Coaching for all
Because coaching shouldn't just be for executives
Because dreams are meant for doing
Because work should be fulfilling
Because life is too short to feel stuck
I support professionals at all career stages in taking action to reach their personal and professional dreams.​​
​​​​
✨You know you need a change—but aren't sure exactly what or how
​
✨ You’re early in your career and wondering if the path you’re on is right for you
​
✨ You’re mid-career and want the next career half to align better with your passions, strengths, and dreams
​
✨ You’re satisfied in your current role, but you’re ready to grow, stretch, and perform at your best.
MY AREAS OF FOCUS
DEVELOPMENT
Take yourself to the next level by focusing on development areas. Set goals, explore opportunity areas, and have an accountability partner in me
LEADERSHIP
If you are currently a leader or want to become a people leader, find your own authentic leadership style and voice. Learn how to balance the demands of both executing and leading
BALANCE
Understand what balance means to you, and how to best achieve it. As a working parent, I understand the constant pull of home and work. Explore priorities, learn how to set boundaries, and find clarity on values
TRANSITIONS
Find your next best career fit through reflection, values exercises, resume-building and interviewing skills, and more. Don't just run from something, but run towards something that is truly right for you
ABOUT ME
Our life experiences create a coherent story, providing unity and purpose
My name is Sarah Feely, and I am the founder of this coaching practice. JourneyUp got its name because for much of my life I was always so concerned about the end destination that I didn't really appreciate the journey - figuratively and literally. I didn't like hiking, now one of my passions, because I didn't understand why anyone would just want to walk!
I had my first child and shortly thereafter came across philosopher Alan Watt's profound message: "the whole point of dancing is the dance." I had a major life reframe, realizing that the journey is it. If you aren't appreciating the journey, whether that's personal or professional, what is the point? I started this coaching practice to help people on their journey--to get in touch with their why, to make important changes, and support them in achieving their goals.
​
My journey once felt meandering and random in the moment, with seemingly disparate chapters. While earning my master's, I read psychologist Dan McAdams' work on life narratives. We have the ability to view our life experiences as a coherent story*. This life narrative provides our lives with a sense of unity and purpose. ​
​
As I reflected on my life narrative, I realized that my entire journey and set of experiences have woven together to bring me here, with purpose and clarity. My early life as an athlete, my early career as a restaurant GM and team leader, and my next chapter in executive search and talent consulting have brought me here.
​
​
​
​
​
*McAdams, D. P. (2001). The psychology of life stories. Review of general psychology, 5(2), 100-122.​
MY APPROACH
To get technical...
My coaching philosophy and approach is based on three different models/theories from established coaching models and schools of psychology. The below three models can be referenced in
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL
Let's get to the root of the problem!
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that if you question and interrupt patterns of thought then you can influence behavior. Simply put, the way you think about things influences the way you feel about things. Using this as a foundation in my coaching practice, we can dispute/question our beliefs and mental models in order to come to an alternative perspective and action plan.
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Leverage strengths!
Positive Psychology is a branch of psychology and scientific study focused on well-being, positive traits, and an emphasis on fulfilment/happiness. Put simply, we can drive purposeful change through focus on positive emotions and on identifying, developing, and leveraging strengths. Further, utilizing self-efficacy theory (one's belief that s/he has the capacity to succeed in a given domain - Albert Bandura, 1977, 1986, 1997), we can work towards having more control, motivation, and resilience in the face of setbacks and in working towards goals.
SOLUTIONS FOCUS
Let's get results!
While we will focus on root issues and come to the "why behind the what," this element of my practice is about co-creating solutions and goals that are pragmatic and allow for incremental and larger-scale wins. You have everything you need to be successful. You determine the focus, and we will work together towards solutions that are attainable and sustainable.
CREDENTIALS & EDUCATION
-
Masters of Science, Learning & Organizational Change, Northwestern University
-
Organizational & Leadership Coaching Certificate, Northwestern University
-
Bachelor of Arts, Communications, University of California, San Diego
​
​
BLOG & REFLECTIONS
This section is full of reflections, questions, inspirational and informational readings
and videos that have influenced my coaching practice. I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments.
