Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Cosulich-Smith.
Hi Patricia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my podcast and coaching business when my position at a nonprofit was terminated in 2022. It was a unique time in global history, and it was a difficult moment in relation to my health journey and professional growth. I already knew I wanted to start a podcast, so the change inspired me to launch sooner. However, it wasn’t previously in my plans to become a coach. I had worked with many great coaches, especially as co-facilitators for the San Diego Lyme Alliance Empowerment Circle, and I admired their coaching skills such as their presence and the way they asked questions. When I saw an ad for coach training, the timing was right. I was open and looking for something. I wanted to learn the skills. I said “if money were no object, I would do this.” Then, I decided to go for it, and to start a business as a result.
If we rewind farther back, I’ve always had a passion for helping others navigate life’s transitions. With an MA in Social Innovation and a background in theatre, writing, community leadership, and advocacy, I’ve cultivated a unique blend of skills and experiences. Both my academic and professional backgrounds have given me a deep understanding of social change and the human experience, which I integrate into my coaching and podcasting work. After leaving the nonprofit, I saw an opportunity to merge my skills and passions into something that could make a significant impact. Thus, my podcast and life coaching practice were born. The podcast focuses on navigating life transitions and developing healthy skills to design new chapters and seasons, while my coaching practice helps individuals embrace change and build the lives they envision.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Then again, I’m not sure it is for anyone. The most obvious challenge would be treating and reaching remission from long-term Lyme disease, and also coping with the death of my father when I was a teenager. However, one of the not-so-obvious struggles was figuring out what I wanted and how to manage the day-to-day grind and adult responsibilities after healing from chronic illness. I felt really overwhelmed; ahead and “older than my age” in some regards, and developmentally stunted and “behind” in other aspects. A steep learning curve ensued, and now I’m navigating another major adjustment period as a new mom and wife.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. There are moments of self-doubt, financial instability, and a huge growth curve. It’s such a gift to choose what you love, and “labor of love” is not an expression to be taken lightly. Especially in the early stages, and especially for solopreneurs, founders wear many hats. There are a lot of responsibilities to juggle– some are in your zone of genius, and some are not. It’s not just the fun part, like working with clients, generating ideas, interviewing amazing guests, or honing my speaking skills; it also requires paperwork, state reporting, business expenses, and discipline.
Knowing who I am has made life smoother in some regards because I know what I value, how I operate, what my aptitudes are, and what I’m not naturally good at. Alternatively, as a multi-passionate person, it also means life is inherently not smooth because it is non-linear. It looks and feels more like a rich, robust, complicated, and very exciting web.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is dedicated to guiding individuals through life transitions and helping them design fulfilling new chapters. Through my podcast, I share insights and strategies on navigating change and embracing new seasons of life. As a life coach, I offer personalized 1:1 sessions, group programs, panels, events, and workshops that focus on embracing change, designing your life, building a support system, living creatively, and making an impact.
What sets my brand apart is the combination of my background in social innovation, my personal journey through significant life changes, and my genuine passion for meeting people where they’re at and being their champion and cheerleader as they move forward. I bring a unique perspective that blends academic knowledge with real-life experience, enhanced by my background in theatre, writing, community leadership, and advocacy.
I am most proud of the community we’ve built around the podcast and coaching practice. It’s a space where individuals feel supported, inspired, and empowered to take charge of their lives. Our brand is all about positivity, growth, and transformation, and we strive to offer resources and support that truly make a difference.
What makes you happy?
I love seeing my son smile. I also love snuggling him while he naps, though lately he’s so wiggly and interested in rolling over and learning to crawl that it’s hard to do for long! It makes me so happy to read or write or even outline podcast episodes in bed, and to hold him or keep him next to me while I work. It breaks many productivity rules since I’m blurring the lines of where I work, but there’s something so nourishing about a cozy, warm space and having that space with my young son. I want to fully enjoy this phase and rest and cherish how small he is while it lasts.
It’s also a joy to watch my husband and son interact with each other. We caught our dog snuggling our three month old the other day, and that was heartwarming, too.
I also find joy in holding my son and singing, going on walks, and dancing. I recently started practicing women’s salsa styling via videos on the Internet (it’s hard to go out!), and that’s been really fun. Alone time is limited as a new parent; however, it also brings me pockets of happiness when I coordinate with my partner and find time for myself. These activities help me feel grounded and peaceful, and that brings me a lot of joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patriciacosulich.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia.cosulich.smith/ ; https://www.instagram.com/the_transitions_podcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cosulich/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-cosulich/
- Other: https://www.patriciacosulich.com/podcast ; https://thetransitionspodcast.libsyn.com/
Image Credits
Leigha Smith Photography featuring Women in Business Panel collab between Ventura County Business Women and The Transitions Podcast
