We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmela Garone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmela, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I disagree with the idea that the only way to achieve success is through hard work, stress and sacrificing everything. Of course, anything we really want takes work. However, the idea that success can only be gained through stress and severe discipline is misguided. I’ve been there myself and bought into that idea. If you live off stress and single-minded attention to your goals, you will most likely achieve success. But at what price? So many of my clients come to me burned out and dissatisfied. Perhaps they have reached the success they set out to achieve, and yet something is missing. They ask, is this all there is? I work with clients to determine what really matters to them. And letting go of the myriad tasks we think we have to control. Instead we build habits of success that are based on key drivers and not doing everything. We determine our true values and base our activities on these. Consistent action on high-value activity instead of being all things to all people is key. When we can live authentically and express our true gifts, we reach a state of flow. This allows us to take inspired action. This path often leads to much greater, sustainable success in the end. Especially when we step into leadership, we think we have to have all the answers, do everything perfectly. But that is a false paradigm that will lead to sure burnout. We think we have to be heroes to be a successful leader. This style of leadership is slowly shifting. And consequently the way to success will transform as well. A style of leadership that fosters collaboration, creativity, authenticity is taking its place. Of course, figures, goals, achievement planning are equally important. When we find a balance between inspiration, creativity, authenticity, collaboration and growth, planning, results, we end up successful and fulfilled.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What fills my life are my clients, creative projects, friends and family and volunteering. I think it’s also important to slow down and replenish. What I’ve learned is that along the journey of our lives, we lose parts of who we really are. We conform to what our parents, society, school, our friends, our jobs expect. And in order to fit in, be successful at life, we compromise and lose parts of ourselves. I certainly tried to do what I thought was expected of me, to be a success, to gain approval. However, to come to the point where I am now, doing work I love and living an authentic life, I had to slowly regain and reclaim those lost aspects of myself. That is where our power lies, in our wholeness. I feel this sets me apart from other coaches. My clients and I don’t just set goals to achieve. Although we achieve much. My clients go on a journey in which they reclaim their true power. We identify their true gifts, talents, dreams and desires. My clients find a balance between the doing and being. They focus their actions on high value, inspired actions versus being fueled by stress and doing everything perfectly. They learn to lead and live authentically.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I personally love to visit all the off the beaten path places. I love to discover all the secrets a place holds. Of course, this area has beautiful beaches, water activities, bars, restaurants and hotspots. Some of my not so obvious favorites in this area are: 

  • The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens- A center for Japanese arts and culture.
  • Eucalyptus Gardens- This delightful area is full of antique shops and cafes.
  • Coral Castle Museum- Legend claims it was built single-handedly by Leedskalnin using reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve numerous stones, each weighing many tons.
  • La Centrale- Three floors of Italian food, wine, cafes and bars.
  • Yellow Green Farmers Market- South Florida’s Largest Farmers Market, open year round.
There are several speakeasies in the area too. Some of my favorites are Apothecary 330 and The Wilder. Funky Buddha Brewery is always fun.
For some nature beyond the beach, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, not only has lovely paths and tours but the Park and Ocean Restaurant. There is live music on the weekends. They also arrange moonlight canoeing trips. I also recommend a day trip to the Everglades National Park.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
On the path to success, there are so many people that sustain us and believe in us. Without others, success is not possible. When I was in corporate I had so many mentors that showed me the ropes. However, the people that helped me understand leadership and success most, were the members of my own team. Their talent, dedication and willingness to share their gifts with me taught me so much and inspired me to grow. Without them, none of it would have been possible. I want to give a huge shoutout to my mentors, Brian and Nicole Whetten. As I transitioned from corporate to coaching and consulting, they guided me, inspired me and motivated me into believing in myself and my gifts. They are authentic leaders and their work in the world is a gift. You can find them @corecoaching.org.  Another shoutout to the many wonderful friends that supported me as I began my journey. They are all wonderful coaches. Radiance Satterfield @radiancesatterfield.com, Mary Curtis, Melody Mischke @liveinresonance.com, Stephanie Brown @stephaniebrown.com, and Melinda Dewey @coaching4thriving.com. And last but not least, my amazing daughter Sonia. She has supported me through thick and thin and always believes in me even when I don’t. She is also a talented artist and can be found @wildsplaces.com. I’m sure there are many more I’m forgetting. Remember that each person we meet is our teacher. For that I am grateful.

Website: https://www.corecoaching.org/about-us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmelaGaroneCoach
Other: Contact me directly at carmela.garone@gmail.com, or 732.242.4496 Also, book a discovery session @https://calendly.com/carmela-garone

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.