Coaching Corner: Embrace Redemption & New Beginnings

Hey everyone! I just completed Month Eight of the year-long Transformative Coaching Essentials (TCE) program at McLaren Coaching—I’m already halfway through! Initially, I wasn’t sure about investing the time and money. Was this the right choice?

Would clients even want me? Was I capable of this?

My background is in newspaper and wire service reporting, not psychology or coaching. Did I really have what it took to help others reach their goals?

The answer I’ve discovered is a clear yes.

When we genuinely tune into our feelings and trust our instincts, we can guide ourselves toward the success we truly want.

How Does It Work?

The TCE program, aligned with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards, teaches powerful skills like active listening, non-judgmental empowerment, effective communication through Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and breathwork. These techniques help clients (and me!) achieve real, lasting change.

Learning these skills has improved my own life—in communication, stress management, and relationships—and allowed me to support clients in achieving breakthroughs.

Through our silent struggles, I’ve come to realize how connected we all are. Coaching isn’t therapy—it’s a supportive partnership focused on clarity, accountability, and transformation. At McLaren Coaching, I’ve learned to listen deeply, avoid prescribing solutions, and honor each person’s unique path.

Through coaching, I’ve seen women find fulfilling careers, launch creative projects, and prioritize self-care in practical, achievable ways.

How It All Started

My coaching journey began unexpectedly in late 2023 after I encountered stubborn writer’s block while working on my novel, Mushroom Sally. Seeking help, I attended a writer’s block workshop led by a McLaren-trained coach. Inspired by her impact, I immediately signed up for 12 weeks of coaching sessions—a significant investment for a college professor living in the Bay Area. It was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

Initially, things were looking up as I worked with intern clients. But soon after, my world fell apart.

A Personal Turning Point

On November 16, my world was shattered when I learned my big sister, Mika, had been stabbed by her husband, Frank. Although she initially survived surgery, Mika passed away at sixty years old on December 20, 2024.

At first, anger consumed me. I was convinced Frank had hidden sinister intentions. Seeking answers, I secured a jailhouse interview after his delayed preliminary hearing in March. When we finally met, something unexpected happened. My coaching training helped me prepare for this interview, by the way. Remain calm, I told myself. Hear him out.

Sitting across from Frank, who was visibly burdened by remorse and illness, I felt a profound shift. As he sobbed, recounting his overwhelming struggles, we cried together, reminiscing about Mika’s life. In that moment, my rage transformed into calm. I realized that forgiveness wasn’t just about freeing Frank but myself from resentment and pain.

I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but right now, I feel a sense of peace and clarity about forgiveness and moving forward.

Finding Purpose Again

Before the tragedy, I had begun coaching a few willing clients. After Mika’s death, self-doubt overwhelmed me. How could I coach others when I had missed signs within my own family? The unexpected chance to speak with Frank helped me understand that the situation was far more nuanced and complicated than I initially believed.

Pausing my practice, I lost self-confidence. Yet, the pull toward coaching persisted. Slowly, I returned to my patient clients. I found renewed purpose and resilience through techniques like NLP, breathwork, and confronting limiting beliefs. Clients noticed this shift, highlighting coaching’s power to restore clarity and strength.

Who I Love to Help

As a corporate communications manager at LinkedIn, reporter at the SF Chronicle, Associated Press writer, Fulbright recipient, and educator at UC Berkeley, my favorite roles are mother to a 28-year-old son and grandmother to two wonderful grandsons. Losing Mika reshaped my views on life, connection, and forgiveness.

I’m passionate about empowering individuals—particularly women and those identifying as women—to navigate significant transitions like career uncertainty, grief, family changes, or feeling stuck. My clients have successfully tackled promotions, complex work relationships, boundary-setting, and personal goals like marathons or YouTube channel growth. Coaching supports facing fears, managing financial anxiety, reclaiming self-worth, and finding balance.

Embracing Redemption and New Beginnings

Life has shown me that redemption and fresh starts are always possible—even after devastating loss or disappointment. Coaching empowers you to embrace change, rediscover your strengths, and confidently move forward.

If my story resonates with you or if you’re navigating your challenges, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to support you.

Here’s to the incredible power of redemption and new beginnings!

Photo and text by Yumi Wilson © 2025
Image created with assistance from AI tools. Editing supported by ChatGPT and DALL·E.