Angelina Iyamah-Wilson, a Career Transition Coach in Los Angeles talks with LAsThePlace.com about The Bailiwick Group, her coaching practice working with degreed professionals to develop the skills and competencies necessary to finding new career opportunities.

Using a collaborative transformational coaching process, she empowers her clients in the realization of their full potential and goals. Angelina Iyamah-Wilson is Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)-qualified, is proficient in the use of Strength Finders methodology, and recently completed an ICF accredited Career and Life coaching certification through iPEC Coaching.

LATP:  What was the inspiration for your motto “Helping good people on the way to doing great things?”

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson: It actually came from an experience with one of my clients.    I have had the fortune of meeting and working with some truly exceptional people, some of them knew at the time we met that they are exceptional while others were on a path to that realization.  During a session one of my clients told me that our time together set him up to do great things at work.  I responded by saying that I had good material to work with.  That conversation became the concept for my motto.

LATP:  In your experience as a Human Resource Professional and now a Career Transition Coach, what types of programs should be implemented to benefit employees of a Corporation?

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson: I do my best not to Should on anyone…but I can say that in my experience organizations that invest in the career development of their people have a better return on investment than those that don’t.   Some of the programs that have excited me have been leadership training programs, tuition reimbursement programs and succession planning programs.

LATP:  How has your Myers-Briggs qualifications been useful in the internal mobility and recruiting at the companies you have worked for?

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson:  Being certified to deliver MBTI results has been useful in helping clients understand their personality make-up and how to use that knowledge to support their career choices and development.  It has also given me a clearer understanding of my learning style and that has been very beneficial in making career related education choices.

LATP:  You told me about how you applied for your very first job, which typically would be an entry level position, but it was for a more sophisticated position.  Although you didn’t get the job you applied for, you were referred to another one. Tell us more about that experience and what others can learn from having confidence in their ability.

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson:  My first job was in property management.  I applied for a position as a property manager for a building portfolio of 180 apartments.  I created a resume that attracted the attention of the hiring manager and was called for an interview.  During the interview it became clear that I really wasn’t qualified for the role.  Luckily they liked me and to my surprise, I was offered the opportunity to interview for a lower level role at a larger property.  I ended up landing a job as a leasing consultant for a building portfolio of 358 apartments!  I think the best way to sum it up is to by using an old quote: If you shoot for the stars, you might reach the moon.

LATP:  You also mentioned your love of travel and how it’s not just about getting to your destination; you truly enjoy the process of getting there. How can your clients use this same approach in not just getting the job, but enjoying the process of the job hunt? 

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson:  Let’s face it.  Looking for a job after being laid off makes the Top Ten list of stressful life events.  Lay offs are painful.  Most companies don’t give any form of notice and severance packages are quickly becoming a thing of the past.  So it is completely understandable that the focus for anyone in that situation is finding a job as quickly as possible.  In working with my clients however, we spend an immense amount of time focusing on the things within their immediate control. This includes creating their story and all the moments that went into making the amazing person they are today.   

LATP: Why do you think so many people blame themselves for losing a job?

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson: When you lose a job, it is a lot like a break up or a divorce.  For many people, a job is more than just a salary; it is how they identify themselves.  When you ask someone what they do for a living, the average person will respond by saying, I AM…  I am an administrative assistant, or I am a marketing manager.  So it is only natural that when you are told unexpectedly that your job is no longer available to you that you would seek to find clarity and understanding.  Part of that process for many people involves identifying who is to blame. 

LATP:  How would participants benefit from participating in your group sessions?

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson:  The Bailiwick Group sessions are geared towards helping people that have been laid off, fired or otherwise displaced from their job.  The goal of the group sessions is to enable each participant to develop a plan that will help guide them to their next opportunity.  Our group sessions focus on building networking skills, interview preparation and personal branding.  We also have outplacement support tools and tips that are effective for any level of experience.

LATP:  In today’s economy and job market, how would you empower your client(s) who are in a job and career transition to maintain a positive outlook?

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson:   We are facing unprecedented economic difficulties that have severely impacted the job market.  With the number of people entering the job market due to lay offs, employment opportunities will become increasingly competitive.  The one thing that anyone currently on the job market needs to remember at all times is that they are unique.  Although skills and experience may be common, everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE) brings with them a special quality that is unique.  Understanding your unique value, and more importantly, how to effectively communicate that value will set you apart in a competitive market.

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson does mostly group coaching; individual coaching is available to those who are interested.  To learn more about Angelina and her free weekly meet up groups you can go to www.Meetup.com to find the location nearest you.  You can also visit her web site at www.bailiwickgroup.com, and view her profile page on www.ipeccoaches.com. You can also email her directly at aiyamah@bailiwickgroup.com.

Angelina Iyamah-Wilson was interviewed by Alanna Levenson, a published writer for www.lastheplace.com and she writes blog entries for www.ipeccoaches.com.

Read our article on Angelina Iyamah-Wilson by clicking here…