One of the greatest privileges in coaching is being invited into someone’s story during a time of real complexity, growth, and decision-making. I recently had that privilege with Maria Vicente, a remarkable leader who was not just juggling responsibilities, but straddling two entirely different worlds.

Maria came to coaching wearing two hats, both of them demanding, both of them meaningful.

By day, she was a Customer Account Manager for a global media company, responsible for high-stakes relationships, timelines, deliverables, and the ever-present balancing act of corporate communication and client success.

By night (and weekends, and early mornings), she was the Producer and Musical Writer of Isabel, a feature-length film made in Germany.  This was a deeply personal creative project for her that required everything from script development and songwriting to international collaboration and artistic leadership.

Maria wasn’t overwhelmed or lost, she was determined. She knew what she cared about. But she also knew that managing both worlds required something more than hustle. It required perspective. Clarity. Boundaries. Confidence. And alignment with her deeper values.

That’s where coaching came in.

What We Worked On

Throughout our engagement, we explored:

• Clarity of purpose: What does she want to create, not just on film, but in life?
• Presence and confidence: How can she show up fully in both roles without compromising either?
• Boundaries and pacing: What does it look like to honor her energy and time while holding two leadership roles?
• Navigating difficult conversations: Both in the studio and in the boardroom.
• Reclaiming her creative voice: As a writer, a producer, and a woman leading a major artistic project.

What impressed me most was Maria’s ability to reflect deeply and act intentionally. She didn’t just talk about her challenges, she experimented, applied insights, and made bold decisions. She showed up. Fully. Every time.

A Testimonial from the Journey

Maria recently recorded a short video testimonial about her coaching experience. Her words touched me, not just because they were kind, but because they reflected the growth I had the privilege of witnessing.

“Doug helped me ground myself and reconnect with who I am as a leader, both creatively and professionally. The sessions gave me space to think, breathe, and refocus.”

— Maria Vicente

You can watch her video here:
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💡 Coaching in the Real World

Maria’s story is a beautiful example of what modern leadership looks like. It’s not always linear. It’s often multi-dimensional. It may include creativity and corporate structure, storytelling and strategy, heart and hustle. The question isn’t which hat do I wear? It’s how do I wear both with intention, integrity, and impact?

That’s the space where coaching lives.

Coaching isn’t about quick fixes or lofty advice. It’s about creating a structured space for reflection, accountability, and growth. It’s about helping someone see themselves more clearly, make more empowered choices, and navigate their complexity with greater ease and purpose.

Final Thoughts

Maria Vicente is a leader in every sense of the word. She is driven, thoughtful, courageous, and creative. I’m grateful she trusted me to walk alongside her for part of her journey.

If you or someone on your team is navigating leadership across different domains, whether that’s business and art, strategy and story, execution and vision, I’d be honored to explore how coaching might support your path.

Coaching, at its best, is a catalyst, not just for individual development but for team cohesion and business clarity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do this work, and for partners who make it even more impactful.

If you’re exploring coaching for someone on your team, or for yourself, I’d be happy to talk.

👉 Schedule a complimentary discovery call

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Leadership FilmWorks is a leadership development firm that uses the synergy of creative technology, film, and storytelling to inspire, teach and develop leadership. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to set up a free consultation.