For five plus years, I’ve had a mostly secret TEDx speaker dream. The path to fulfilling the TEDx dream would not have happened without the guidance, support and co-creation from my gifted coach Kirsten. The clarity of priorities, accountability, reassurance and key feedback from Kirsten throughout the incredibly intense TEDx journey was critical. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to co-create with her. She helps make dreams come true – what a gift!

-Maureen Timmons, Director of Dining Services at Northeastern University

When I signed up to work with Kirsten, I was at the biggest crossroads of my life, and I had no idea what I wanted to do next or what our time together would be like. Working with Kirsten was inspiring: we co-created a plan (actually, a whole slew of plans I could choose from) to create "My Life-Giving Year." I am so excited to implement this plan and both make a difference in the world (the “doing” part) and to enjoy life (the “being” part). Kirsten is the ultimate partner in brainstorming, taking a seed of an idea I put forth, and pushing me to expand it and make an even bigger impact than I could dream of. Our sessions were full of energy and fun, and I can't recommend her enough! 

-D.S. Climate Change Philanthropist

I connected with Kirsten at just the right time. I was ready to take a leap into a new consulting practice, but needed grounding and support. She reached out and opened her heart to the work that I’m so passionate about, and I knew right away that she was the coach for me. She helped me move my concept into reality, focus and action mode.

I really appreciate how she blends the internal and external work so well because we are all complex beings and bring many aspects to our work. I learned so much about myself in the process, which helped me fully step into this new world I’m living in. I went from having a dream of my new business to developing a signature program and enrolling my first clients to launch it. After just 3 months, I'm on my way to growing my business in alignment with my purpose and the change I want to create in the world.

If you’re looking for a coach to help bring your ideas to fruition, call Kirsten! She’s amazing and brings a calming and supportive energy that’s transformative.

-Kim Richards, Communications & Education Expert

My first conversation with Kirsten led to action, then I shared it on social media, and got a great response back. These sessions are more valuable than vacation - it's happening in real life. I can take action right when I get off the phone. For a business owner, it's worth every penny and more. Kirsten creates so much clarity around all that noise to turn ideas into actual action.

- Julie Ellis, Rais Case leather goods

Working with Kirsten was amazing. I was lost artistically and professionally and started working with her to understand my values and priorities. Her approach was the perfect blend of creative intuition and actionable practicality. During our short three months, I gained confidence and clarity into my writing projects and job search. When we started, she said I had to find my dream job by the time we finished and wouldn't you know, after a multi-year search I was offered that job the day before our last meeting. Not saying Kirsten is magic but...maybe she is. 

-Angela Santillo, Writer, Podcaster & Content Marketing Manager

When I think of my life before coaching with Kirsten- and after going through her six month program- there is a palpable difference between the two lives.

Every meeting with Kirsten challenged me to arrive to my own voice within and her guidance and effortless embodiment of true leadership encouraged me to remember that I could do it every single time.

I often look at the way I exude confidence these days, and the way I naturally remember that I am strong, bold, and wise and can do anything I set my mind and heart upon, this was the gift that Kirsten’s coaching gave me. It was truly a priceless treasure at a time in my life that I needed hope and a reminder that I was more than enough, and that leading the world in love meant leading my heart there first.

Being led and coached by Kirsten not only helped me to arrive there, but the seeds of her work that have been planted within me- knowledge, wisdom, hope, and truth- those will sustain for a lifetime.

It’s literally the best investment I’ve ever made, and the greatest gift I could have ever bestowed upon myself and the community I love so much.

- Heather Cleaves, Stylist, Writer & Photographer

Going into coaching I knew that I wanted to create gold jewelry, but I didn't know what that looked like. In one of our first few sessions I shared the self sabotaging thoughts that I was experiencing. Kirsten had me visualize my higher self and part of my homework was to draw her. I discovered a pillar of grace, confidence and positivity living within me that I could always return to when faced with adversity throughout my day.

I began immediately to set new standards for the way I communicated and created boundaries for myself, and my closest relationships started to change for the better.

Soon after this, I shared with Kirsten that I needed an an accountability buddy for what I wanted to accomplish creatively. Kirsten encouraged me to attend a group meetup called Coffee and Conversations. The day of the meetup arrived, Kirsten was there (along with so many other amazing women) and when it was my turn to share, she reminded me to ask for my buddy.

That was the day I met Rachel. Rachel was extremely supportive and giving with her time and energy. She shared many things with me, one in particular was a wax carving class that would be taking place in LA.

On the day of the class I surrendered to the moment and created the most important piece I would ever make; a pendant that I designed with an image of my higher self; a reminder to always be the best version of me. I paid to have it cast in 14k gold not knowing how it would turn out and when I returned to LA to pick up my shiny gold pendant, it struck me like lightening what kind of gold jewelry I want to create.

Moral of the story - speak up, show up, level up and strike gold! Thank you to Kirsten for lighting the path in every way possible.

- Adelle, Jewelry Designer

Before working with Kirsten, I had a half baked vision for my life. I knew what I wanted, but I couldn’t quite see it clearly — like it was there in front of me but with a layer of bubble wrap around it, blocking me from seeing it in all its potential. Let alone know how to get it.

My career path has changed since working with Kirsten in that there is a path. Instead of grabbing at any and all creative straws that come my way, I’m now laser-focused on the vision that I know will bring me happiness and fulfillment, only choosing work that aligns with the values she helped me uncover. In fact, since working with Kirsten, I quit the part time social media and writing jobs that were paying the bills and started a creative agency that makes my heart thump thump with creative energy and excitement.

Kirsten asks the right questions that help you formulate precisely what you want. Drilling down on what I wanted — and why (this part was huge!!) — was the unlock I needed to believe it was possible, and to make the necessary moves to go out and get it. Kirsten’s approach is equal parts inspirational and tactical. She arms you with the belief you can do it and the tools to make it actually happen.

- Cheyenne Arnold, Photographer & Art Director

In a word, working with Kirsten is transformative. I hired her because I couldn't articulate what I bring to the table and it was keeping my business messaging in a small place. I was talking about reaching out to my target client for two years but kept living in the excuse, "I'll promote myself when everything is shiny and polished."

Through conversation, Kirsten did a beautiful job of pulling out my intention and what I'm really trying to say. She then distilled my spoken words into a really true nugget in writing. Through her questions and visioning, she helped clarify the concepts in my own head and articulate them out loud. I have more clarity than I've had in a really long time about my message, business, and path. Kirsten helped me find my own voice.

Now I'm ready to put myself out there in a much bigger way and finally reach out to my target client. I don't need excuses anymore, I can take the next steps to build my business.

If you're waffling about taking the next step, just do it! You can live in the land of excuses or live full out. If you're small, your impact is small. Let your business be what you want it to be.

- Linda Baumgardner, Professional Co-Active Coach

I came to Kirsten confused about what I wanted to do with my life and unable to make sense of my own thoughts and interests— I was in a transition and completely stuck.

The best decision I made was to work with Kirsten. Kind, encouraging, and always professional, she asked insightful questions and helped make sense of my answers to identify my values and interests. After every session, she provided powerful exercises and writing prompts that proved invaluable to the process.

At the end of our time together, I felt like I was ready to take on the world! The nature of my amazing turnaround is thanks largely to Kirsten’s outstanding talent as a coach. Without her help, I would not have the incredible confidence, positivity, and clarity that I do now. I’ll be forever grateful for our time together and recommend Kirsten Shaw wholeheartedly!

-Dave Noeller, Aviation Expert Turned Career Adventurer

Kirsten may very well be the most gifted listener I have ever met. As I started preparing to write my second book alongside a demanding full-time job, I was looking for more play, and less discipline; more spontaneity, and less watching the clock. Thanks to Kirsten, I'm now honoring these other (more fun!) dimensions of myself, and I have more clear boundaries for focusing on what's really most important to me. Working with her is like taking a painter's palette, dumping the whole thing against a wall, and having it presented back to you as a beautifully delineated, neatly framed picture. Time after time, the clarity she brings to a situation left me feeling instantly lighter.

-Sophie Egan, Author of Devoured & How to Be a Conscious Eater

At the beginning of 2019, I had hit a point in my life where I felt lost and couldn’t make sense of what it was that was making me feel this way. Another year older trying to navigate this crazy thing we call life, but not truly feeling like the best version of myself.

I then found Kirsten. Kirsten opened my eyes to thinking in ways that I never really thought to think before. She helped me to define what my purpose is, and that my values and my purpose make me who I am, and that they also matter.

A kind, supportive, and unbelievable listener, Kirsten got me back on my feet and guided me back to the best version of me. For that, I am forever grateful!

- Eliza, Manager Level at Prominent Event Company

Having passion, ideas and encouragement is a great start but it doesn't mean you have a clear vision of where you're going. Before I started working with Kirsten, my photography business was scattered and stressful. I needed a fresh, expert perspective on how to narrow down what I do to make it more enjoyable. Kirsten surprised me beyond what I could imagine. In just a few sessions, my mindset has totally shifted. I am focused and have a concrete vision of my priorities. I am way more efficient.

Kirsten has a unique sensibility and I was amazed how much value she brought to the table. She takes the time, asks the right questions, points at things you don't see and has a big picture approach. We talked about personal aspirations, creative dreams and career goals and she made me realized how interdependent they are. Afterwards, she provided me with tools that I still use and checked in regularly to see how I was doing.

I will definitely pursue this collaboration in the future. It's been an eye opener (which is good for a photographer :)

-Claire Saccoccini, Biz Dev Queen & Surf Photographer

I hired Kirsten to find my voice and to help find a direction for my business. She helped me own my voice and guided me to take action steps that helped me understand myself better and the meaning of my work. Kirsten was a huge support and was always opening my mind to fresh perspectives. The vision I had for my nutrition consulting business completely shifted into a new direction in the health industry and I couldn't be more excited.

- Kaitlyn Kinder, Vegan Chef & Nutritionist

I sold a business, did a stint in a corporate setting, then was in the middle of launching a new business when I realized I wasn't clear on what I truly wanted. I didn't want to make the same mistakes the second time around. Working with Kirsten helped me see through my knee jerk responses and hone in on what's important to me and how I want to work and show up in life. Her style is warm and thoughtful but also insightful and honestly, just fun. I'm ready now to grow my new business with intention and enthusiasm.

-Alison Mountford, Ends & Stems

I began working with Kirsten while transitioning from a career in hair styling to photojournalism. Although we focused on my creative life, Kirsten's approach was personal and I really feel like she cared about my commitment to my goals. She helped me organize my thoughts, find steps to my bigger vision, and stay on track. Since working with Kirsten, my life has started taking a path I had been reaching for but somehow could not get to before. My photographs have been shown at two local venues and I'm about to embark on a major trip to build a body of work. I recommend Kirsten to anyone who needs a push and is ready to take action in their lives.

-Amber Hockeborne, Photographer & World Traveler

Kirsten was essential to helping me figure out what i wanted for myself during a crucial time in my career transition. I was in a job where I was miserable, over worked, and under valued. Within my work with Kirsten I was able to access my inner self and really ask what I needed to be fulfilled and happy! The best compliment I’ve received since completing our work together is about how much 'lighter’ and ‘happy' I look compared to how I looked (and felt) before we started working together. I took with me tools to check in with myself and really make self care and health a priority, while finding balance between work and life. I left my job, did some traveling, signed my first consulting client and landed a great new job. I know without her help I would probably still be in an unfulfilling career, unhappy and undervaluing myself. I think anyone going through a transitional time could benefit from time with her as a life coach!

-Amanda Shea, Chef & Soul Seeker

When I began working with Kirsten, I had been challenged with a lack of confidence and motivation to complete work on a project I’d started years before. Kirsten helped me reconnect with my passion and drive, while easily breaking the project down into completable portions. From the first communication, her questions and support have helped me get the work done; she truly has a gift for coaching creatives.

- Jen Spillane, Daytime Designer & Cabaret Extraordinaire

I was struggling putting my ideas into action before I started working with Kirsten. I had been dreaming of getting my community herbalism business up and running, but was majorly lacking in motivation and confidence. I struggled with naming my vision because I was daunted by the scale of my aspirations and afraid of failure. 

Kirsten lovingly supported me in voicing my dreams and coming up with a realistic timeline that worked with my busy life. Having Kirsten checking in on my progress was the external motivation I craved. She helped keep me accountable to myself. With her help, I came up with a plan of action to display my products, grow my medicine making classes, and move toward the career I feel passionate about.

-Beth Sachnoff, Community Herbalist & Mompreneur

Kirsten is amazing! She is warm, caring, and so encouraging. She continues to help me create clarity about what I want to do and why. Without this, I wouldn't have the motivation and drive I need to reach my goals. I am so grateful for her support. I highly recommend working with her if you're looking for clarity, strategic direction, and the extra support it takes to accomplish big dreams.

- Abigail Kira, Marriage & Family Therapy Associate, MA, AMFT

Working with Kirsten allowed me to turn a blurry idea into a clear, concise personal growth plan. But more importantly, she implemented checkpoints that allowed me to actualize my plan. It's her ability to guide me into a deeper part of my brain that allows me to clearly see things I hadn't seen before. In our visioning session, Kirsten helped me connect with my intention for moving from San Francisco to San Diego. A month later, I'm already seeing the vision play out in my career, relationship and home.

-Marc Beauregard, Bedfellows Roasting Company

I really enjoyed going through this process with Kirsten and continue to feel positive about what my future holds. I've been totally using the tools she provided to improve my time management and make every day a productive one - personally, professionally, and creatively. Kirsten gives a strong sense of caring and understanding in the way she listens to my hopes and ambitions. It was a great experience. I now have a clear vision of where I see myself going in the years to come in my documentary film and photo career, and an action plan to make it happen.

-Rebecca Gourevitch, Tenants Rights Activist & Documentarian

I worked with Kirsten to get clarity on my vision for the year, and things went very different than I imagined after we met. I loved how she showed me how to break down my goals into steps and make deadlines, but I think the most important lesson was actually the importance of meditation and listening to and honoring what my body is saying. Now I'm on a path to seek healing for my body and I've already begun to practice some breath work that is instantly relaxing, and that's something I thought I wouldn't even get to this year! Some the goals I chose for myself are on hold, but I think the more important lessons I had to complete have surfaced.

-Laura Kosbie, Jiu-Jitsu Fighter & Future Psychology Researcher

I met with Kirsten for a brief coaching session with the goal of getting out of a decision-making rut. Kirsten was non-judgemental, warm, and creative in her approach to helping me make a big decision! Even though we only worked together once, she thoughtfully followed up and cheered me on. I continued to think about the things that came up in our session and a month later I made the decision to move to NYC with confidence and excitement.

-Phylisa, Freelance Writer, Program Manager & City Lover

Working with Kirsten was an absolute game changer for me! Her probing, relevant questions allowed me to go deeper into my brain hole. This helped me to figure out what my mental blockage was that was holding me back from taking the next steps to grow my business. Since working with Kirsten, my confidence has been boosted and my mind is clearer. And I’m more motivated than ever to push through obstacles in order to attain my goals and dreams. There has not been a day that has gone by since my last session that I haven’t used the brain tools that she helped me to unlock and utilize. I truly felt that she genuinely cared about me and my personal growth as person and a business owner. I still have a long journey ahead, but the road is a lot clearer and sunnier since using her service!

-Toni Anderson, The Potted Poppy

Kirsten is one of those people who feels like an old friend when you meet her for the first time. She's got this really loving and excited energy about her and is so passionate about what she does that you can't help jump in line for an opportunity to work with her. This was my first professional coaching session, and while I came to it with a rough idea of what I wanted clarity on, Kirsten really opened up some clogged channels for me and together we explored some of the mindsets I was stuck in and how to work through them. I find myself still using some of the tools Kirsten provided me with when I'm in a rut, and generally feel more optimistic about my future because of her support! Coaching is one of those things you don't necessarily think you "need" until you try it and realize it has it's own place on the shelf of self-care just like yoga or running. Spend some time with Kirsten -- you will be glad you did.

-Celestial Hanley, Designer & Sojourner