"He who has a why can endure

any how."

 — Philosopher Friedrich Nietzche

"He who has a why can endure

any how."

 — Philosopher Friedrich Nietzche

Unlocking the How and

What to Propel Your

Professional Why

 

Knowing your professional 'why' is an important first step in figuring out how to achieve your career goals and what kind of life would give you the most purpose and meaning. I am here to help you realize that you already have the keys to unlock your next professional opportunity and your personal destiny.

FIND MY PROFESSIONAL WHY

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Reimagine the career

that will allow you to

not just survive, but

thrive. 

 

Now more than ever, we find ourselves at a crossroads, one where our focus, priorities and perceptions have changed. Why did I...? Why didn’t I...? This shift in status quo can be exhilarating, terrifying or both, and we are swept away by the idea that our time is precious and change is possible.

Reimagine the career

that will allow you to

not just survive, but

thrive. 

 

Now more than ever, we find ourselves at a crossroads, one where our focus, priorities and perceptions have changed. Why did I...? Why didn’t I...? This shift in status quo can be exhilarating, terrifying or both, and we are swept away by the idea that our time is precious and change is possible.

I dream of...

a world in which all individuals bound out of bed excited for the possibilities that await,

a world where professionals feel valued and personally aligned with their work,

and one that allows each person to go to bed every night feeling fulfilled with the positive contributions they made to the world around them.

 

I strive to make this world a reality for you and for your career by exploring your needs and your desires, while helping you achieve your goals.

 

My Story 

I’m Kimiko, and I am an indomitable optimist who sees the opportunity in every challenge. As a member of the Forbes Coaches Council whose insights have been published in Fox Business, my work is informed by the belief that courageous self-exploration and increased self-awareness create the conditions for greater meaning in work and life. I am continually inspired by the stories of others and envision a bright future, where individuals feel motivated to do better and be better.​

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer, I began my career in international development and was working for the United Nations in Bangkok when I realized that I wanted to impact the lives of fellow Americans on a more personal level through my work. Since returning Stateside, I have worked within public school systems, Wall Street boardrooms, and the classrooms of Ivy league institutions to empower individuals with unique stories and diverse backgrounds to achieve their potential in school and in the workforce. I've had the privilege of supporting transitioning veterans, mid-career professionals, and graduates from the nation's most elite colleges and universities over the last five and a half years, inspiring them to do more of what inspires them in effort to shape a world of greater meaning. 

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Mary Washington, I also hold a Master's degree from Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy and Management. 

 Find out more on my LinkedIn profile.

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Testimonials

Finance Professional

Ki's career coaching was more than just professional development. It was life development. When I initially came to see Ki, I knew what I did not like and was good at complaining about it. However, by doing the work with Ki, I learned more about what I liked, and funny enough that complaining stopped. Instead, I became motivated daily to move toward the life I wanted in my career and outside of work. I am a person who needs to bring my whole self to the workplace and outside of it, and Ki helped unlock that part of me. I will forever be grateful for her.

Seidy N., Account Manager

Kimiko was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process of setting goals for my current role and planning ones for the future. She made me feel confident in speaking to my growth and achievements and taught me how to use those in order to advance my current position. She really took the time to get to know me and learned what I wanted to gain from our time together, and also provided great resources!

Gabrielle A., Nonprofit Manager

As a supportive, affirming and knowledgeable guide, Kimiko has been an indispensable part of my career journey. Through her thorough and insightful coaching, I am now exploring a career path that I am passionate about, but had previously dismissed due to lack of knowledge and self-doubt. I am so grateful to have worked with her and to begin pursuing my passions again!

Rebecca S., School Administrator

I deeply value my time in career coaching with Kimiko. She is a thoughtful, kind and patient coach who guided me in making sense of the many complexities of switching careers. Kimiko helped me tap into my interests and skills and get to the root cause of my current job stress and dissatisfaction. She is clear and thorough, and the activities she led me through were insightful and thought provoking. I would highly recommend coaching with Kimiko!

Lesley Gerber

Kimiko is an expert career coach and advisor whom I had the pleasure of working with earlier this year. She was and continues to be an attentive and resourceful mentor who has helped me better understand myself — my skills, strengths, interests, and values — and navigate a daunting and rigorous job search with increased knowledge and confidence. Kimiko is naturally personable, easy to talk to, and an exceptional listener. I felt equally safe to be myself and also step outside my comfort zone, which enabled me to be honest, vulnerable and brave. I am grateful for the opportunity to know and work with her and highly recommend her to anyone in need of professional support and guidance in their job search.

K. Huff, Graduate Student

With multiple experiences and interests in the realm of environmental sustainability, it was great to have Kimiko as a helpful guide towards clarity and focus. She not only earnestly listened to my concerns and offered sound advice, but was also a great source of useful resources and connections that would aid in my career journey. Her suggestions allowed me to view my goals in ways that were more conducive to my style and personality. The pressures of finding a career path while finishing my graduate degree were lessened with Kimiko’s insights and enthusiasm for helping me reach my goals!

Crystal, Higher Education/Nonprofit Professional

Kimiko helped me pivot out of uncertainty and a scarcity mindset to become more empowered, gaining additional clarity in my career exploration. I came to Kimiko after experiencing burnout in my previous role and needing a pivot that would allow me to continue to use the skills that I have built throughout my professional career, while also getting paid what I deserve. 

Previously, I was feeling anxious about starting my job search, and there was an internal struggle in my desire to find work-life balance, while also still finding a career that aligned with my values and was meaningful to me. Having Kimiko as a coach helped me to build confidence by helping me assess my skills and building clarity around which path would be best for me. She also held me accountable to the process and removed any intimidation I had about making this pivot. She was able to take my 'why' and life's purpose along with my personal goals and career goals to guide me in the right direction. I felt that I had a partner in this journey rather than feeling like I was going at it alone.

Andrew K.

Kimiko is a topnotch career coach. She is a strength-based sounding board, and always provides great resources to keep you up-to-date on cutting edge professional development, and networking tools. Additionally, Kimiko has the uncanny ability to highlight your overlooked skills, abilities, and experiences to illuminate career paths you may have dismissed or never thought to explore.

Hilary C.

Kimiko was very helpful in guiding me through my career exploration process. She helped me to assess how I could apply my background, skills and interests to new opportunities, and gave me the confidence to pursue these. She is a great listener and offers sound advice, as well as helpful resources. I would highly recommend her career services!

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