In this insightful interview, we sit down with Ali Davidson, a transformational life and career coach based in Ashland, Oregon. With almost 30 years of experience, Ali has dedicated her life to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their desired goals. Through her coaching, counseling, and authorship, she has touched the lives of many, guiding them toward self-awareness and fulfillment. Join us as we delve into her journey, philosophy, and the transformative services she offers.
Hi Ali, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today and to do this interview in the LocalsGuide.
Thank you… I am looking forward to supporting the community and helping people know about the work I do…
Ali, could you share a bit about your background and what led you to become a transformational coach?
I am a first-generation American, born to immigrant parents who sought a better life for their children. Growing up, we moved frequently, which taught me adaptability and the importance of connecting with others. My academic journey began with studies in communication and journalism. After dedicating time to raising and homeschooling my children, I felt a calling to counseling. People often sought my advice, and I realized I had a natural ability to understand and guide them. This realization led me to become an NLP master practitioner, and I’ve been immersed in coaching and counseling ever since.
You’ve ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors, including a home care agency and a women’s gym. How have these experiences influenced your coaching approach?
Each business was rooted in my passion for empowering individuals. I began the home care agency because of my very close relationship to my grandmother. Being from a big, fat, Greek family, she lived with us as I was growing up and with my mom till she passed.
That allowed both myself and my children to understand the aging process and be comfortable around seniors.
The home care agency allowed me to support seniors and their families, emphasizing dignity and autonomy. The women’s gym was about creating a safe space for women to focus on their health and well-being. Having over 100 caregivers working for me in the home care agency, I was well aware of how little women do for themselves. The gym was a way for me to give back to my employees. Both these experiences reinforced my belief that everyone possesses inner strength and potential; sometimes, they just need guidance to unlock it.
Your book, Born of Betrayal: From Breakdown to Breakthrough, delves into personal transformation. What inspired you to write it?
I had experienced many betrayals in my life, including in business. But after having faced significant personal betrayals and losses, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. I could no longer ignore how huge the impact of betrayals are. I realized that by sharing my story, I could offer hope and a roadmap to others experiencing similar pain. The book illustrates that even in our darkest moments, transformation is possible.
You emphasize the concept of empowerment in your work. How do you define empowerment, and why is it central to your coaching?
Empowerment, to me, means recognizing and embracing one’s inherent worth and capabilities. It’s about shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility. In my coaching, I guide clients to uncover their strengths and encourage them to take proactive steps toward their goals, fostering a sense of control and confidence in their lives.
Your coaching integrates transformational and life coaching as well as counseling. How do these methodologies complement each other in your practice?
While life coaching focuses on changing behaviors to achieve specific goals, transformational coaching and counseling delves deeper, addressing underlying beliefs and self-perceptions.
I can help people both make a plan for their future dreams and go to their past to heal anything that stands in their way. By combining both, I help clients not only modify their actions but also shift their internal narratives, leading to lasting change.
You offer intensive retreats where clients stay with you for immersive sessions. What advantages do these retreats provide over traditional weekly counseling?
These retreats offer a concentrated and immersive experience, allowing clients to delve deeply into their personal challenges without the interruptions of daily life. Spending extended time together fosters trust and accelerates the healing and transformation process. It typically includes their stay, meals, and about 20 hours of one-on-one counseling. But the real beauty is that each retreat is completely different because they are each designed specifically for the clients needs. They aren’t for everybody, but they are very powerful.
In your experience, how do mentors and supportive relationships influence personal growth?
Mentors and supportive relationships provide a mirror, reflecting our potential and areas for growth. They offer guidance, accountability, and encouragement, which are invaluable in navigating life’s challenges and achieving personal development. Family can trigger us, friends usually play ‘nice’ but mentors are there by agreement to help us grow into our best possible potential.
You view your clients as resourceful individuals. How does this perspective shape your coaching interactions
Believing in my clients’ resourcefulness means I approach them as capable individuals with the answers within them.
My role is to facilitate their self-discovery, helping them tap into their inner wisdom and find solutions that resonate with their authentic selves. On occasion the client wants me to just ‘tell me’ and in those cases I don’t let them sit in their frustrations. I usually use metaphor or story, to poke the bear enough for them to release resistance to what they know is true for them.
You’ve authored other works beyond Born of Betrayal. Could you tell us about them?
Certainly. It’s Between You and Me is designed to help families create plans for aging, fostering empowerment and open communication. Life Sparks is a collection of stories aimed at inspiring and igniting personal growth. And a little ebook I wrote called “Your Ace in the Hole: 3 Secrets to Win at the Game of Life” was one of my firsts, helping people find their true power to change their stories.
Independence is often celebrated, but you’ve discussed its potential pitfalls. Can you elaborate on the skewed belief that seeking help undermines independence?
This is a big one! Our culture often equates independence with self-sufficiency, leading many to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. However, true independence is about having the autonomy to make your own decisions. It starts when we are two years old and we hold on to that all our lives. But for many seniors, not having a plan for their aging years puts them in a vulnerable place when a crisis occurs and others are making decisions for them. Helping each other is a natural part of being in relationship. It doesn’t define our ability to be independent or not. Recognizing when support is needed and having a plan to be implemented leads to greater empowerment as we age.
Your workbook aims to guide families through planning processes. How does it empower them?
The workbook provides structured guidance and 16 specific questions prompting families to discuss and document plans for aging and care.
This proactive approach fosters open communication, reduces uncertainty, and ensures that everyone’s wishes are respected, leading to a sense of control and empowerment.
When working with seniors, how do you help them create plans that maintain their empowerment and sense of support?
Sometimes there is no close family or families don’t have the capacity to sit and make a plan. So I collaborate with seniors to understand their desires and concerns, then assist in crafting plans that honor their autonomy while ensuring they have the necessary support systems in place. This approach balances independence with community and familial support.
What types of clients do you find resonate most with your coaching style?
Individuals who are open to self-exploration, ready to take responsibility for their growth, and willing to challenge their limiting beliefs, tend to benefit most from my coaching. A readiness to engage in the transformative process is key.
For those interested in your services, what can they expect from an initial consultation with you?
I offer a complimentary 30-minute call to build rapport and understand their needs. From there, we can determine the best course of action, whether it’s individual coaching sessions or one of my programs and/or books. I do most of my work on Zoom or on the phone, as I have clients all over the world. But for locals I can certainly meet them in person once we’ve had that initial call.
Learn More:
Ali Davidson
www.alidavidsonlifeacademy.com
541-815-5281
