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"I love your PGG newsletters - one of the only ones I actually read in its entirety.
They are excellently written, and spot on. Thanks for being so inspirational and reflective!" ~ Tom D.
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Looking for clarity, balance and/or direction in your work and life? Are you or someone you know looking for a career or life coach? Scroll down for more info, check out my website, or contact me today to learn more and schedule a session.
Want some PGG's in a handy, beautiful book form to keep on your bed stand? Buy it here on Amazon.
First time here and wondering what the heck's a PGG?
They're essays about self-care, career direction, transition, stress, feeling lost, going with the flow, current events and more. They're ideas, observations, and unique perspectives to make you think about yourself and your life in a new way, motivate you to make positive change, help ease those challenging times and perhaps have a chuckle or two. It's also the weekly e-newsletter about the happenings of the
author, speaker and coach
Kristina Leonardi.
First time or fifth year plus reader -
WELCOME! I'm so grateful you're here and I hope what I offer can help make your life a little (or a lot!) better and brighter!
And as always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, and scroll down for info about my coaching services and featured appearances and articles.
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NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR GROUP COACHING
:
Tuesday, May 1st 6:00-8:00pm
Group coaching is an affordable way to work with me and connect with other like-minded folks.
***Click here for more information to RSVP and other important updates and announcements***
For more about this meeting and other offers, scroll to the bottom of this email, click on the
Update Profile/Email Address link
Here's what some attendees have to say:
"K
ristina has a special gift for helping people find their way in their careers and life. She has a sick sense about people and always made me feel better when I was stuck. She combines the perfect combination of intuition and career smarts in her sessions. Her support group has been life changing and instrumental in propelling me forward." ~ Ilana A.
"I was amazed by your ability to synthesize so much information from so many completely different personalities and tailor unique homework assignments to us. I also have great admiration for the compassion and empathy you showed to everyone, your holistic approach, and your patience, among many other traits
." ~ Shelly C
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Be sure to
like or follow me on Facebook so you can be in the loop with PGGs, useful career advice articles and event/class announcements along with inspirational words and images to fuel your personal and professional growth!
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PRIVATE COACHING SPECIAL
Kristina gave me permission to be myself! I can say no other person has empowered me in that way as much as she has - and I am TRULY forever grateful for that..
~ Cherise R.
I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect.
~ Bozhanka V.
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Stranger in a Strange Land
by Kristina Leonardi
Each generation doubtless feels called upon to reform the world. Mine knows that it will not reform it, but its task is perhaps even greater. It consists in preventing the world from destroying itself. Heir to a corrupt history, in which are mingled fallen revolutions, technology gone mad, dead gods, and worn-out ideologies, where mediocre powers can destroy all yet no longer know how to convince, where intelligence has debased itself to become the servant of hatred and oppression, this generation starting from its own negations has had to re-establish, both within and without, a little of that which constitutes the dignity of life and death.
~ Albert Camus (Nobel Speech, 1957)
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.
~ Lyndon B. Johnson
The huge Barnes & Noble, a staple of my neighborhood and one of the anchors and few big bookstores left in Manhattan, recently closed its doors after 21 years. This follows a pattern of many other longtime rocks and havens in my 'hood: the diner, a cleaners, two grocery stores, the nail salon, even my super - most of which had been there two decades or more. So many other businesses have vacated the premises over these past several years, only to make way for yet another bank, chain drug store or fancy condominiums I'm not sure who can afford. Yes, this has been the trend of the Big Apple as it changes and mall-ifies, and people, some of who are my friends, if they stay in the area, have been fleeing to greener, and/or less expansive pastures in places like Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, New Jersey or Westchester (forget Brooklyn at this point!)
I have gone through some pretty major life changes over the past couple years, and these disappearing touchstones of "home" have compounded and affirmed the sensation of being reincarnated in the same body, and feeling like I've moved without actually having moved. The surroundings are familiar but feel different; sometimes its like being in one of those dreams where everything is a bit topsy-turvy....
Oh yes, and then there is the political landscape.... Never before in the history of this country (need to fact check, but am pretty sure) have we participated in and witnessed the slow
dismantling, unraveling and unhinging of our government, culture and citizens at large, mutating into an almost unrecognizable caricature of our former selves. It's been a rude awakening for many in this nation that racism indeed still exists, and that being born a certain color can in fact determine whether you live or die in even the most benign of situations; that gun violence and extreme masculinity, rampant impropriety, dinosaur consciousness and medieval principles are coming out of the shadows and are alive and well, kicking and screaming, trying to hold on for dear life as the future marches on at an ever-increasing pace.
And in this digital landscape - where things are warped, exaggerated and regurgitated ad nauseam - we must be careful of how we relate to life; to become mindful of when we are living more online than off. What are we doing?
We must be hyper-aware and ever-vigilant of when we are letting outside influences, the manipulation of media and external distractions effect our ability to think for ourselves and control our most precious resources of time and energy, rather than producing our own news, plots and storylines in which we are the writers, directors and stars.
The advent of virtual reality and its widespread use in a variety of circumstances will confuse our brains even more in distinguishing time and place, and what is real or not. But remember we also create our own virtual reality, for example,
when you are thinking of something that has already happened, your brain cannot tell the difference between present and past, hence you re-experience those memories and emotions as you replay them over and over as if they are happening in real time, and because they are more than likely the negative ones, means you are constantly re-injuring yourself, causing unnecessary suffering and a skewed perception of your actual current state of being.
As the saying goes, like death and taxes, change is one of three things that are certain in life. But more recently we have been living through big upheavals and endings of not just chapters, but eras. Therefore, now, more then ever, letting go of the past is one of the most important things you can do in order to adjust to and situate yourself in this new uncharted territory. To
liberate yourself from the chains of the past and be fully present as to what your reality is today -
whether you chose it, or like it, or not - must happen before you can start to build, create and expand within this newfound orientation.
Who do you want to be as we move forward in this new era? What do you want to accomplish? How do you want to live? Are you at least living in your own body?
Can you get so comfortable in your own skin and inner being that you could be plopped down in the middle of Mars and still feel like you are "at home"? It's important to spend a little time pondering these questions and sowing the seeds of their eventual harvest that will come days, months and years from now.
Just as w
e are all going through an accelerated evolution as individuals, so is our country and the world, which is why so much upheaval and chaos abounds; gotta clean out the junk in the basement and attic and do some demolishing before you can re-model...And just like that process, we can remember, incorporate and/or hold on to the good, and let go of the bad.
It's time to get back to the essentials of why and how our country was created - what we stand for, who our founding fathers intended us to be and what they hoped we could accomplish as a nation. In so doing,
we must recognize that a nation is comprised of
people, and therefore it is people who are entrusted with doing the right thing, making big decisions, coming up with solutions to problems, and then allocating the appropriate resources to take care of and protect its citizens, which is the sole purpose of government.
No doubt we need to change as a country, but what is the thoughtful approach to that process? It's not a shocking headline, clever meme, funny gify, or a superficial spouting of patriotism
; there is real work to be done,
real structural changes that must happen, and most importantly, a genuine cultural shift and unification that needs to coalesce. But how do we do so without throwing the baby out with the bathwater? In other words, how can we help the country reincarnate in its own body, its own basic framework, while recognizing, mitigating and/or eliminating the inconsistencies of our past declarations, deeds and demonstrations so that we grow wiser and stronger moving forward?
Yes we should all vote but there is more we can do, which may or may not involve running for elected office. We all have a part to play in restoring dignity to our democracy and society at large, and prevent ourselves from imploding
. We have more power when we acknowledge and assume responsibility for our own lives, and the part we play in improving them for those around us, because we are all in it together. This requires us to take time away from Facebook or binging on the latest Netflix series, or at least learn to use them in a productive, balanced and constructive way...
And so my fellow Americans, my plea to you today as we rapidly enter this new era is to
express yourself as positively as possible and develop your fullest potential,
which will indirectly, or perhaps even directly, develop and express this country's potential, and set our course, and that of the world, in the right direction, lest we will very soon be dealing with even
Stranger Things.
Not sure what star or stripe you have to contribute to this terra incognita? Give me buzz, I'll help you find, inhabit and make your true
Home On the Range the best it can be, so that collectively will can make
Our House a very very fine house.
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Want to make 2018 the year to find terra firma
but not
sure how?
Contact me today and I'll help you be the master of your domain in work & life!
As a result of working with Kristina, I now have the tools, motivation and perspective to create my dream career and life. Because of her insights and expertise, I am the happiest and most content I've ever been and found an incredible peace of mind.
~ Alyssa C.
Your insights have had a huge impact on my career and my self-confidence
and planted this seed of truth in me that I knew I had to start tending to. I share this story
here.
I just wanted to say thank you for your advice and I'm glad we crossed paths.
~ Anna W.
Read more about my journey and work in these past PGG's:
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If you like what I write, you'll love what I have to say in person! Scroll down for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.
Looking for a PGG? Remember this and all past posts can be found on my website
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Thinking about working with me one-on-one?
Here are a few ways my services can help you with your career and life, as most of you fall into one or a combination of the following categories:
Executive Coaching:
Who: Managers, Business Owners, Directors, C-Suite Executives
What: Authentic leadership, motivate staff, cultivate teamwork, facilitate communication, inspire vision and culture, increase employee engagement, manage stress, improve work/life wellness
ROI/Why: Productivity, People and Profit!
Career Coaching:
Who: Career Changers, Career Climbers, Job Searchers, Moms, Dads, Grads
What: Exploration, discovery and attainment of meaningful work and lifepath, improve job performance, professional development and advancement, enter or re-enter job force, time/stress management and work/life wellness
ROI/Why: Purpose, Peace and Promotion!
Life Coaching:
Who: Anyone feeling lost/at a crossroads, unsatisfied, stressed, blocked, confused, passionless
What: Life transitions, identity issues/crisis, body/mind/spirit wellness, authentic expression, improve relationships
ROI/Why: Balance, Bounty and Bliss!
Contact me by email or give me a buzz at 917-816-0834 for more information and to schedule your session today!
Click here to get an idea of what it's like working with me from past clients
...And watch this video to give you an idea of my approach especially if you have never worked with a coach before
Kristina gave me permission to be myself! I can say no other person has empowered me in that way as much as she has - and I am TRULY forever grateful for that.." - Cherise R.
"I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect." Bozhanka V.
"After the session I felt so empowered and revved up, I felt like I was ready to take on the world! and I still do. Thank you Kristina!" ~ Paula J.
I look forward to working with YOU whenever you're ready!
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FEELING STUCK IN YOUR CAREER? CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO!
In November 2015 was one of the career experts featured in a panel discussion hosted by
The Muse. Here is the full length video where you can hear my thoughts on career transition, working with a coach, building confidence and handling emotions in the workplace.
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Thanks to everyone who came out and brought great energy to my
"Who Are You & What Are You Supposed to Be Doing with Your Life?
" talk at SIBL in January! It was an overflow crowd of almost 100 and was
livestreamed on Facebook!
Here's a cool pic gussied up from the SIBL staffer:
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Kristina Leonardi speaking to an overflow crowd at NYPLs Science Industry Business Library
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About Kristina's Speaking
Attend an event or hire her to speak at y0ur company or organization!
K
nown as a dynamic, 'inspiring' and 'down-to-earth' speaker with unique yet practical perspectives on career development, work/life wellness, and employee engagement, Kristina has been a featured speaker for many corporate seminars, non-profit organizations and conferences, including: UBS, Saatchi & Saatchi, HR Association of NY, Ogilvy & Mather, American Business Women's Association, the Junior League, NYU and the New York's Science, Business & Industry Library.
Click here for more info
Contact Kristina for full bio and find a sample list of topics
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, May 16th 6-7:30pm at SIBL
Stepping Stones for Success
What does it mean for you to be successful? How do you get there? With all the complexities of modern life, our changing economy and culture in the digital age, the markers of success can seem like they are constantly shifting, confusing or just plain elusive. No matter how you define success for yourself, these tools, tips and insights can help further you along the path to your own personal and professional fulfillment and finding your place in world.
In the meantime you can watch these two talks in full on FB:
Authentic Branding: Letting the Real You Shine in Any Situation
Click here to have Kristina speak at your organization or company
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Here is a very-roughly-edited-not-the-best-quality video of uninterrupted remarks wrapping up the workshop
Lead Yourself to Success (in Work & Life!). In this excerpt covering the final ten minutes, I summarize
my thoughts about confidence, being a leader in your own life, maintaining your individuality and humanity in the times we live in, and why the world is relying on you to be successful. Enjoy!
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Lead Yourself to Success Excerpt
June 24, 2017
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Thanks to everyone who attended this inaugural series!
WORK IT! WEDNESDAYS with Kristina
Super-charge your personal and professional life with a variety of topics that will help identify your purpose, improve your daily routine and provide tips and techniques to reduce stress, increase your confidence and make your career and life the most fulfilled and least stressed it can be!
HERE'S WHAT ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY:
"I feel motivated and energized to continue my journey toward figuring out who I am and what I am meant to do with my life. I was completely entertained and engaged listening to Kristina." ~ J.T.
"Kristina wakes you up to the truth of who you are, your very essence. I am grateful to be able to be in her presence!" ~ K.K.
"It was a great session that I thoroughly enjoyed. I am very strategic on what I attend and this was definitely worth it." ~ D.C.
"...an excellent workshop to gain some practical tips on how to change your outlook. It helps make you aware of how you spend your time, and provides subtle tweaks that make a world of a difference in how you approach work, relationships, and any life frustrations you're tending with." ~ F.M.
"Even though there were several people in the classes- Kristina was able to get to the core of o
ur career and life concerns. Kristina focused on each person and walked each of us through intense realizations! " ~ D. Auguste
"Inspiring workshop session. Great information with actions able to put into practice right now. Thought-provoking. My take away - own who I am. " ~ T. S.
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"Kristina is incredibly intuitive an on-point. Inspiring. She offers actionalble insights. ~ T.E.
***These are powerful professional development opportu
niti
es
, so
chec
k with your
supervisor or HR to see if they will sponsor you and any of your colleagues to attend in the future.***
LOOKING FOR A GREAT SPEAKER?
Looking for a dynamic, down-to-earth speaker for your event, organization, ERG or company?
Please be sure to let me know if you are affiliated with any group, company or organization that needs a speaker on the topics of
active listening, gender communications, career transition, work/life wellness, or employee engagement I'd be happy to send more information to whoever the contact might be.
Contact Kristina for more info
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An offering of video clips with thoughts to help you in your career and life.
This one is from January 2014
- it's an edited clip from my
Who Are You and What Are You Supposed to Be Doing with Your Life? talk at New York's Science, Industry and Business Library. I'll be back there with this talk on January 31, 2018
click here for more info.
Who Are You.....Excerpt
January 30, 2014
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Pink Slips: How Losing Your Job is a Good Thing - Full Video from June 2010
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HOT OFF THE PRESSES!
Articles I've been featured in:
(I'm #3 just before Marissa Mayer #4 and Jane Fonda #7, Mark Cuban #42, Steve Jobs #44)
Scroll down for more articles written by or about me and feel free to share them all! :)
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|  PGG is on Facebook!
Easily access, like, comment on and share your weekly dose of motivational and thought-provoking posts along with additional inspirational and fun tidbits. Please take a moment today to: 
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How can Kristina help you in your work and life?
"...the guidance Kristina provided has been worth over a 1000 books!
I am extremely grateful for her help." ~ Andrew L.
"I can honestly say that speaking to you was one of the most important events in my life. It is almost unbelievable how a 2-hour conversation can have that effect." ~ Bozhanka V.
"I am so grateful to have had the pleasure to work with you. You really helped me to see that I need to value who I am and what I bring to the table. My gift to myself is to value who I am and remember it throughout my journey." ~ Maria S.
"From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better. " ~ Amy P.
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About Kristina's Coaching
Work with her one-on-one or as part of a group
Kristina Leonardi is a career/life coach who has a proven record of getting "stuck" clients empowered to make changes aligned with their true passions and talents in a short time. She provides a practical framework for each individual to make the most of their personal and professional lives, allowing them to recognize, connect to, and fulfill their role in the world at large and live a life with clarity, balance and direction.
Kristina's holistic, gimmick-free, and minimalist approach has earned her widely diverse and fiercely loyal following from all walks and stations of life, including savvy New Yorkers who have tried other coaches, approaches, and therapy with little or limited results.
Click here to learn more
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"She has a laid-back approach, but don't let that fool anyone.
Her ability to read people is amazing and her assessments of how a person can enrich their lives/careers are spot-on. After she asked me lots of questions, she was somehow able to give me an assessment that was frighteningly accurate and illuminating."
I was fortunate enough to have worked with you as a career coaching client earlier this year. Since our time together, and our talks, I have landed a job as general counsel for a not for profit organization here in New York City. When we worked together you mentioned that you had a feeling I was meant for a larger destiny - that I was meant to be doing work for the betterment of others, and that I was meant to lead large groups of people. My work in the not for profit realm will combine those two things, and I feel in my gut that amazing experiences lie ahead. Now, the world is my oyster.
Your coaching and influence had a profound impact on me, and I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to you for being a guiding light. ~ Vanessa M.
Follow me on all these social media platforms!
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About Personal Growth Gab
Kristina Leonardi's Weekly eNewsletter
Since launching Personal Growth Gab (PGG) in January 2010, Kristina has formed an avid and faithful following ("they're the only emails I read" "they really help me" "they help me start my week" "I save them until I get home and can read them with a cup of tea" "you're
such a good writer!" ) of over 1500 who look forward to a
'weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life.
You can now have PGG in beautiful book form!
"From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better."
PGG's are essays about self-care, career direction, transition, stress, feeling lost, going with the flow, current events and more. They're ideas, observations, and unique perspectives to make you think about yourself and your life in a new way, motivate you to make positive change, help ease those challenging times and perhaps have a chuckle or two.
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NOW YOU CAN HAVE THE FIRST 5 YEARS (131 ESSAYS!) OF PGG COMPILED IN A PRACTICALLY ORGANIZED, BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED BOOK!
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A great way to go to bed on a positive note and wake up with a refreshing message. Definitely one I'm keeping on my night stand!"
"I enjoy reading it as a morning meditation before the chaos begins." "It feels like you are speaking to your wise best friend, who knows just what to say to pick you up or offer that much needed nudge in the right direction." "Each essay is punchy and profound."
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I pick up the book when I get stuck and wonder "What would Kristina Leonardi say? " She has become my muse.- Jonathan I.
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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED PGG's BOOK LAUNCH!
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"
From her calming voice and beautiful perspective to her ability to connect the dots and provoke "ah-ha!" moments, her words will change you for the better"
~ Amy P.
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You can also check out these interviews with me:
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