How i got my start:
What do years in Retail Management, a stint in the travel industry, a side of AmeriCorps service, and a decade of nonprofit fundraising have in common? They’ve all been part of my career journey to professional coaching.
But it hasn’t been an easy journey. In fact, for much of my life, my career was my identity. And that led to some serious work-life imbalances as I worked in unhealthy ways. I was a people-pleaser, a perfectionist, I prioritized everything and everyone except for myself, and I had zero time left for any kind of life. Sure, I “appeared” successful, but all of it eventually took its toll.
I was STUCK.
I kept thinking that if I could just figure out the next “thing” to do, all the overwhelm I was feeling would magically disappear, and my work-life relationship would finally click. I was desperate to find my perfect career path, so I turned to books, family and friends, psychics, you name it! Someone had to have my answer: I just needed them to tell me what to do.
But I didn’t have a clue about what I wanted to do next, and I still had a boatload of limiting beliefs about pursuing anything different. And to be honest, I didn’t really know myself. Even though people had great suggestions for me, none of them clicked. I wasn’t even certain the external job switch was the root issue. The more information I consumed and the more options I considered, the more stuck I felt.
I needed to clear the inner fog and decrease the overwhelm. I needed CLARITY.
Finally, something did click: if I didn’t begin to address how I was showing up in my work and leadership, it didn’t matter what future path I would take. Without re-evaluating and redefining what success, fulfillment, and well-being meant for me, I wasn’t going to bring my best self to work. If I wanted true satisfaction, I needed to really know myself, and I needed a new approach.
That new approach was hiring a professional coach. (I'm not just saying this, but...BEST. DECISION. EVER.) Coaching shifted my focus inward. For the first time in my professional life, I was getting clear on why I was working in the manner I was, what was truly important to me, and how I could begin to let go of what I “should” do. I began focusing on the things I needed to do to start leading and working in ways that positively impacted my health, happiness, and fulfillment in my career AND my life. My coach and I created a roadmap full of baby steps that got me out of overwhelm and into working in ways that served my work-life balance.
With an emphasis on self-leadership and well-being, I created a new relationship with work. I had newfound clarity about what success and in my career and life looked like. I advocated for myself with my current employer and set new boundaries with my staff. I began to schedule and honor my commitments to myself and my life–not just my work. Heck, I began to have a life! I focused on what I could change when making a full career change wasn’t feasible or realistic.
Maybe this is you. You’re not quite certain whether to stay or go, or an immediate job change may not be in the cards for you at this time. But you do know that something has to change.
I partner with individuals who recognize that addressing who they are and how they’re working is an integral part of their career and leadership journey. I work with growth-minded professionals looking to focus on their well-being and self-leadership in their current roles so they can work and lead with greater intention, confidence, and purpose. And with that clarity, they can finally have peace of mind on what lies ahead.
Coaching together focuses on you and how you’re showing up in work so that no matter what, you’re always connected to your best self. My area of specialty is all about YOU. In fact, if you’re only seeking tactical and job search strategy support, I’m not your gal.
Clients have said that my heart-centered, intuitive, and strategic approach creates space to get unstuck and start taking action. Today, I’ve helped numerous ambitious professionals get clear both in mindset and in action, so they’re working in ways that serve their well-being and living fuller lives.
If you’re at that point in your life where you also feel that how you’re working is no longer working, let’s connect! I want nothing more than to help you work and lead in ways that allow you to shine in work and in life now and in the future. If it’s time to work in a whole new way, I’m here to help.
This investment has changed my life! Prior to connecting with Kate, I knew I needed to make a change in my career, but I was caught in the trap of reactionary and exhausting job searching. Working with Kate gave me a partner in crime that made sure I focused on self-reflection, accountability, and intentionality in all my actions, so that I wasn't wearing myself out, but gradually progressing toward greater clarity, greater purpose, and better results in my career development actions. Kate was most helpful in keeping me grounded, keeping me from returning to old and unhelpful job search habits, and keeping me moving forward and motivated. She was also wonderful support as I went through the interview process - preparing, practicing, and keeping calm through the decision process. I'm happy to say that through this process, I was offered an opportunity for my absolute dream job that I never thought would be possible! Beyond that though, I have gained confidence in myself as an employee, balance in my way of looking at career and life, and also someone that I know I can call on again if I find myself again in a career quandary.
Amber, Portland, OR
4 things most people don’t know about me
“Kate is incredibly intuitive, a wonderful listener, and highly pragmatic. Kate assessed and offered a view of my situation quickly. She was extremely helpful in assisting me in the development of my purpose and for thinking through how to manage my current situation while pursuing a new one. She saw the best in me and helped me to build a plan for how to put my values and interests to work in a career. I’m very grateful to have worked with her during a challenging period in my life and highly recommend her services to anyone who is looking to transform their career.”
Mary, Chicago, IL
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Let's connect and get your career rocking!
“The first conversation I had with Kate Solis-Silva was a “get-to-know” each other consultation over the phone. I knew right away she was a Professional and Development Coach I wanted to work with to change my career path. She is an extremely good listener, empathetic, and supportive to my needs. She set very clear expectations of what services she provides up front. Together, we customized a plan to help me along. We continued with other helpful resources and assignments she provided. All along she offered support outside of our sessions as well. She’s extremely professional, a wonderful support system, celebrates your successes no matter how small, and is your biggest cheerleader during the career transition process. I’m very thankful and grateful our paths crossed one another. I highly recommend Kate to any professional looking to change their career path.”
Dan, Chicago, IL
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Before working with Kate, I was working at a job that made me stressed and unhappy, and I had no idea why. I had unlimited PTO, a flexible schedule, and a good salary. Kate helped me uncover why I was going into work with a knot in my stomach every morning, and she gave me the direction I needed to eventually land a job that was a much better fit for me. Not only that, but Kate helped me let go of the fears and self-doubt that I was carrying over from my previous role, so I could start my new role feeling more confident and self-compassionate.
Lindsay, Boulder, CO
Kate's Professional Bio
Kate Solis Silva brings a decade of both corporate and nonprofit experience to her Career and Personal Development Coaching. Kate is an Institute of Professional Coaching (iPEC) Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Master Practitioner, a member of the International Coach Federation and the National Career Development Association, and an active Volunteer Coach and Facilitator with the Career Transition Center of Chicago.
An advocate for Professional Development and Mentorship, she co- chaired the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago’s Mentorship Committee for the 2017-18 cohorts, is a current Ellevate Network Chicago Chapter member, and the incoming President of the Women Belong Park Ridge Circle.
Kate is skilled in all phases of career transition coaching and has worked with a myriad of demographics throughout her career. She is adept at coaching in both 1-1 and group settings and has coached in corporate, university, and private practice settings. Passionate about empowering mid-career professionals at crossroads, Kate supports clients on journeys of self-discovery, intentional planning, and inspired action leading to meaningful work and fulfilling lives.
Working with Kate has been one of the best decisions of my professional life. I decided to work with Kate during a major career transition and also during the COVID pandemic. Any fears and uncertainties that I had going in were immediately laid to rest when we started working together. Kate's combination of professionalism, creativity, humor, and wisdom provided the much-needed medicine that my working-world weary soul needed. With Kate's support, I had the space to gain clarity, create a plan, and move forward with gusto and courage.
Renee, Chicago, IL
“Kate is a marvel at getting at the source of one’s roadblocks. She helped me to unlock the barriers that were keeping me from taking action. I gained a sense of purpose, direction and confidence that was lacking in my new career launch. Working with Kate has been nothing short of transformative.”
Nadia, Chicago, IL