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Raves & Results
- Full-time museum officer/writer finishes novel
- Accomplished performer overcomes overwhelm, creates time for art, gets new gig
- Company president ignites momentum, rekindles passion and purpose
- Performing songwriter gains insights, tools to transform work/financial dilemma from"stuckness" to empowered action
"It's rare, as a writer, to collaborate with someone who understands both the delicacy of the imaginative process and the management tools needed to finish a work of art. Marla has been that collaborator for me. Her approach, combining the creative potential of relaxation and the efficiency of project management, offers a model of how to move one’s art upward and outward into the world. I can’t imagine having finished this novel so quickly, and so well, without her guidance."
Director of Public Programs and Writer-in-Residence
Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
"I am amazed to see the changes—and renewed sense of purpose—that our coaching relationship has fostered.
"Over the past several months I have landed not one but two teaching gigs (in Philadelphia and New York). I’ve also 
managed to break into The New York Times, a long time goal. And I’ve been working steadily on more parts of my memoir, now up to several hours each week.
"After each one of our calls, I feel as if I’ve learned at least one new thing integral to writing or living.
"The thing I find so helpful about Marla's coaching is simply the power of the process: the opportunity to say something truthful about oneself in the presence of an “active” listener, who then gently pushes me to find some clarity about whatever issue; and from this clarity to devise a realistic plan."
Lost Tribe: Jewish Fiction from the Edge (Harper Perennial, 2003)
Editor, Literary Supplement
National Foundation for Jewish Culture, New York City
"I'm a cabaret artist, a full-time arts administrator/teacher, a mom...and a natural leader. My tendency to say "Yes" made me feel frazzled and deeply discouraged. If I kept making the same choices, when would I ever have time for the creative work that truly feeds me? 
"I hired Marla to help me take charge and refocus on my craft as my 'day job' was changing and growing. I needed help to create better boundaries and keep my creative work on the landscape in the process.
"With her expert approach, Marla led me through a step by step process to help me rebalance my life.
"First and foremost, I learned to say NO! - to new projects as well as "stale", on-going commitments while creating more clear boundaries between my work, home and creative lives. I also got more clear about my money. As I achieved these goals, I created regular time to honor and work on my cabaret project, and explored new venues, even scheduling a new performance in the process.
"Marla's coaching helped me create more intention and alignment in my life, and through her exercises and gentle encouragement, I also learned practical tools to create more space in my life and help me regain my focus while negotiating everyday stresses.
"As a result of Marla's coaching, I have kindled a new sense of possibility and passion for my craft (and patience with myself) while recognizing and prioritizing other important aspects of my life, like my family. I came to understand that balancing is a circular as opposed to linear process, and I can also appreciate that significant change is slow.
"Marla's a true professional. Right from the beginning, I knew she was about achieving results in a most empathic way.
"If you're struggling to make more time to write, I'm confident that Marla will help you!"
Cabaret Artist, Educator, Storyteller
Boston, MA
"I came across many coaches with the same promises, goals and mindsets. But one in particular stood out beyond all of the rest. I made the phone call that literally changed my life and set me on the path of self-accountability, vision, purpose and, above all, structure 
and determination.
"I knew what I wanted in my life, but I was not sure how to get to the next step and keep the momentum going. I remember the first time Marla and I spoke. She was honest and direct, and told me 'you will find the answers only when you're being challenged.' With that one statement my thinking and writing changed.
"Marla is powerful and gracious and takes great pleasure in helping you ignite your life's desires, making sure you understand that you need to be excited about the process, not just the outcome.
"My ability to communicate in business and on a personal level has improved beyond my expectations. My writing has become joyful, creative and productive, and above all, it serves a purpose."
Lori Bambacigno
President, Bambicigno Steel Company, Inc.
Modesto, C
"Having come to a crossroad in my life I was facing an imperative
to make big changes in my work and financial life. I found I was stuck, unable to clarify my thoughts and options.
"In just one hour, Marla helped me to carefully unpack my needs, my options and my potential. She was both a present witness to my process, and a sage with keen insight, wisdom and pragmatic tools that have helped me to move forward towards clarity.
"I feel her work was invaluable, and I highly recommend her as a life coach."
Singer-songwriter, Performer
Fairfax, CA
"If you're a writer with a 'big dream' to launch, I enthusiastically recommend Marla. I've dreamed of launching a career in direct mail copywriting for a long, long time (over 10 years), but I never knew how to get started. Marla held me accountable to my dream, and helped me move from 'just talking about it' to actually doing it."
Douglas Texter
"I've completed a major writing project and I'm 
enjoying a transformed relationship to my writing - freer, less encumbered by self-criticism, full of optimism about the future. With Marla's coaching I didn't just get more done; I learned to live in a way that was truer to my own values and priorities.
It's not too much to say that with her patience, wisdom and steady encouragement, Marla changed my life."
Richard Hermes
Fiction Writer & Journalist
"Marla empowered me to put systems in place that enabled me to double my income in less than three months. Working with Marla was the best investment I could have made in my writing career."
Dana Yates
Freelance Science Writer &
Former university research magazine staff writer (University of Toronto)
"I hired Marla to help me create more time for writing fiction and to continue to build my freelance writing business. When I met with her, I knew right away that Marla's personal approach to coaching was a good fit for me: she listens deeply and was able to quickly tune in to my values, life experiences and goals. As we worked together, Marla coached me to refocus my marketing plan successfully and structure my work time to stay true to my fiction writing, too. In fact, Marla's coaching has been a great asset to all my writing work. I recommend Marla with highest praise: she is a fountain of information, insights and inspiration, and a delight to work with!"
Marya Smith
Freelance Writer, Author & Playwright
The Relaxed Writer
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