Pain to purpose - Part 1

What defines us isn’t the challenges we face, but how we rise beyond them.

Here is my story

Growing up in a violent household and surviving the trauma of sexual abuse left deep scars but also planted seeds of strength and empathy that guide me today.

In my early adulthood, I sought structure and purpose by joining the military. Over six years, I transitioned from cadet to sergeant and eventually officer, discovering not just the value of discipline and teamwork but a passion for helping others succeed. It felt like stepping into an alternate universe, far removed from the abuse I had endured—though my trauma lingered, hidden in denial and dissociation.

After the military, I entered the world of aviation, a dream realized through hard work and determination. As an airline captain and instructor, I thrived in high-stakes environments, leading diverse teams with clarity and focus. But in 2019, life threw me a new challenge: hyperacusis.

This rare and often misunderstood condition makes everyday noises excruciating—like boiling water poured through a straw into your ear. Hyperacusis forced me to step back from my career, plunging me into a dark period of isolation and self-doubt.

For years, it felt like drowning in a mud pool of pain, failure, and abandonment. It wasn’t until August 2024 that I began to rise again. With the help of an incredible psychologist, a supportive psychiatrist, and the unwavering love of my children, I found myself being pulled out of that darkness and onto a brighter path.

Through this journey, I realized my experiences—overcoming adversity, leading others, and building resilience—had uniquely equipped me to support others. Coaching became my way to transform pain into purpose.

Today, as a coach in the process of certification, I draw on every chapter of my life. I help people navigate challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals, whether they’re aspiring leaders, professionals in transition, or individuals seeking clarity amid life’s noise. My story is proof that while our past shapes us, it is how we approach the future that defines us.

Adversity isn’t the end of the road—it’s a starting point. My journey is a testament to resilience and finding purpose. Coaching allows me to inspire others, helping them turn their challenges into stepping stones toward success.

What challenges have shaped your professional journey? I’d love to hear your story.