Hi, I’m Isabeau!
Career coach for higher education professionals
Mentor coach for ACC and PCC candidates
I have spent more than twenty years working in higher education. Most of that time was in educational development, where I worked directly with faculty members on their instructional role development and career progression. Alongside this, I also supported academic leaders as they worked through the challenges of their roles.
As a result of my experience in higher education, I “get” the culture and understand how complex, unique and demanding this environment is.
Lest you think my career path was a steady, forward path, let me set the record straight! My first degree was in Dietetics and I practiced in that field for a few years, but didn’t find my groove. I then ran a DJ business with my partner, which was creative and fun, but not financially sustainable. I also worked in forestry continuing education as I tried to figure my work-life out and determine what was calling me.
When our first child was born, I started graduate school in Adult Education, which eventually led me into Educational Development. I had a long and meaningful career in that field, but over time I started to feel disconnected from parts of my work and wanted something that felt more direct and impactful.
In 2017, I began formal coach training. I had been a client of coaching for many years at that point and knew, first hand, how helpful it was to collaborate with a great coach. After some exploration (talking with other coaches, looking into programs etc), I decided this was my next career step.
Which brings us to now.
These days, I spend my time helping people think through their careers and make decisions about what comes next. I have always been fascinated by career stories and drawn to conversations about decision making and change (2 of my favourite topics!), so this work feels like a great fit.
Professional Background
Credentials
- Mentor Coach Specialization–ACC, International Coaching Federation (2026)
- Mentor Coach Specialization–PCC, International Coaching Federation (2026)
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation (2023)
- ACC Marker Assessor Training, International Coaching Federation (2026)
- PCC Marker Assessor Training, International Coaching Federation (2024)
- Gallup Certified Strengths Coach (2017)
Coaching & Mentor Coaching Experience
- Career Coach, Private Practice
- Mentor Coach, Private Practice
- Mentor Coach, Hornick School of Coaching
- Career Coach and Mentor Coach, Coaching@UBC
- Coach, Academic Leadership Development Program
- Assessor of coaching recordings, Certificate in Organizational Coaching
My approach
This part was hard to write because I have a lot to say, and it’s challenging to make this description concrete and non-generic. I don’t think I’ve completely succeeded on that last point, but I’m putting my own advice into practice: done is better than perfect.
When people ask me what it’s like to work with me, I often describe my role as a thinking partner.
As your coach, I’m here to help you:
- get clear about what you want from coaching and where you want to focus
- think things through without getting caught in overthinking or swirling
- decide what actions you’ll take toward the outcome you want
I pay close attention to your strengths and values, as well as to what you’re saying, what you’re not saying, and what is getting in the way. My aim is that you leave our work with more clarity and trust in your direction. I also want you to be taking steps toward something that feels better.
One of the things people don’t usually realize about coaching is how good it feels to have someone (me!) fully focused on you. You have space to think out loud and work things through without having to edit yourself.
For the curious
Pronouns and pronunciation: I use the pronouns she/her. Not sure how to pronounce my name? Listen here.
I love: being active, the mountains, foot massages, my family, London Fogs. I dislike: uncomfortable shoes, gum popping, injustice, endless routine.
My spouse and I met dancing Salsa. In my 20s, I’d decided to finally act on my desire to dance. One night, I went out dancing with some girlfriends and met this Mexican dancing man.
I’m the mother of two adult children.
I regularly challenge myself to sing in front of others at open mics. I started singing in my late 40s after being moved by song and voice for decades, but being too terrified to actually do it.
I’m an only child, and both my parents were professors. They were hard-working, and our house was almost always quiet. I still LOVE and crave quiet.
