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Follow me on all these social media platforms!
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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, June 12th 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.
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by Kristina Leonardi
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We seek out emotional intensity vicariously, because when we are emotionally numb, we need a great deal of stimulation to feel something, anything. So emotional pornography provides the stimulation, but it's only ersatz emotion - it doesn't teach us anything about ourselves or the world.
~ Miriam Greenspan
One of the most popular singers today, Adele seems to unite us all with her deeply felt ballads and powerful, rich delivery, as illustrated so well by
this SNL video. It's funny because it touches upon some profound truth, as she is one of the best selling recording artists of all time due to her universal appeal; young, old, rich, poor, black, white, purple, no matter your nationality, religious or political affiliation - no one can resist the temptation to be moved and sing along.
The Maori culture of New Zealand has a tradition called
haka, an "ancestral war cry, dance or challenge performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment." You can check out
the rugby team's haka for their most famous player or perhaps you've seen
this wedding video that went viral around the globe. My guess is that 99.99% of viewers had no idea what was being said/sung, but what makes haka and other similar native traditions so powerful is the absolute lack of artifice and 200% commitment to the raw, exaggerated emotion expressed;
you can't help but feel something stirred within you and respond emotionally in kind.
Sporting events, especially football, with its expanding audience and the Super Bowl essentially having the status of a national holiday, is
one of the only acceptable forums where we can shout and scream and express our emotions to the max - joy, excitement, disappointment, frustration, surprise. If you're not a sports fan, stadium rock concerts can offer us a similar opportunity as we enjoy head-banging tunes, raging against the machine, and belting our hearts out with longing, hope, despair, anger, passion, and of course, love. Because it's election season, this is also what we see stirred up at political rallies from all sides, igniting people with emotions, good, bad and ugly.
And because of the explosion of diverse media outlets, the content being created - movies, TV series, reality shows, and even "news" programs - keep pushing the envelope to the extremes of sex, violence, revenge, horror, and apocalyptic scenarios to get any attention. Social media is getting worse, always in a race to post the most salacious or silly videos, scandalous or outrageous memes and headlines, in order attract the most click bait. And most folks can't help falling for it, getting sucked in more times than they realize or care to admit.
These are also all shared, or varying degrees of tribal experiences, activating a very human part of us that needs to connect and feel part of a bigger group. As we become more and more siloed, and only virtually connected, these experiences become more rare and intensified as we advance in our technological age. And remember,
emotions are contagious, so choose your tribes and tribal experiences wisely.
Whether an Adele song, a demonstration of haka, major sporting event, viral video or political rally, they awaken emotions that we are slowing being desensitized to, cover up or are embarrassed to share as
we text and type without direct human to human contact, with our gadgets as legitimized interlopers. We are in danger of becoming robots ourselves.
Being able to feel is the most human trait we possess, and one that will ultimately separate us from artificial intelligence. The good news is that we are inherently rebelling: Our subconscious natural inclination to express our feelings is so strong it is evidenced by the creation and widespread use of emojis! We simply cannot contain that part of ourselves, as
emotion is essential to the way humans communicate if we want to be fully understood.
As I say in my talks, most people walk around emotionally constipated. We need to feel our feelings because the alternative is some unhealthy form of distraction, addiction or even violence.
Learn to process your emotions; recognize and honor your feelings as they occur and then express or release them in an appropriate manner. That could mean talking it out; other times its just journaling; sometimes it's hysterically crying, belly-laughing, running for miles, dancing your butt off, singing, screaming or even moaning. Remember, emotion is "energy in motion" so you need to let it move through and out of you, which is why those big stadium experiences, scary movies and power ballads feel so good, but don't have to be the only game in town if you manage your emotional health on a regular basis.
One of
my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies,
French Kiss, is when Meg Ryan is frustrated with how French women have a way of interacting with men, masking or manipulating how they really feel rather than just being straight-forward. She laments,
"If you're happy, smile, if you're sad, frown; use the corresponding face to the corresponding emotion!"
When we consistently feel our feelings and express them honestly to ourselves and others, we are able to communicate more effectively and gain a sense of inner peace and harmony. That means stop holding back or repressing our emotional selves, hiding behind our smartphones, or relying on "emotional porn" to give us the natural satisfaction and release that we require as conscious, sentient beings.
Not sure if you're clogged up with a hodgepodge of emotions or only feel with the help of some outside stimulus? Give me a buzz and I'll be your personal
Roto-Rooter (wo)Man to get things moving along so you can
feel your own subtle or not-so- subtle emotions and go with your own flow, without always needing that bigger, bolder, in-your-face experience or living vicariously through another's.
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Want to make 2018 the year to feel your feelings
but not
sure how?
Contact me today and I'll help you go with your emotional flow in work and 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:
Be sure to follow me on all these social media platforms!
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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
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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: |
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!
"
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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