From Publishing Prestige to Coaching Clarity: A Conversation with Amy Wilkins

Emma

Welcome, everyone, to another episode of our podcast. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Amy Wilkins, a former publishing executive and now a leadership coach. Amy, thank you so much for joining us today.

Amy Wilkins

Thank you, Emma. I'm really excited to be here and share my journey with your audience. It's a great opportunity to connect with others who might be at similar crossroads in their careers.

Emma

Amy, let's start with a bit of background. Can you tell us about your career in publishing and how it all began?

Amy Wilkins

Sure, I started my career in publishing right after college. I was fortunate to work with some incredible brands like Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Smithsonian Media. These experiences taught me so much about leadership, team management, and the importance of adaptability in a fast-paced industry.

Emma

What were some of the key challenges and learnings from your time in publishing?

Amy Wilkins

One of the biggest challenges was dealing with leadership changes and economic downturns. These situations forced me to become more resilient and adaptable. I learned that it's crucial to stay true to your values and be open to new opportunities, even when they seem daunting.

Emma

That's really insightful. What was the turning point that led you to transition into leadership coaching?

Amy Wilkins

I realized that my true passion lies in empowering others. I noticed a gap in the market for coaching that specifically addresses the 'messy middle' of one's career, where responsibilities increase but support often wanes. I wanted to help professionals navigate this challenging phase with confidence and clarity.

Emma

Can you explain more about the 'messy middle' and why it's such a critical phase?

Amy Wilkins

The 'messy middle' is a phase where individuals often face increased responsibilities but may not have the necessary support or guidance. It's a time of significant growth, but it can also be overwhelming. I help my clients develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive during this period.

Emma

That sounds incredibly important. How do you approach empowering women in particular during this phase?

Amy Wilkins

I focus on building their confidence and helping them recognize their unique strengths. I encourage them to set clear goals and provide them with practical tools to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. It's about fostering a mindset of curiosity and resilience.

Emma

Listening to personal intuition seems to play a big role in your approach. Can you elaborate on why that's important?

Amy Wilkins

Absolutely. Our bodies and minds often give us signals that we might not always recognize. Learning to listen to these signals can help us make better decisions and stay true to our values. It's about tuning in to what feels right for us and being willing to make changes when necessary.

Emma

Mindfulness and self-care are also crucial in professional development. How do you incorporate these practices into your coaching?

Amy Wilkins

I encourage my clients to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines, whether it's through meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe deeply. These practices help reduce stress and increase focus, making it easier to tackle professional challenges.

Emma

What are some of the most rewarding moments in your coaching career?

Amy Wilkins

Seeing my clients achieve their goals and gain more clarity in their careers is incredibly rewarding. It's also fulfilling to witness their personal growth and the positive impact they have on others.

Emma

Looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations and plans for the future?

Amy Wilkins

I plan to expand my coaching practice and reach a wider audience. I also want to continue my involvement with organizations like America Needs You and She Runs It, which are doing amazing work in supporting underrepresented groups. Ultimately, my goal is to make a lasting impact on as many lives as possible.

Emma

Thank you so much, Amy, for sharing your journey and insights with us today. It's been a truly inspiring conversation, and I'm sure our audience will find it incredibly valuable. Where can our listeners connect with you if they want to learn more about your coaching services?

Amy Wilkins

Thank you, Emma. They can visit my website at ChooseAweLLC.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. I'm also active on Instagram and Facebook. I look forward to continuing the conversation and helping more people navigate their career paths with confidence.