Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Stark.
Hi Alexandra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ll work super hard. I’ll get good grades and do so many extracurriculars.
Oh and don’t forget about the community service hours.
And then I’ll go to a good college.
I’ll take some tough classes, be active in participating AND be in a few clubs, maybe work a part time job to pay for my books and go out a few nights a week. (Ok, let’s be honest- I went to college in New Orleans so it was more like every night- but still).
Then after college and getting my BA in Psychology – I’ll apply to 10 graduate schools in I/O Psychology because I just knew I wanted to be involved in the psychology of business and was fascinated by people and how/why they operated at work.
Then I’ll make a last minute decision to move to Florida for graduate school.
Guess how many of the schools I applied to were in Florida? Zero.
I completely changed my trajectory because I wanted to live in Florida. I had gone there on Spring Break when I was 20 and just fell in love.
Can anyone say major impulse buy?!
I completely abandoned my gut.
I went to school for Mental Health Counseling and almost left so many times.
I thought about transferring for an entire year. I wanted to go into HR. I wanted to get my acceptance back at the I/O psych school. I wanted to bartend full time.
Literally anything to get out of this program.
But I stayed. I did well. I graduated
Again, looked for jobs anywhere but in mental health-Physician recruiting was by far the worst.
Then back to Mental Health, then leadership in mental health. And there it was.
My first taste experiencing what I knew I always wanted to do. Working with women who wanted to work on being good leaders.
I learned so much during that time. I read all the books that Korn Ferry had to offer, I went to leadership training, I read Harvard Business Review for Fun.
I loved being in that leadership role.
But life happened (more on that later). And I left that role to learn how to run my own business- in Mental Health no less.
I learned all the business. Asked all the people. Worked with my own career coach AND business coach. Read all the business, finance, marketing books, blogs, articles. You know the drill.
Even created a Facebook group .
It was on my 40th birthday that I made a promise to myself. I’m going back to my roots. Whatever it takes.
And while I’m choosing not to go back to school for that I/O Psych degree I am committed to doing what I always knew I wanted to do. Help women (specifically Moms) work on being balanced and successful leaders.
And that’s how Alex Stark Coaching was born.
Stay tuned for part 2 of my over share internet saga where I share exactly how I knew that helping moms in Executive Leadership was where it’s at for me!!
The week before last I shared a little about how this business got started. Here is part 2 into that journey.
My Business Birth Story – Part 2
So why Moms in Executive Leadership you ask? I mean, nobody really asked me- it’s just a cool story and I want to share.
Because Moms in Executive Leadership are machines. They are running their organizations AND their families (even with supportive partners). This isn’t a partner bashing post, k?
Because Moms in EL have more than earned their seat at that damn table.
Because Moms have the unique ability to share a piece of themselves with the organizations they run or the businesses they own. Sometimes to a fault.
Because time after time, I saw Moms coming into therapy – Mental health therapy- to get help working through things they were dealing with AT WORK.
Going to therapy for shit at work!!!!
Like, they cared so much and couldn’t manage that they wanted to make it better for themselves, their teams and their family that they came to therapy.
Or
They were so burned out and overwhelmed that they wanted to quit, move to Mexico, be a greeter at Wal-Mart, sell shit on eBay. Literally anything to get out of feeling the way they did.
This just wasn’t right. They all wanted the same thing. And how can I help only this tiny number of women outside of the therapy space.
With this very business.
A hybrid model executive coaching program designed specifically for Moms. To become a more balanced leader AND prevent/recover from burnout.
Taa-Daa!
My Why
I’m more relaxed than I ever have been and working less days a week. I started making more money when I started working less hours and spending more time with my kids.
It wasn’t always this way – I used to only see my kids for an hour at bedtime. I used to commute 60 miles to go to the office, EACH WAY. I had a job that I loved, but I was burned out trying to do it all. Even with a supportive partner, I felt like I was in the trenches.
I was exhausted and overwhelmed. I felt a strong sense that I would have to choose between being a good mom and having a successful career. I thought the only way was to just stop working altogether. Well, that wasn’t an option. Plus, I worked really hard to get where I was and didn’t think that throwing it all away was the answer either.
So, I went on a deep dive for several years thinking about all of the various careers that I could so that could help me feel refreshed and energized. I had some doozies, seriously, ask my friends. I thought dog groomer, bartender on a remote island, greeter at Target, florist, property appraiser, go back to school…literally anything.
After quite a bit of self-work and help from a great support system of friends, coaches and mentors, instead of looking outward to manage my burnout, I looked inward, I started setting boundaries, saying no, focusing on myself, learning for fun about leadership, challenging myself in different ways and started to feel better about myself and my work.
I began looking into becoming an Executive Coach and realized that none of the programs addressed what I myself had experienced – so I created one The program I designed lies at the intersection of leadership and mental wellness, specifically for women. It is these two factors that allow us to lead a balanced and healthy life. I cannot wait to share what is inside!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Raising two young girls, multiple multistate moves, managing 4 state licenses in Psychotherapy, protecting my license while going into coaching
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bio Short: (General)
My name is Alex. I am an Executive Coach, specializing in Burnout, a Licensed Therapist and a mom. I’m also a real person. I like wine, vacations and spending time with my family. I once lived on a ship for a year in Panama (the country), while managing a remote, high end marlin fishing lodge in the Pacific Ocean.
My practice is dedicated to helping high achievers succeed at work while staying present, being connected at home and leading fulfilled, balanced lives.
I operate two small businesses from my home in Coastal North Carolina. One for psychotherapy services and the other for Executive Coaching.
Before going into business for myself, I had over 10 years experience in executive level
leadership in a large nonprofit focused on education and mental health.
Coaching Philosophy:
My Executive Coaching services are tailored to foster balance and increase the satisfaction that high-achieving women receive from their lives—both personally and professionally. Though the exact approach will vary with the needs of the individual, my services typically feature a hybrid approach that combines:
1. Burnout Recovery and Prevention.
2. Executive Coaching that boosts leadership skills and helps with boundary setting and feeling present.
This approach is uniquely designed to suit the complex, busy and responsibility-filled lives of Moms in executive leadership. Informed by neuroscience, mindfulness, psychotherapy, and high-level business leadership experience, our work together will deliver interdisciplinary instruction—with practical applications in everyday life—from a place of empathy and empowerment. You are the expert in your life. It is my job to create an actionable plan that suits your unique situation.
What types of balance do my clients typically achieve?
1. Balance Between Your Career and Your Personal Life and Family. Your career provides the ability to provide good lives for your kids and partner, but it should not consume your life. We’ll discuss proven, real-world strategies to set better boundaries and keep more of yourself for yourself and your family.
2. Feeling Better and Being a Better Leader at Work. When you feel good, you perform better. Overcoming burnout does not mean giving up your career—quite the opposite. It frees you up to thrive personally and professionally.
3. Balance Between Yourself and Yourself. The internal dialog between “being productive” and “being present” can be exhausting. For many Moms in Executive Leadership, team “being
productive” wins… a lot. On weekends, during the evenings, at the kids’ events. Creating balance and harmony, making time for self care and living in the present can boost your long-term career success… even if your Saturdays seem less “productive.”
Alex Stark Coaching, LLC Mission Statement
The mission of Alex Stark Coaching, LLC is to provide a hybrid model Executive Coaching and Burnout Recovery Program designed specifically for women Executive Leadership by combining personal journey with sustainable practice.
Services:
12-week all-inclusive hybrid Executive Coaching AND Burnout Recovery/Prevention program specifically designed for Moms in Executive Leadership.
Moms in Executive Leadership: Beat Burnout, Regain Control. Achieve Balance – 3 month all-inclusive signature program, expertly designed
Learn how to overcome burnout and calm high-functioning anxiety so you can perform better at work, feel more comfortable at home, and lead a more balanced, fulfilled, and connected life.
Access to my “Overcome the Overwhelm” signature program where I use the domains of Female Health as a curated approach to care for the whole woman to help my clients beat burnout and feel alive and in control in 3 months.
Access to my digital course training videos with step-by-step guidance
You’ll get my step-by-step comprehensive plan to get you from where you are today to exactly where you want to be – setting clear, healthy boundaries, understanding the Power of No, Creating your own expectations and limitations, be more mindful and present, powerful and effective communication, learn to be more by doing less.
It’s not just learning the info – you will also get access to my Transformation Implementation Guide that will leave you feeling empowered, eager, confident and ready to take these strategies back to your real life
Group coaching calls 2x per week for 60 minutes to work together, answer questions, celebrate wins and check on progress, get support from the other women – these are also used as accountability calls
Special access to my client only VIP FB group with ONLY paying members of this group included – it’s a really unique and powerful group of other Moms in Executive Leadership to support and encourage you along the way – Being around a group of like minded women who are navigating the same struggles increasing natural supports
Special guest speakers
Extra Course on Mindfulness Meditation from a neuro-scientist based mindfulness meditation expert
As a bonus, I offer a personalized strategic plan for you AND your workplace for implementation for burnout prevention strategies so that you can lead by example
A second bonus I offer is a personalized Beat Prevention, Regain Balance curated gift box with products sourced from female small business owners around the world
1:1 Coaching Session – add on
Hybrid Model 1:1 Executive Coaching Session
Should we work together, our journey will take the shape of an individualized plan that addresses the specifics of your life and career trajectory. Each journey is specially curated and evolves through a series of stages and steps.
My specialty lies in understanding, empathizing and working with you to create a plan to benefit your life and career. My coaching techniques are informed by neuroscience, mindfulness (I am certified in mindfulness meditation—but coaching is more fun), cognitive behavioral therapy and executive level business leadership experience. Results typically can come in the form of being a better leader, becoming empowered—to feel better and perform better, and leading a more balanced, fulfilled and present life.
Success will take work on your part, but I will provide the tools and the framework (and the confidence and expertise) to not only help you succeed today—but to build an enduring foundation for your future.
Corporate & Workplace Services
Corporate and workplace seminars, workshops and coaching to promote a healthier workplace
Customized packages available, individual or group
Investment: Customized pricing based on preparation, presentation and travel time
1-hour seminar includes:
1. Preparation time on the topic of your choice
2. Presentation delivery with time for Q&A if appropriate for your organization
3. Customized presentation tailored to your specific organization and any specific nuances you are looking for or your organization is experiencing
4. Slide deck, images to keep/send out
Topic Examples:
Mindfulness meditation
Stress Reduction in the Workplace
Workplace Burnout in Education
How to be Productive AND Balanced at Work and at Home
Tips to Maintaining Strong Mental Health AND Being Productive
Ways to Reduce Stress, Burnout & Signs to See it Coming
What Does it Mean to Approach Things More Holistically
Emotional Intelligence
Professional Wellness in the Workplace
How to Recognize Burnout, What To Do About It
Mental Health First Aid
How to Professionally Advocate for Your Needs in the Workplace
How to Manage Demands of Your Career AND Personal Life
Previous speaking engagement include:
Leadership trainings, Non-Profit events, Community educational opportunities, Trainings for legal and Judicial professional, Community agency education
Popcast guest
How do you think about happiness?
My girls, family, the beach, travel, being mindful and present because this is why I designed my life the way that I did – to have white space – more being, less doing.
Pricing:
- Individual Psychotherapy Session $225
- Coaching Packages begin at 1200 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.alexstarkcoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talktoalexstark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talktoalexstark/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stark-alexandra/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@talktoalexstark
