Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Scibek.
Hi Sharon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’d like to begin by saying I am a “Lifelong Learner” who pursues every opportunity to fulfill my potential. My professional career started as a teacher in Junior High. Here I was able to connect with young minds and provide for them a safe space to learn.
I answered a call deep within that urged me to enter Parish Ministry as a Pastoral Associate. Here I had the wonderful experience of engaging with parish members on a deeper spiritual level. During this time, I also served as a mentor for Laity participating in the “To Be Church Together” in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. It was a privilege to connect with those wanting to serve the Church in ministry.
I often wondered how does one bring their spiritual journey into the workplace. This question led me to pursue a Master of Science degree in Human Resources. As an HR leader, I worked at created an environment where employees could develop their full potential. I wanted HR to be experienced as a department that enabled employees to grow professionally and personally and not as a department seen as coming to the principal’s office for doing something wrong.
In addition to working in HR, I served as an adjunct professor for Anne Arundel Community College and McDaniel College teaching business leadership and HR Management. What a thrill it was to engage with adults in this level of their professional development.
While in HR, I entered a nine-month coaching certification program. Once again, as a lifelong learner, I sought coaching as a skill that could benefit me in working with employees.
Many of us experience a layoff in our professional lives. Once laid off, I decided to pursue my own business as a Personal and Professional Coach. I named my business Gracious Space because I wanted to provide a space where the client felt safe and respected. In addition to coaching, I offer seasonal conversations for those interested in being in conversation with others who want to reflect on how each season of the year brings them an opportunity to gain new insights for themselves.
This past year, I had the opportunity to host 24 Podcasts on Bold Brave Talk Radio. I shared this hour with guests who are making a difference in the world through their life’s work and personal life. In this podcast series, Gracious Space, you will have the opportunity to listen to some of their wonderful stories. Check out my website: gracious-space.com and search under the media tab.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t know if there is such a thing as a smooth road. Of course, there were struggles along the way. There was in each challenge an opportunity to learn resilience and to become more confident in my own way of being.
I mentioned that while in HR, I wanted to create an environment where employees felt safe and welcomed. Developing this presence was not easy. Often, I felt like I was walking in a bubble. Trust takes work and being consistently authentic. It was also challenging to work with organization leaders whose focus was on getting the job done, and time spent in training and development was sometimes seen as a waste of time.
Starting a new business is not easy. Most coaches are not good at marketing. It takes time, lots of networking, and start-up funds to get it going. I’ve learned to partner and collaborate with other established organizations that offer coaching to businesses.
We’ve been impressed with Gracious Space, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gracious Space is my third attempt at starting my own business. My previous business, The Workplace Architect, was offering coaching and HR Consulting to small businesses. When COVID hit, I lost a few contracts and was unable to sustain the business. This is when Gracious Space was born.
I decided to follow my heart’s passion in providing people a respectful and safe space to engage in personal and/or professional for coaching. In addition, I provide opportunities for deeper conversation and learning based on the seasons of the year.
In all of my career, I have been recognized for my passion in helping others develop their full potential. Often, I saw in others possibilities within themselves that they never imagined. I help them see they are a possibility!
I am most proud that in my coaching profession, I provide a gracious and safe place that encourages engagement and learning.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There are so many. I grew up in a middle-class family. We lived in New Jersey. I was the oldest of two younger brothers. My father was a carpenter by trade and my mother a stay-at-home mom who often worked in the evenings.
We lived in the house that my father built. Our home was filled with love and lots of music. Saturday was the day for chores. Mom would make Pancakes for breakfast and pork roll sandwiches for lunch. Sundays were reserved for family, staying home, or visiting relatives. Dad would play the piano on Sunday afternoons while Mom prepared our Sunday dinner. The table was set with a tablecloth and certain special foods were made. Sunday dinner was always earlier than weekday suppers.
I could go on and on. Both my parents had 11 siblings, so there were many opportunities to share the love!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gracious-space.com
- Instagram: graciousspacecoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graciousspacecoaching/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slscibek/
Image Credits
Jennifer Morris
Jeanne Goodman
