What Made Me Start And/Both Coaching
I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason — and in the right season. Along my journey, I’ve said yes to opportunities I wasn't sure of, but someone felt I could do the job, took risks that made no logical sense to others, left roles and teams I loved because I stopped growing, and had my position eliminated… more than once. Each chapter has shaped who I am, how I lead, and how I moved forward. We don't always see the positive in setbacks and challenges at the time, time and the perspective of others is sometimes needed - growth doesn’t always look graceful.
Somewhere in the middle of chasing career goals, I realized my professional life had quietly become my entire life. My inner voice had been trying to get my attention for years — subtle at first, then louder. Turns out, when you ignore your intuition long enough, the universe will happily drop a brick wall in your path to make sure you take notice.
In college, I wanted to be an athletic trainer — I loved sports and helping people. Then I thought public relations for a pro team was the dream. The thread through it all? I’ve always been drawn to helping others grow. That showed up in alumni events, building campaigns in advertising, or leading teams in marketing. It just took me a while to realize coaching was the common thread.
So, I listened to my inner voice (finally), took a leap, and founded And/Both Coaching – a space built on the belief that we can be strong and soft, both grounded and curious, grieving and hopeful.
The name (and logo) came naturally because that phrase has followed me for years. I knew I had to include mountains and water — both shaped me. I grew up in Colorado, where the mountains taught me strength and perspective. Later, I fell in love with ocean – its calm, its movement, its ability to reset everything. Snow melts, flows to the sea, and keeps moving — just like we move through change toward who we’re becoming (and are meant to be).
It was during a leadership course that I was introduce to the concept of “and/both” — the idea that two seemingly opposite things can be true at once. It hit me hard. I even told my team at the time I needed a sign to remind me of it daily (because it felt more appropriate than the one already on my desk that said, “Who left the bag of idiots open?”).
When my position was eliminated for the third time, it hit differently. I grieved, but I also felt relief — another “and/both” moment. In time I knew I wasn’t about finding another door; it was time to look for the unlocked window. And yes, climbing through windows was a special skill I perfected growing up — one my parents may or may not be proud of.
That moment of pause made me reflect on what I truly valued. I started asking former colleagues and friends for feedback, and a clear theme emerged: I’d been coaching all along. Encouraging others to find their purpose, helping them navigate tough work situations, and reminding them of their worth — it had always been my thing.
Today, I’m back in Colorado, close to family and the community that has been my foundation. I still love the ocean (and I’ll take any excuse to visit), but I’ve learned that I can belong to both — the mountains and the water.
Every time I’ve trusted that inner voice, it’s led me somewhere better than I could’ve planned. Now, through And/Both Coaching, my purpose is to help others do the same – to hear and trust their own inner voice, notice the unlocked windows, find their balance, their courage and embrace the “and/both” moments that shape an authentic, fulfilling life.
Here’s to embracing the And/Both journey!
Jenn
Part of my work was to dig into my personal brand which required asking others for input. In the spirit of transparency, my spirit animal is the Manatee, but others thought it would be many different things.