FWM: You train and support leaders in becoming the best version of themselves. What do you bring to your clients?
When I work with clients and their teams we like to provide everyone with very practical, tangible tips and exercises to help them to be more effective as a leader. We take them through various exercises that help leaders to uncover blind spots that they didn’t know they had. For example, one major blindspot that we see is not being a good listener. Many people think that they are great listeners, but when we take them through an exercise, they quickly realize they are not.
The person / clients that we work best with are those that are open, interested in learning new tools, willing to look at themselves and ask– how can I be more effective in what I do. We love to work with companies that see the value in helping their employees become more self-aware. Companies that see the value in training their teams how to manage their emotions under stress, uncertainty, and chaotic times. Companies that want to train their teams on how to create psychologically safe environments, so that the team can work effectively together and increase productivity and the bottom line.
FWM: Share your background in the corporate world. How did your experience lead you to start your own company?
I have worked in every sector, except for the government. I have worked in big pharma, education as a French Teacher, International Education (study abroad), non-profit and higher education. What led me to this work was a collection of things. Being laid off several times, dealing with difficult bosses, colleagues, the politics within the corporate environment, not feeling confident in myself, and keeping my head down and just doing what I was told. I realized that no one teaches you how to deal with emotions as it relates to the workplace. No one teaches you how to deal with a difficult boss, no one teaches you how to deal with being laid off, or how to stay calm in the midst of uncertainty. No one teaches you how to be self-aware and yet, these are all things that can help you to become an effective leader.
I came to this realization when I was in the middle of taking a mindfulness course. I had recently been laid off and needed a new tool to help me deal with anxiety and stress. I found that mindfulness was a helpful tool to help with anxiety and stress. I started to go deeper and deeper into the study of it and ended up getting certified in mindfulness and emotional intelligence through a program called Search Inside Yourself. I then started my own business called Mindset Strategies to help people learn tools that are never taught at school or in the workplace.
FWM: You are well-known as a mindfulness and emotional intelligence trainer. Explain your techniques.
Mindfulness techniques are simple. It’s the daily practice that is difficult part. One of our favorite techniques that we like to teach is called “A min to arrive”. It is just that, taking 60 seconds to settle yourself before you go to your next meeting, before you walk into your house, or sitting in the car before you go into the next destination. Whatever it may be. Just taking 1 min can be very helpful.
FWM: What is #PowerInthePause?
#PowerInThePause is a course that I teach that helps individuals learn the tools to help them start a daily meditation practice, have accountability, and learn various meditation tools, techniques, and tips to help them become calmer throughout their day.
FWM: Share a few client stories where your mindset strategies have made an impact on their lives.
A woman that I was coaching had recently lost her wife, her mother and her brother all within 18 months. It was absolutely devastating and she fell into a depression. Plus she had experienced a lot of trauma in her past, after working with her for a few weeks and training her in mindfulness techniques, she had gone to the DMV. We all know you have to be patient at the DMV. 🙂 Well she was about to lose it in the DMV and instead, she used a few of the tools that we were working on, she calmed herself down, refocused, and texted me all about the entire experiencing in “awe” of how the tools helped her at that moment.
This is exactly what it’s all about. Being able to be aware of our triggers, pause, and use tools to help us through strong and powerful emotion.
Another great success is improving workplace morale, team-building focus, and productivity during this challenging pandemic. One of my corporate clients has taken the tools incorporated them into their meetings and created workplace “coffee breaks” via zoom to build morale, connection with each other, and share success stories to keep them motivated and productive during this time.
This is a great example of even in pandemic teams can still bond, increase morale and productivity.
FWM: What will people notice first about working with you?
What people will notice first is that these tools are really powerful, and they work instantly. However, they also see how these tools need to be practiced daily and overtime to create a lasting impact.
FWM: Tell us about your training for leaders companies and organizations.
We work with clients on a monthly basis for a year or longer and the program is designed with a 3-pronged approach — employer — employee and Mindset Strategies. When we all work together in the training that is where the magic and the transformation happens.
Mindset Strategies teaches tools to help leaders become more present by using mindfulness techniques. This intern helps leaders to become more self-aware, better listeners, more focused, more productive, have more empathy and be able to lead with compassion. We partner with companies in a way that when employees go through the training program they are supported by their employer to succeed. For example, upon successful completion of the program employees have the opportunity for merit increases, promotions, and recognition from their high-level leaders.
FWM: Do you have any advice for young women who want to become a mindfulness and emotional intelligence trainer?
As a trainer, you must embody what you preach. You must practice what you preach and be the example and role model for your clients. If you can do that, then you are on your way.
FWM: Please share your social media links and upcoming events.
Sure thing. I host FREE weekly meditation sessions. They are open to anyone and everyone. If you would like to join us on Wed at 1230pmEST feel free to sign up here.
Want to be more consistent with your meditation practice? Come join us at 7amEST – 7:30amEST on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Register here:
Feel free to visit our website: MindsetStrategiesLLC.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellefitzgerald/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantelle.fitzgerald.3
Twitter: @Chantelle_Fitz
IG: Power_In_The_Pause
