Spotlight: Dayle Savage

1 - What is your professional background, and why did you become a coach?

As I look back, I can see that my professional life has always been about development. Whether developing the sound an individual contributes in a choral group as a high school music teacher, to developing newly minted attorneys on their way to becoming partners, to developing career services for graduate students at Vanderbilt University, to developing emerging leaders in a master’s degree program at the same institution; developing adults in and for the workplace has been at the heart of all that I do. 

I became a coach because it seemed like the next logical progression in my own professional development. And I did this while I was completing my doctoral degree. The doctoral process is extremely outward focused so in order to stay true to myself and be as authentic as possible, I gave myself the gift of coaching and am so glad I did. I’ve always seen coaching as an ”inside” job. 

2 - How did you choose your specialty area?

Coaching emerging leaders and executives seems like a natural fit because of my past experiences. Designing and implementing a career services organization for masters-prepared and doctoral students was invigorating and reminded me how creative the design process is. I seem to relate quite well to a growth mindset and when folks are in the throes of their education, it’s all about growth. Naturally, I continue to see that growth everywhere I turn.  My clients surprise and delight me as they discover and uncover all the possibilities they have for their lives. 

3 - What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards of your career? 

My greatest challenge is only having 24 hours in a day. There is so much to read, experience, share and participate in these days. And since the first word I spoke, as recorded in my baby book, was ‘more’, that’s exactly what I want...more time to do, have and be all that is mine to experience. My greatest reward thus far are my clients and former students and their many accomplishments. It’s humbling to be a part of someone’s life on such an intimate level. Their success allows me to revel in the good that coaching is doing for the world, one person at a time.

4 - How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Free time? Hmmmm - watching a good series streaming on some network, reading an autobiography, and travelling, which I miss a great deal. Highlight trips: Machu Picchu, Cape Aghulas at the southernmost point of South Africa and the Galapagos Islands. Next up - Patagonia and return trips to France and Italy!

5 - What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?

I performed dinner theater in Chicago in my twenties. It was a wonderful time singing the standards from the Great American Songbook with a small ensemble.

6- What is your favorite quote?

“Dwell in possibility.”  - Emily Dickinson

Connect with Dayle on Linkedin.