Brenn M. Simonen

In layperson terms, what do you actually do at work?

The clients that find me are looking for guidance about how to make their lives more simple while getting the most out of their efforts and experiences whether, school, work, or family. Sometimes when we are in a routine of doing what we know, we can create a rut for ourselves that we don't even realize. Often an outside view is able to see where you can remove some obstacles that impede your forward motion, and create a path that adds more ease to obtaining your goals. I listen to you tell me what's going on now, where you want to be, and what you feel is in your way. We then set a course of action, including checks and balances, that give you a feeling of support and clarity. I am here to help others meet their needs and live a full life.

What is it like when your job gets tough?

When my job gets tough it is typically from a client not giving me all the details of what's going on in their journey, and an issue that has been left out of the initial conversation shows up as an obstacle for them during our process together. It's crucial that I know what's going on and why to be able to help in all ways and offer the support you require. Truth and Trust are key to open communication.

When you were a student, did you do anything outside of school to build skills or get knowledge that has helped your career?

When I was a student, I had already been a coach for many years. I initially majored in Psychology, and the courses I took gave me insight into what I was doing in my work life. I shifted my focus during my last year of college to Social Science because I felt the need to be more impactful to all people, not just those with health insurance. The current mental health crisis shows us that this is a real problem. My goal is to help anyone who comes to me, whatever their income level is, on a sliding scale so that anyone can feel supported and encouraged in their school, work, and home life endeavors. Being a Social Science major allowed me to step out of the Psych-box and broaden my understanding of the sociocultural and socioeconomic impacts our world is processing. Considering the current climate, those courses, the group work, and the grant-writing involved with them were important knowledge sources for me.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

I did not expect to be a lifestyle coach for the past 20 years. I started out in Restaurant work, as many high school students do. I worked my way up to being an Assistant Manager of one restaurant and the head of marketing for three in the Owner's chain of restaurants. Then a friend of mine asked me to join his start-up Mortgage Brokerage, and I did because I was tired of working nights, weekends, and having a rotating schedule while being a single mom. I was in the Real Estate, Mortgage, and Title industry for almost 10 years while starting my Life Coaching and Hypnotherapy practice. One example is a client I had who had spent 37 years as an Architectural Engineer but wasn't happy. She wanted to be a landscape architect and use her knowledge of computer design to create beautiful outdoor environments for people, not just HVAC systems and plumbing for 15-story buildings. She did it. While working full time she took night classes for Horticulture and started a small word-of-mouth business, doing what she wants, when she wants, and taking on the size jobs that work for her. This gave her a personal strength she hadn't had before.