Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi P. Washington.
Hi Naomi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am here because of a God-designed accident. He did it on purpose while I was thinking the whole time I made a mess of my life. Becoming a Personal and Executive Coach happened after several detours, dirt roads, and delays. I have always been called to serve others. I come from a family with generations of teachers. I generally do the opposite of what everyone else does or expects, so teaching was always out of the question for me. I settled on social work at Columbia College in Columbia, SC because it was the major with the least amount of math classes at the time. Just like God; my quick fix was a setup into the profession I have loved for more than 15 years.
Working in the demanding area of child welfare, being a wife and mom of three took a toll on me with my superwoman cap choking the life out of me. My stress shows up in my body and as a result, I suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke) and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm at 27. It was shortly after I felt a pull towards doing deeper work with women who were experiencing the same thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?One of the struggles for me in the beginning was imposter syndrome. I don’t look like or sound like other coaches. I believed I had to be perfect and have it all together. Not only that, I was entering a rather casual industry at the time. I am grateful for my mentor who helped me create goals and outline a plan for professional credentials and continuous education from industry experts. I honor the ethics and standards of the International Coaching Federation and my professional training from The Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute in Atlanta, Georgia.
One other struggle I always make a priority to resolve is life harmony. I value my time with my family beyond any other role. Trying to keep up with industry standards and ride the wave of trends is a hard “no” for me if it compromises my commitment to my husband and children. I practice what I teach my clients and my family propel me to reach for the highest version of myself. Without that harmony, nothing else falls together. So in all things at all times, I graciously know how to humbly correct if I need to do so.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Certified Personal and Executive Coach helping women show up for others without giving up on themselves. I specialize in focusing on the practice of personal development and self-care while honoring your humanity with self-compassion. I am an unapologetic disruptor most proud of those who have allowed me to support them on their journey. Through partnerships with them, I create a better version of my technique and strategy for the next person or group. I don’t take for granted the opportunity to do this work. I believe what sets me apart is the beauty I have in knowing God assigned each person I connect with directly to my purpose. I don’t just do this work because I woke up and said I wanted to do something else. I have lived and walked in the shoes of someone serving while empty, miserable from burn-out, and getting professional development while her personal growth was non-existent. I am filling the gap I have watched colleagues and organizations search for while trying not to fall through the personal development hole left in so many helping profession industries and ministries.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My greatest risk has been the decision I made to change my life. I have made more mistakes than I can count but every day, I show up to be a better version of myself with the risk of failing. I risk disappointing those who believe in my greatness or rising to the occasion of those who said I would be a failure. I risk opportunities by not being cookie-cutter, speaking the saucy truth or asking the hard questions. I risk relationships when I choose to set boundaries or completely cut ties. I take the risk every day betting on myself. In time and as I continue to do my healing work for this version of myself, I will take the risk to tell the story of how my most embarrassing and humiliating moment brought me to stand on stages and speak in rooms, sent my words to other countries and calmed rages of anxiety and fear in women I have never met.
I believe risk is rooted in the decision to do what fear and doubt says is impossible. A risk is moving in the direction of what I have prayed to God for in faith.
When the fear to of believe in myself is greater than the very next step; I acknowledge the invitation to a better version of myself. Then I take a step back and ask, “What is this moment teaching me?”and “What do I need to get to the other side?”.
Then risk it all to do the work, believe differently, and be unapologetic about meeting the opportunity running towards me. There is always another side; I hope to meet you there.
Love and blessing good people! My name is Naomi, and I am forever striving!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NaomiPWashington.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NaomiPWashington/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/CoachNaomi
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-striving-with-naomi/id1573386061
