I got the promotions, served in various roles, and was recognized as a leader within my organization.

I was incredibly proud of my achievements, and I knew there were more milestones up for grabs if I wanted them. But one day it dawned on me that the prize for “eating the most doughnuts” was more doughnuts. And I couldn’t quiet the voice inside that wondered if that’s what I really wanted.

When I looked at what mattered most to me — my family, friends, making a difference in people’s lives, maintaining personal and professional balance — I realized my values and my actions didn’t match.

Up until that point, I had evaluated my “success” based on material and objective measures. As a result, I felt simultaneously trapped and scared to take the next step that would allow me to make a change and lead in a way that felt aligned with my life’s goals and purpose.

Vamonos is Spanish for “Let’s Go!” and is a nod to Oaxaca, Mexico where my dream of establishing an executive coaching practice centered around values-based alignment began.

It is so very hard to put abstract leadership development principles into practice. To really transform, you must apply your enhanced capabilities in new and unique ways, introduce ambiguity, challenge yourself, unlock insights and build new habits. Vamonos strives to provide the kind of environment where emerging and experienced leaders can learn to create their own framework of leadership and reach their maximum potential, without losing themselves along the way.