most effective with clients who are looking to take action now and get moving from wherever they find themselves stuck. That immediate immersion into problem solving and moving forward is a sweet spot.
CM: What would you say to somebody who told you they were thinking about becoming a life coach?
PB: I would say “Do it!” if the person were committed to learning the skills, doing the work and open to the broader impact that coach training will have on their lives and the world around them. I believe that coaching is more than a profession. I believe we are here to serve the world in a way that transcends commerce and capitalism. For me, it’s more than a profession, it’s a way of being and moving in the world with my fellow humans.
CM: What is one misperception you believe people have about coaches (whether designated “life coach” or something else)?
PB: There are a lot of misperceptions, actually. From how much money we make to us being “experts” and giving advice. I would say the most frustrating misconception that concerns me is the way that some organizations have started to embrace coaching, but are using it as part of the corrective action or progressive disciplinary process. This goes completely against the grain of what coaching is and is creating some really bad perceptions out there among front line workers who make these companies successful.
CM: Are you a full-time coach?
PB: Yes.
CM: What is your coaching specialty?
PB: I would say I don’t have a specialty, but the types of clients who tend to seek me out are people who are looking to make a big change in their lives. Not just “achieving the goal” or “getting the prize”, but folks who are looking to change lanes all together. Change careers entirely. End a relationship. Decide who they want to be as they approach retirement. Big life changes.
CM: Do you have a website dedicated to your coaching business?
PB: Yes. Please visit me at https://www.offthecomma.com/.
CM: Do you have social media accounts that you use primarily for your coaching business?
PB: Yes. Please connect with me on
