Inspire Bliss Coaching and Consulting
Lesley Picchietti (PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, COR.E Dynamics Leadership Specialist) has spent over 35 years doing what she loves. Throughout her varied background, the constants have been her addictive optimistic approach and her desire to make a difference. With a BA in journalism and mass communications from Drake University, she began her career in local TV news, behind the scenes, as director, editor and copy writer. Following her instincts to want to make more of a difference in the world, she made the move to non-profit development. Through her experience with the residents of Misericordia Home, she learned that everyone has more potential than meets the eye.
She continued her work in NFP, building and utilizing expertise in multiple areas including the design and facilitation of board and community training programs. Eventually, her passion for music inspired her to create a 16-year run as a jazz vocalist and band leader. She toured nationally and internationally and recorded eight albums.
During this time, Lesley also directed student and adult worship bands and created in-school music education workshops. Realizing her ability to bring out the potential in others, she continued on the educators’ path as a teaching artist/mentor for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP). As CJP’s Director of Communications and Outreach, she continued to build education, training and evaluation programs. She also applied non-traditional methods – like using hand chimes – as part of corporate leadership programs! (Check out more info on our Leadership Development Page!)
As a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and COR.E Dynamics Leadership Specialist, Lesley believes the art of coaching/teaching, for any age, is through empowerment and engagement. Using a unique blend of compassion, boldness and humor, she consistently shifts client and student energy from a place of hesitation to a more positive and constructive center. This productive shift ultimately allows individuals, groups and teams to move forward with increased motivation and confidence.
Trending more and more directly to the development of others, Lesley launched Inspire Bliss Coaching and Consulting, a company that provides life and leadership development programs, coaching and training to enhance the lives of individuals and the productivity of organizations. She has worked with individual clients and organizations around the world including but not limited to WMS Gaming, Exact Sciences, Caterpillar, Kellogg Credit Union, Insights in Marketing, Bally’s, JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Clear Channel, Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, YMCA, Be Optimal, Chicago Women’s Entrepreneurs, Zion Township, Discover Music Discover Life, New Life Centers, several Women’s Organizations, and LGBTQ organizations including Chicago’s Gay and Gay Friendly Business Network.
In addition to her thriving coaching practice, Lesley is a Lead Trainer for iPEC (the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching), is Board of Directors Chair for Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, where she also runs a 2-week summer jazz camp in Chicago, and hosts the popular podcast HOLY SHIFT! on Life Coach Chat Channel. As a speaker, Lesley inspires her audiences sharing her own personal story as well as tools that allow others to create a life they love.
Lesley’s zest for life is contagious. To keep it exciting, she applies one of her favorite quotes by author Seth Godin, ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?’ Keeping this at the forefront of her mind allows her to continually experience new things like riding along in a cop car, aerial yoga, crossing high suspension bridges, sitting in with the Chicago Bears Drumline, exploring caves and glaciers, touring Japan with Japanese jazz musicians (no language barrier is going to hold her back!), and spending an entire month exploring Italy!
(Pictures: Smiling through the fear walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, BC; Standing on Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, AZ; Dancing with my nephew at a family wedding; Goofing around with a few members of the Chicago Bears Bears Drumline. What are you doing for Fun?)