ABOUT ME

My name is Jessica Shiles. I am a certified professional life coach. But I did not just arrive here. In the process of (be)coming who I am today, I first learned what it meant to deal with loss at an early age. My best friend, Saulo, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia and passed away in our teens. If it wasn’t for his selfless heart and tireless efforts to advocate for others who couldn’t advocate for themselves, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Encouraged and inspired by Saulo’s mission to live in the moment, love others where they are at, and empower them on their journey, my goal was to make meaning out of my loss and find purpose. I pursued my career in genetic counseling (genetic disease and psychology) and earned my undergraduate degree in genetics - minoring in small business. Following that, I obtained a Master’s degree in Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling from Sarah Lawrence College in NY . And in the midst of it all, I made time for my passions of travel and philanthropy.

 

Biotech and genetics were of great interest to me given my background, but something was missing. Curious by nature, I discovered I am intrigued by people: what motivates them, how they make decisions, and how they have (be)come who they are today. I began to feel a deeper love/empathy for people and the uniqueness that each of us brings to the table. 

 

Through my years of counseling, traveling, and philanthropy, I have met people from all walks of life. We have talked about some pretty deep stuff. I’ve been in the moment with people who are trying to make sense of circumstances and seeking motivation to move them forward. We have talked about options and I have helped people navigate their way into satisfactory outcomes that they were happy and excited about. I was thrilled to be able to encourage people to find meaning, gain a clear picture, establish goals/intentions, and make their way toward accomplishing them. 

 

Although originally excited and fully committed to studying people from the genetic side of things, I began to see that my real passion was for people themselves. This evolution in my career is what drew me into Life Coaching. It seemed the natural next step in the process of my (be)coming a professional life coach. I am able to use my lived experiences, clinical counseling and  professional life coach training to empower, to encourage and to inspire others in their life’s journey. I provide accountability; to offer opportunities to process and outline strategies to create thoughtful and intentional goals, and to help people do the work of (be)coming their absolute best, most authentic selves. Professional life and career coaching provides opportunities for personal and professional growth through intentionality, through self discipline, through time management, through the ability to create meaning out of loss, and through workshops focused on improving specific, relevant skills. I have the privilege of coming alongside people and, through the lens of love, I offer hope, opportunity, clarity and actionable plans and processes to move a life forward -- to move YOUR life forward.  I believe that each person is unique, creative and embodies the power to (be)come the most ideal and authentic version of themselves.

 

As well as a professional life coach, I am also a runner. Running has provided me with a great perspective and has taught me to push forward, even when it’s uncomfortable in order to succeed. Setting goals is important. Achieving our personal and professional goals requires work. Hard work. In running I have discovered that I am tougher than I think, and I enjoy reminding people that they can do it! In running races, most people participating don’t win, yet as a runner, I still determine my forward motion, my next move. You define you. You determine to accomplish hard things. You don’t quit. That sounds like the definition of a winner to me.

​