A practical, creative approach to (re)inventing your life and work
Design Your Life
Thinking like a designer can provide a unique way to approach life’s challenges and transitions. Don’t just think about making a change. Build and experiment your way forward.
The right framework can help you figure out what you want, who you want to grow into and how to create a life you love.
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Hard to navigate by yourself
Trusted sounding board
Help you hold yourself accountable
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We’ll utilize a proven framework, grounded in design thinking:
Action-Oriented: focus on prototyping and experimenting with ideas not over-planning
Clarity Through Curiosity: helps surface values, priorities and possibilities you may not see or be aware of
Life + Work: find your right balance between relationships, health, play, career and impact
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How you will find and define yourself:
Confidence: ensure that your next steps match your values and vision
Momentum: move from ideas to action
Resilience: tools to reframe challenges when things don’t go as planned
Fulfillment: create a life that’s not just successful but truly satisfying
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Drifting into someone else’s idea of success
Getting stuck in old roles, identities, or networks that no longer serve your growth
Wasting time and energy chasing opportunities that don’t align with what matters most to you
Missing the chance to design an intentional mix of work, play, relationships and health
“Life isn’t a problem to solve….but an adventure to live”
Coaching Services
Whether you’re changing careers, finishing school, returning from a break, selling a business or simply ready for a new chapter, this is about building the next version of you — with curiosity, creativity, and intentionality.
It can be hard to know where to start or make the time to think about the future. Together, we’ll design your playbook for what’s next — a practical, creative approach to (re)inventing your life and work.
Here’s how we can work together:
One-on-One
Group sessions with 3-5 others
Have a group in mind? Let’s talk.
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Where should I start? How should I start?
Am I too late or behind? (spoiler alert: you’re not!)
Maybe you're in school. Maybe you’ve chosen a major. Perhaps you even like it.
How do I turn that into a career?
You’re right where you should be!
Research found that only 1 in 5 found something meaningful to dedicate their life to. And, it’s estimated that a person has 12 jobs in a lifetime.
It can be hard to find a passion. I applaud you if you have. You typically won’t think your way to it. You can’t be told what it should be. And, it will likely be a continuous work in progress.
Let’s experiment and build your way to it. Together!
I’ll help you create a framework to use throughout your career…and life.
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You thrive in running your company but when faced with open space — you’re seeking structure to explore new options and identity, while continuing to make positive impact.
If you have or will exit, do you want to design a purposeful, energized next chapter rather than potentially drift or fall into a default path?
But how?
This is about building the next version of you — with the same creativity, intentionality, and boldness you poured into your business. Together, we’ll create your playbook for reinvention.
Feel more confident selling your business knowing what comes next for you!
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Those in (or want to be in) transition
We spend so much of our lives working.
Is it meaningful? Impactful? Fulfilling?
What does your definition of “success” look like?
How (or why) did you get into your profession?
Does it make you proud? Or someone else?
Was it a conscious choice?
It can be easier to stay on the path you’ve set. But what if it’s time to find a new path? Whether it’s by choice or not.
How will you navigate your way?
I’ll help you answer the question — What’s next?
Who can benefit:
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
“Living a life of impact through meaningful connections”
— Joel Stern
This sums up what I believe my life is about. This thought came to me when I stopped, thought about my purpose, and what I want guiding me.
I’m excited to connect and help you discover your path. Help you figure out what’s best for you. It’s empowering. As a certified coach, we’ll use a model that can help you navigate life, not just your career.
I’ve spent over 20 years in corporate recruiting, working with high-growth startups to large companies, helping to hire and fill 1000’s of positions. I’ve worked for global companies and have lived abroad. I’ll bring a broad perspective to the conversation.
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If you started like me, you interviewed with companies that came on campus. My choices were limited and competitive. It forced my hand to start a design thinking approach (only I didn’t know that’s what it was called at the time). So there I was, sitting in our student union, talking with an Advisor. And it hits me to ask — “How did you get your job?” That simple question changed the trajectory of my life! It introduced me to design thinking. And I’m forever grateful.
I’ve been happily married for almost 25 years. Our daughter, a freshman in college, continues to share her light and joy with all who are lucky to know her. I’m grateful for the love we share. I love to stay active. I hike as often as I can (especially with my wife). Play golf. Participate in sprint triathlons (24 and counting). I’m open to just about anything that gets my heart pumping.
— Joel Stern
Ready
to go?
Together, we’ll design your playbook for what’s next — a practical, creative approach to (re)inventing your life and work. Whether you’re changing careers, finishing school, returning from a break, selling a business or simply ready for a new chapter, this is about building the next version of you — with curiosity, creativity, and intentionality.
You’ll find more clarity, energy and confidence about what comes next.
“Taking Joel’s Designing Your Life course was a deeply impactful experience for me. Through reflections, mind-mapping, and guided discussions, I learned how to connect my values with the kind of life I want to live. I finished the program feeling more confident and genuinely excited about what my future can hold.”