Spotlight: Tami D'Angelo

1 - Where are you from, and how did you choose to live in Middle Tennessee?

I grew up in Indiana, but moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career in the early 80s (a Red Lobster commercial, 3 game shows, and a singing part on one episode of a sit-com are my claim to fame over the course of 8 years; it didn’t pay the bills!) I moved to Nashville area in 2004 because I felt called to be here. Without knowing anyone or having a job, I threw caution to the wind and never looked back. I love it here.

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

I started my HR career after said acting career left me quite unfulfilled. Within the HR space, I quickly fell in love in employee development and training; I have been specializing in that arena over the past 15 years.

Coaching was a natural add-on. In putting hundreds of managers through workshops, there was a follow-up piece that was missing. I got certified in a few different assessments and realized my internal customers needed one-on-one coaching to move from good to great. Coaching is where growth and change is really positively impacted.

3 - How did you choose your specialty area?

I think it chose me! I love facilitating the learning process. The first time, early in my career, that I was asked to train a group of people and I facilitated a discussion, I was hooked! When you get to
see those “light bulb” moments -- whether as an individual coach or as a facilitator in a group workshop, it’s very rewarding.

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

Currently my greatest challenge is figuring out what I want to do next. I was laid off in November 2018. I took some time off (i.e. sabbatical sounds better) to get married, travel, move into a home that needed some renovations. It’s been great, but I am so ready to get back to work and enjoy another 10 years of rewarding work helping people make incremental growth changes in their life.

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

Probably #1 above. The game shows always seem to be of interest. And for the record, I was on Price is Right, Card Sharks and To Tell The Truth! Such fun experiences.

6 - How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Life offers so much. It’s just fun trying new things. My husband and I go to a lot of music venues and we travel every chance we get -- this year was Africa. Next spring it’s Bali. In this new house, we have
over 100 rose bushes that now need to be cared for (it’s about 50 too many!). And I have two granddaughters (ages 3 and 2) that live 5 minutes from me, who love playing with their “gee gee” very much. Our playtime together has reminded me of the importance of creative play and using our imaginations.

Tami D'Angelo