I’m a former management consultant, advisor to Gov’t executives, an ex-Chief of Staff for a COO, and volunteer organizer and leader.

After about 10 years in corporate, I found myself getting rewarded heavily for the work I was doing. Getting rewarded with more work, classic. More opportunities, more hats to balance, more people to manage. And really…I loved it! The adrenaline, the busy schedule, the “being needed” dopamine hit.

I always told myself I would stay as long as it was working for me, and for a while it really was working. But over time, that answer changed. Family dynamics change, the shine of the hustle started to wear off as I saw other things I was giving up start to mean more to me.

When I asked myself, “Is this still working?”

That answer became a no, and no for many reasons. Not simply the (observable) collision of corporate with my family priorities. Not the long hours, not really even the stress. It was simple - I didn’t have margin, I was a slave to everyone else’s priorities, and I wasn’t moving toward a life (not career) I would truly be proud of.

When that realization hit, it took me nearly 4 years to train to be a coach, plan financially with my husband to step away from the security of corporate pay, and prepare to launch a new business. It was a worthwhile effort and a much longer story I love to tell!

I’ve built 19+ years of leadership experience of teams, projects, and programs. I’m the person gobbling up the latest leadership or self-help book or podcast and testing things for myself. I love frameworks, but only if they get me to a decision, answer, culture, or team dynamic that I actually want and like.

I founded The Semmel Group in 2024 to help others find clarity and lead intentionally. Sometimes all it takes is a single training, pep talk, or even a single coaching session to help you find your next step.

I use my training as a coach, consultant, expert facilitator to support my clients and am always exploring new ways to engage in a meaningful way.

When I’m not running The Semmel Group, or facilitating a workshop with InnerSpark Development, I’m with my husband and 3 kids exploring nature trails, pretending to be a make-believe dinosaur, or trying America’s Test Kitchen recipes.