I run a local arts agency in Montgomery County, Maryland. I came into the position in September of 2008, and 30 days after I started my job, we suffered the worst downturn since the Great Depression.

And there I was, charged by the Board that just hired me with implementing a strategic plan which even in the best of settings would have been challenging. There were many political implications that I won’t go into; I’ll just say it was a difficult time and culminated in my being told by the Board I needed to seek an executive coach.

I’d held leadership positions at national nonprofits – the Smithsonian, the Recording Industry Association of America – and had been challenged by the politically charged environment at the local level. But I was stunned when the Board told me to hire a professional coach!

I’d known Sharon slightly from a chance meeting years before when she was still at the Nonprofit Finance Fund. So when my husband and I ran into her at an event and she mentioned that she’s an executive coach, all of a sudden it was like birds started singing!

The first time I spoke with her, I realized … all this time I was thinking that professional coaching would be a burden, but, once we met for our initial interview, the way she described it sounded like it could be a gift. And that’s exactly what it was.

Sharon was able to help me know that despite whatever misgivings I might have, or despite pushback that I might get from the field, I had the skills to do what needed to be done. She constantly reminded me that I have what it takes to lead. She helped me remind myself that no one gave me this position, I earned it, I am the right person to do this job, and I have what it takes to get it done.

Sharon was always 100% present when we had a session. I never felt as though she was distracted by anything, I never felt as though she was rushing me through anything, and I always felt that she had my complete interest at heart.

A good coach is better than a husband or a best friend. A husband doesn’t wants you to be unhappy, and your best friend will do anything and say anything to help. But a personal coach aims higher than your emotional state. Sharon was brutally honest when I needed it, and guided me to focus on leveraging my strengths instead of worrying about weaknesses.

It’s the best investment in your professional career you could ever make. Even if you’ve been to grad school, gotten a PhD, done postgraduate work, even if you’re the highest intellect on the planet, situations arise professionally, and you want to be able to have a confidential conversation with someone who has your best interest at heart, someone who only benefits if you benefit.

Sharon is an adept executive coach. If you’re looking someone with the ability to help you find excellence in your professional career, call Sharon. She exudes excellence.

Working with Sharon has been the very best investment that I agreed to make in myself ever. Ever.

Suzan Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer
A Local Arts Agency
Montgomery County, MD