It is not surprising that burnout has become an unexpected aftershock of COVID that almost everyone is feeling. According to a Gallup poll, about one-fifth of U.S. workers suffered from burnout from April to September 2020. It finally feels as if “hustle” culture is being left behind for a more well-rounded lifestyle where passion and purpose can exist in tandem with self-care.

In adjusting to this new normal many women are seeking to rediscover their purpose in a methodical way, which is where a life coach comes in. Life coaching is a booming field and not surprisingly women are at the helm. According to the International Coaching Federation Global Study, in 2019, 70 percent of life coaches worldwide were women.

As we recover from the Shecession that emerged during the pandemic, the demand for career guidance is expected to increase. So, to give readers a look at what a life coach can offer,  Cubicles to Cocktails spoke with renowned Los Angeles-based 2021 Life Coach of the Year, Lori A. Harris.

Harris has always practiced what she has preached to her clients, which meant coming to terms with her true calling. Prior to being a life coach, Harris was a trial lawyer, but when she left that career and emerged on a new one she knew she was drawn to her true calling. But, the shift took some adjustment.

“At first, it wasn't easy,” Harris said. “I hadn't realized how exhausted I was, and it took several weeks to decompress.”

Once she got her footing, Harris said she took the skills she gained as a practicing lawyer and transferred them to life coaching, such as: “staring down the impossible,” understanding that the “facts are subject to change” and “leading with love.”

Growing up, Harris said she learned from those around her about how to lead a passionate life and being of service to others. Harris’s father was born a sharecropper, and eventually became an Education Director in the Air Force.

“He helped people pursue their dreams there and later did the same work as a civilian,” she said.

Her aunt was a lawyer who introduced her to local women who impacted their community. One of her mentors, playwright and theatre director C. Bernard Jackson, co-founded the Inner City Cultural Center, and supported Harris’s goals and interests. Combining the impact of those individuals helped her become the successful life coach she is today.

Harris said success as a life coach starts with practicing her own life coaching techniques.

“I'm not asking my clients to do anything that I'm not doing myself,” she said. “There's so much to learn, and I get to practice coaching myself through business challenges. I use the same tools that I share with my clients to grow as a business leader and coach.”

Most importantly, Harris practices humility. “I don't have [all the] answers,” she said. “I don't think I know everything. I do my best work when I ask evocative questions.” 

According to Harris being a great life coach means knowing when you need life advice as well. “I'm very discerning about who I share my dreams with,” Harris said, adding that she has a life coach too.

Her current network includes a few influential online business communities that are active on Instagram including @the.goodend, @bravethinkinginstitute, @girltrek, @the.blackbird.house, and @hello7.

Harris’s clients are a cross-section of the U.S., ranging in ages, demographics, and locations. The common denominator is that all of the women “lead lives of service.”

“I work with women that care about people,” Harris said.

 When asked how she challenges her clients to lead more passionate, purpose-driven lives, Harris shared these 3 tips:

1. The first step would be to do a life assessment. Really check in with oneself. Where are you now? What's good? What's not?

2. TELL THE TRUTH. WHAT WOULD YOU LOVE?

3. Commit to doing something daily to move your vision forward. Do something daily no matter how small.

Most importantly, she emphasizes to her clients that there is no time like the present:

“I wish everyone remembered that all we have is now. Now would be a really great time to get started. Get help. Every winner has a coach. Do what you can where you are.  I promise you: You can do something. Partner with a trusted friend if you support someone in achieving their dream. They will likely support you in achieving yours.”