Kathleen Johnston, MA

Kathleen Johnston, MA is a coach, consultant and clinical counsellor who works primarily with women to help them be successful in their careers without endangering their health and well-being.

As a former senior executive, Kathleen was responsible for strategic direction, policy development and growth objectives for a large charitable international organization.  At the same time, she was doing the "balancing act" of raising a family while working full-time. The years she spent in this pressure cooker environment gives her a special insight into the challenges faced by other women with demanding careers.

While employed as an executive, Kathleen was able to work at one of her life's passions - creating innovative services for marginalized and disadvantaged populations. She was also recognized for the development and delivery of specialized programs in the employment training field and in building unique community partnerships.

Kathleen says:

Being involved in mission-driven work feeds the soul in many ways. It can be like an elixir to people with a driven work ethic and who are motivated by service. Indeed, the sector draws an overabundance of very devoted and hardworking people. That's why stress and burnout can be such a problem if not addressed early.

It was as a result of noticing the high levels of stress and burnout (not to mention nearly succumbing to it herself) that prompted a major career shift for Kathleen.  She wanted to find a way to help women be successful in their careers without endangering their health and well-being. Kathleen's definition of "career" is the sum total of both paid and unpaid labour.  This definition helps to recognize the contribution made by women for ALL of their life's work. 

Fulfilling her dream of helping women experience greater career satisfaction meant leaving her senior management role in December 2000 to complete a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and Psychology.  In researching her Master's thesis, "Ordinary Women-Extraordinary Lives: The Experience of Being a High Achieving Professional Woman", Kathleen strengthened her conviction about women's potential. She believes that each of us has the power and creativity to lead our lives in ways that are uniquely purposeful and healthy. It is this conviction that she brings to her professional work as a wellness consultant, career coach and clinical counselor.

Kathleen finds great satisfaction in being a lifelong learner, seeking even more opportunities for personal growth and development. In June 2005 she completed the Canadian Institute of Stress training as a Certified Stress and Wellness Consultant.  She is currently enrolled in the Career Coaching Institute's specialized programs for Career, Executive, Entrepreneurial and Business Coaching.

Kathleen lives out her vision for all women to have the freedom to live and work to their full potential through her business goal:

To use my wisdom and insight to connect with, inspire and support business and professional women as they strive for satisfaction and harmony in their work and personal lives.

Personal Philosophy, Strengths and Attributes

Kathleen is motivated by a self-accepted calling to the cause of good, growth and gain in the lives of others. Kathleen believes in people and in their power to make a difference in their own lives as well as the lives of others. Her perception and thinking is holistic . She excels in being able to sort through the clutter, to be able to see patterns rather than complexity. She values making a decision, putting it to action, examinining the results and using the learning. 

Kathleen's strengths are:

• The ability to relate to people and help them nurture possibilities.
• The ability to set goals and achieve them, for herself and others.
• High energy in the support of others
• The ability to get to the core of an issue in a respectful, facilitative and inspiring way.
• Open-mindedness, acceptance of and respect for others.

Education, Training and Affiliations:

• B.Sc. Human Ecology - Professional Home Economist
• Master of Arts in Pastoral Psychology & Counseling - Registered Clinical Counsellor
• Certified Stress and Wellness Consultant  - Canadian Institute of Stress
• Certified Executive Career Coach - Career Coach Institute training for Career, Executive and Business Coaches
• Completed 175 hours coursework in Mediation and Negotiation

Memberships:

• B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors
• Alberta Human Ecologists Association
• Home Economists in Business
• Vanier Institute of the Family
• Career Development Association of Alberta
• The International Coach Federation
• Edmonton Association of Professional Coaches

• The International Association of Career Coaches

 Honors:

• Nominated for the 2007 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Advocacy category