EMI Client Story: Kaitlyn Tymrak

More from Kaitlin:

When Kaitlin joined Step Into Your Genius, she was a project manager and engineer at a $15B Fortune 500 engineering company. Below are her reflections as she finished Step Into Your Genius. She remained an active member in the alumni program for two years.

"When I started the program I was burnt out, exhausted, and angry, and didn't feel that I had the ability to move on in a way that wouldn't destroy my personal and professional relationships. I knew that something within me needed to change, and I needed help finding it.

Now, much of the confusion and undirected frustration that I was experiencing has relaxed. I recognize that I am on my own journey, and that so is everyone, and that they are different. And I can better see what skills I need to work on to align my actions and behavior to be the person I want to be regardless of the situation or circumstances. Being able to recognize and name different emotions - and allow them to exist, but not let them control - is a powerful skill that I'm starting to work on. That's a big one for me."

What has been the greatest benefit of
Step Into Your Genius?

"Falling asleep easily and waking up easily, as a result of clarity of mind and not needing extra rest time to process or re-think everything. I'm able to deal with issues as they arise.

The best part was realizing that I'm not alone in feeling confused or frustrated or in need of help; recognizing that society is changing - and that it is new to everyone - is comforting."

Is it worth the investment?

"Surely there is a way to put a price on sleeping well and deciding not to refill my anxiety medication. Over time this adds up!

When I first started, I did try to quantify the investment and put together some sort of plan that would justify it - but I don't feel the need to do that anymore, because I just know that this was the right thing to do at this time. In time, no doubt more quantifiable values will show themselves, but for now I'm content with the feeling of being able to trust my decisions and knowing that I'm not acting out of desperation."

What is it like in the program?

"Having a structure - which is comfortable for the engineers - but being encouraged to follow my own path was really important. It was a big shift to be allowed to be 'creative' and follow my thoughts without being required to follow a prescribed process.

The group calls aren't as scary as they sound; they are a supportive network that allows you to hear what others are going through and to learn from each other. The atmosphere of the group and individual calls was always encouraging, positive, safe, and supporting - yet realistic and honest. This allowed me to never feel embarrassed, which was a concern that I had about working with any type of formal program."

Would you recommend Step Into Your Genius?

"Of course! I would say that this program isn't a 'quick fix' for a problem, it requires you to be put in effort to get the full effect. But there will be immediate and lasting benefits if you are serious about taking responsibility.

What stands out to me about this program is that it is science-based, which appeals to a certain audience, like myself, who is looking for substance behind the recommendations. I'm probably not going to check all the references, but I do want there to be some backup.

The 'self improvement' industry is so huge, and there are so many books to read and podcasts to listen to and self-assessment quizzes to take - but there is no substitute for a real person who has done the work too."

Kaitlin remained active in the alumni program, Trust Your Genius, for two years. Here are some additional thoughts she shared:

"It's been a truly transformational two years for me, which would not have been possible without the influence of your programs on my life. The word 'thankful' doesn't seem sufficient to describe it, but I'll go with that for now."

"We need more people in the world who are challenging the status quo and giving a voice to what many of us are feeling. Thank you for doing this! It's hard, but you make it look easy."