Beth Strathman-Member Spotlight

Beth Strathman is a dynamic trainer, strategic catalyst for change and energetic lifelong learner, who delights in challenging others to realize their potential. While training and coaching others has always been a core part of her professional life, Beth only recently began her formal career as a “coach.”  Through her business, Firebrand Consulting, Beth works with clients who are ready to challenge their status quo and offers management training, one-on-one coaching, and HR consultation.

A tireless champion of others, Beth’s careers in education and human resources give her a unique perspective on organizations, management and leadership. Beth’s coaching interest stems from her years as a classroom teacher, where she coached other teachers to improve their instructional skills.  Coaching is also a part of her human resources career, as she has worked in various industries for 15 years, with front line employees, managers and executives to improve systems and performance.  Beth earned a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kansas and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah’s SJ Quinney College of Law.  She is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).   Beth currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Salt Lake City as Past- President.

Lori Teske Hudson, NAWBO Vice President of Communications, recently interviewed Beth.

LTH: What inspired you to start your coaching business?
BS:  With experience in education and human resources, I have always been a people developer.  I like nothing better than challenging myself and others to continually grow to become more self-aware of their thoughts, beliefs and actions to realize their true potential. I have a knack for training and coaching, so I thought I would concentrate on offering those services to others.

LTH: What are you passionate about and how does that translate into your business?
BS:  I am passionate about integrity, authenticity, and personal growth, especially as it relates to people operating in organizations.  These concepts are what becoming a leader is all about.  That’s why I love working with managers and executives to help them become more self-aware through the training and coaching I offer.

LTH: Describe a good prospect for your business.
BS:  A good prospect for my business is a an organizational leader who understands that her influence (both good and bad) reaches throughout the organization, and who is serious about wanting to transform herself, so she can confidently transform others.

LTH: What sets your coaching business apart from similar businesses?
BS:  In a coaching relationship, the coach and client need to “gel.”  I know I won’t be the right coach for everyone, and not every client is the right client for me.  That said, I enjoy working with those clients who see that even though they made it to the top of the corporate food chain, they have more work to do on themselves and that continuing to work on their own personal development can lead to personal transformation and consequently transform their organizations.  Also, I’m a stickler for accountability and integrity in myself and in my clients.

LTH: What do you aim to get from being a member of NAWBO and what do you intend to give to other NAWBO members?
BS:  I joined NAWBO to network with other local women business owners and to learn how to run my business as effectively as I can.  In turn, I can offer other NAWBO members camaraderie and a 15% discount on my services.

For more information on Beth and Firebrand Consulting, e-mail firebrandconsulting@hotmail.com or call 801-946-0675