I have been working with Jody for a few months. She's great. I first went to her because I had been a trader, so had she and part of her practice now is coaching traders. I thought she would understand where I was coming from. She did. She speaks the language. She understands the industry in a way that so many people who haven't worked in markets do not. But her value to me has been more than just help with trading. I had been struggling for several years in my life. My career had wasted away to nothing and I was in financial trouble as a result. I needed to get back into a job but I didn't know how. I had lost contact with my professional network. I didn't know what skills I had to offer an employer after being out of work for so long. The thought of networking made me sick. I was completely stuck. Jody has helped me get to the core of why I have difficulty being productive, accomplishing goals, organizing my time, realizing my potential and creating momentum in my daily life. She's smart and organized. She's created proprietary exercises designed to help you discover your interests, talents, values and your behavioral patterns (good and bad). I know there are hundreds of such questionnaires and tests but hers are good and she gets personally involved in helping you with the work. And make no mistake, it is challenging work and Jody expects you to put in the time. She'll boot you as a client if you don't. She's direct and she'll tell you when you're not performing up to her standards. She invests in you and she expects a similar investment on your part. But this is why I get so much out of working with her. I know she is considering my case and putting in work for me, even outside of our appointments. She pushes me and I want to work hard for her. Sounds like a good coach, doesn't it? If you believe you need a coach (and I assume you do because you're reading this) then you have to call her. When I first searched for coaches I was overwhelmed with all of the options. How much time do you really want to invest researching each of them? My girlfriend encouraged me to call Jody because of her work with traders. I may not have otherwise. I am immensely happy that I did. I am interviewing now and confident about my story and prospects. I feel like I'm finding my flow. A few reviewers were upset that she didn't respond to them promptly. It's a shame if it happened but realize that JMA is a small company and that she is booked solid with clients. Who cares about a few small mistakes? The fact is she's a serious professional who cares deeply about the value she provides for her clients. Feel proud if she takes you on. She's helped me a ton. I sincerely recommend JMA. read more

I have been working with Maura from Jody Michael Associates on Career Discovery, and I also recently did the Perceptual Lens workshop which came with two sessions with Jody included in the tuition. The Career Discovery work has been really great. It's so helpful to be able to pour my heart out to someone who listens, documents and mirrors back to me what I love about work and what I don't love about work. My hope is that by the end of this that I can find a way to use more of my strength and passions in my career, and to avoid the areas where there' s mismatch with my natural strength and motivations. The framework that JMA has for this work is really helpful and I think provides a more effective path for this type work than if I were doing it on my own or with another coach who didn't have such a rigorous process. Now to focus on my experience in the Perceptual Lens workshop... This is a five hour workshop done with other participants at the JMA office. It was very helpful to learn about the 7 levels of energy and awareness that we experience. Each participant took a pre-workshop assessment and I received my personal results at the workshop. I was disappointed, but I suppose not surprised, to see that I spend a lot of my time in either "victim" or "fight or flight" mode. Kind of an eye opener, but apparently, most people spend their time here and it makes for a lot of frustration and unhappiness, not to mention lack of desired success in life. As a participant, I also received a free iPhone app where I track my emotional state and underlying thoughts several times a day. This has been very helpful in increasing my awareness of my state of mind, and also has helped me realize that I control this and can change it to become more effective. I've just finished my second coaching session with Jody to review my week's worth of thoughts/feelings from the app. She shined a light on some uncomfortable areas of continued "victim" thinking that is really holding me back. I feel more optimistic that I can root this out and develop positive habits that will make a big difference in my energy levels, productivity and happiness. I'm a senior level manager with significant responsibilities and I've been successful in my career by most people's standards, but I realize that my current way of thinking is going to hold me back from making it to the next level. I'm very thankful to Jody and Maura at JMA for being empathetic and encouraging (but not sugar coating anything) in helping to show me the way to greater success and happiness. Their help and guidance doesn't come "cheap" but I believe that their wisdom and methods are worth the investment of time and money. JMA comes highly recommended. read more

TL;DR: If you're reading this, you're thinking about hiring a coach. Stop thinking and just start hire one already. Don't be intimidated. The team at JMA is a group of warm, caring individuals dedicated to coaching you to be the all-around best version of yourself. They're called blind spots for a reason. If you care about your personal wellbeing and your professional success, then you need a coach. I waited a year between considering maybe one day reaching out about coaching and finally biting the bullet. I'm a stubborn perfectionist who thought I could do it all myself. I finally realized that I wouldn't perform surgery on myself, so why was I trying to coach myself to success? My six-month experience with the JMA team has been literally life changing. I am a better professional, spouse, daughter, sister, friend and (most importantly) individual because of my work with Jody and Maura. Highlights of my experience include: - Perceptual Lens Workshop: this will change how you see yourself and the world ONLY if you're willing to put in the work. A dramatic change in habits, especially those developed over a few decades, requires hard, persistent work. It wasn't easy, but it was well worth it. This workshop gave me tools that I will use for the rest of my life. - Accountability Workshop: another game changer. I took both workshops in one weekend and each required a few weeks of reflection/attention to really influence my daily life. If you plan on interacting with people in your life - personally, professionally, digitally or in-person - take this workshop. - Highlands Ability Battery: a comprehensive evaluation of your innate abilities. My results were 10+ pages of aha moments. I now understand the type of work I'm best suited for based on my natural abilities. This test will get you past the stubborn place of what you think you ought to do, to a place of "wow, I love doing this because I'm naturally good at it!" Lastly, my weekly coaching sessions. A coach has to watch you over time to understand how you play the game. She'll give you advice, but she then needs to see how you use that advice. It's a learning process so please be patient with yourself. Your coach is there to keep you on the right track. My advice is to commit on day one to be 100% honest and forthright with your coach. Your personal and professional lives are inextricably intertwined, so allow your coach to get to know your whole self. That was difficult for me, but it made my experience that much more effective. I can't end this without a huge thanks to Kelly and the support team at JMA. Thank you for all of your kind and prompt help. I am so grateful that the team at JMA came into my life. Thank you all! read more

Jody Michael is a master in her field! My son is entering his senior year of high school, and is feeling the pressure of what to do with his life post-high school. The school guidance counselors did not seem to offer him much direction, so we looked for an outside source of guidance. Jody Michael outlived our expectations. She knew what kind of questions to ask, and made him think about things he had never considered. The process involved much more than asking his likes and interests. Meetings, career research, and much inner reflection were all part of the process. We were initially concerned that the commute to her downtown office would be cumbersome (we live near the Wisconsin border). Ms. Michael scheduled his meetings at non-peak traffic hours, and provided him with double sessions to move the process along quickly. Upon completing this process, he has discovered an area of study which he is well suited for, will be enjoyable for him, and will ultimately provide him with the lifestyle he would someday like to live. This is an area that he had never considered, nor never would have considered , had it not been for his discussions with Ms. Michael. To me as a parent, the most important thing that has come out of this process is the open dialogue that my son now has with me. These talks have given me a better understanding of his thought process and the inner workings of his guarded teenage life. This connection never would have happened had it not been for Ms. Michael. This experience has been life altering for my son. It has forced him to examine what he wants out of life in a way that he never would have been able to do without the assistance of Jody Michael. He is once again excited by all of the possibilities that this exploration has opened his eyes to. Ms. Michael's services are priceless, and I would highly recommend her to any parent wanting to help their child with the daunting question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" read more

I highly recommend Jody Michael Associates to anybody who is looking to make positive changes in their lives professionally and personally. I had thought about career coaching for about a year and a half but never took the steps towards finding a career coach. I am thrilled to have found Jody Michael Associates. I was impressed with the testimonials, information and professionalism I found on her website and that prompted me to call. I knew I had made the right choice after speaking with Jody on the phone. She took the time to understand what I was trying to accomplish and explained what she could do to help me meet those accomplishments. I had gotten to a point in my life where I knew I had more potential but couldn't figure out how to tap into it. My life professionally and personally was not as productive as it once had been. I worked with Jody for 8 months. Since working with her my professional and personal life have improved tremendously. In fact, professionaly I am having the best year in the 7 years I have been in my current sales job. I chose Jody because of her professionalism, her love for what she does and her genuine concern for helping people succeed. She took the time to get to know me and what made me tick. We explored the road blocks and hurdles that I was creating for myself through negative self talk and fear and she showed me how to eliminate those thoughts and actions and replace them with much more positive thoughts and actions. She also helped me to think outside of the box and try different things that I had never thought of before. She helped me break out of my comfort zone with prospecting and cross selling and helped me identify new processes that quickly became and are becoming more comfortable simply by doing them. I am more focused and confident and more of a productive contributor to my company. The results speak for themselves in my sales numbers and my relationships with clients and family. read more

I came upon Jody Michael Associates as a recent college graduate trying to figure out direction. I did not want to continue in my field of study, but I could not come to rest on what I did want to do and so was unsure how to even approach the career discernment process. I was stuck in a circular train of thought and getting nowhere but frustrated. Anna Bray, my career coach, was from the start patient, reassuring, and affirming, even when I came in with high anxiety over the process. The holistic approach of her coaching helped me to voice not only desires I have for a "career" but to articulate who I am on a soul level. This is the baseline from which we began to build a picture of what I was truly seeking, looking at my history, preferences, sense of purpose, values, and innate talents (JMA uses a battery of tests to assess the latter, which is very helpful in showing you how to best navigate strengths and weaknesses in choosing a best-fit career). By the end of the program, I feel so much more integrated and at peace within myself. The frustration, which of course resurfaces time to time, is no longer directed inward and keeping me from making decisions. I have concrete steps to take moving forward, but also feel a greater preparedness for dealing with the flux that will inevitably come in any plans I make. I HIGHLY recommend Anna!! She is incredibly insightful, patient, and really "sees" you - with her help, I discovered a great deal about myself. The personal growth I experienced over the months I met with her was also astronomical. Instead of telling me what to do or giving me canned advice, she guided me to unlock what was within me and taught me how to listen to myself. I know that sounds really cliche, but in this instance, it is true. I am so grateful for Anna and for Jody Michael Associates!! I can say without a doubt that I am better for the coaching and already miss my sessions. If you're on the fence, do it! You won't regret it. read more

There are two locations for Jody Michael & Assoc. so I am posting on both; same great service at both locations. A close friend of mine recommended Jody when I was struggling with my career. I was in a job where I was comfortable and secure but not being challenged. I tried challenging myself outside of work but it was not enough. I started working with Jody in the summer of 2013. We worked together for a short handful of months to determine what my next big career move would be. I had ideas of my own going into it; but Jody's process helped me hone in on what's right for me. That sounds simple but it's not. A couple career ideas I had going into the process became apparent they were not for me; others shined to the top and Jody exposed me to career options that I did not even know existed. Jody even works to determine if you would be a good entrepreneur, exec, IC, et al. I did not expect the latter exercise but it is an important part of the process. At the end, there was clear-cut career path for me and it was exciting! Jody is not going to hand you your career or life on a silver platter. She has a process that is proven and you must play along to reap the benefits. You will read a lot, do assigned homework and take a good, honest look at yourself. Jody is upfront about what your share of the work is; she gives you easy access to the tools to get your share done (web links, reading recommendations, homework). Jody Michael & Associates is not cheap but you get what you pay for. When you consider the cost of career mistakes, it's a drop in the bucket. I think of working with Jody as an insurance policy against life's mistakes. I know I can reach out for a session or two when I need advise or help with a decision. On top of it all, I genuinely like Jody as a person. She is as solid as they come. read more

I contacted Jody Michael's a few months ago after years of feeling like I was not in the right career path. I had a good job that I was very successful at but there was something missing. I wanted more out of life and wanted a career that could give me that. Jody called me back and we spent a ton of time on the phone that day discussing my situation. Jody really listened to me and we put an individualized plan in place that worked best for me and my busy schedule. I began work with Maura Koutoujian that same week. I wish there was more than 5 stars I could use to rate Maura because she was an outstanding resource for me. I was overwhelmed at the start of the process and felt I would never be able to figure out what I wanted to do with my life over the course of our sessions. With Maura's coaching very soon into the process I was able to start to gain some clarity and once that began it was a natural progression to find out what I really wanted in my career. I came full circle and realized that I actually wanted to stay in the career field that I was in. So what was the problem? Maura worked with me to really go beneath the surface and uncover what it was that was making me unhappy in my current situation. We located it and I was able to make the necessary changes in my career that reduced the amount of stress and increased my level of engagement. I now love what I do and have begun work on some other projects outside of work to help my community. I have Maura and Jody Michael to thank for that. This entire process was a life changing experience giving me more meaning, purpose & direction in my life. I would strongly recommend Jody Michael to anyone who has any doubt about their current career path or those looking to change careers. read more

I recently moved back to Chicago after spending 4 years in London. I did not work during my time abroad and was unsure where to begin upon returning to the U.S. I've never had very much luck with career counselling, or conventional therapy, but Jody's approach is very holistic. Before exploring career options, Jody spent a decent amount of time getting to know me, my quirks, my strengths, and the ways in which I've been holding myself back. Over the course of our (continuing) relationship we've examined emotional, practical, and philosophical questions all while snaking our way closer to finding my career path. I am working now on applying to grad school and Jody has continued to help me through this stage, not only by helping me overcome my anxiety about applying and brainstorming with me to formulate my personal statement, but by going above and beyond her professional obligations by writing me a letter of recommendation and sending me supplemental information and assistance on the application process. Honestly, early on in the process I was not fully convinced it would be effective. Coaching is very different from conventional therapy and even most career counselling. It is meant to draw you away from your previous notions of yourself and open your mind to exploring new possibilities, which can be uncomfortable. That said, if you want to change, you can change, but it requires trust, work, and perseverance. It may not be for everyone, and it is not cheap, but if you have the means and the inclination, Jody's services can be life changing. I have not just found a career path, but a way to live my life with less stress and anxiety. I would say that my relationship with Jody is now less client/coach and more student/mentor. read more

When I first met with Jody, my skepticism came first. I was half reluctant to meet with her in the first place. Why would I possibly need any coaching, I thought. But, I honestly needed the help. At the time, I was a 28-year-old college dropout just going through the motions. I was in an unmotivated rut with no way out in sight. After that first meeting, she had me hooked. She just radiated a sense of confidence that was in-turn instilled into you. It's difficult to not like such a genuinely good person. Jody quickly gained my trust. She wasn't trying to scam anyone, she thrives on doing her absolute best to help anyone she can. She was honest and upfront with me. No beating around the bush. It was exactly what I needed. Our process lasted about six months. It wasn't just fill-in-the-blank forms or likes-and-dislikes. Most of our time together was Jody just really getting to know who I was. By the time we concluded our sessions she knew me better than most of my closest friends and family. She turned this introvert inside-out and used everything I gave her to help me find my way. Now, nearly a year later, I'm back in school, I recently received a promotion, and I'm well on my way to next phase of my life. To anyone that is stuck in the mindset that I was (woe is me, why bother, nobody can help, etc.), Jody was my guardian angel. She turned this lifelong skeptic into a believer. I owe a great deal to Jody and the work she does. The tools she has provided will help me in all aspects of life. I feel as though I've only scratched the surface of my full potential and our work together has completely changed my outlook on life. read more

I called Jody about a year before I committed to coaching, unsure of the investment. But I saw academia was getting precarious, so I called Jody back and I told her I'm getting serious. She set me up with Maura, who was supportive throughout the entire process, even when I had to figure out in the beginning was that of being guided, not led to an answer, which was a big challenge for me. Secondly, as someone working at the cutting edge of technology, I found out that the Bureau of Labor Statistics is probably not going to have the job descriptions Maura and I found for another 5 years. So, while in the beginning I was puzzled by the process and its initial suggestion of what I though were traditional jobs, Maura was very helpful in bringing things into focus through our initial investigations, through the library, and on the Internet, where I found that my dream jobs from Creative Technologist to Drone Analyst actually did exist. We carefully created a sort of Venn Diagram of my dreams, set criteria and then looked at them objectively to get an idea of what would be best for me. What we came out with was not just one or two, but a half dozen dream descriptions which I am personally ranking by feasibility, but I'm going for them all. Where I came in confused, as I had been exposed to a fairly narrow field of possibilities, I come out empowered that the places for the next steps of my career do exist, and I have the tools to go after my dreams. read more

I highly recommend JMA as part of your job search process. I reached out to Jody in preparation for interviews. The highlights of my experience are the following: 1. Valuable feedback: embarking on the job search process is a job in itself, but getting an interview is a harder than I expected to be. Therefore, investing time and money to get Jody's feedback through a mock interview and be prepared for interviews will be well worth it. 2. Assertive comments: she provided an overall score of how I did on the mock interview. She then took the time to explain the "why" some of my responses were good, but could be better. I was impressed when Jody's comments included the "how to say it" to make my answers succinct, professional, and my own. Jody's level of experience is evident and her communication style is truly inspiring. 3. Professionalism: everyone I came in contact from JMA is very professional, especially Kelly who helped me get an appointment when I needed it. The office is spotless, a place where you can focus all of your energy to make the best out of the session. Also, when I met Jody I felt very comfortable, valued, and understood. Overall, I appreciate Jody sharing her wisdom and her willingness to work with me. Last, I highly recommend reading her newsletter! read more

Words cannot even begin to express the gratitude I have for Jody Michael and the coaching she has provided to me over the last year. An exceptional career coach - life coach - and now friend, Jody has a unique ability to help bring clarity and focus in the midst of life change. I was referred to Jody by an executive friend who had utilized her coaching services to help discern a significant career shift. I myself was contemplating a major life transition. Selling one business, shutting down another, working through some significant health & personal challenges, I was looking to reinvent myself. Jody Michael's coaching helped create a process to bring clarity to the formerly unclear. I've utilized other coaching services through out the years in other business ventures. Jody Michael is remarkable. Her style is fresh, unique, organized, and is the catalyst for transformation. My life's work now appears in the form of play, and I couldn't be more grateful, or more happy. If you're looking to reach for greatness, or you desire to create the exceptional, Jody Michael is the agent of change to help you transform your goals into reality. read more

I went to Jody on the recommendation of a friend and I couldn't be happier with my decision to do so. Jody is so easy to talk to and will give it to you straight -- I appreciate the no BS approach. This is also a far cry from therapy; this is coaching and it works. If you put in the time and effort that she tells you from the beginning you will have to, you will see results. I would say the best part about the whole process was talking to a smart person who understood where I was coming from and who truly wanted to help. She wanted to see me succeed and be happy as much as I did. She made me want to work harder to better myself. Finally, she made me see things in a different light. Often times I found myself saying how "eye opening" something was that we had done in our session. I learned a lot and will take a lot of these skills with me out into the world. She is a little pricey, but worth it. I would have kept seeing her on a regular basis if I could afford it; but it is nice to know that I will be welcomed back whenever I feel I need to talk or work on some things again. Fabulous experience! read more

Jody Michael was an invaluable advisor when I was considering a career change. I had worked in the corporate marketing world for six years and knew that it was time for a change--but to what? Before choosing Jody, I researched and interviewed several other career coaches, but ultimately selected her because she had far more experience than the others and her professionalism and warmth immediately put me at ease. Through our sessions, Jody helped me to assess my skills, values and passions and gave me the tools, insight and encouragement to consider new possibilities. Thanks to her, I have taken an active role in creating my own career by starting a marketing business. I now have more flexibility, opportunity for creativity and confidence that I am on the right path. Jody's expertise and guidance was worth every penny. Coaching comes so naturally to Jody. It is reassuring to find someone who is obviously doing what they love and doing it well. Jody is knowledgeable, compassionate and inspiring and I would sincerely and highly recommend her to those struggling with any aspect of their career. read more

I was ready to make a change with my career but needed the guidance and insight that I questioned about myself and any decisions I made up to this point. I was unfulfilled working for a procurement consulting firm that paid pretty well but it sucked my passion, creativity, and my purpose right out of me. I am happy that I was able to meet with Maura and take this journey to better understand myself and my needs when it comes to my career path. I am more confident and have a clear direction as to what I want to work towards. I am going back to school for a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and Education and looking for a new placement to start my field hours. I will be on a grad school budget, but life will be much more fulfilling and I will never stop investing in myself and my happiness. JMA is not going to wave a magic wand and figure out your life purpose; it takes time and energy and ultimately up to you to do the work and make the difficult changes you need to make. Manage your expectations and commit to the process! You won't regret it! read more

I contacted JMA for some career counseling after 15 years in an industry that was not a "perfect" fit. Sometimes, just shifting your perspective 10 degrees can make a big difference in your happiness. And that is what I got to focus on for a month...is what makes me happy and how can i translate that into a new career. All options are on the table and many quickly moved aside. Its what's left over that is interesting and thus dissected through many different techniques and exercises. I was lucky enough to be placed with Maura, who's enthusiasm and discern, fueled our meetings. There is serious work involved...even homework! In doing this work, I found my passions focused to several related careers and more work ahead to re-align my skill sets. I have a plan that wakes me up in the morning. Better yet, I can markedly see myself progressing to my new career. Thank You. read more

My work with Jody Michael Associates changed my life. I was stuck in a career and at a company that made me miserable. With the help of JMA, I did an in-depth evaluation of what was important to me, what had been holding me back from making a change sooner, and what was the best career for me. I learned a LOT about myself and my future goals and my coach helped me create a solid plan for achieving them. I was amazed that whenever I had an appointment, there was always someone before me and after me; they're busy and, to me, that's a really good sign. But they were always able to accommodate my crazy schedule (my coach met with me as early as 6:45 in the morning and as late as 9 at night--that's pretty awesome). Career coaching was an investment of my time and money, but it's one that immeasurably improved the quality of my life. It was 100% worth it. read more

Terrible experience with this woman. I think she is a full blown con artist and I haven't even met her. I called her a few times during the day and nobody picked up. I sent an email and she finally calls me back at 9:30pm to ask how she can help. As I am giving her my background information she has the audacity to say "let me cut you off for a second because you probably cannot afford our services". First of all, I can afford her overpriced, almost criminal, bullshit services (once I said I could afford her, she started to back-peddle and tried to get me to book all my 12-16 appointments within one month). Secondly, who in their right mind would say that before getting to know the customer. Full blown moron in my opinion. You couldn't pay ME to sit down with this eyesore for 12-16 sessions. read more