Cindy Hooker
Tell us about your background.
I’m 53 and I’ve had many jobs, including waitress, travel agent, Nordstrom sales associate, Navy Petty Officer, college English instructor and now, Coach. I have an MA in English and I’m a sucker for a good story. My master’s portfolio focused on the Renaissance, and I love the arts. I was stationed in Wales and Guam in the Navy, which secured my love of travel. Some of favorite places are Sukhothai, Thailand; Madrid, Spain, and anywhere in Ireland. I practice yoga two to three times a week and boot camp three times a week.
Are you or have you been married and what’s your view on marriage?
I married, nine years ago, for the first time. He’s a wonderful man. We don’t have children, but we do have three golden retrievers. It’s great being married and having a partner for life, and I want to be the best partner I can be. We enjoy doing many things together, such as traveling, yet we also have our individual interests. I like that I can have my own hobbies and activities and that he can have his.
While it works for me, I realize marriage isn’t for everyone. There are all forms of relationships and each of us has to decide what kind of relationship we want and who we want to be in the relationship. That’s the most important decision.
I am helping women become the jewels they were meant to be.
What brought you to coaching?
After a long career in human resources, coaching managers and employees, I decided to become a certified coach and start my own business. There’s a moment when clients achieve clarity that gives me great satisfaction. That feeling also comes when I teach. I always wanted to help people become their best selves, and knew that work didn’t have to be a chore. That doesn’t mean I have always chosen the best direction in my career. The reason I resonate with women and their transitions is because I’ve reinvented myself multiple times. At sixteen I was a high school dropout working as a waitress at a truck stop. I always intuited there was something more that I should be doing. It took many years and a Master’s degree to figure it out, but here I am helping women become the jewels they were meant to be.
What is your mission as a coach?
I want to compassionately provide feedback and accountability to women who wish to change their lives in extraordinary ways.
Are there any particular life experiences that inform your coaching?
I draw on the whole package, good and not so good. The jobs that challenged me to the core have created the most growth for me and make me a better coach, including my four-plus years in the Navy, being a college instructor and a vice president of human resources. I had success and failures in every position and experienced issues of confidence, work-life balance and fear of change. All this guides my coaching.
What famous women do you most admire?
I adore Katherine Hepburn for her authenticity and femininity in pants; Isabelle Allende, because she writes such passionate, heart-wrenching stories and Susan Butcher for her strength of will and love of nature and dogs.
How do women most sabotage themselves?
We lack confidence, don’t trust our intuition, allow situations or people to step on our values. We stay in situations, jobs or relationships because we care what others think of us.
What kind of client do you most enjoy working with?
Women who truly want to make change. If you are committed to show up and do the work, I want to speak to you!
Where and how often do you meet with your clients?
I consult with nearly all of my clients via telephone or Skype. My appointments vary widely. I meet some clients twice a month for one hour each time, others four times a month for 30 to 40 minute sessions, still others for less time. I usually recommend starting with two hours a month and going from there.
I always am available via text or email for communication between sessions.
Tell us about your workshops and presentations.
I provide workshops on finding happiness at work and at home, discovering and using your strengths, 360 degree feedback for leaders, and I’m available by request for other topics.
What is the most important thing a new client should know about you as their coach?
I have your back and I am truly in awe of your strengths as well as your vulnerability. I will compassionately provide you with honest feedback. I will hold you to your goals as if they were mine.
Your transition is safe with me as your co-pilot.