Client Spotlight

Sophia Rabb

(they/them)

is a writer, instructional designer, and adventurer who is constantly learning more things to teach.

Interview Date: June 30th, 2024

What are the mediums you create in?

I love to write and sing and draw. I feel most creative when I’m being active: working out, hiking, snowboarding, even just taking a walk! 100% of my creative energy used to go to my job, so I’m figuring out that question right now.

What do you say when people ask you what you do?

For 9 years I said I was a teacher because I taught high school English. Then I left my job and started working at REI. And now I work in corporate training. So I guess I would say that I love to teach and learn, and most of what I do is learn more things to teach!

What are some words that come to mind when you think about your creative style?

Most of what I write tries to capture a moment—the small details of mundane moments that might be significant internally. I would also describe my creative style as associative, as I often like linking together disparate sources.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on learning about American healthcare, as that is now my job 😅 I’ve also been working on some new poetry this year. And in my gym, I’ve been learning the Olympic lifts, which has been incredibly fun and satisfying.

What is a piece of advice around creative work that you call to mind often?

I think I often try and encourage myself to be bad at things and not compare myself to others. Because I’ve never published a poem or am not the most skillful artist, I sometimes get down on myself. Then I remember it’s ok to express yourself or learn things just because it feels good, and I’ll draw on an index card or make a little comic of my cat’s cute paws. So I would say I often remind myself to just do my best and to learn from those around me instead of comparing myself to them.

How long have you been working with Melissa?

I started working with Melissa in the fall of 2022! (We wrapped March 2023).

What did you come to coaching for?

I came to coaching at the suggestion of my sister in law. I was struggling in my job and wondering what else was out there, but I wasn’t sure how to figure out what I wanted. So I suppose I came to coaching for answers, sweet summer child that I was. 

What are some ways that coaching has impacted you? 

Melissa gave me permission to imagine different versions of my life and to try and fail at things. I think 100% of the ideas we initially discussed I didn’t actually do, but it was great to be like “What if I were a carpenter or an interior designer?” and have permission to just go ham in imagination world. But Melissa also taught me how to seek out opportunities to try things in the real world, not just in my head, and to not feel ashamed about letting things go if they didn’t work for me. I definitely struggled with the fear of failure, and I’ve found that Melissa helped me to let myself try things out. That has really helped me not only in my career life, but in relationships, the gym, and my social life. Melissa is just the best.

What are some ‘wins’ that you would attribute to being supported by Melissa?

Melissa really helped me to understand how to read job descriptions like advertisements and to be confident when talking about myself and my story. When I had my interviews with my current job, I used a lot of her advice about body language, detail, and self assuredness. As someone who sometimes struggles with subtext, I also always appreciated that Melissa was extremely clear about expectations and would both support me and hold me lovingly accountable—it was so so helpful and also allowed me to reflect and then apply that same philosophy to myself! I’ve found since working with Melissa that I’m much more realistic about my strengths and growth areas without getting bogged down by anxiety.

What are you currently learning about yourself?

I think that something I’ve learned this year is to think less and do more. I tend towards extremely black and white thinking about the things that matter to me and tend to ruminate. I’m learning that pleasant surprises await me when I say yes to complexity, challenges, and change.

What advice would you give to others who are considering working with a creative coach?

Do it, dog! Just do a session. If I were to do it again I would think about what my ideal life or state of mind would be at 80 and then plan backward with Melissa.

Is there anything else you want to share? 

I’m always down to edit your essays, books, or poetry!

Where can we find you online?:  

 I’m on LinkedIn!