About Brandi L. Smith
MS, PCC, BCC, CTIC
I am a professional coach specializing in support for integrating work with life – meaning, I see career as an integral part of what you choose to do, who you choose to be, and how you choose to spend your time in a job, career, or work context. I help people through transitional times across life's phases when they feel stuck in work-life, decision making, or search processes to navigate change with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
I got my start in individual, family life and parent coaching, frequently working in or in partnership with non-profits in Bloomington, Indiana. Later I spent almost a decade working in higher education, where I supported students of all ages, programs, and backgrounds with exploratory coaching; secured a grant to lead a workforce equity education program; designed and led career coach training for a statewide community college system; and worked in an inaugural position launching career support services for master's and doctoral students in a research institution. All while starting and then maintaining this coaching practice.
With 15+ years applying human development concepts and coaching experience, and a long career of working in direct service with people and creating programs that work for them, I bring a deep understanding of personal and professional development to coaching partnerships. Moreover, I made a career pivot myself, so I understand from experience what it takes to do the inner and outer work that facilitates transition.
Certified Coach based in Bloomington, IN
I have a master's degree in Applied Health Science with a specialization in Human Development and Family Studies. I am also a:
✔ Board Certified Career Coach (BCC)
✔ Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation
✔ Trauma-Informed Certified Coach (TICC)
✔ Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach
and I am certified to offer several other assessments used in career coaching.
What I Do
I help clients create:
✔ Career changes and transitions
✔ Life-work balance and personal growth
✔ Self-awareness, confidence, and increased clarity for making decisions
I use a mix of supportive conversation and exercises to create meaningful action toward goals.
Why I Coach
Contrary to popular assumption, people do not stop growing when they reach adulthood. Change is inevitable; development is an opportunity. I coach because support with sorting, sifting, and problem solving can make change and transition easier, and development clearer, more grounded, and purposeful. Given our demanding, sometimes forceful, and loud external world (with its many one size fits all or "you should" messages) one can easily get mixed up and confused about what comes next for their personal or professional growth. Sifting and sorting the information, plus good listening are key to building awareness and identifying what comes next. Coaching helps people do those things. I have learned over the course of my own career that one of my strengths is providing this type of support so that people see and align with growth steps that are truly right for them.
