Brain-Based Coaching for Unconventional Humans
Let’s make friends with your mental monsters, turn your brain into a badass bestie, and create a life you actually want to wake up to - on your terms, as your favorite self.
Brain-Based Coaching for Unconventional Humans
Let’s make friends with your mental monsters, turn your brain into a badass bestie, and create a life you actually want to wake up to - on your terms, as your favorite self.
I leverage my experience as an entrepreneur, master ideator, brand executive and creative to coach those brave enough to define their own path. I'm here to help you turn your JOY into a life that is profitable, effective, and f*ckload of fun.
My experience is that the more we follow our curiosity and joy, the more profitable, effective, and connected our lives will be.
My clients agree.
Gaby, a mom and owner of Casa Confetti Shop in Miami, tripled her income to six figures after working with Rowan Coaching for 3 months.
Marianne just landed a new digital marketing job with a $30,000 salary increase.
Dorrie was nominated for a two Emmys!
Lauren and I designed a pitch for her children's show idea, and she’s now in talks with Nickelodeon to bring it to life!
Jules launched a new brick-and-mortar store during the Pandemic, and (safely) made over $100K in just 8 weeks!
Jessica ditched her day job to become a full-time opera singer, voice teacher, and coach.
Karisa started her own successful coaching business.
You get out of coaching what you put into it, but the ROI is amazing when you commit! Keep reading to learn more about brain-based coaching (and how my clients love it!). I look forward to connecting!
Coaching is super fun, inspiring and motivational. It's a clear space where, once a week, you have an opportunity to ditch your 21st century cynicism and DREAM. Big, wonderful dreams that terrify you with how much you want them, named and explored in a context where they actually become possible. How amazing is that? We will spend a lot of time on vision in your sessions, but even more time on the strategies and actions that will allow you to bring your particular dreams and goals to life. See? MOTIVATING!
My approach is backed by neuroscience, which means the tools I give you are evidence-based. Even more exciting? Knowing how your brain actually works (and when it's f*cking with you) empowers you to totally transform your thinking. Instead of thousands of tiny hamsters running on anxiety/worry/negativity/stress wheels up there, you can create a space for awesome, joyful productivity. Think about it. Can you even imagine how much you could get done if your brain was on your side?
It's pretty easy to get things done for other people - your boss, your kids, your spouse. But we have a tendency to put ourselves and our goals last on our lists. Things change dramatically when you have a partner in progress – someone to participate in, support, think through, and hold you accountable (in a safe, non-judgemental way) to your own goals!
I would never diminish the power of talking things through with your friends, family members, or colleagues. Even the best of friends thinks they know the right answer to your problem, however, which can be distracting when you're trying to work through a tough dilemma. Instead of trying to get you to agree with my ideal solution, I'll help you think through things from a new angle until you arrive at an insight that will fuel you to find the direction that works for YOU.
Protip: you are always more likely to follow your own advice and ideas. This is why it's so powerful to work with someone whose only agenda is to help you accomplish your goals – with massive love and support, and without any judgement.
Well obviously I would think that, right? I have good reasons too, including those I've just described. But I'm not alone in this assessment.
In fact, according to a Manchester Consulting Group study of Fortune 100 executives, “Coaching resulted in an ROI (Return on Investment) of almost six times the program cost, as well as a 77% improvement in relationships, 67% improvement in teamwork, 61% improvement in job satisfaction, and a 48% improvement in quality [of work].” Similarly, a study of Fortune 500 telecom companies by MatrixGlobal found “executive coaching resulted in a 529% ROI.”
In short - you have nothing to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain.
I practice clean coaching with the brain in mind. This means my work is to be curious asking you simple and strategic questions that promote insight, clarity, enthusiasm, and results. What I won't be doing is telling you what to do. I'll be facilitating self-directed learning, because neuroscience has shown that no two brains are even remotely alike. In other words, how you think is completely different to the way I think. So it's important that you make your own connections and create new wiring yourself, based on your own experience. This is both the shortest and most effective path to relevant solutions.
When you hire me as your coach, I will work with you to help you define your goals, think through the action steps needed to achieve each, and challenge you to stay accountable to your bigger vision. That’s the life you want to wake up to every day. Coaching will help you to be brave about your creativity and vision - and to recognize that your “best life” is actually possible.
Coaching is solutions-oriented, so we will not be focusing on the details of any problems or drama you might be experiencing. This approach differs from therapy, which tends to be focused on uncovering the root of issues (in the past) and healing those wounds. The solutions-focused approach is central to coaching and founded in neuroscience. It puts our brains in a positive emotional state, which research shows is when we learn beast and are most likely to have insights. Not to mention it's a lot more fun and motivational to focus on your vision for the future!
Throughout our coaching engagement, I will be stretching you to become your best self. We'll explore some areas where opportunity for improvement exists, understanding that often "weaknesses" are simply overused strengths. For example, I'm generally an intelligent, confident person. And there have been occasions in the past when, feeling backed into a corner, I played those strengths with too heavy a hand and became an insufferable know-it-all. It happens to the best of us! Coaching is a non-judgemental space to identify and improve these areas in yourself.
I will also challenge you to dream bigger, ditching the cynicism and excuses that have stood in your way before now. I won't push you beyond where you're comfortable, however, and I'll always ask permission before digging deeper into a potentially sensitive area. Essentially, I'll support you to become someone you're proud to be.
We'll use a clear and consistent structure in every session, as neuroscience research (as well as common sense) indicates that the brain requires certainty. When you know what to expect from each session, you are far more able to focus on what you are learning and what you need to do next in order to achieve your goals - rather than wondering what is going to happen next.
(Photo behind “I’m a creative” credited to Tshirt Superstar - Music)
I work with creatives, entrepreneurs, and non-conformists of all stripes. I work with high-performing feminists, bad bitch leaders, artists who dare, undiluted activists, and womxn who want to take over the world. I work with humans who love growth, disdain ignorance, choose vulnerability, and get down with equality. I work with people who aren't where they want to be yet, but won't settle for less than their full potential. I work with people like YOU who are brave enough to try and define your own journey. If you're willing to do the work, you deserve the opportunity to earn your dream life. For many people, coaching is the key that unlocks that opportunity.
I know why this work is worth it, because I've been there. And now I'm ready to help you get there.
Intersectional feminism
Living your passionate life
Body, sex and kink positivity
Earning your audacious dreams
Challenging assumptions (Rules Aren't Real!)
Radical self-acceptance
Creative solutions
Having fun and getting shit done
Integrity and transparency
Leading with kindness
Treating others as they wish to be treated
Living in alignment with your values
Unapologetic self-respect
I have been coaching with Colleen for exactly 4 months, and in that time, Colleen has been cheerleading me on to help me change the thinking that was holding me back, and took 33 years of life experience to develop. If that's not PURE MAGIC, I don't know what is. She is a Sorceress for your Soul, but her approach is anything but woo-woo. Her techniques work, plain and simple. She goes beyond listening and encouraging and shows you how your brain actually works. My mind has been blown, several times over, and for the first time since I was a kid, I'm actually feeling that curious zest for life, love, and progress! Remember that? The good news: you ARE capable of incredible growth when you become friends with that silly brain of yours. Her approach is logical, actionable, objective, non-judgmental, passionate, and, at times, hilarious.
Since coaching with her, I've not only landed my dream job by showing up to an interview as my most authentic and weird self (and they didn't reject me!), I've also become a better manager, partner, and friend. Colleen gave me the courage and enthusiasm I needed to stop staying stuck in the mud and plow through! I'm more present and aware of my life and genuinely proud of the progress I'm making, and I credit much of this to having Colleen by my side!
Why wait when you you could make light-years of progress with Colleen as your sidekick? The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting the same results. Don't be insane....call Colleen.
"I've just finished my second session with the very lovely Colleen Star Koch, and I cannot tell you how helpful it has been so far. She is a magical personal who is brining me full circle - already. THANK YOU Colleen!! I highly recommend Rowan Coaching to anyone who needs to move forward and be awesome!"
"I worked with Rowan Coaching for only two sessions, but both of them were very helpful. During our first session, Colleen explained her work, background and process clearly and then asked me very guided and thought-provoking questions about why I was looking for coaching. On our second meeting, she worked more specifically with me to get a better handle on what I wanted to change and then offered specific ideas and direction. Some of these ideas are already in place and have proved very fruitful on my journey!"
Colleen is a rare combination -- both wonderfully logical and incredibly kind and warm. I can't say enough of my sessions with her, especially the analytical exercises and work to reframe thought processes. Colleen is your neuroscience-backed fairy godmother, helping you change your behaviors, retell your story to yourself, and leap for what you want the most (but have always been afraid to dare to even whisper to yourself that yes, you can have it, and yes, you do in fact deserve it). Using Pinterest boards, writing exercises, journaling, analytical exercises and actionable items and goals for the week, we've tackled so much together -- and the best part is, I know I'm not in it alone. I love having someone who has no SUBJECTIVE bias for what she wants to happen in my life -- unlike my family or friends, she is merely there to help me get the best, most passionate life. Change your thinking, and you'll change your life -- but this isn't just "think positively." It's "How can we be concrete in our new thinking and try out different new things to see what works." Try out her exercises and self-reflections and see if you don't have a new direction in a few months.
"Working with Colleen has been an amazing experience. Her upbeat personality, fabulous suggestions on ways to improve my life situations, and her excitement for what I am doing has pushed me into a new and well-needed way of thinking! She is a remarkable coach and I am beyond lucky to have the opportunity to work with her!
"I have had the great opportunity of working with Colleen, and I can say that I've rarely come across someone like her: high energy, passionate, and caring. She is a great guide and coach. I'm happy to say that I now have someone at the height of my expectations who will keep me moving forward and accountable. You know - to give me that little extra push we all need.
I highly recommend her services to anyone who feels they need a helping hand, some guidance, or to shake the dust off!"
"I wasn't sure what life coaching was, or if I needed it, when I saw her introductory offer. I knew Colleen's background in brand consulting would be useful regardless for what I thought I needed help with. Always though our first session, I realized Colleen was not only helping me problem solve, but was also bringing to light the many ways I stand in my own way. I had no idea the extent to which I had been sabotaging myself, and I certainly had no tools for combating this destructive behavior. Colleen expertly and systematically provided tools, being sensitive to not overwhelm me. Instead, she EMPOWERED ME to keep putting one foot in front of the other. When our first session concluded, I felt recharged and excited to practice the tools I'd just learned. Throughout the week, I heard her voice echoing in my head and I accomplished more than I set out to do. I'm hooked! I recommend Colleen whole-heartedly. She is compassionate, patient, intuitive, and intensely dedicated to her clients!"
"Colleen is awesome - she's kind and smart and funny, and she does exactly what she says she's going to do and what you ask her to do. She's creative in finding solutions and really good at hearing what you're not saying out loud. She's also willing to work with various budgets - she really wants to see you succeed!"
"Colleen is one of the most brilliant, compassionate, and invested coaches I've ever encountered! Her way of thinking and tackling issues is truly amazing. There are no limits to her awesomeness. She is very generous with her devotion to her clients and genuinely invested in their journey. After just one month, I have already started noticing changes in my life and the way I think. And there is nothing more amazing than a change of perception from fear to love, hope and excitement. She rocks and I wouldn't go with anyone else but her!"
You aren’t broken, and neither is your brain. If you lived in a world designed for minds like ours, you wouldn’t be constantly be doing things that deplete you and lead to Autistic “symptoms”, like Autistic Burnout. You’re a person who’s been told you're driving an automatic, when it turns out you’ve actually been driving a stick shift all this time. That’s great news - because you can learn how to drive a different kind of car. This article is a good place to start. Read on to learn more, and start noticing, reframing, recovering from, and even preventing Autistic Burnout.
Sustainable self-confidence is nothing more (or less) than self-respect: the everyday courage to unlearn shame, choose growth, and take action that fosters good. This practice, on repeat, is what shifts your inner dialogue from negative to possible, gives you the courage for vulnerable, authentic connection, and puts you firmly on the path to Favorite Self.
If you’re a neurodivergent, “2e” type of human, trying to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” can be a complicated proposition. You are more likely than a neurotypical person to ascribe a more complex motivation to someone’s actions or behaviors than is actually present. You’re also more inclined towards Negative Intent Attribution - meaning you’re more likely to attribute more negative and less positive intent to peers. Keep reading to learn more about how “thinking differently” can cause us to misidentify others’ motivations, and how we can work with our brains to cultivate emotionally-healthy communication and connection.
After years of leadership/executive coaching - as well as being hired to vet potential candidates for clients and companies - these are the top skills I’ve learned to prioritize in both my own professional development and when interviewing others…
Self-compassion ≠ making excuses. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept. Instead, self-compassion is what allows us to get enough perspective to accurately identify the problem. This matters because correctly identifying a problem is the only real chance you have of solving that problem. I cannot tell you how many times clients have come to me after months, years, even decades of struggling - and failing - to solve the wrong problem. Read more for an excellent example of what this looks like, and why self-compassion is so critical to our ability to make meaningful progress in any area of our lives.
Fear-based leadership is massively prevalent across the corporate world, particularly following the twin stressors of a global pandemic and a struggling economy. In fact, “a large portion of American workers—56 percent—claim their boss is mildly or highly toxic, while 75 percent say dealing with their manager is the most stressful part of their workday” (Source). This article is for anyone who is struggling to navigate (or stop using) fear-based leadership. It includes: the two real-world scenarios that inspired this piece, what fear-based leadership looks like, why it doesn’t work, and practical strategies to combat it.
The kind of credibility that will genuinely further your career has to come from the inside out. Brand-borrowing your credibility without addressing your underlying confidence issues or skill gaps will, in the long term, compromise your confidence and decrease your chance of reaching your goal. Read more to learn what brand-borrowing is, the right way to use it, and three questions that will help you build earned credibility.
Confidence isn’t the outcome of an accomplishment. It’s not about being "productive" or "impressive", or meeting society’s definition of beauty/success. Real, sustainable confidence is an accumulation of daily choices that align with your identity. This is great news, because it means that you have agency over how confident you feel, even if you’re not in “accomplishment mode” at this exact moment.
We are fundamentally, evolutionarily wired to be social creatures. This means that human connection has a massive impact on how we feel about both ourselves and our place in the world. So it makes sense that how connected we feel impacts our confidence. Luckily, you have tons of agency when it comes to how connected you both *are* and *feel*!
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A quick #CoachingTip RE: #Productivity and #DecisionFatigue (this approach is especially helpful for #adhd #brains that like to #hyperfocus on something for longer, but less frequently!)