In this introspective episode of Thriving in the Messy Middle, host Amy P Wilkins reconnects with her former coach, Terry Yoffe, to explore the concept of navigating life’s “messy middle” moments. Amy shares how Terry’s coaching transformed her approach to personal challenges during a pivotal time in her life. With warmth and wisdom, Terry shares her rich tapestry of experiences, from overcoming early career setbacks to successfully transitioning into a thriving coaching career later in life. Together, they dissect what it means to grow through adversity and how embracing the messiness of life leads to authentic self-discovery and growth.
Tapping into the wealth of wisdom from Terry’s extensive career, the conversation transcends mere discussions of professional achievements to delve into personal growth. Key themes include recognizing the narratives that limit personal advancement and the power of choice in transcending these self-imposed barriers. Terry offers guidance on how to harness past learning experiences to navigate present-day uncertainties. The interaction underscores the importance of seeing transitions as opportunities for personal development rather than challenges. This episode is a testament to the resilience required to move through challenging seasons and emerge thriving.
Key Takeaways
- Recognizing Patterns: Understanding past messy middle moments can empower individuals to navigate current challenges with more awareness and choice.
- Empowerment Through Story: Identifying and questioning the narratives we build can unlock personal growth and halt limiting self-beliefs.
- Power of Choice: Realize that everyone has the choice to either stay stagnant or use challenging times as a catalyst for personal development.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace new skills and learning opportunities as tools for thriving amid industry disruptions.
- Seeking Support: Building a trusting relationship with a mentor or coach can provide the necessary guidance and safety to explore personal narratives and instigate change.
Terry Yoffe Quotes
The choice is to grow from it and to move forward or to move backward, so to speak, or to stay stuck.
If you can change your narrative from I’m suffering to, oh, what a great opportunity I have to work on me and to figure out what tools I need.
What you’re experiencing has nothing to do with you. They are limiting beliefs and assumptions that you made up at a very early age.
Mentioned in this Episode
Book: Who Moved My Cheese? The book provides insights into adapting to change.
About Terry Yoffe
Terry Yoffe is a 4X Certified International Business and Communications Coach with more than 20 years of coaching experience and decades of success in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles. With over 60 years of wisdom, business acumen, and lived experience, Terry has built her career on resilience, persistence, and courage. She knows firsthand what it means to step into challenges, confront failure, and emerge stronger – growth and reinvention have been the foundation of her journey. As a trusted coach, Terry has guided hundreds of clients to overcome self-limiting beliefs, embrace reinvention, and develop the mindset that drives success. Her work spans corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals navigating life transitions – including those ready to challenge ageism, pivot careers, and create impact in their next chapter.
At 83, Terry embodies her philosophy: you are never too old or too late to transform your mindset, live with purpose, and achieve both personal fulfillment and professional success. She takes pride in the meaningful relationships she builds with her clients, helping them cut through the stories that they tell themselves, step out of their comfort zones, and discover their own inner strength & power.
Terry Yoffe LinkedIn Profile
Terry’s website: Try Coaching
About Amy P Wilkins
Amy P Wilkins is a leadership coach, former media executive, and the founder of Choose Awe—a coaching practice devoted to helping women leaders navigate transitions with clarity, courage, and self-trust. After decades in senior leadership roles, Amy now empowers women to lead with purpose and thrive through the “messy middle” seasons of life and leadership.
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