Woman we love: Getting confident with… Karen Elizaga
After years of practicing law, Karen Elizaga came to a realization: She disliked her career and yet was still able to love all the other aspects of her life. Why couldn’t she love all aspects — and why couldn’t she teach others to while she was at it? So she quit law and started Forward Options, a company that began by running seminars for girls in their teens but soon expanded to executive life coaching and workshops for women (and men) of all ages. Karen helps women all over the world harness their inner self-confidence so they can communicate effectively, clarify their goals, and move on up in their personal and professional lives. Can’t make a workshop? Sign up for her monthly newsletter at forwardoptions.com. Count us in!
Skinny Bonus: Forward Options will offer 20% off the first month of coaching when you mention Skinny! (Offer expires May, 31, 2009)
Name: Karen Elizaga
Age: 38
Location: NYC and Westport, CT
Occupation: Life/executive coach and founder of Forward Options
What makes you tick: Helping people discover (or rediscover) their “mojo.” Life is too short and too important to be playing with mediocrity of spirit.
Current project: Many! Always! Helping my clients, coaching seminars, working on our free camp for girls called Dorothy Rose 13, publishing my book If I’m so Amazing, Why Can’t I Get the Job I Want? , and writing my next one Feminine Mojo .
One life-changing moment: When I realized that nutrition is about health and vitality, not just about how I fit into my jeans.
Favorite section on Skinny: I’m OBSESSED with Obsessions. I love the breadth of what this column covers. I always discover fabulous tips on nutrition, fashion, fitness.
What you would do if you have 1 hour free completely to yourself: Meditate! I love it but don’t do it enough.
What you would do it you had 1 year free completely to yourself: Travel. I’d go back and have a couple more safari adventures in Africa. I’d visit Bhutan where they track gross national happiness (GNH) just as we track gross domestic product. I’d spend some time in Manila, Westport, Honolulu, and of course, NYC with my family (both near and extended).
Favorite quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot. I often hear (and believed this at different points in my own life) that “it’s too late…” or “if only I had…” We can recreate our existence at any time.
Favorite indulgence: Even though I avoid most dairy, I make (at least) a weekly exception for coffee ice cream. I have tried it in virtually every form. My counter-indulgence is my fabulous gym habit. Even in this economy, I won’t give up my health.
