Jody Michael Associates

Transitioning careers can be a very challenging process. The hardest part for me was getting clear on what exactly it was that I wanted to pursue next. For those of you who know you want to transition but are having a hard time figuring out where to go, I’d highly recommend this this service. Maura is an expert at helping you slow down and work through this process in a way that gets results. The way she takes you through the process ensures you are taking steps forward at each interval. If you find yourself going in circles, Maura is going to help you break out of them. My objective at the start of the program was to leave the program with a clear objective for my career in mind (not the myriad of vague possibilities I felt like was juggling when I started). I absolutely achieved this with Maura’s help and finally feel like I have the confidence in my decision to make the jump into career 2.0. I would recommend this service to anyone at any stage in their career. As someone who is several years into their career, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical at first thinking this was going to be designed for high school students or college grads just getting started. I realize now that this was because I didn’t really understand the solution they were bringing to the table (actually didn’t fully understand the problem I was having either). I would recommend this program to anyone at any stage in their career. Even if you love your job and love your career track, there is still a ton that you are going to learn about how to be more successful in your day to day. You’ll learn about yourself and how to position you talents to work for you instead of against you. These parts were all a bonus in my book. I came in wanting to get clarity and confidence around some big decisions I was making for my career and I left with that and then some. The «then some» was a lot deeper understanding of myself and how I can position/​brand myself in my work environment in ways that will work to my advantage. I was someone who thought they had this part all figured out, but I learned a lot and it opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. That was another very valuable part of this experience and again something that I think is useful for anyone at any phase of their career. One final shout out in this review to Maura and Marilyn — thank you both, you are both great at what you do.

Jody does a simply fantastic job at helping people identify the things that hold them back. I attended her Perceptual Lens Training and Accountability Mirror and they were great. I had no idea how much the things I said to myself affected my mood and my work performance. I started to see a difference almost immediately after putting her techniques into practice.

I contacted Jody Michael Associates (JMA) with trepidation having never before worked with a career counselor. However, after the initial telephone conversation with founder, Jody Michael I was willing to give it a try and go into the experience with an open mind.
My biggest questions going into the coaching engagement were (1) Would I be able to trust my career counselor enough to allow myself to share my thoughts and experiences and (2) Can they really help me identify my ideal career path? The answer to (1) was an emphatic «yes,» —working with Maura was an absolute delight. Maura and I clicked from the beginning, which I credit to her truly caring nature and her ability to both listen and interject to facilitate effective discourse. Her attentiveness and demeanor made it easy for me to reflect, be open and honest and challenge myself to think about what really drives me and my career goals.
As far as (2), after completing the Career Road Map I now realize that I was asking the wrong question. For it was not the ideal career path that I should have been seeking as if it could be plucked out of the air. Rather the correction question was what combination of abilities, skills, interests, personal style, values and environment align together to allow me to reach my goals and achieve fulfillment. To that deeper question, JMA guided me on a detailed discovery to understand both qualitatively and quantitatively where I stood on each component.
Today, I am equipped with the confidence, knowledge and tools to not only identify my ideal career path based on sound information on who I am as a person, but also how to articulate my value proposition to potential employers. I am grateful to Jody Michael Associates and highly recommend their services to individuals looking for a 360 degree evaluation of who you are and where you should be in your career search.

I worked with Maura of JMA Chicago as part of their «what do I want to be when I grow up» program. I was unhappy in my job, but felt ill-​equipped to make a big change, and a small change (for example, similar industry/​role but different firm) didn’t feel sufficient to address my dissatisfaction. Initially I contacted JMA because I was hoping for some «basic» career counseling. Frankly, I think I was hoping someone would just be able to give me the answer to my question of, «what should I be doing for work?» After speaking with Jody, she convinced me to go all-​in with this program, which is intensive and expensive. While Jody was certainly «pitching» me, I could feel her passion for helping people address these questions and I was impressed with her confidence to do so effectively. I decided to just go for it.
A little background — presently I work at a software company. I perform a technical role, but it’s in a support (client-​facing) capacity. I also manage people. After working with JMA/​Maura, I’ve decided to become a web developer (technical role, less client-​facing, no people management). Before JMA, I knew I liked technical work, I was confident I could learn to code, but I was still afraid. I didn’t know if it was the right choice. I was scared to «sacrifice» the title/​salary/​profile that’d I’d worked for years to establish. All because I didn’t understand the «why.»
My biggest concern with undertaking this process was basically that it wouldn’t be «worth it.» For me, that broke down in to two distinct fears: I would come to a conclusion that I could have/​would have come to on my own, or I wouldn’t get an answer at all. Interestingly, the former more or less ended up being the outcome, however, I’d do it all again without hestiation; because now I know the «why,» and that’s the most important part.
Let me interject for a moment and say that Maura is fantastic and I truly feel privileged to have met her; she’ll ask you great questions, she’ll help right the ship when your focus or thinking gets off track and she’ll help you find the confidence you need along the way. After working with her, bottom line is that I understand myself much better.
OK, now back to the «why» …
I now understand better what drives and motivates me, and what I can (and should) do to derive actual satisfaction from what I do for work. As an example, probably one of the most telling things I learned was that I was above average in terms of many «abilities,» but that was actually something of a burden. It meant that I could «cope» with work that really wasn’t suited to me; effectively, I hated what I did, but I could be competent, even good, at it, which created even more uncertainty and indecision when it came to making a change (I tried to write that without humble bragging, but what can you do).
To summarize — if you’re feeling stuck in your career, but don’t feel confident about what your next move should be, JMA can very likely help you. You will do most of the work — what you get out is largely dependent on how much «studying» you do outside of meeting with your career coach. The process will be frustrating. You may end up with a conclusion you already «knew.» And it’s not going to be cheap. BUT, at the end you will know yourself better, and be able to make better decisions and do so more confidently than before, and in my opinion that’s probably worth a lot more than you’ll pay for it.

I attended Jody Michael’s Perceptual Lens workshop because my company was downsizing and phasing out my position. I was hoping to gain the focus and direction I needed to make the transition to a new job or independent consulting.
In fact, my real problem was depression that I have struggled unsuccessfully to treat for decades. Even before I attended the workshop, I had begun to fear that after so many years of depressed thinking, I had become hard-​wired for negative thought patterns and behavior. I’d pretty much lost hope that I could make the positive changes I needed to improve my life.
The Perceptual Lens Workshop was exactly what I needed. Jody’s inside-​out approach to personal growth and change helped me examine how I operate in the moment, to explore the choices I make and identify the triggers/​thoughts/​reactions that drive those choices. After that, she gave me real-​life, behavioral tools and strategies I could use to manage my mood states and make better choices.
The positive impact was immediate. I left the workshop with hope and a plan for taking action. I continued to work with Jody via weekly sessions. With her support and insightful coaching I am making behavioral changes that will help me achieve long-​lasting results.
It takes commitment to continue the work on a daily basis, but frankly, so many of the tools are fun and so immediately life enhancing, that making the choice to be positive and productive becomes addictive!
In just two months of working with Jody, I can say I’ve never been more empowered and confident. I feel like I’m finally becoming the person I was meant to be, the me that was hidden inside the fog of my depression and negative self-​talk for so many years.
Bottom-​line? I’ve discovered that with the right tools and a great coach like Jody, it’s actually possible to create the life you’ve always dreamed of living, step-​by-​step.

I attended Jody’s Perceptual Lens training, and it was unbelievable eye opening. It really helped me see how to be more aware of my thoughts and moods and how it impacts my well being. I also learned about how to understand others around me better and essentially get the upper hand. I had been struggling with some work tension and general life dissatisfaction. After this training, I really feel like I have the tools and awareness to take on the world.
Jody has a very calming yet no nonsense demeanor. I have never done anything like this, but she made me feel like I had made the right decision immediately. I highly highly recommend this training to everyone. Everyone can benefit from being more self-​aware and to learn how you have the power to make yourself happier and have more energy. I just wish I would have done this years ago!

I went to Jody Michael at a time when my life was in a major transition, personally and professionally. I left a dream job on the west coast to return to Chicago and deal with a family crisis. Out of necessity I took a position well below my ability.
Now I am in the midst of seeking a better position, yet the phone is not ringing and I was losing confidence in my abilities. Jody conducted a mock interview with me to see how I was presenting myself. Although she had never met me before, I found that her insights were very astute. It was as if she knew me a long time. Essentially, she observed that I was doing a lot of things correctly. This was very affirming. She gave me invaluable advice as to how to improve certain elements of my presentation. She was relaxed, professional and kind.
I left the session feeling much more confident than when I went in. With her guidance I truly believe I will turn my situation around. So I will definitely continue to work with Jody. For anyone dealing with professional challenges or who want to take their career to a new level, I highly recommend Jody Michael.

I attended two of Jody’s workshops — both Accountability Mirror and Perceptual Lens training. Both workshops were incredibly eye opening and allowed me to self-​reflect and self-​assess as I hadn’t in quite some time. For the past few yearsI have been going a mile a minute — new job, new city, new relationship — and I haven’t taken the time to sit back and ask, «am I consciously choosing this path? am I being intentional about the choices I am making?» Jody’s workshops were invaluable in helping me to answer those questions. The Perceptual Lens training enabled me to dig deep and «get under my hood» to learn how I operate, how I react/​think in situations, and, importantly, how I can do better every day. Jody empowered me with the tools and actionable steps that have enabled me to make positive changes in my life — I found the tools to be most beneficial because I liked having a concrete action plan, not just a vague idea of strategies. Jody also kept up with me to make sure I was using the tools and taking steps to make change. From the get-​go, I felt she was invested in my personal development and growth.
After reading other reviews, I agree that Jody «brought me out of a fog.» Now, I am thinking more clearly and intentionally, and I am just generally happier. I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who is looking to increase self-​awareness, fulfillment and happiness — both personally and professionally.

Working with Jody was a game-​changer for me! I went to Jody after I finished acupuncture school and needed help setting up my practice. I was also pretty low on confidence at the time so I needed more than just business coaching. And Jody delivered. She helped me work thorough my blocks to success and provided me with practical tools and insights on creating a sustainable business. Today I’m 5 years into a successful acupuncture practice and am so grateful I decided to get the coaching. Jody is no-​nonsense and quickly gets to the point but always maintains a space of compassion and understanding. I always felt very supported all while knowing I was taking massive steps towards my goals! I highly recommend Jody Michael and Associates.

Working with Jody is a life-​changing experience. Many have had success working with her and clarifying what they really want to do in life. For me, I know that part — but I needed help with branding/“packaging” myself, as well as building confidence and necessary skills for interviews. I am in a field that is insanely competitive in terms of nailing down a job — few spots for so many applicants. I needed all the help I can get.
Upon recommendation from my sister, I started working with Jody. We went over the concrete (interview questions and what I could say) and the general (my strengths, my weaknesses, how I present myself). Every little bit of it was helpful. Jody isn’t going to waste your time or give superfluous platitudes to you. She is relentlessly honest and real, and her honesty can be a game-​changer. It was for me, at least. I now have a full-​time job in the specific field I want. I doubt I could’ve gotten there without her.

I was originally introduced to Jody through a global trading program at a company I was working for in early 2011. Jody was hired to assess the program as well as assist us individually to offer support in a high stress, high expectations workplace. It was easy to work with Jody immediately upon sitting down with her, but I will say it helps to be open and have a willingness to improve. Jody has a unique ability to see deeper into what you are saying. She targets emotions or psychological drivers that have resulted in getting you to where you are, whether good or bad. No BS allowed.
Coaching with Jody Michael Associates is not about band-​aids or an attempt to make you feel better with encouragement and simple goal setting. It is about identifying and addressing your blind spots and your limiting beliefs /​perspectives, most of which I was never aware of or even beginning to contemplate. For me, being coached by Jody was a mental exercise. I would leave feeling strong, refreshed, clear, and acutely aware of what steps I need to take to better myself. With all that said, the sessions are always very relaxed and comfortable. We work on meditation techniques (which can be about stress, or visualizing goals as well), relationships with coworkers, managing life and work, as well as career decisions.
Furthermore, after some time Jody connected me to another one of her coaches, Cathy, who focuses specifically on trading techniques and emotions. We work on everything from simple technical analysis to more complex strategy execution, all while keeping a check on emotions and psychological factors that can have an impact on your work.
I’m eternally grateful that I was introduced to Jody. She has been a big part of my life and I am excited to continue working with her. Her drive and work ethic is contagious. She cares about your success as an individual and shares in your happiness when you succeed.

Thank you so much to Jody for getting me on track in a short time period, I look forward to doing more work with her as she cuts to the chase and she is able to «see» where you need help immediately.
I’ve had a practice interview as well as a coaching session where her social work/​life coach skills were also used. Within a week I was able to start addressing some problems more directly and begin to lift myself out of my depression — let’s be honest here — that’s what Jody would say :)
I had been looking for work for a while, but her advice helped me so much that within two weeks, I had a job. I was myself, more confident and well prepared not just for the interviews but for the work itself.
I’m planning on doing more work with her with her and her team and I know it will only lead to great results.
It does cost, but the payoff is well worth it.
Thanks Jody and team!

My initial focus and search was for a rewrite of my outdated resume. However, upon stumbling on Jody Michael Associates my purpose shifted.
After reviewing JMA services and its tagline phrase, «What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?», I opted for the service, Career Coaching. Maura K. was appointed my career coach.
The qualities possessed by Maura (to list a few): professional, awesome listener, responsive, humorous, open, objective, non-​judgmental — enabled me to approach this process with an open mind and vulnerability.
Under the guidance of Maura and the JMA methodology, I was able to reset, discover, assess and focus on my authentic career goals and objectives with unprecedented motivation and tenacity.
All variables considered — money, time, and effort, I highly recommend Jody Michael Associates in assisting with career pursuits.

First and foremost, I wanted to thank Jody and the Career Cheetah team for my experience in November 2013. I was completely lost in life and have made tremendous strides in the last year and a half. In March 2014 I moved across the country to Denver, Colorado to take a gig in the cannabis industry. I took a huge pay cut, but I immediately realized I had found my passion. Ultimately, it was my goal to find a way to plug with a group that won some of Illinois’ coveted medical marijuana licenses.
I am extremely excited to report that last week I accepted a role with a company that was awarded one cultivation license and two dispensing licenses. In May I am returning to Illinois to help bring relief to patients in our community.
Thanks, Jody. I am most grateful to have had the privilege to work with you.

I have been searching for some time for a professional to partner with to assist me in my professional development and career path. I was delighted with my choice of Jody Michael Associates. Jody brings real world corporate experience along with a complete understanding of the physiological/​psychological aspects of a person. I attended a workshop and it was a transformative day for me– I learned a great deal and more importantly, was able to apply it in my professional life.
The follow up sessions from the workshop are quite valuable and reinforce the learnings from the workshop.
Jody’s environment and colleagues are quite welcoming and are true professionals.
Like anything, you get out of this experience what you put into it– Jody and her team created a fantastic learning environment that was easy to apply!

I have been trying to make some personal and career changes for a long while now, but hadn’t made any real progress. Based on online reviews and looking at various other options, I decided to contact Jody Micheal Associates because it seemed like a good fit.
Jody called me personally and after talking for a bit she recommended I start out with the Accountability workshop and Perceptual Lens workshop that happened to be scheduled for the next weekend at the office on Paulina. I decided to go for it and to-​date it’s been a great experience.
Coming into the workshops I didn’t know what to expect, but was willing to go with the flow. I found the workshops really helped me crystalize a variety of thoughts I’ve had on why I haven’t been able to get out of my rut. Jody’s explanations and real-​world examples make a ton of sense. She explains things at the higher «how you feel» level and at the physical «how your brain reacts» level, which I really appreciated (being a fact-​based person). And its all done in a very relaxed and inviting way — you really feel at ease so you can absorb the information and figure out how it applies to your personal and/​or work situation.
After learning the «why», the workshop provided strategies and tools to help us move towards our goals and away from the traps that hold us back. It’s been two weeks and I feel I’m moving in the right direction now and through the ongoing meetings with Jody (included with the classes), I know she will keep me on track. Jody has been great to work with — she is very centered and relaxed but focused on you and helping you become a happier and healthier person.
While the cost of the classes seem high, you have to weigh that against the value of changing your life around. If all goes as expected, it will be priceless. Onward.

Jody is an incredible person, and having an opportunity to work with her is truly life changing.
I started going to Jody about 6 months ago — I was dissatisfied with my job, and was concerned that I was pursuing an unfulfilling career without being aware of options. I looked up a number of coaches online and after doing my research, I realized that Jody was the clear stand out due to her incredible reviews from happy clients, tremendous credentials and professional website. Calling her office and scheduling an appointment was very easy, and Kelly (her administrative assistant) is very helpful and bright.
I went to Jody in hopes of 1) determining whether or not this was the right career path for me, and, if not 2) utilizing her tremendous skill set to determine what options might exist. I am thrilled with the result, and a happier person for having gone through the process.
Through the Executive Coaching program, I have a healthier, happier approach to my job. I have come to appreciate how to elevate my performance, how to enjoy and learn from each day — and also, what I truly enjoy about the job itself. During the process, Jody helped me assess what «energy level» (sounds hokey — and I am typically a skeptic — but this is really cool) I operate at versus where I should operate, and helped me see what professions best meshed with my interests, abilities and needs.
I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Jody, and could not recommend her more highly. What a wonderful person, and what a growth experience! I have already recommended her to friends, and will continue to do so.

To say that my experience with Jody Michael was a positive one would be a vast understatement. From our first introductory phone call through our last in-​person session, I felt like she «got it,» and, more importantly, that she really «got me.» She quickly understood my career challenges — but at the same time, she was great at pointing out opportunities, which helped me feel less «stuck.» Jody has an unbelievable knack for seeing through the surface, and was instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles that I had created for myself in my career — and in life.
I found the assessments and homework exercises both challenging and enlightening. Some revealed surprises, and some substantiated what I already knew about myself. Jody helped me explore my strengths, weaknesses, passions and goals — and how to align them with my career path.
If you are thinking of working with Jody or one of the other JMA coaches, be prepared to leave your comfort zone, and to roll up your sleeves and work. Change doesn’t happen by doing the same thing, or by thinking the same way. Trust in the process; the path may not be clear at first, but know that it will all come together.
While Jody will expertly guide you on your journey to self-​discovery, on both the personal and professional front, she can’t do it for you. In much the same way that a college professor can «teach,» it is up to you to «learn» which involves spending quality, focused time on the homework exercises and JMA library research.
With two offices, one on the North Side and one in the Loop, and evening/​weekend appointments, I found it very convenient to schedule appointments that worked well with my other commitments. Appointments ran on schedule, and I always felt like my session time was respected and put to good use.
I would highly recommend Jody Michael’s services to anyone seeking to explore their career options, improve their leadership/​relationship skills and live a better life. If you’re looking for talk therapy, see a psychologist; if you want someone to find you a new job, see a recruiter. But if you’re looking for someone to expertly guide you through the process of self-​discovery, call Jody Michael. I’m sure glad I did!

Jody brought me out of the fog.
I have been looking for employment for too long. I was frustrated and a bit confused. I thought that I knew everything I needed to know to find the perfect job. A few failed interviews had me baffled.
Jody gave me sincere, clear guidance that has already improved my interview techniques, which is great. But more importantly, after meeting with Jody it became clear that I have been underselling. Jody discovered through careful questioning what my highly desirable and unique skills are. She gave each one a name and she had advice on how to sell them to a hiring manager. She gave me back my confidence. It may take me a little more time to find the right position, but because I spent 45 minutes with Jody, I am certain it won’t be too long from now.
If you’re having trouble finding your place, Jody will turn the lights back on in the lighthouse.
Note: She tells great stories.

Jody Michaels is a life changer. I went to Jody seeking guidance in how to prepare for job interviews. To say my performance on my first mock interview was disastrous would be an understatement. After it, Jody went through, piece by piece, and broke down the interview, giving me such valuable feedback. I went home and went over the tips she gave me. When I came back for a second session, she switched things up, but her advice still helped me answer questions correctly and with confidence.
If you’re looking for jobs and want to knock your interview out of the park, go see Jody.