›› Fearless Females: Jennifer Manghisi

“One day I left work at lunch for a mammogram and I never went back to my corporate HR job. At 37, I had breast cancer. Two weeks after the diagnosis and a partial mastectomy, my company laid off my entire department, including me. Here I was recovering from surgery and facing chemotherapy plus radiation to boot, and had NO JOB. It was a lonely and painful time, but also a time of spiritual growth and clarity. I had radiologists, oncologists, a therapist, a physical therapist, and lots of other “ists” in my life, all looking at fighting a disease. But I didn't want to be reduced to a diagnosis. I was a young woman with talent, courage (sometimes) and passion for life. Couldn't people see beyond my bald head and thin body? Desperate for more meaning and direction, I hired a life coach to help guide me in seeing what the next chapter of my life would look like.

After careful consideration and a bit of bravery, I decided to become a life coach myself and start my own business. Scared and excited, I went to my first coaching conference in Chicago. I cried a lot at the time. It felt frightening, but there was a greater purpose guiding me that I couldn't fully explain.   I started a two year coaching program and worked on building my business. It hasn't always been easy, but I know I have found my place in the world. I am proud of what I do today.   My encouragement to anyone who isn't happy with where they are in there life is that there is a reason and with support you can find the right path for you. It may happen quickly or it may take a long time to get there, but the journey can be just as satisfying as the destination and it is well worth it!”