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Portrait of a Foot Soaker: Geri Grossman

Here we go with another round of a Portrait of a Foot Soaker! We love showcasing our guests who really put self-care in the driver’s seat and how doing so allows them to show up fully for others and truly be in service. We always advocate for filling up your gas tanks first before we can help others. The amazing guest we feature this month, Geri Grossman, does just that! This highly-driven executive coach always makes sure her gas tank is filled before she can show up in the best way for her clients. She has a strategic approach to self-care and is always checking in with herself to see how she can shift into more peaceful vibes. Read on to see how our treasured guest makes self-care a non-negotiable in her daily life.

What type of work do you do? 

I am an executive coach and work with leaders in all industries to enhance their emotional intelligence and learn to lead with greater effectiveness and influence in support of organizational strategic initiatives. My work has been described as transformational because of my client’s significant leadership development in their self-awareness and how they use their leadership skills to create an environment where teams optimize their relationships and performance.

What things do you do to try and maintain a work/life balance?

I plan and prepare faithfully to ensure that my impact is directly related to my client’s professional development goals. I ensure that I have enough rest, joy, perspective and a values statement that guides my behaviors and decision making. I maintain a sense of humor and don’t take myself too seriously. I accomplish more with less by paying more attention to attend to my client’s needs and wants than my own “brilliance”, ha!

Do you have any favorite activities to help relieve stress? 

I listen to loud music and let the music carry away any feelings of inadequacy or lack of confidence.  It helps me to refocus my energy back to my clients and not my performance as an executive coach. I pay particular attention to my body and scan all of my chakras to ensure that they are aligned and at peace so that my clients experience me as being fully present, mindful, compassionate, challenging and supportive.

Who in your circle do you go to when you have a bad day?

I have a life coach, Donna Bunten, in Olympia, Washington.  She knows how to challenge and channel my energies back to a state of calm, reflective of “stories”, especially stories that don’t support my values and mission and vision as an executive coach.

What is your “guilty” pleasure for me-time?

Dark Chocolate and long hot showers and mindless time (comical tv, interesting non business/coaching related books) and especially connecting with family and dear friends by writing letters or telephoning. Reading poetry and short stories (they are quick, effective, expedient and can shift my mood and I also meditate and listen to Tara Brach, Eckhardt Tolle, Brene Brown on podcasts).  I am also addicted to purging and organizing for simple living.

Are there any spots around town that you find yourself drawn to when you need a mental break?  

Local coffee shops.  I love to support small, unique and funky coffee shops.

What is your idea of the ultimate self-care ritual?

• Skin products, all kinds of them
• Foot SOAKS and massages
• Trimmed toe nails and finger nails, clean and soft hands
• Body massages
• REIKI
• Reading my horoscope
• A brisk walk. If my monkey mind starts too many conversations in my head, I have a big note on my desk that says in bold, “SHUT UP AND GO FOR A WALK!”

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