Professional Coaching is a partnership and collaboration between the coach and client, whereby the client enables and empowers the client to learn to find their own answers within themselves. Clients define their own goals, choices, and decisions, while the coach supports them by offering a framework for growth. Coaches help clients live according to their beliefs and values while accomplishing their goals.

A therapist diagnoses and treats a client or patient.  The desired outcome is a cure, or improvement in symptoms, rather than a life change or goal.

For my Executive Leadership & Life Coaching, the method of Coaching I use is geared to support those seeking the following areas of life improvement:

1. 1. Intermediate – collaborate intention in developing a goal and achieving it.
   2. Advanced – this level of coaching aims to support clients who wish to make a substantial break from their past and try new ways of thinking and doing.
   3. Linear – supports the client in setting the goal, create the plan, taking action, and being held accountable.
   4. Bigger Thinking – Helps challenge assumptions the client may have about their own capabilities and potential, expands their thinking, and helps them break out of their comfort zones
   5. Grace – helps the client to build self-belief, self-confidence, and find joy in accomplishments
   6. Shift – when the client cannot see how to achieve their goals, I help the client to step back, inquire, and access tools to shift their mindset.
   7. Strategic – Identifies opportunities and determines the role they will play in a relationship or profession. I help the client to create a game plan and support the action that follows.
   8. Quality of Life – helps the client to redetermine values, and make clearer, confident decisions that lean into those values.

I believe that we can all create the life we really want to live. It takes time, clarity, honesty, and self-awareness in ways that illuminate the identities we adopt, and how that identity informs our thoughts, choices, and actions. We can change our thoughts, but that means defining (and redefining) the belief systems that guide us and drive us towards a life of our choosing.

I know that my client has the answers, and the ability within themselves to work through their personal barriers. I empower and enable them to find these answers within themselves.

We look at what happened (or didn’t happen) to prevent you from achieving the goals you set, and explore what could have been done differently and try a new strategy.

Sometimes. This can be in the form of journaling, implementing new habits, or calendaring time to take action on some issue or challenge the client wants to overcome.

For them to show up fully, be open, and willing to learn.

I work with entrepreneurs, business owners, those in executive leadership roles, and those undergoing big changes in their life (including careers, relationships, a move or transition, seeking to integrate new, transformative habits into their life).

Especially, I collaborate with those who are serious about creating long-term change in their lives and seek meaningful experiences and fulfillment.

(Please see my About page for more details or my Linked In Profile to explore my professional expertise.)

Nicaragua has no real winter period, and the sun shines here throughout the year. With over 12 hours of sunshine a day, the sun rises at about 5 am and sets at about 6 pm consistently throughout the year. During February, the climate is fairly dry.  During the May – September months there is regular rainfall, but usually the days are a mix of hot sunny days with rain in the afternoon to turn the jungle and hillsides a beautiful emerald green.

While some level of Spanish is ideal, there will be English throughout your trip. Feel free to brush up on a few phrases if you like, but you will definitely pick up the basics during your experience. “Buenas dias” (good day) is always a good place to start.

Venture Within takes every measure possible to ensure the safe facilitation of each retreat. Without health and safety, the successful completion of each retreat just wouldn’t be possible. Your health and safety is the first and most important step.

• All participants are supported with departure planning and preparation and are thoroughly briefed on health and safety concerns, destination information, local language and climate prior to departure via, emails, calls from Program Managers, and providing each participant with a detailed handbook.
• Our Program Managers facilitate travel logistics, project coordination, and facilitate the leadership workshops and learning process of each participant. We support participants in overcoming challenges and promoting teamwork.
• The Program Manager is responsible for the group’s safety and welfare. They understand when to give direction and when to allow students to develop as leaders, playing the role of educator, guide and mentor.
• Our team is highly experienced in managing groups of young people in developing countries. Each Program Manager will be equipped with a local cell phone number and data. We will also have a USA-based anchor as well as on 24-hour back-up for the duration of the program.
• In addition, all of our Program Managers are accessible via in-country phone. They are trained in First Aid and carry First Aid kits with them at all times. They oversee the safe use of any equipment in each project area, and have knowledge of the closest source for medical care​
• Our local in-country representatives provide assistance to all Venture Within groups in every situation including logistical challenges as well as illness.
• Our USA-based managers are also on hand and in touch with all Program Managers throughout the duration of each program to ensure quick communication.

We do our best to look after each participant, so if you have further questions about our health and safety procedures, please feel free to send an email to [email protected], and we’ll be sure to reach out and alleviate any concerns you may have.

Some immunizations may be required for Bali & Costa Rica. Venture Within highly recommends that you visit your doctor or local travel health clinic to find out about immunization and vaccination recommendations. A list of required and recommended immunizations can be found at www.mdtravelhealth.com. You may need to get many of these immunizations 4-8 weeks before your departure date. You will be located close to a fantastic hospital with international standards in all of our country locations.

In Costa Rica, yes, much of the water is just fine to drink; however, your digestive system may not be accustomed to the natural water at your program’s location. If you are concerned with getting a stomach ache, there will be clean bottled water available.

In Bali, bottled water will be available at all times for you.

Please be sure to bring your own refillable water bottle.

Your safety is our number one priority. Venture Within keeps an updated list of local emergency contacts for each program location. We have set emergency procedures in place and there is always a contact person in country and in our offices throughout North America that can be reached 24/7. There are hospitals nearby, and pharmacies with medication readily available. In addition, you are required to provide us with your emergency contact details on your application form. Venture Within also registers each participant with the local embassies before arrival. Program staff are all certified in First Aid and First Aid kits will be available at each project site and at your accommodation.

Before beginning a project, we complete a risk assessment and evaluate the safety of the project sites to minimize potential hazards. While there is always a potential risk traveling within developing countries, we provide you with orientation at the beginning of your program to minimize these risks and ensure your Venture Within experience is as safe and well structured as possible.

Accommodation is awesome. You’ll stay in luxurious sanctuaries or private villas in exotic jungle landscapes.  Your room will be equipped with AC, high-speed wifi, hot water and usually a pool.  Palapas or yoga shalas are also part of the deal, along with beautiful tropical gardens. Some will even offer you hammock swings in the garden, or next to the salt water pool. As each country location is a little different, please contact us at [email protected] if you have more questions about your accommodation needs.

Of course! Many of the local dishes are noodle or rice based and can be made from a variety of local vegetables. You will be sure to enjoy the local cuisine. Just indicate on your application what your dietary needs are, and we will try to accommodate your requests.

Private mini-vans will be how you will get around to and from the airport. In addition, you may travel by tuk-tuk, bicycle, or kayak depending on the type of Venture Within retreat you join. In some cases, horse riding may be an enjoyable option to explore the sights, or a surfboard. You will have a blast.

The ideal time to book your flight is 45 – 60 days prior to your departure. This is when you are most likely to find the cheapest airfare.

We have found that Kayak, Expedia, or Google Flights booking agencies ensure pretty good deals.  Feel free to contact us if you need assistance with your booking.

Our Venture Within Retreat costs varies depending on each program location. Flights are not included in the cost.

Nicaragua Retreat Costs are approximately $1999 USD.

Costs are listed in USD as the currency these program expenses incurred are charged to Venture Within in USD.

If you are paying in Pounds, Euros, Canadian or Australian dollars, you must consider the current exchange rate when making your payments.

Please check http://www.xe.com/ for a current exchange rate.

Deposits can be submitted at any time. After reviewing Program information we send you, you will need to make a payment as soon as possible to secure your placement.

In order to keep the quality of our programs to a high standard, a limited number of persons per trip is essential. This way, you get the most out of your Venture Within experience.

Payments are required as follows:

• Deposit of 50% of the total cost is due to secure placement.
• Remaining balance of 50% of the total cost is due 30 days before your departure date.

All payments are non-refundable.

Payment plans are available. Just reach out to me and I can structure a payment plan that works for you and gets you on a Retreat.

This is so that we can prepare and organize the logistics of your program as efficiently as possible. Your balance due date will be included in the confirmation letter Venture Within sends you.

If you are inquiring within 4 months of the Retreat date, no worries!  If we have availability, we’ll be able to secure placement with 50% payment.

We only accept payments through our online payment option. Sorry, but no personal checks are accepted.

• Your luxurious accommodation throughout the duration of the retreat
• Hot water, AC and wifi
• Safe and comfortable transportation to and from the airport
• Daily gourmet breakfast. We can cater to vegetarians and for certain types of food allergies.
• Some of the designated activities that are part of your Venture Within experience.
• Venture Within Leadership Coaches
• Administration costs.
• Leadership education course facilitation, materials, and Certification.
• Some adventure activities (as specified in your Itinerary)

The Bali currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and generally is about 15,000 IDR for each USD $1.

The currency in Costa Rica is the Colon (CRC). While Costa Rica is more expensive compared to other Latin countries, you will find it is not an expensive place to live, and services, such as the bus, or a taxi, are relatively cheap. 500 Colones is generally equivalent to $1 USD.

To find out the current currency exchange rate in the country you will be travelling to, you can go to www.xe.com for the most up to date rates.

You may want to bring money for optional activities, such as massages ($50), surf lessons ($50), or horse rides to waterfalls ($20), or to buy gifts for family or friends. You might want to visit some of the local cafés or restaurants, or to sign up for extra activities, depending on which country you are travelling to. Please keep in mind that Nicaragua and Thailand are relatively inexpensive, however Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America, with prices similar to US prices.

Your funds are divided between your program costs, staff costs, and overall operational costs.

If you must cancel, please send an email to [email protected] with “Cancellation” in the subject line. All payments are non-refundable. This is because once we’ve paid in-country for your retreat, we will not be able to be refunded either.

Once you have sent in your payments, Venture Within begins to make arrangements for your accommodation. If you are unable to participate in your retreat you may be able to defer your program to another retreat date within one year of your initial reservation.

Please email [email protected] should you have any questions, or are unable to participate in your retreat to discuss your options.

Bali and Costa Rica will allow you to stay in country for the first 30 days with a free tourism visa granted on arrival. and provide you with a visa upon arrival. Depending on your nationality, the type of visa and cost will need to be checked prior to your departure. We will provide you with all the information required and will assist you in obtaining any visas required in a timely fashion.  Please note, Costa Rica requires a $29 departure tax.  This is usually included in your airline fare, but double check for this before you fly.

Visa costs are generally cheap, and fairly easy to obtain. Recent participants have paid about $20 – $30, and this cost is likely to be the same for you. Be sure your passport has at least 6 months validity. To help you determine the kind of visa you will need to apply for, visit Visa HQ at www.visahq.com/citizens or http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/

In order to participate in the program, you MUST purchase international travel insurance that includes unlimited medical coverage. Private health insurance is not enough. Proof of international travel health insurance will be required before departure or you will not be allowed to attend. Check with your healthcare provider or credit card company to see what options they have for you.