ACOAs (Adult Children of Alcoholics)
in the workplace

welcome

Congratulations on Landing on This Page!

If you’re here, you’re (at the very least) curious, and most certainly brave.
It takes courage to acknowledge that our painful past keeps catching up with us,
keeping us stuck and preventing us from being all that we can be.

We get it, we’ve been there, and we care!
More poignantly, we know how to get to the other side of these unhelpful patterns.

Complicated history or not, here you have found a safe place to land, be held and guided
as you transform into the Bolder Leader you always wanted to be.

 

Adult Children of Alcoholics

You may be wondering: 

“Why in the world would the words “Alcoholic” or “Adult Child” be on a Leadership Development site?” 

Here’s why: Bolder Leadership is primarily about having the chutzpah to be 100% yourself. And with 25% of our world being Adult Children of Alcoholics, there’s a strong chance that could be you, too. So owning that – however uncomfortable or challenging it might be – is a big step toward having more of the life and the career you’ve always wanted.

Here’s the deal: You already have most of what it takes to succeed in the professional world.

BUT, many of us aren’t aware of – or owning – our real power because the upbringing, conditioning, or traumatic experiences we experienced caused us to forget what we bring to the table. 

This power comes in the form of our internal resources such as character attributes, a strong sense of worthiness, and our ability to overcome the most dire of circumstances. And such power is critical to becoming a Bolder Leader – one with a greater presence, poise and purpose.

Getting reacquainted with our power (aka getting back to who we really are) is at the core of transformation. And that process can be arduous. Overcoming conditioned thinking can be uncomfortable. After all, we hold onto old beliefs (which we like to call “stinking thinking”) because they’re familiar. But the truth is that they no longer serve us – that’s why they stink!

Coaching Opportunities

Individual Coaching (Virtual)

Need a more personal touch? Sit down with me and we will start to dig deeper into the things that are blocking your greatness and help you grow into the Bolder Leader you have always wanted to be – and beyond.

Check out our coaching page for more information.


“In one of our early sessions, when Colleen first suggested I celebrate myself, I thought she was crazy and I had definitely chosen the wrong Coach 😉. But fortunately for me, something in me also recognized a truth to what she was saying: I had not been giving myself enough credit throughout most of my career. And it was time I did so. “

-Sara Pagura

Group Coaching (Virtual)

Group coaching is an immersive, peer-based leadership development experience in which all participants can learn from the wisdom and experience of our coach and each other and build a community together. Small groups keep things intimate and private for all interested.


“Even after several years, I am still referencing the coaching Colleen and I did together. It has spring-boarded me into a new mindset. Since then, I have used the “Brand of Pam” (the greatest version of me: all my talents and competencies) to land a whole new role at a new company – a professional situation which is beyond anything I could hope for in a working environment. And, getting rid of the old thinking feels wonderful!”

– Pam P.

Weekend Retreats (Live)

In-person workshops based in a beautiful, nature-filled and private location giving you the opportunity to get away, connect with other ACA leaders in person and to take care of yourself in a way you don’t usually have – or make – time for.


“I loved working with Colleen. I always left each conversation with at least one insight, a valuable use of my time! The biggest thing I learned during my coaching with Colleen was to trust myself, In fact, I was able to turn down other offers I may have accepted in the past out of fear or not believing in myself, to “stay the course” and to get offered an even bigger role (my dream one) as Director of Product Recruiting. I am so glad I learned to believe in my own value so that I could hold out for what I truly wanted and deserved.”

– Amy Schultz

All of these opportunities to share and connect with other ACOAs on our work woes and goals
can be transformational and deeply meaningful to your journey.

We’d love to welcome you here!

As an Executive Coach, Leadership Development Expert – and Adult Child myself – my (Colleen’s) intention is to provide a safe environment for you to explore the thoughts and feelings that come up as you work to shift some of these well-worn patterns and to “walk” with you as you re-discover the spunkier, more authentic and bolder parts of yourself and of your leadership which are already there, just waiting for you to claim them.

Together, we will tap into these inspirational qualities as we nurture your development into the leader you always wanted to be.

We will hold the space – and provide the guidance – for you to shift from hiding and biting to a much more pronounced level of influence and visibility in the role that most inspires you.

“I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in.
It’s a habit.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.”

― Portia Nelson

Alcoholism, a family disease, is primarily related to attitudes and behaviors. It deeply affects not only the drinker, but also anyone in their orbit – especially the children – physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually, financially, and socially.

The Effects of Alcoholism Are Rarely Discussed in the Business World.

In that light, the effects of parental alcoholism on Adult Daughters has never been written about (as least as far as we can see)! That is why we are so excited to bring you our groundbreaking research. 

Add your name and email below to
download a free copy of this research:

 
Insead
"Your work is a real contribution to literature that has not adequately addressed this challenge. Sparks of creativity and powerful applicability, with "ah-ha" moments for the reader Bravo, you have handled a very sensitive topic with courage and honesty. Thank you for this graceful and gracious piece of work."
Dr. Elizabeth Florent-Treacy
- Dr. Elizabeth Florent-Treacy
Senior Lecturer at INSEAD
"This deeply felt and articulate study will be a great contribution the lives and work not only of the specific subject of attention, the daughters of alcoholics, but to their families, colleagues and society at large."
Dr Michael Shiel
- Dr. Michael Shiel
Adjunct Professor of Strategy at INSEAD

Begin your journey to bolder, authentic transformation through our Weekly Bolder Moves. They are simple, actionable and absolutely free. Boldness begins with one small step.

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