Career Coaching with Shell Testimonials

September 2024

Soha L

I recently had the pleasure of working with Shell, and I can’t recommend her and her classes highly enough. She specializes in ADHD career coaching and builds a support group along the way. With her guidance, I was able to gain insight into my desired path, gain clarity on my career goals, and create a clear plan to achieve them. I cannot recommend her enough.



October 2024

Melissa Reskoff

I am very impressed it (the course book) is quite accessible. I like how it isn’t a wall of text. Using bullet points and terse direct communication – really effective. Great bright colors and warm images of people, inviting. The pages for doing work kind of gamify the process, engaging.

Elements that really spoke to me: smile file, preferred traits of workplace, coworkers, boss.

I like how you have periodic guideposts to help the reader recognize limiting beliefs, preferences, and unsustainable/intolerable conditions.  

March 2024

James Vanderheide

“I was skeptical, I’ll admit. The cost of the course was a lot for me, and I had to stretch to afford it. I hit “sign up” while sitting in my car after another crappy day in what others would call a “dream job.” But in reality, it was just another day where I felt unseen, unsupported, and like I was living someone else’s dream. I took a chance because everything else I had tried wasn’t working. It was a “Hail Mary pass.”

Now that I’ve done the Masterclass, I realize I couldn’t afford *not* to take it.

I was always the person who just sorta fell into jobs; other people would see I was good at something and then offer me a job or promotion. While this is nice in theory, I ended up in jobs that never felt like the right fit. It felt as if someone else was determining my life for me. I was putting in low effort, just kinda zombie-ing from task to task. My skill and smarts kept me afloat, and honestly, people were happy with the work I was doing. But I wasn’t. I knew I wasn’t really doing “what I was meant to do,” and as millennial and obnoxious as that sounds, it really ate at me.

I went to counseling every 2 weeks for almost two years to work on this. While I love counseling and my counselor was great, I’ve realized you really do need an expert coach running a specific, proven program to resolve this type of thing. Twenty years of stagnancy, stress, and self-doubt, two years of counseling…all cleared up in 8 sessions with Shell and my fellow “students.” Honestly, I can hardly believe it myself.

When I describe what this class did for me, I say “it focused the lens.” It’s crazy to think that I was thisclose in terms of what I thought my true “calling” was, but it was always a bit hazy. I really thought I knew myself well, so I couldn’t figure out why “things weren’t working.” I was smart, hard-working, self-reflective…why couldn’t I figure this out? It turns out I was orbiting around the “calling” that whole time. I was too close to my own problem to see the whole picture. I just needed someone to help me step back and focus the lens.

This course helped me do just that. Now, at the end of the 8 weeks, I’ve got a crystal clear, high-definition, 8K view of my future for the first time ever, and practical steps on how to go after it. I have insights into myself that I never could imagine. I can’t tell you how many times I just put my palm to my forehead and said “wow!” or “duh!” in this course. My calling was staring me in the face for so long, and I couldn’t see it until I took this course.

I have almost tried to hold back on this review so it doesn’t sound like a sales pitch, but it’s honestly hard for me not to sing the praises of the Masterclass. Knowing the impact this course has had on my life and how much it will “pay dividends,” I would honestly take out a loan just to go to it if I had to.

My advice: just sign up. Give the course your best effort. You will find clarity and direction you didn’t think possible.”

July 2024

Jordan

Writing to let you know that I quit my job mid-June after coming back from medical leave to take a paid internship as a library assistant intern with the Maryland Historical Trust! 

 

I’m continuing to do informational interviews while I’m interning to learn more about career paths. I even asked a speaker from an event I went to yesterday if he could do an interview. 

 

I can’t thank you enough for the work you do for us neurodiverse folks and for the amazing community you develop with your classes. 

 

If there’s any way I can pay it forward like sharing my story on your zoom calls or a site testimonial let me know! I’d love to share how effective your process is if you keep working at it and believe in yourself. 

December 2023

Carys Ward

“10/10 stars and if I could give it 11 stars I would. This programme has been worth every single penny. The power really is in your hands to change your life and Shell is with you each step of the way. Where I started: I wanted to take a career step but didn’t want it to be ‘another shiny thing’ where my passion fizzled. I was terrified of wasting the next decade making random career steps, hoping that one would be THE one that fit for me but never finding it. I found Shell’s programme through a desperate search to ensure my next step to be purposeful, meeting my needs and setting me up for success, both now and in the future. And this programme has done just that. I’m at the end of the programme now and I have had so many mic-drop moments of realization and self-awareness to the point where I am crystal clear on what I want in my next step and, importantly, what I need. Not only that, but I’ve met some absolutely wonderful people who are in the same boat as me. It’s been truly impactful to feel not as alone in the journey. I would highly recommend this programme if you’re wanting clarity on your career and to take, not just a step in any direction, but the right one for you.”

December 2023

Pamela Wright

I really enjoyed taking the Career class with Shell. The career piece has been a huge missing piece for me for a long time. Having her help me discover new ways of thinking by using different techniques, exercises, and her coaching took me from thinking I had to stick to one thing to now being excited by all the different possibilities I was able to see before. I’m so glad that I trusted myself and signed up for the course, it was one of the best investment I made in my future. I will be able to apply the lessons I’ve learned with Shell going forward even after the class is completed. Thank you Shell I really appreciate what you have created.

June 2023

Lance Lazzarini

“I came to Shell’s class feeling defeated, incompetent and dumb from my last career class. Taking Shell’s class was the best decision I ever made for my career and regaining my self-esteem. I finally found someone who understood how my brain worked. My self-esteem came back and I am looking forward to my future. Thank you, Shell! 🙂 “

November 2023

CJ Brooks

“With the lack of understanding around neurodivergence, in an already chaotic society, it’s nearly ensured that you will feel lost in finding your path. Working with Shell was an eye opener that not only helped me define what I want my path/life to be, but helped me get out of my own way so I could control changing the narrative, see my whole self clearly, and push for the things I deserve that will be lost dealing with the agendas pushed to us every day. Shell’s experiences and perspectives helped me understand my worth and changed my mindset so I could remember who I’ve forgotten I am, explore the opportunities that are awaiting me and would have been left to believe were unattainable. Trust the process, do the work, and be surprised how close you are to being driven by your passion in a career of your design. Thanks for your guidance and mentorship, Shell!”
May 2023

Jessica M

“Shell’s master class has helped me redefine my role in my company and parse out my actual passion for my work from all the dreadful (to me) crud that still needs my attention. The ultimate goal is to hire and delegate and I believe I’ll be even more successful because I’ll be doing what I truly love. I went in thinking I needed a drastic career change and more schooling and all I really need is a few tweaks.”

June 2023

Vanessa Martinez

“This program is for individuals who are ready to do the work — to truly look inward. I did and learned a lot about myself in the process. Through a structured curriculum, I slowly uncovered a part of myself that was meant to shine. And even when I started to doubt myself again, speaking with Shell helped me recenter. One of the things she told me was “HONOR WHO YOU ARE.” I felt those words on such a profound level because I realized that I had always pushed aside what made me happy. I just needed the courage to be true to myself. Weeks of self-exploration in the course also showed me WHY it was the right choice. I’m so ready to start this new path. It was also super validating to meet other adults with ADHD with similar struggles. I now have a community. We still keep in touch and support each other after the course.”
November 2022

Ben Levin

“Since I graduated undergrad, I’ve been meandering for a few years without much of an idea of what I really wanted to do in both the short term and the long term. I’d settle on a topic and then slowly lose interest as I realized it wasn’t really what I wanted to do, but rather what was expected of me.

Recently, I’ve been interested in graphic design as a career, but I was worried it would be a passing phase again. I’d even applied to an online graduate program, which would have been very expensive.

However, during Shell’s coaching sessions, she helped me develop techniques to hone in on what I actually desire in my career, and what skills I have that I could apply to my job. Importantly, I also gained a much better perspective on the conditions I desire and deserve in said career. And finally, my career is my own choice – it isn’t about fulfilling someone’s expectations, but fulfilling myself.

I highly recommend trying Shell’s program, regardless of whether you’re in work that makes you unhappy, or you’re struggling to choose what you want to do.”

March 2022

Cole Boddery

“I had a great experience working with shell. Her class is a very methodical and straightforward way of taking a internal dive into what tasks I enjoyed most, where I wanted to be, my environment at work, who I wanted to work with and the material that fascinates me. I would highly recommend to any person who is feeling stuck and doesn’t know which career/life path to travel down.”

January 2022

Fred Kridler

“After years of lateral moves and frustration with my career I finally feel like I have not only the direction I was hoping for but the tools and abilities to get it done.

Before taking this class and working with Shell there were times I honestly felt hopeless. Now I feel that I’m on the right path because I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how to connect my skills and experiences to the right kind of work for me. I now know how to create accommodations for my ADHD in the workplace before I even start and that alone feels incredibly empowering.

Shell is super supportive and creates an awesome vibe in class so everyone feels good. Her experience with career coaching and in her career in general are extremely helpful and she shares freely and openly about not only her successes but some of her challenges and how she dealt with them.

The other people in class were an invaluable resource as well and their experiences were diverse and wide ranging. We would meet up online outside of class once or twice a week to connect about the homework and our experiences with ADHD and life. I’m so grateful for these people and the opportunity to connect with other ADHD people in a group setting (that was a first for me!).

I would say be prepared to challenge what and how you think about yourself and work. You will come away with a deeper and clearer understanding of not only how to get the job you want, but what job and why as well. You’ll do exercises and projects that help you uncover more about who you are, what helps you do your best work, and how to make it all happen. The work is real and class moves very quickly and I had to put in several hours a week on my own to get the most out of it but I saw instant results in my clarity and confidence.

I highly recommend this course for people who are ready to make the next move the right one. If you haven’t been getting what you wanted from your career and you’re ready to make changes, this is the course for you. Joining the class was one of the best decisions I have ever made and it was worth every penny and moment invested, and then some.”
March 2022

Cynthia Ginestra

“Career coaching with Shell Mendelson was the kickstart I was looking for – and I got so much more along the way. Her eight-week course was an efficient and effective process to systematically explore, articulate, and distill both what inspires and drives me and also what conditions I need to thrive at work. Understanding myself with such unprecedented clarity created for me an empowering mind shift that was timely and incredibly valuable.

Shell guided our weekly class through her process step-by-step, arming us with tools, discussion, on-the-spot coaching, and encouraging anecdotes from her vast experience career coaching. Class discussion gave me countless lightbulb moments – many were just profound for me. It was really cool to see my classmates on the same journey of discovery and to learn from them as they gained new and deeper insights themselves.

The weekly homework assignments allowed us to dig into ourselves and put into practice what we learned, building on the previous weeks. The tools from Shell’s course are simple and highly effective to explore and sort career options from a job landscape much bigger than you think. Heads up: Shell’s tools are also highly effective at popping up unexpected opportunities…get ready!

If you’re thinking about what’s next in your career, wanting to be more intentional with your time and energy, then give Shell a call. Her 20+ years of career coaching across all life stages and countless industries is an awesome depth of experience to lean on. You’ll find that she tells it like it is and has a great sense of humor. Her class is engaging, insightful, efficient, and effective – bonus points for the cool classmates and community of class alums!”

January 2022

Shannon Roper

“I just finished the Your Next Career Move Masterclass with Shell and I would definitely recommend it. For all of my fellow ADHDers out there feeling stuck, directionless, or learning how to trust yourself when it comes to making decisions about your career and passions, you are not alone, and this is the course for you.

After struggling with ADHD at numerous jobs for years, I realized that working with a coach who specializes in ADHD is a must. Throughout the course I felt very supported and understood. There are specific challenges people with ADHD face at work and when looking for their next career move and I felt like Shell understood what we were all going through. Her dedication to helping others connect to their passions and get clearer on their next steps was evident every class.

The workbook, class assignments, and connecting with others in the course, allowed me to gain confidence to pursue a career in the arts and design industry and eventually entrepreneurship. I have big dreams and goals, which will take time to achieve, however, I am grateful to Shell for believing in me and helping me to envision a clearer future for myself.”

January 2022

Alex Thorpe

“It’s been a great experience so far! I enjoy the small class size and that Shell leads, not only with her knowledge, but also by encouraging group discussions. The group discussions have really helped me get curious with myself and provide me with fresh ideas from others’ insight/input. The accountability definitely helps, of course, with my ADHD-prone procrastination. This class is much harder than I imagined and takes real work, but if you are willing to go all in, it will be rewarding. Halfway through, I am already looking deeper into myself than I ever have before, and that’s saying something, since I have always considered myself self-reflective by nature. Thank you Shell!”

May 2023

Jake B

“I appreciate your persistent enthusiasm, imagination, and vision for self advocacy in career molding.”

December 2021

Jeremy Dover

“Shell has helped transform the way I look at my career, uncover my true passions, and given me the opportunity to live a more fulfilled life. Making a career pivot, change, major or minor tweak, isn’t easy on the surface. Shell is truly a master at helping her clients uncover fundamental truths about themselves which enable better decision making regarding their careers. I only wish I hadn’t waited 15 years and had taken this course in college. Working with Shell is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my adult life.

August 2021

Emily Layton

“Just finished ‘Your Next Career Move’ Masterclass with Shell. Such a rewarding experience! Her curriculum focuses on understanding what you want out of every aspect of the job and out of life. I came out seeing my professional pursuits in a new way, and I look forward to ‘following my flower’ as I apply for new roles.”

August 2021

Esperanza

After years and years of feeling lost with regards to my career, I’m finally on a path that excites me and meets my needs. Shell’s masterclass was exactly what I needed to help me narrow down my focus, ask myself the right questions, and find a career that I can stick with. I’m wrapping up the masterclass with an offer in my dream field. If you are an ADHDer struggling in your current job or if you are a student looking towards your future, I highly recommend Shell’s services!

November 2019

Antoinette C.

I came to Shell for help in making a major career change and the process has been both illuminating and instructive. She has developed a program that requires much self-analysis with the goal of identifying skills and preferences and finally finding what feels right and sparks enthusiasm.

The exercises along the way have been interesting and fun to work on and our weekly conversations have been informative and wide-ranging. Working through the program has confirmed an early idea and given me the confidence to pursue this choice wholeheartedly.”

Thank you Shell

August 2021

Esperanza

After years and years of feeling lost with regards to my career, I’m finally on a path that excites me and meets my needs. Shell’s masterclass was exactly what I needed to help me narrow down my focus, ask myself the right questions, and find a career that I can stick with. I’m wrapping up the masterclass with an offer in my dream field. If you are an ADHDer struggling in your current job or if you are a student looking towards your future, I highly recommend Shell’s services!

Tiburon, CA 2019

Steven Johnson

Shell has been invaluable in helping me clarify the things that are most important and meaningful to me in life, and to develop a direction to successfully move in professionally and personally. She has significantly accelerated my work to find the right landing spot as I pivot from sales executive leadership into sales consulting and entrepreneurship. Shell is great at coaching me through this transition, and provoking new thoughts and perspectives on the work that suits me most.
She helps me identify and quantify ways in which and how I can have the greatest impact when I follow my interests and work on the things that are most interesting to me, and then focus on how those might be able to help the people around me. Shell is a master at helping me expand my concept of what I might be able to accomplish in the world that is meaningful, so not only am I more engaged in my life, but I also have the potential to make a bigger contribution and a stronger connection with my family, my friends and the people I work with.

VA

Lisa

The texts are wonderful for me. I have actually saved them all and am working on putting them all in a written journal so I can look back for inspiration.

I know all of these changes are coming about because of several gifted ADHD coaches (starting with YOU!!!) sharing their knowledge and real-life ADD friendly solutions to many of the challenges that have kept me stuck!

Thank you Shell! I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without your gentle prompting with the texts!

NY

Stephanie L.

My career history is a complete patchwork –like the time the Falcons blew a 25 point lead; that’s all, folks.

A b-iatch at work and at home. I’d wake up most mornings curled up in the fetal position and burst into tears at the thought of going to the office for even one more day.

Just like swiping on Jswipe for a date, I’d spend my evenings scouring the internet for a weird blend of inspirational quotations, job advertisements, Shark Tank, and fall into bed square-eyed and despairing that I wasn’t a Park Ranger with a 4-Hour Work Week.

After years of changing companies like I do with my toilet paper, I didn’t do much. I was still at the same place – unfilled and always looking.

My whole approach and emotional relationship to my career change began to transform when I started working with an ADHD Career Coach – Career Coaching With Shell Mendelson.

I started to give myself permission to enjoy the journey. If it was going to take longer than I expected, I might as well have a little fun along the way, right?
Over the months working with Shell Mendelson, shifts began to happen:

I spoke about ADHD in the Workplace in front of an audience of 50 people
I got a organization to hire me as a consultant to work on disability in the workplace project
I turned down a contract job and they came back offering me a full-time perm position
I always envisioned leading a hiking group and starting my own outdoor excursion group. I’ve now created an opportunity to speak with the founder of a well known outdoors company to lead a hiking + coaching group.

I found a way to make money from those things. And be surrounded by people that made me happy.
But, even though I’m still in the same career and haven’t found the career that I loved, I’ve created opportunities for myself and expanded my comfort zone.

Being happy and fulfilled doesn’t happen until you sign a contract for work you love. This is it, so take a step back and celebrate your wins.

Thank you Shell for working with me during my journey!

Stacey M.

Just wanted to let you know he is attending UTSA in San Antonio. Studying Physics. He has contacted and met with a professor that has some Super Nova (I think) research opportunity for 3 students this summer. My son has his eyes focused on getting a paid job at Southwest Research Institute but also has an alternate plan of becoming a professor. Just want you to know that he is still following his planned path. He tells me his grades are good and has even sent me pictures of Physics test that he has made 100 on.
 

Mom of Adult Child with ADHD

Florida

Erich Brough

I am proud, humbled and excited to say that the following testimonials are from ADDers and Non-ADDers who have made or in the process of making successful livelihood transformations.
Shell is a stalwart support and expert guide to the wilds of career finding/renewing/changing. Particularly, she helped me get in touch with my gut/feeling level responses and get clear about what I love and how I work best. If you’re ready (or even want to be) to change your career direction, she’s the top pick.

Right from the beginning I could tell that working with Shell was going to be great. Her approach to job hunting was vastly different than most traditional methods I had heard. Reflecting on my experience I can easily say the best part of working with Shell was a refreshing process that focused on what made me unique. One method that stood out in particular was the flower system. Essentially what this system was all about was creating a personalized chart that outlined all my unique preferences and strengths as they applied to a related work field I was passionate about.

Up until this time in my professional life it had not occurred to me that many of the unique qualities and interests could speak volumes about what I wanted to do with my life. But speaking beyond the actual process itself one of the best aspects of this decision had to be Shell herself. During this journey there were various points where I struggled with the process when I would become discouraged about the lack of job responses. Whenever these moments arose Shell was there to offer encouragement and great tips to help get me back on track. As someone who also has ADD she was able to understand and speak to the nuanced obstacles and emotions I would feel.

In conclusion. I cannot say enough good things about working with Shell. As I move forward with a new job that I am truly excited about I am so thankful for the work that I did with Shell as I know that it will be invaluable in the adventures of career and life that lie ahead.

Karen G

Daniel is doing great. He is very much enjoying his job and the company culture fits him very well. He has made great friends at work and also has friends from college and family down in LA so he keeps pretty busy. Thanks for checking and thanks for your help in moving him forward in his job search. It was invaluable!
 

Mom of Adult ADHD Son

I am totally thrilled with the direction he is going and am delighted in the work that was done to get him on the right path. I very much appreciate everything you have done.
NY

Stephanie L.

My career history is a complete patchwork –like the time the Falcons blew a 25 point lead; that’s all, folks.

A b-iatch at work and at home. I’d wake up most mornings curled up in the fetal position and burst into tears at the thought of going to the office for even one more day.

Just like swiping on Jswipe for a date, I’d spend my evenings scouring the internet for a weird blend of inspirational quotations, job advertisements, Shark Tank, and fall into bed square-eyed and despairing that I wasn’t a Park Ranger with a 4-Hour Work Week.

After years of changing companies like I do with my toilet paper, I didn’t do much. I was still at the same place – unfilled and always looking.

My whole approach and emotional relationship to my career change began to transform when I started working with an ADHD Career Coach – Career Coaching With Shell Mendelson.

I started to give myself permission to enjoy the journey. If it was going to take longer than I expected, I might as well have a little fun along the way, right?
Over the months working with Shell Mendelson, shifts began to happen:

I spoke about ADHD in the Workplace in front of an audience of 50 people
I got a organization to hire me as a consultant to work on disability in the workplace project
I turned down a contract job and they came back offering me a full-time perm position
I always envisioned leading a hiking group and starting my own outdoor excursion group. I’ve now created an opportunity to speak with the founder of a well known outdoors company to lead a hiking + coaching group.

I found a way to make money from those things. And be surrounded by people that made me happy.
But, even though I’m still in the same career and haven’t found the career that I loved, I’ve created opportunities for myself and expanded my comfort zone.

Being happy and fulfilled doesn’t happen until you sign a contract for work you love. This is it, so take a step back and celebrate your wins.

Thank you Shell for working with me during my journey!

Los Angeles, California

Amy

Just from talking to you during the initial phone consult and our first career counselling session I have felt my energy shift so much that even the way I see my artmaking is changing for the better. I just didn’t know I had so much blockage around my jobhunting and we’ve only just begun! Thank you for your optimism and dedication and looking forward to future sessions!

New Braunfels, Texas

Debby

Working with Shell is a productive and delightful venture. She doesn’t do the work for you (of course not) but helps you focus so you can pay attention to what is most important. A true coach in that she keeps you motivated and on track, moving you forward to accomplish what otherwise would not get done on your own. Be prepared to make discoveries about yourself and gain greater perspective on the choices you have.

California

Daniel Grussi

As recent colleges graduate it can be quite intimidating navigating the uncharted territory of post college life. One of the most challenging aspects of this new chapter is finding that first entry-level job. After searching for many months applying for jobs with little success I knew I needed a new plan. It was at this point that found Shell.

Right from the beginning I could tell that working with Shell was going to be great. Her approach to job hunting was vastly different than most traditional methods I had heard. Reflecting on my experience I can easily say the best part of working with Shell was a refreshing process that focused on what made me unique. One method that stood out in particular was the flower system. Essentially what this system was all about was creating a personalized chart that outlined all my unique preferences and strengths as they applied to a related work field I was passionate about.

Up until this time in my professional life it had not occurred to me that many of the unique qualities and interests could speak volumes about what I wanted to do with my life. But speaking beyond the actual process itself one of the best aspects of this decision had to be Shell herself. During this journey there were various points where I struggled with the process when I would become discouraged about the lack of job responses. Whenever these moments arose Shell was there to offer encouragement and great tips to help get me back on track. As someone who also has ADD she was able to understand and speak to the nuanced obstacles and emotions I would feel.

In conclusion. I cannot say enough good things about working with Shell. As I move forward with a new job that I am truly excited about I am so thankful for the work that I did with Shell as I know that it will be invaluable in the adventures of career and life that lie ahead.
 

Indiana, diagnosed ADD

Seattle, WA

Pete Lennon

After being out of work for seven years to care for my three boys, I felt pretty nervous about going back to work. A good friend referred me to Shell, and from our very first meeting I knew I was on the right path. She immediately helped me understand that it’s not about finding a job; rather, it’s about discovering my life’s passion. Shell led me and supported me through a process to discover the key elements of a new career: the skills I love to use, the people I want to work with, the field I am passionate about, and more. Now I’m following my passion to help the earth using the skills I love in the field of environmental education. Thank you Shell for empowering and inspiring me to find my life’s passion!

Jill Mack

I am working with Shell Mendelson on my passion to career and I’m finding out an awful lot about myself. And Shell has come up with some alternatives that help incorporate my passions – like love of animals, art. If you need a good career coach, she’s the real deal. I know – after 20 years in HR, I’ve seen a lot of hacks call themselves career coaches. But with Shell, in my opinion, you get an amazingly intuitive, creative and knowledgeable professional backing your career journey and helping you over all those awful hurdles that make you doubt anything and everything.

Jill Mack

I am working with Shell Mendelson on my passion to career and I’m finding out an awful lot about myself. And Shell has come up with some alternatives that help incorporate my passions – like love of animals, art. If you need a good career coach, she’s the real deal. I know – after 20 years in HR, I’ve seen a lot of hacks call themselves career coaches. But with Shell, in my opinion, you get an amazingly intuitive, creative and knowledgeable professional backing your career journey and helping you over all those awful hurdles that make you doubt anything and everything.

Jared

I found Shell at the time I needed help the most. Having recently been laid off, I didn’t know what my next steps were. I knew I was unhappy in my current career, but wasn’t sure I’d be happy or fulfilled in any career. In the four weeks (so far) we have been working together, Shell has given me hope that not only can I find a career I love, but even better, I can find the self I love. The process Shell has taken me through has been so much more than about finding a new job, but been about reclaiming those strengths and skills I forgot I had. It’s been about loving myself, shortcomings and all, enough to believe that finding a career I love will be of service to the world. Shell has been an encourager and cheerleader, and even given me an occasional kick in the butt when I needed it. If you’re tired of bouncing from job to job, field to field, and wondering if you’ll ever find a career you’ll love, I’ve been there. If you’ve ever been jealous of the people who love their job so much they can’t wait to go to work, I’ve felt that same jealousy. I believe Shell has helped me find the path to finally find the career I was born to do and can do the same for you.I found Shell at the time I needed help the most. Having recently been laid off, I didn’t know what my next steps were. I knew I was unhappy in my current career, but wasn’t sure I’d be happy or fulfilled in any career. In the four weeks (so far) we have been working together, Shell has given me hope that not only can I find a career I love, but even better, I can find the self I love. The process Shell has taken me through has been so much more than about finding a new job, but been about reclaiming those strengths and skills I forgot I had. It’s been about loving myself, shortcomings and all, enough to believe that finding a career I love will be of service to the world. Shell has been an encourager and cheerleader, and even given me an occasional kick in the butt when I needed it. If you’re tired of bouncing from job to job, field to field, and wondering if you’ll ever find a career you’ll love, I’ve been there. If you’ve ever been jealous of the people who love their job so much they can’t wait to go to work, I’ve felt that same jealousy. I believe Shell has helped me find the path to finally find the career I was born to do and can do the same for you.

Jill Mack

I am working with Shell Mendelson on my passion to career and I’m finding out an awful lot about myself. And Shell has come up with some alternatives that help incorporate my passions – like love of animals, art. If you need a good career coach, she’s the real deal. I know – after 20 years in HR, I’ve seen a lot of hacks call themselves career coaches. But with Shell, in my opinion, you get an amazingly intuitive, creative and knowledgeable professional backing your career journey and helping you over all those awful hurdles that make you doubt anything and everything.

Raleigh, North Carolina

L. Bonin

I am so thankful for your time knowledge, and skillful listening and inquiry. I know your skill set is extremely valuable and I am excited to spend the time (with you) in full gear working with you on this (fabulous career direction).

Raleigh, North Carolina

L. Bonin

I am so thankful for your time knowledge, and skillful listening and inquiry. I know your skill set is extremely valuable and I am excited to spend the time (with you) in full gear working with you on this (fabulous career direction).

WA

Jacky, Seattle

Working with Shell gave me the confidence…and power to take control of my job search. When I started, I felt extremely hopeless and helpless. I didn’t know what I was looking for in a career. When I perused job descriptions and applied for positions, I never felt enthusiastic about my future. Shell led me on a journey to self-discovery. My work with her focused my job search and is leading me into fields and jobs that I love.
Shell’s encouragment and positive attitude is contagious. I feel excited to continue my job search and see what the future holds for me.

Doug Wallace

There has been tons and tons of creative thought going on over here. I feel like a new person. Actually, I feel like my old optimistic self…I just hadn’t been in this frame of mind for a while.
I wrote a blog-post about our conversation. You can read about it here if you want. http://douglasthomaswallace.com/essays-short-stories. You don’t have to read it though, we already had the conversation. The point is, our conversation got my creative juices flowing to write again. It had been two months since my last post.

WA

Jacky, Seattle

Working with Shell gave me the confidence…and power to take control of my job search. When I started, I felt extremely hopeless and helpless. I didn’t know what I was looking for in a career. When I perused job descriptions and applied for positions, I never felt enthusiastic about my future. Shell led me on a journey to self-discovery. My work with her focused my job search and is leading me into fields and jobs that I love.
Shell’s encouragment and positive attitude is contagious. I feel excited to continue my job search and see what the future holds for me.

Texas

Michelle Bartlett

I attended a retreat for mothers of Special Needs Children in the Spring of 2011 and won some sessions with Shell Mendelson. At first I had no idea what I would use the sessions for since I am at home taking care of my son and managing his medical needs. I had spent the last 10 years thinking about ideas to help families and began writing about them in 2010. It was one of these ideas that Shell was able to help me get focused on. She inspired me to follow my passion which is helping other families with special needs children. She was just what I needed to get me moving on creating something amazing. I highly recommend Shell if you are wishing to take a new career path, she will help guide you in the right direction!

Seattle, WA

Margaret Magwire

Shell Mendelson saved my son’s life. That is not an over-statement. My son went into work on the 4th of July and called me to pick him up a few minutes later. I swung back on to the freeway and when I got there, he was standing on the sidewalk looking like he’d been punched in the stomach. He was in shock as he got back in the car and couldn’t really talk for a while. The truth is that was HIS emancipation day too. Now he was free from the degrading and abusive world of restaurant work, and free from the fruitless job seeking he had been doing in his off hours. Free from the rejection and self doubt caused by not doing what he loved, and certainly not doing what he hoped he would be doing after college. Ian graduated with a degree in creative writing, and is a stand up comic at heart. Shell began working with him the very next day and never let him down. She challenged him when he needed it, motivated him when he felt like giving up, and kept him on track with great books and tools. She taught him how to do informational interviews and worked with him to schedule them and keep going when he wanted to just settle for the next job that came along. After three months of working with Shell and really using her tools and expertise, Ian got his dream job. He’s now working for a company which was voted the best place to work in Seattle, two years in a row. He’s doing creative writing every day, learning a tremendous amount about his industry, internet marketing, and the world of work. He earns a good wage, has excellent benefits, and a boss he really likes. He is valued by his company and continues to grow in his new job. He went from dejected college grad doubting himself to successfully employed in a job using his passion for creative writing.Thank you Shell!

New Braunfels, TX

Brittney Feltmann

I was at a crossroads career-wise, and realized I was tired of not doing a job that I thoroughly enjoyed and that lined up with my passions. After being referred to career counseling with Shell, I immediately contacted her and started my first session that same week. It was very nice to talk to a professional counselor about my passions and wishes and to see how they lined up with finding a new job. Shell was very encouraging and supportive throughout my sessions. I was able to leave with a clearer picture of what I should be doing and how I should go about making it happen. I am excited about what is next for me in a career and I have a lot to thank Shell for that.

Thank you.

New Braunfels, TX

Amanda Fanning

When I first came to my job, I thought I was secure for life. Slowly I noticed that not only did others in my field not approve of what they were doing, after 30+ years, but I noticed that this isn’t the direction I should take. Looking for guidance, I ended up stumbling on Shell and she opened up an entirely different perspective on the way I should look at my career. Now I know a direction and path to take and can confidently go in that direction knowing I’ll be a much happier person!

Masterclass Participant

Leigh H.

“If you are looking for easy answers or you are a person who prefers formulaic, assessment-based methods for career development, then Career Coaching with Shell might not be the best fit for you.

If, however, you are like me, and you have run the gamut of personality-, skills-, and strengths- based assessments to no avail, and you are starting to feel at the end of your rope when it comes to figuring out this whole ‘career’ thing, then you just might be ready for Shell’s process.

While I might liken other career coaching services to a boot camp in which roles on the other side of the process are largely pre-defined and the goal is to find which one you might fit into best; I would liken Shell’s process to that of a spirit quest in which you just might emerge with a vision for a career that is so unique to you, it doesn’t even yet exist within the world. Exciting! Exciting, yes. And also scary. But fear not! Shell’s process is intended to push you out of your comfort zone, and she is there at each milestone to ease worries, untangle confusion, challenge limiting beliefs, encourage doubts, listen with intent, and offer expert insights and ideas.

If you are at a point in which you need career direction and you are REALLY ready to dive in and do the self-work it takes to arrive at a vision for your future that fills you with a sense of excitement and inspiration, then I fully recommend Career Coaching with Shell! Stop asking “Why?” and start asking “Why not?”!”
Seattle, WA

Ian Magwire

I was fired, let go, downsized, call it what you will. It felt like a punch in the stomach. I was fired on the Fourth of July in the middle of one of the worst economic downturns in history. I was a recent college grad with two years of bartending experience under my belt and nothing more. You’d be hard pressed to find a more desperate case when it came to the field of job searching. That was what I thought anyway, I saw in myself only my short comings and inadequacies. I thought I would have been lucky to find another job in the restaurant industry if anything. Then I met Shell.

She asked me questions about myself that I never even considered asking. What would my ideal work environment look like? What kind of structure would there be? Would I like to work in groups or as an individual? Would there be windows in my office? These questions almost seemed silly. Shell got me to think differently about my goals and what they would look like. What do you think about when you look for jobs? The pay? The benefits? The commute? She got me to think about what I wanted out of a job down to the detail, and because of that the big picture got brighter, more focused, and became more of a tangible reality.

So I went from sitting in my basement playing video games all day long to a structured lifestyle where I had a job. My job was of course to find a job. That meant getting up and starting my day before typical business hours, dressing professionally, and setting small goals and projects for myself to achieve. You have to really give yourself over and trust the process. Shell and I worked together to understand and map out my career goals. We figured out those details I mentioned before and I began to actually see myself in the job I wanted.

The process took a lot of hard work and yes at times I did get frustrated and even upset, but Shell was there every step of the way to encourage me and keep me on the path towards my career goals. Some of my career goals were as follows:

To work in a creative/ marketing position
To work in an environment that was a fair mix between team and individual structures
To work with kind people who kept their work and personal lives separate
To have an office with big windows
At the end of my work with Shell I got a job. I am an internet marketing specialist. I am allowed to write and be creative. I work in groups and by myself, and my office has plenty of windows. None of this would have been possible without Shell. Her support and guidance helped me though the darkest moments of my job search, she constantly reminded me that there was a light at the end of the tunnel and the only person who could make it brighter was me. I thank her from the bottom of my heart.

~ Ian Magwire
Masterclass Participant

Leigh H.

“If you are looking for easy answers or you are a person who prefers formulaic, assessment-based methods for career development, then Career Coaching with Shell might not be the best fit for you.

If, however, you are like me, and you have run the gamut of personality-, skills-, and strengths- based assessments to no avail, and you are starting to feel at the end of your rope when it comes to figuring out this whole ‘career’ thing, then you just might be ready for Shell’s process.

While I might liken other career coaching services to a boot camp in which roles on the other side of the process are largely pre-defined and the goal is to find which one you might fit into best; I would liken Shell’s process to that of a spirit quest in which you just might emerge with a vision for a career that is so unique to you, it doesn’t even yet exist within the world. Exciting! Exciting, yes. And also scary. But fear not! Shell’s process is intended to push you out of your comfort zone, and she is there at each milestone to ease worries, untangle confusion, challenge limiting beliefs, encourage doubts, listen with intent, and offer expert insights and ideas.

If you are at a point in which you need career direction and you are REALLY ready to dive in and do the self-work it takes to arrive at a vision for your future that fills you with a sense of excitement and inspiration, then I fully recommend Career Coaching with Shell! Stop asking “Why?” and start asking “Why not?”!”

Robin B.

“Change is hard but having been at my current organization and position for seventeen years I knew it was necessary, but I wasn’t sure what to do. I am so thankful I decided to invest in myself and my career by signing up for Shell’s first Your Next Career Move Masterclass. What I learned about myself and also from the other participants has been invaluable. I feel more grounded and confident in my job search. I’m much less scared and am now more excited about my future career path. Plus, I have a job offer, my current supervisor is working on a counter-offer and I’m also interviewing with another organization!”

R.P.

“Since taking your Masterclass – I feel more empowered to make confident choices in my career. I realize now how passive I was in accepting what was given to me – and top it off with ADHD – I didn’t know how to discern my goals from “shiny objects”. I felt unable to make good choices for myself, allowing others to do so, assuming they knew better. I now feel a shift to take responsibility for putting myself in situations where I can make myself thrive.”

Update from Ian 1.5 years later...

Ian Magwire

I loved my new job and after only 1 1/2 years I’ve moved onwards and upwards. I never would have thought that I would see such success in such a short amount of time and am now working at the senior level in one of the largest dot coms in the world. This would not have been possible had I been on the wrong career path. Many people get stuck in their jobs because they weren’t meant to be there in the first place. When you follow your passion your career pathway opens up and continues to offer positive results. Had I not worked with Shell I wouldn’t have been able to be in a place to accept this new opportunity. Using the tools she gave me I knew exactly what to do when the opportunity came along.
Your not just changing jobs, you’re changing your life.

Update from Ian 1.5 years later...

Brandon L.

“This was by far one of the best decisions as a second year medical student getting ready to go into clinical clerkships! With ADD, it is difficult to navigate the interests and passions that draw you to medicine in order to choose a specialty that you’ll be happy with. Working with Shell gave me the blueprint necessary to enter clerkships with a purpose. I am confident the skills I learned through the this process of self-discovery will be valuable as I enter each clinical rotation over the next 2 years of medical school. I no longer feel daunted with the critical decisions I will be making to choose a specialty that will not only impact the rest of my life, but the lives of all my future patients who will benefit from these decisions as well.”

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July 2024

Jordan

Writing to let you know that I quit my job mid-June after coming back from medical leave to take a paid internship as a library assistant intern with the Maryland Historical Trust! 

 

I’m continuing to do informational interviews while I’m interning to learn more about career paths. I even asked a speaker from an event I went to yesterday if he could do an interview. 

 

I can’t thank you enough for the work you do for us neurodiverse folks and for the amazing community you develop with your classes. 

 

If there’s any way I can pay it forward like sharing my story on your zoom calls or a site testimonial let me know! I’d love to share how effective your process is if you keep working at it and believe in yourself.