Have you thought about working as a private practice career development professional? This episode explores the process of making that decision and some of the first steps to get you started on the right track. In this episode, Courtney Warnsman, an NCDA Trustee, and Katie O'Malley, founder of (en)Courage Coaching, discuss transitioning to private practice. Courtney and Katie discuss their journeys and challenges, particularly Katie's shift from roles in nonprofit, corporate, and academic settings to a successful coaching practice. They emphasize the importance of having a clear "why," building strong client relationships, and ensuring financial stability before making the leap. Katie shares her experiences of balancing a side hustle while working full-time, the importance of betting on oneself, and strategies for sustainable business growth. The episode also teases an upcoming webinar focused on the business nuts and bolts of establishing a private practice.
Courtney Warnsman, Ph.D. has been a career development facilitator for nearly 20 years. She works at Austin Career Connections in Austin delivering career transition and development services to individual clients across functional roles and industries. She is an Executive Development Program Consultant for the Baylor University Executive MBA Program and was recently tapped to serve on the advisory board of The Chiral Project, a startup venture exploring the unique challenges that women have experienced as they have either chosen or been forced to step back professionally during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Courtney received her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.
Katie O'Malley is a career coach and workplace strategist with 20 years of professional experience serving the nonprofit, corporate, and education sectors. Across these workplaces, Katie noticed her strengths and values consistently steered her toward the support and development of others. In 2012, she translated this observation into action, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling and Board Certification in Coaching. Since 2018, Katie has worked alongside hundreds of individual, team, and organizational clients as the Founder and Principal Coach of (en)Courage Coaching. Founded with the noble mission of providing exceptional, financially accessible coaching services to Chicago area professionals, (en)Courage Coaching has grown to support individuals and businesses from coast to coast, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Resources

• CliftonStrengths
• Mel Robbins 5-Second Rule
• Simon Sinek – Figuring Out Your "Why"

Check out NCDA's January 2025 webinar, "Taking the Leap: How to Start and Thrive in Private Practice," featuring Courtney, Katie and a panel of private practitioners: NCDA Webinar Series.

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