"I have learned a lot about myself from you. I wish you were here six years ago."
Rachael R.,
Client of Cathy Severson, M.S.

about cathy severson, m.s.


Cathy Severson, MS
Your Career Transformation Coach!

E-mail me:
cathy@passporttopurpose.com

W
hat you can expect from
a coaching session
.

I am also available for
speaking engagements.

The Professional Biography...

Cathy has extensive work experience, from technical, support and management positions in a number of industries including petroleum, mining, manufacturing, government and education. She understands organizational dynamics, having worked for several Fortune 500 companies, small enterprises and started three businesses.

Over the past fifteen years, she has been passionate about helping people fulfill their career dreams. With a master's degree in Career Counseling from California State University, Northridge, she has worked with students and adults at Pierce College, CSUN, Ventura County Government, Conejo Valley Adult School, Carson One Stop, and the nationally recognized outplacement firm Drake, Beam, Morin, Inc. She continues to help individuals discover their career goals and move toward a more rewarding life.

My Personal Story...

Quite frankly, I haven't done a lot of things in my life the way they are supposed to be done. Because of some poor choices early on, I was married, divorced and a single parent by the time I was twenty-two. Feeling the need to turn my life around, I returned to school, completing a BS degree in Education. Four months after graduation, I married my current husband. Soon after our wedding, we quit our lucrative jobs, moved to a small town to start a new business, which we sold two years later.

By the time I was 35, I'd worked at fifteen jobs, some great, some not so great. But through it all, I was fascinated with the job search process and the world of work. I started writing resumes professionally when we moved Colorado to California in 1982. I figured I was an expert by that time. From there, I continued learning, studying with Richard Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute. Soon I was back in school, once again, to get my MS in Career Counseling, I graduated from California State University, Northridge at age 41! Currently, I am working towards my coaching certification.

Through all the highs and the lows of my life, I've always believed in a greater life purpose. Can you imagine a world in which we all lived up to our greatest life purpose?

My commitment to clients...

The Coaching Model provides clients with:

  • Focus and vision
  • Concrete information
  • Specific strategies
  • Advice and encouragement
  • Constructive feedback
  • A solid role model
  • Increased self-confidence
  • A safe place to express fears and concerns

what you can expect: the deliverables

Whether you are committed to finding your purpose, changing careers or looking for your next job, work transitions can be a very trying experience. On the one hand, it requires we put forth our best face, show our strengths, and at the same time be open to the inevitable rejection that is going to come along. In the end, there is the hope and desire we will find a place that utilizes our strengths and interests, allows us make a contribution in an environment we feel comfortable and validated. Simultaneously, there is the hidden fear we may never work again or have to compromise ourselves in order to make a living. Having a coach through this process can be an invaluable tool. As a coach, I commit to deliver the following as an integral part of our relationship.

  1. Perspective
    It is very difficult not to become emotionally involved in a job search and lose a sense of objectivity. As your coach, I provide fresh or different ways of looking at a situation, and can help you put your transition into a broader context.
  2. Validation
    It takes a tremendous amount of courage to dream big dreams and then act on them. As your coach, I will offer more than just encouragement by validating you and your greatest vision you have for yourself. I have never worked with anyone who I didn't truly believe had special work to do.
  3. Energy
    Finding the right work can take a tremendous effort and vigor. I am passionate about helping people find their perfect work. As your coach, I will provide boundless energy and the support you need.
  4. Solution
    Why are some people able to identify and live their purpose and others struggle? As much as it is about external barriers, it's mostly about overcoming the biggest barrier of all-you. As your coach, I will help you identify the external and internal challenges and develop solutions and tactics to overcome them.
  5. Structure
    Effectively managing a job search, can often be a source of stress. As your coach, I will provide support, help you get organized and demand accountability for maintaining it.
  6. Resource
    There are so many resources to help in the career exploration and job search today. As your coach, I will refer you to the most appropriate tools and resources to facilitate you transition, without wasting valuable time and energy.
  7. Options
    Doing what you've always done, will get you what you've always got. As your coach, I will help you expand you vision of opportunities and how to get there.

Adapted with permission from The 15 Client Deliverables, School of Coaching