COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who do you prefer working with and what are your expectations?
I have found great success with clients who are self-starters, goal-oriented, have high standards and are ready to raise them, open and hungry for feedback, have a strong desire and drive to achieve their definition of success and who are ready to be fully accountable and COMMITTED to what they say they want in their lives.

What type of person won’t this work for?
My services are not for everyone. My clients value my intuition, direct approach and ability to help them see things they may not have otherwise seen. If you are not ready to deal with the “tough stuff” in your life that may show up (your excuses and stories) you may find dedicating time to focus there prior to our work will allow us more focus on planning the future you desire.

This process is perfect for those ready to take action and be held accountable. You may feel that your desires are to risky. Although I cannot resolve your risk aversion, I can help you strategize to take reasonable risks that are well supported and planned.

How can I work with you?
I’m currently offering 4 program options to work with me one-on-one and one Group experience. In addition, I offer a special program for coaches and consultants who are launching their practice. Click here to learn more.

How can I know that this really works?
I have been working as a soloprenuer (with a virtual team) since 2006. I launched my business during one of the most challenging economic times in the United States and understand the challenges leaders face in both lean and prosperous times. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 50% of small businesses fail in the first year and 95% fail within the first five years. I am proud to have a list of happy clients who have not only profited from our work together but who refer me to their colleagues and friends.

How quickly will I see results?
Most clients begin to see changes as a result of our work in their initial session. We will establish milestones along the way that will allow you to track your progress. Many of the results you get may not be on your milestone list. You may experience them as déjà vu or coincidence but if you take a moment to reflect on our work together you may connect these results to shifts that occur as a result of our sessions.

What are my guarantees?
Programs like this hinge on clients taking the actions necessary to achieve the results they desire in their daily lives. There is no magic wand or miracle pill that will catapult you to success but my process works when you work it. That said, your guarantee in my program is that by showing up regularly and doing the work of the program you will begin to make significant changes to place you on the path to living your desire by design. By tracking your progress throughout our journey I am confident that you will achieve your definition of success on our journey.

What brought you to coaching?
After working in large corporations for more than 15 years, I realized I wanted to be able to impact the lives of those I worked with so that they could truly contribute their highest good while experiencing their greatest joy. It is why I created the Desire by Design program and deliver it in several formats to make it accessible to as many as possible. I am one of less than 1600 Professional Certified Coaches (PCC) through the International Coach Federation and am Certified through CoachU. In addition, I serve as a Mentor Coach for the coach training program at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary on the campus of Northwestern University.

How did you become a strategy expert?
In 1991 I started working for one of the industry leaders in Consumer Goods Procter and Gamble. Known for their excellent training of people I spent the next 10 years (between co-ops and full time work) learning how to strategically plan business growth in my territory and later plan product and initiative launches for maximum success. It was a great beginning. I then went on to get my MBA in Management Consulting and Strategy and led strategic planning initiatives in supply chain for one of my former employers as an HR professional. Throughout my career, I have always sought out and taken advantage of training opportunities and have had the privilege to attend and in some cases lead many of the nations premier training opportunities including the work of several well known trainers as Stephen Covey, Dale Carnegie, and David Allen. Over the course of time I realized that there was nothing I could find that addressed both the tools I needed and looked at who I was being in the world and helped me to strategically plan for both...thus the Desire By Design process was created to capture all I learned.

What were your earliest speaking opportunities?
I began speaking in front of groups making presentations at P&G. My first large audience experience was in the auditorium at the corporate offices of P&G for a summer intern event. I delivered my presentation and when I got off stage I realized it was something I may want to continue. Over the course of my corporate career I had several opportunities to lead training programs both internally and externally and when I stepped out on my own in 2006 I began doing traditional “platform” work for organizations including HP, General Motors, The National Black MBA Association, The University of Michigan and the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Female Executives among others. As a result of my workshops, seminars and keynotes I began to receive more calls for advice, information and resources than I could respond to with my schedule so I expanded my practice to include group coaching.

Who are your clients?
My coaching practice consists of innovative, committed professionals including:
• New Coaches and Consultants
• Financial Planners and Banking Professionals
• Solopreneurs and Entrepreneurs
• Executives and Leaders in the Consumer Goods Industry
• In a nut shell, I work with leaders who are committed to achieving their definition of success, experiencing the balance and abundance they desire in every area of their lives. Ideally, they are incredibly talented men and women who are excited to strategic plan to get their desired results.

What if I don’t see myself represented?
Over the course of my years coaching at three of the fortune 500 (General Mills, Raytheon, and Procter and Gamble) and in my private practice I have coached everyone from a summer intern to the Chief Executive across most functions including finance, supply chain, human resources, sales and marketing to name a few. I’ve discovered the common challenges that individuals face working for him or herself or someone else and living their desire by design so I am able to listen for the core issues and help you strategically plan to reach your goals. Clients find my unique perspective on their issues and challenges help them to create solutions they may not have otherwise created.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DESIRE BY DESIGN PROGRAM

How will the Program actually work?
Once we commit to working together, you will complete a client data sheet and then you will participate in a 2-hour Strategy Session with me to begin our relationship. You will send me your completed client data sheet before our appointment. The one-time fee for the Strategy Session is $600.

Upon completion we will begin our work together twice monthly on the 1st and 3rd full weeks of each month via phone. You will have unlimited access to me via e-mail between sessions. Together we will determine your field-work from each session that will support your goal achievement. The more time you can devote to the program, the faster your results will be.

What results can I look forward to?
As a result of our work together many of my clients have achieved their definition of success, creating balance and abundance in their lives. During our time together you will pick up many of my "tips and tricks" as well as discover a few of your own that will help you navigate the demands of your personal life and professional career while experiencing less stress and more abundance in every area of your life.

How long will we work together?
Your initial commitment is six months. While you will begin to experience results almost immediately, to set yourself up for the greatest amount of success six months is the ideal amount of time.

Can we work together beyond this initial period?
Of Course. I have several clients who have extended well beyond their initial commitment and we continue to work together to increase the quality of their life and work.

May I pay by credit card?
MasterCard and Visa are the forms of monthly retainer payment I accept.  However, if you wish to pre-pay your program, you may deduct 5% from your total tuition.

I’m in, Now what?
Congratulations! The universe rewards action and you may begin to see things shift before our first call. Give me a call at 877.853.5340 or email me to let me know which of my programs will work best for you. We will set up your appointment and I will send you everything you need to get started.

What if I’m really interested but still have reservations? Will you take phone calls?
I welcome the opportunity to answer any additional questions you may have. I am usually available for a brief Q&A call. If you don’t reach me in the office at 877.853.5340 please leave a message and I will get back in touch with you as soon as possible usually within 24 hours. You may get a faster response if you email me your question.

Does Cornelia customize her presentations?
Yes, Cornelia can tailor her presentation for your audience and conference objectives. Please download and complete the Engagement Questionnaire (found on the Meeting Planners tab) and return it no later than 60 days prior to your event.

Can I get Cornelia’s bio and picture?
You may download Cornelia’s bio and picture from under the Meeting Planners tab. When promoting Cornelia for your event, please refer to her as: Cornelia Shipley, PCC Business and Life Strategist.

Does Cornelia have a standard introduction?
Yes. You may download her standard introduction from the Meeting Planners tab.

What room setup does Cornelia prefer?
You may download a preferred room setup from the Meeting Planners tab.

What are Cornelia’s audio/visual requirements?
Please review the preferred room setup from the Meeting Planners tab.

Does Cornelia provide handouts?
If applicable, an electronic version of the handout will be provided to you approximately two weeks prior to the presentation for reproduction and distribution. If you need handout materials sooner, please advise us as quickly as possible. Handouts should be printed one-sided on 8 1⁄2" x 11", 28 lb paper.

Who makes Cornelia’s travel arrangements?
We are accustomed to handling Cornelia’s travel either through our agency or through yours. If you would prefer to handle her travel arrangements we will be happy to provide you with travel departure and arrival information. In either case, we ask that you arrange both ground transportation and hotel accommodations to be direct billed to you. We ask that you make Cornelia’s hotel reservation at the hotel where she will speak or at one very close by. Cornelia prefers a non-smoking room set up for business travelers with a king-size bed and requests check out to be at least 2 hours after she completes her presentation. Once you have made arrangements for hotel and ground transportation please send us a confirmation to admin@corneliashipley.com.

What will Cornelia wear?
Cornelia wears a suit when she speaks. If you prefer she dress otherwise, please advise us. If you will be taping Cornelia or displaying her on a screen while she speaks, please let us know the color of the stage background so Cornelia can wear a contrasting color.

Can we videotape Cornelia’s presentation?
Videotaping is permitted for archival purposes only under the condition that Cornelia gives express written permission in the contract prior to taping and receives the master copy of the tape within 30 days after the engagement. Under no circumstances may videos be sold or shown to audiences without the express written permission of Cornelia Shipley.