Today we’d like to introduce you to Von Simmons Fisher.
Von, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I like to describe my journey like a multi-genre movie. It’s been a mixture of comedy, drama, suspense, action and of course, romance- all rolled into one documentary in the making. As a child, I remember being fascinated with human connection. After years of having a front-row seat to my parents’ tumultuous relationship, I became aware of the need to disconnect from unhealthy relationships and situations (fun fact: my life path # is 9 which means I am in a perpetual state of releasing). Most kids want their parents to stay together but I was probably one of the only kids who prayed for divorce.
My fascination with human connection led me to a long career in Human Resources where I mastered multiple functions including Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Leadership Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Throughout most of my adult life, I was often the “go to girlfriend” for friends who needed perspective, insight or any nugget of wisdom about their love life. I probably gained this role because I had been through several breakups and a divorce. The end of each serious relationship was almost debilitating but eventually, after several years of practice, I learned to bounce back. With every heartbreak, I became stronger, wiser, less compromising and more resilient.
As I looked back at previous relationships, I wish that I had someone to guide me through it and help me to recover even faster (you can only talk to your girlfriend so much before you exhaust them). My desire to help others avoid the many pitfalls I encountered is what led me to found Phoenix Rising Coaching, where I help women break-up and bounce back from expired relationships, situations and mindsets. I help them get unstuck, make big girl decisions, and if need be, exit stage left. And after the dust has settled, I am there to help them heal from heartbreak and thrive in their new lives.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Ha! As an entrepreneur, I think that smooth roads are unicorns. There have definitely been challenges and hurdles along the way. When I first started by coaching business, I worked a full-time job and had a hard time remaining consistent because I am one of those people who waits for inspiration and motivation. I have learned how to be disciplined so that I take action, even when I don’t feel a surge of inspiration. Discipline is definitely not my natural superpower but I’ve made huge strides while continuing to be intentional in my efforts to be more disciplined.
Another hurdle was changing my mindset to multitask instead of focusing on one thing. Since I loved to coach, I put all of my time, effort and energy into being the best damn coach I could be. But I fell short in marketing, building a strong brand and all of the other facets of entrepreneurship. I remember reading Michael E. Gerber’s book, “The E-Myth Revisited” and finally understanding the importance of being three things simultaneously: a technician (who applies the skill/service), an entrepreneur (who creates the vision and forward motion) and the manager (who ensures operational success). It’s super important to give equal time and attention to all three elements.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that the secret to resilience is to embrace the end result. There’s a quote by Robin Sharma that sums it up. He says, “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end”. When I’m in the beginning or middle of any challenge, I try to visualize the gorgeous ending.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Phoenix Rising Coaching – what should we know?
Phoenix Rising Coaching serves women by offering one-on-one coaching programs. The first one is called “Split Decision” and its intention is to help you make a decision once and for all about whether you should stay or go. For those who want a DIY version, I have a journal called “The Goodbye Guide” that helps guide you through the decision making process. I also offer an online course called “Break-Up Bounce Back” that includes a group coaching component.
My purpose and passion is to help women heal heartbreak, get them unstuck and minimize the impact of a break-up or divorce. I specialize in facilitating powerful conversation and supporting inspired action while creating a safe space for profound transformation to occur. I’m definitely known for having both empathy and non-judgmental objectivity while not being afraid to ask tough, intuitive questions (some of which are uncomfortable as hell-but necessary). As an Exit Strategist, I guide my clients through the rough waters of a dissolved relationship to the other side of heartbreak where they are empowered to be healed, whole and happier.
I’m proud of the women I’ve coached who’ve had the courage to leave an expired relationship or situation. It’s a huge step towards radical self-love, which is the foundation for making any life transition especially a break-up or divorce. I’m also proud of my blog, Rise and Shine, which dives into a wide variety of relationship-oriented topics and experiences.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Passion! After having so many debilitating break-ups and a very chaotic divorce, I am passionate about helping women have a fruitful and less extreme experience. There is both an art and science to releasing a relationship, processing it, healing from it and moving forward into your new life. My exit strategy formula makes the process so much easier. Break-ups and divorces are a major life change and if I can help women to keep it from disrupting their entire lives, it’s a victory! We celebrate marriage as the beginning of a new connection but I think it’s also important to embrace the courage it takes to disconnect as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coachvonfisher
- Phone: 619-994-5844
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @coachvonfisher
- Facebook: @phoenixrisingcoaching
Image Credit:
by Imani K. Simmons
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