Interviewee:
Amy Pierre-Russo (she/her)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
In 2021, after completing my first Life & Leadership Coach certification program, I launched Excelsior Professional Coaching, LLC. I was inspired to help people clarify their long-term goals and intentionally connect their daily actions to fulfilling their greater life purpose. Since then, I have provided over 500 hours of coaching to clients. They have described our work as leaving them more confident, purposeful in their intentions, and overall fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives.
I am particularly drawn to clients whose impact extends to their broader family, organization, or community. The reward of witnessing the ripple effect our work creates is unparalleled. I see my role as supporting parents in leading happier lives because each of us is truly a leader in our own life. I am honored to help individuals make more present and aware decisions that honor the leading role they play in their lives. My mission is to make life happier—one parent at a time.
I am a:
-Certified Life & Leadership Coach through the Academy of Creative Coaching, and
-Certified Whole Person Certified Coach through Coach Training World
Each of these programs is accredited through the International Coaching Federation where I am a member and engage in continued professional development.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
I was drawn to coaching while working in Human Resources (HR). I wanted to support professional’s unique goals. I became a Certified Life and Leadership Coach to fulfill that need. I’ve since coached many professionals and entrepreneurs witnessing how juggling professional aspirations and the responsibilities of caring for a family can become a burnout-inducing tug-of-war. I now support parents and other caretakers to lead happier lives. It’s been a great culmination of my need to see more people thrive within their work while satisfying my coach instinct to see more people lead fulfilling and productive lives.
I hold a Life & Leadership Certification from The Academy of Creative Coaching. I was drawn to this program because it focuses on meeting clients where they are and understanding their true needs. The curriculum emphasizes diversity and considers the unique factors that affect our individual experiences, mindsets, and lives.
Additionally, I have a Whole Person Coaching certification from Coach Training World. I chose this program to deepen my skills in holistic coaching. I believe that when a significant event occurs in one area of our lives, it can create a ripple effect that impacts other areas. I never want to diminish these experiences; instead, I welcome my clients to bring their whole selves to our coaching sessions, even on difficult days. This allows us to work through challenges together and develop a plan for moving forward.
Both of these certifications are accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), where I’m a member and engage in continuing education.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that had an impact on you?
I recently read “Real Self-Care” by Pooja Lakshmin, MD. I resonated with the idea that “self-care” has become overused, making it somewhat disconnected from the deep, consistent effort required to maintain our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
I interned at Disney World, and my training there still impacts how I think about creating memorable client experiences.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
