Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelli Netko.
Shelli, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first got a taste of coaching in the corporate world when I was with Motorola here in the Valley. I like to say, “I grew up at Motorola, “as it was where I learned everything I know about business, the importance of culture, respect for team members, and most importantly, where I met the love of my life. I spent nearly ten years doing career coaching which focused on employees that were dissatisfied with their jobs, were being laid off or reassigned. I found it so rewarding to meet with people who felt like they might be in hopeless or dead-end situations and become part of the change that helped them see their situation with a new perspective and feel positive.
After I left Motorola I became what I call a “serial entrepreneur.” When I worked with employees who were at a crossroads I used to tell them, “The average person has five to six careers over a lifetime.” (Unknown) To that point, over the next 15 years, I went on to operate an event marketing business, a women’s clothing/e-commerce business, and a bridal boutique, all of which I loved equally.
Somewhere between event life and boutique life, I was taken by surprise on April Fool’s Day when I stepped into an ice cream shop in Disneyland with my husband. He didn’t make it through ordering his strawberry shake before he died in my arms from a sudden heart attack. I knew at that moment that my life would never be the same. That was the day my awakening began.
As the days, months and years unfolded, I wanted them to have more meaning. I intentionally lived with an attitude of gratitude. We donated profits from the boutique and bridal shop to charity regularly. We gave dresses to brides who struggled with finances from health issues, and contributed to “Brides for a Cause.”
It was during the time my daughter and I owed the bridal store that I realized my purpose was to help women in a bigger way. So on the eve of my 55th birthday, I was chatting with my daughter and said, “I need to do something BIG!” It took me about three seconds to come up with what that was – get my life coaching certificate and make a difference in people’s lives.
These first three years of coaching have been the most rewarding of my life. Working with women, teens, couples, families, and groups in workshops is simply amazing. I love being part of the transformation when lives become better. So many people spend their years sleepwalking through life and not giving thought to what their true happiness means. So when they begin to awaken and find joy, it’s like they’ve seen the sunrise for the first time!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everyone comes across stumbling blocks and speed bumps in life, and mine is no different. Certainly walking with grief for the past decade plus has been something that has taken me to my knees. Right after my husband passed away I spent most of my days lying on the floor in a pool of tears and snot, wondering when it would end.
Looking back, I understand that everything in life is your teacher and the opportunity is in learning and growing from it. Beyond death, there were legal issues and financial struggles. I was always a strong person but there is nothing like adversity to show you how strong and resilient you are.
I’ve never been afraid of risk, whether in business or personal situations. So it was natural for me to open my heart to love again, never looking at the downside of its possible ending because my mind doesn’t work that way. “Live with no excuses, love with no regrets.” (Montel) But today I find myself in a new stage of life – newly divorced, going through emotional and financial upheaval, moving, regrouping, and learning to move forward again. I am embracing all I want in my future and becoming my new self.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My coaching practice is available to all clientele. With a focus on women, parenting, and couple’s dynamics, I have served clients from every demographic and every walk of life.
My core business is personal growth and empowerment which includes everything from Getting focused and finding clarity, self-worth, creating balance, parenting solutions, goal setting, finding motivation, and reconnecting with self-love. Additionally, I offer goal setting and business and career coaching.
I am an intuitive coach. I fully embrace the notion that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it. My coaching approach is as unique as each client is and there are no limits to what we can explore and where the sessions will take us.
I am proud of the big steps and impact my small business has made on many individuals and families. With offerings such as private coaching, a podcast, and workshops I feel blessed to be part of the transformation when lives become better. I have a book series that will be launching in January 2020. These books will help families start conversations with young children about trying situations and emotional subjects. I have an insatiable desire to help people live their best life and I love being a part of the transformation when lives become better.
So many people spend their years sleepwalking through life and not giving thought to what their true happiness means. So when they begin to awaken and find joy, it’s like they’ve seen the sunrise for the first time!
I truly believe life is too short and it’s time to start living more and worrying less. No matter what season you are in, it should feel right if you are aligned with your purpose. The best project you’ll ever work on is you. This will be one of the most life-changing processes you will ever experience if you are “all in.” Your responsibility is to be yourself and follow the path of what leads you to feel emotionally whole and happy.
If you are looking for clarity, a feeling of focus, or self-improvement, then coaching is for you. Here are some ideas of what we can explore. Personal growth – becoming whole, self-confidence, happiness, fulfillment, setting goals, relationship issues, career development, executive coaching, stress management, finding balance, dating confidence, looking for love, motivation and inspiration, spiritual clarity, eliminating fear, finding purpose, following your passion, creating abundance, connecting with inner peace, creating healthy boundaries, family dynamics, grief coaching, crisis and recovery, moving forward, starting a new business, business consulting, and much more.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small town in central Ohio where life was slow and simple. I played make-believe a lot and made up shows and parades with my sister, cousins and neighbors when we were little. When everyone got into sports, I stayed on the sidelines playing with my Barbie dolls. I didn’t like all the fast movement a chaos much but was happy to cheer for everyone.
My Grandma always told me I was a happy little girl – always singing to myself and not bothered by anything. This makes me think I was born as a happy optimist. I always lacked confidence, however. I remember that well. Whether it was reading out loud in class, raising my hand, giving a book report, or doing anything that felt out of the ordinary. I was simply not a risk taker and had a very loud inner-critic.
I always had a love for creating. When I was 12 I joined a “bunny club” with my friends where we all raised bunny rabbits. I became a bunny clothing designer, creating rain gear, scarves, ear warmers and tail warmers. I also loved baking which I began at the age of ten. My brothers were the benefactors of that hobby!
My true love has always been writing. I recall taking such pride in every piece I turned in in school. When I took a creative writing class in high school, something changed in me. It was like I could see everything in color for the first time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shellinetko.com/
- Phone: 6023303413
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/shellinetkolifecoach
- Facebook: facebook.com/shellinetkolifecoach
- Twitter: twitter.com/lifecoachshelli
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