by Mary Duke Grubbe
There’s something sacred about a change of seasons. Each brings a different rhythm, a unique energy, and an invitation to take root, let go and grow. We try to prepare for these changes with intention— clearing out the old, preparing for what’s next, planting seeds, and tending to what matters. Growth doesn’t happen all at once—it unfolds, moment by moment, choice by choice. And just as in nature, our personal and professional lives also move in seasons.
Enrolling in the Coach Excellence School was, for me, the beginning of a new season. I was ready for something deeper in this season of life. I felt the familiar signs—restlessness, curiosity, and a strong pull toward supporting others in their own growth. We live in a time where genuine connection—with ourselves, with others, and with our purpose—is scarce. But when we slow down, create space, and ask the right questions, something beautiful begins to bloom. I was ready to plant something new and The Coach Excellence School empowered me to play a role in the process of growth for others.
I’ve always valued listening and mentoring, appreciating the impact of a boundaries and elevated interaction. But I wanted to do more than rely on instinct. I sought to refine and expand my skill set selecting the Coach Excellence School certification program with ease. What drew me in wasn’t just the curriculum (although impressive on its own) — it was the sense of community, the focus on heart-centered listening and enlightened language, and the stellar reputation of the organization. All of these things together created a nutrient-rich environment primed for both personal and professional growth.
The “coaching conversation” is like fertile soil: it nurtures insight, purpose, and possibility. Enriching our perspectives in pursuit of self-development is no longer a luxury. It’s a necessity for anyone who wants to live and lead with intention. For me it was a privilege to enter into these sessions as a student practicing new skills under watchful eyes. At one point I was coaching a professional from another company, and we reached a place of emotional tension. My instinct was to jump in and rescue her from the discomfort—to fill the silence with advice. But instead, I paused, remembering that my goal was not to rescue but to empower. I offered her space in the quiet as she braved the question. And in that space, she unearthed a personal truth. That moment of grace changed everything for me. It showed me what’s possible when we allow others the room to unlock their unique gifts, talents, roadblocks, and reasons.
Developing the right environment for learning requires many key elements. And as we know, life tends to place a boulder right on top of fragile new growth. And so, we are driven to dig, to reach, to focus, to do the work to reconnect with passion and purpose in order to restore, replant and move forward. It is part of the human experience and challenge of each new season. It is up to us, as the master gardeners of our own lives, to tend to things. The beauty here is that we can do so with a fresh set of eyes and a proven process as discernment becomes a tool for new growth.
I am deeply grateful to Nicki Keohohou, the Coach Excellence School Leadership Team, and the many inspiring leaders I met along the way. The Coach Excellence School is a first-class experience, but more than that, it’s a catalyst. It’s for anyone ready to move into a new season of growth—anyone in any industry looking to elevate their communication, leadership, and ability to support others with authenticity and grace.
If you feel the stirrings of change—if you sense it’s time to grow into something more—consider this your invitation. The tools are ready. The soil is rich. A new season awaits.
About the Author
Mary Duke Grubbe has been a leader in the direct selling industry for more than 20 years, focusing on brand development, sales, and organizational communication.
Mary Duke held senior level government positions at the state and federal levels, including serving more than two years as Associate Deputy Director in the Office of Presidential Personal at the White House during the Administration of President George H.W. Bush.
As a lifelong learner, Mary Duke believes the coaching conversation to be the ideal fertile environment for authentic connection, goal setting, learning and personal and professional growth. In her spare time, Mary Duke loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, exploring the culinary world and she delights in anything served seaside.