GREENVILLE — This week, Darke County is filled with Olympic spirit, as we watch Team USA athletes compete, and cheer on those who, as youngsters, aimed high and are now seeing their dreams come to pass in Tokyo. We feel inspired by their dedication, and wish them every success as they “go for it” – hoping for gold, silver or bronze and a spot on the podium.
Yet, as we have seen over the past week with gymnast (and six-time Olympic champion) Simone Biles, there are stresses, pressures, and experiences that can –and do—alter the course of our lives, challenging the notion of who we are, where we are going, and what the purpose of our journey may be. These life-changing moments can feel like tidal waves, and for one Darke County woman, embracing such change has lead to the fulfillment of a dream.
Greenville native Heather Suerdieck, owner of Inside Out Coaching, LLC, believes that everyone should have the chance to look at the direction of their lives, evaluate where they are leading, and live with passion and purpose. Early on the fast track to success within the manufacturing industry, Suerdieck initiated team-building and positive personal development programs, demonstrating a unique talent to motivate others. Yet, with COVID-19 and changes to the work environment, Suerdieck, a wife and mother of two, had to accommodate to change quickly, and without warning, seizing the moment to develop her own company full-time, with a goal to help others examine the direction of their lives through setting plausible goals, and thus, gaining a true sense of personal fulfillment.
“With COVID came lots of uncomfortable situations and lots of changes for many people — workers, students, and businesses. For me and my family, I was about to experience one of the biggest changes of my life. I was launched out of my comfort zone of 15 years, my work family, my career labels, and my security,” explained Suerdieck. “Not only did I need to redefine how I add value, but what I would do with all the time that I had been ‘gifted.’ Transitioning from a world where just about every minute was planned for me — and all the labels I wore that defined who I was — was gone. I had to redefine this all on my own!”
Having graduated from Edison State Community College with an AA in Human Resources/Business Management, Bluffton University with a BA in Organizational Management, and receiving her Professional Coaching Certification and Energy Leadership Index Master Practioner Certification from iPEC, Suerdieck became committed to helping people in Darke County positively cope with life shifts and changes, making important connections and observations about the past, while seeing the “bigger picture” of their dreams and goals — where they are, what they want, and how to move in the direction of attaining them.
“There are many events that happen in our lives, both good and bad, that we cannot make sense of but become ‘God dots.’ When the time is right, a person is granted the space to start connecting them, to paint their picture of purpose,” said Suerdieck. “Learning is something that takes many different forms…having to trust the process and dig deep… Sharing the things that we once controlled, rewrite some of the rules that we had previously written for our lives, asking for help from others, and having more faith.”
Since founding her company, Inside Out Coaching, LLC, in October 2019, Suerdieck has helped many people get their lives back on track, using a powerful image to get people “unstuck” in the past, moving with the tide and rhythm of life, itself. Although one cannot control or manipulate time through sheer “will power,” he or she can anticipate the motion in one’s life –the “ripples”—which can, and often do, impact the waves along the journey.
“Transforming the things that stop you, into things that serve you,” explained Suerdieck. “As a coach, I meet you where you are and help define or getting you were you want to go… It is all about the mindset.”
Working with clients ages 8 to 71, leaders within organizations, and business owners through speaking events, workshops, “lunch and learns,” and with school systems, Suerdieck has implemented a simple, but very effective, life-coaching plan which encompasses three basic steps to “impact the ripple.” First, gifting oneself the grace to grow; second, creating a new community; and third, creating a new “cell phone” –making connections with positive, like-minded, life-affirming people.
“Grace allowed me to breathe again…Shift my mindset to find peace and suspend judgement. So re-learning who you are when the labels that define you for so long go away, is a difficult journey,” said Suerdieck. “Whether we realize it or not, this is our community. Do not give up… always strive to find the answer, and find a community of support that gives you energy to grow.”
In April, 2021, Suerdieck launched a graduation program to help under-performing high school seniors reach their goals to graduate. Through completing a 10-week program set on reshaping mindsets and defining step-by-step goals for the future, Suerdieck helped several students walk the aisle to receive their diplomas – and hopes to help more students in the future, with a dream to one day start a personal development center in Darke County.
“Whether you are an Olympic athlete, a business owner, a leader, a parent, or a student, we all wear labels that we show up for each and everyday. Yet, the label we too often forget to show up for is the label of ‘me,’ said Suerdieck, reflectively. “Life coaches help create intentional space to let your mind ‘declutter’ and ‘recharge.’”
Interested in free motivation from Inside Out Coaching, LLC? Just check out Suerdieck’s Inside Out Coaching Facebook page and Instagram Page, or plan a personal sessions by appointment by contacting Heather Suerdieck, CPC, ELI-MP at Insideoutcoachingllc.com, calling 937-467-3374, or via email at Heather.Suerdieck@gmail.com.
Greenville native, wife and mom of two, Heather Brown Suerdieck, CPC, ELI-MP, owner of Inside Out Coaching, LLC, helps community members of all ages to change their mindsets and transform their lives. Her positive life-coaching philosophy — making waves by “impacting the ripple” — has helped many clients, including industry leaders, business professionals and students, from L.A. to Chicago, to Darke County, Ohio.
Coach Heather Suerdieck (right) pictured with Graduation Coaching Program participant Grace Elliot (left) with son, Cam (center). To learn more about the program, or how to get one started, call Heather Suerdieck, CPC, ELI-MP at Insideoutcoachingllc.com, 937-467-3374, or via email at Heather.Suerdieck@gmail.com.
Greenville native, wife and mom of two, Heather Brown Suerdieck, CPC, ELI-MP, owner of Inside Out Coaching, LLC, helps community members of all ages to change their mindsets and transform their lives. Her positive life-coaching philosophy — making waves by “impacting the ripple” — has helped many clients, including industry leaders, business professionals and students, from L.A. to Chicago, to Darke County, Ohio.
Carol Marsh covers community interest stories and handles obituaries for Darke County Media. Have an event or suggestion to share? She can be contacted by email at cmarsh@aimmediamidwest.com or by phone at 937-569-4314.