This review is long overdue. I worked with Jody 10 years ago, and the experience still leaves a sour feeling. I would not recommend her to a friend. She exploited my vulnerability, tearing me down instead of building me up. Maybe that approach works for some, but I found it to be rather cruel. read more

Jody is an excellent executive coach. I attended her Mind-Mastery and Accountability Mirror workshops followed by a 6 month-ish coaching engagement. Just the workshops alone made me see and think differently, better. With the personalized sessions, I had Jody in my corner as my coach, cheerleader, and critic (in a good way). And it all made a real difference, not just professionally but also personally. I feel different. And people who know me have commented about that - I'm less stressed, more present. But, if you want empirical data... she does a 360 review with managers/peers/reports at the beginning of the coaching engagement and then at the conclusion, and I can tell you that she helped me move the marker to demonstrate my improvement in my skills including communication, engagement and leadership. All round excellent experience. Thank you Jody! read more

I sent Jody Michael Associates an email inquiring about her rates and services and did not receive a response. A week later I decided to call and I left a voicemail with my contact information. The recording says they will get back to you within 24 hours. Well, that was 5 days ago and I have not received a call. You'd think someone this type of position would know that it takes a certain level of desperation to even call a career coach and would at least have the decency to write/call prospective clients back. I guess not. read more

Please read! I post this because I feel compelled to. Personally, I wish I had taken a few more self-assessments or read a few more books, or re-examined myself before considering this. From being given an out of date and incorrect price quote, to being suggested very limited times for meeting, to the coach completely forgetting one of our weekly appointments that they suggested, I was very disappointed in my experience. I came in with an open mind and hoped to find a new direction but I don't feel any of the materials provided offered me insights I didn't already know about myself. Maybe you will feel differently, as the other reviewers seem to, but this was not my experience in the least bit. Again, if you are deciding whether to see this coach, please make sure you know what you are getting into before you make the decision. Thank you. read more

I paid 300$ for 40 min interview prep. I expected what I paid. Jody asked common interview questions most of the time. in the end of the session, she told me that how I could improve my 3 answers. I disappointed with her service because most of the time I talked and time was up. I expressed that I was not satisfied with her service and she answered me that I could use the knowledge in the future!!! like I learned a thing. My tip to people is that don't waste your money. Just use google and you'll find enough materials. Ask your friend to listen to your answers or you can tape yourself and watch it instead of paying that much money. read more

I reached out to Jody Michael Associates to prepare me for upcoming interviews that I felt insecure about (I haven't interviewed in over 20 years!). I met with Jody Michaels yesterday and have zero regrets. I am so happy I had an opportunity to meet and work with her. Jody's method to help me prepare for an interview was to experience a mock interview that in the end became evident I clearly needed a lot of work. However, what was truly invaluable was not only Jody's professional input and personal insight to why I most likely wouldn't get a second interview or competitive position, but she focused on and illustrated how I can improve and strengthen my interviewing skills and challenge the competition with confidence. She also prepared and sent me home with valuable information and tools to work with now and in the future. Moreover, what I truly admire and appreciate about Jody is not only her honesty and genuine desire to help but she models what professionalism and confidence should look like without arrogance but with warmth and kindness. For me, that was very empowering. I not only know what to expect during the interviewing process and how to improve on my weaknesses, but I left more self-aware. Priceless. Thank you Jody! Dawn read more

Working with JMA changed the trajectory of my career path as well as helped me make huge progress in my own self-imposed hurdles. Her workshops and coaching were outstanding and if you're invested, change will happen! read more

I found Jody on Yelp and chose her because her services seemed to go above and beyond the others in Chicago. Her initial requirement is to meet for several sessions to gain an understanding of who you are and what you want to be. It was very good to get some information out there to someone who combines psychology and mindfulness while understanding the business environments many ambitious professionals surround themselves with. The initial meetings were very productive. We then worked together to plan a program for the next several weeks and she provided many different materials, work outs, and thought exercises to do while I was at the office and at home. These, in combination with our sessions, really exposed a lot of the hurdles I've imposed on myself as well as uncovered a lot of the core interests and values I have...that I hadn't given myself time to identify. Sometimes you need help identifying your passions or giving yourself permission to pursue them. Jody is a great resource to help you do that...much better than any test that may be out there. After a few months of working together, we both saw the next steps I needed to take, which were massive shifts...and I went for it. I've found the industry I want to be in at this point in my life and am ecstatic. I did Jody's assignments with 110% effort and was extremely open with her about my thoughts. I was also open with her about any hesitations or any difference of opinion I had with her program throughout. This led us to a powerful, personalized program. read more

I've been ready to take the leap from my current job but didn't know which direction to turn! I'm so fortunate to have found Jody Michaels Assoc. I interviewed 5 career coaches and something in my gut told me this would be the right decision. In my initial phone interview with Jody, I was discouraged to learn she wouldn't be the one to coach me, as she now sticks to executive coaching. Yet Jody assured me I'd be in good hands with Maura, whom she hand-picked and groomed. Jody was dead right. I can't imagine this process without Maura. Talk about the right right person for the right job!!! Maura is an INCREDIBLE coach. A true listener and she has a magical knack of being able to massage your thoughts, while guiding you to be able to more accurately define what your true passions might be. I walked in to this experience wanting Maura to tell me what I was destined to be. She did something far greater. Through both systematic and creative approaches, Maura taught ME how to define what I am destined to be. The process is what has given me confidence to not second guess my conclusions - I'm on my way to a working interview as we speak. I'm forever indebted to Maura. She helped me find my answer from within! read more

Jody Michael's MindMastery class changed my life!

A week at a time Jody Michael is making my life a lot better! I have been a client of Jody's for about 1 year, and I am now much more productive at work as a result! Forgive the long review, about 40 sessions is a lot of experience to bottle up into a short review! My company decided to allow those of us in an elite, high pressure program to begin working with Jody to work on anything we felt was preventing us from gives our optimal performance. I'm not gonna lie, we were all REALLY skeptical of this-- we are all already high achievers, we clearly know what were doing. We were all thinking how can this woman possibly help us? This seems like a lot of BS. But boy was I wrong. Jody has made a difference in my life. We began with a super in depth interview of my background so she can see where I'm coming from. Then she helps you get where you want to go. Being that no one REALLY wants to sit at a computer all day after sleeping half the day in college, I was having motivation issues. She has really helped me with that--we have tackled issues such as efficiency, accountability, focus, problem solving in specific work situations, career goal optimization and general well being tips and tricks for living your life everyday in better way. She emphasizes the power of positive thinking and pushes you to do your best and not sell yourself short. She definitely can aggravate you if you fight her criticism, but it's all constructive so I really love it. I have never had an negative outcome in a situation where I followed her advice. I have on a few occasions had an emergency type situation and been able to call her to chat before I had to handle a difficult work or personal confrontation!! It was really awesome to feel like I could call her anytime. She is well worth the money. She will help you get the most out of life and push you in a new, better direction so you can get results faster. ***Although I'm not currently in the market for a new job, I have met a few clients of hers at workshops who are very satisfied with her career coaching services as well and I would totally use her if I was. read more

I worked with Jody from June - October of 2013 and had a great experience. I went in with a strong recommendation from a friend, but I had some barriers about the idea of coaching. From our initial screening call all the way through the sessions, Jody was warm and accommodating of my schedule (other people mentioned having trouble with scheduling, and while she is busy, she works to make time--also, do you want to work with someone who isn't booked?). She is also honest. You won't be coddled working with Jody, which was good for me. During our coaching, Jody helped me rethink and understand my skills--and more importantly, understand how to present myself on paper and in person. I wrapped up my sessions feeling prepared and confident in my own ability to know what I want and how to go after it. read more

My wife contacted Jody Michael Associates on my behalf. I was a little reluctant to use her services as I thought that I did not need the help. Well...I was so wrong. She was fantastic! I am so much more confident in interviews now. She is an amazing resource and has been very responsive when I have follow-up questions. Thank you, Jody and team. read more

Jody is awesome. Don't listen to all of these bad reviews. She knows what she's doing and will help any way she can. I transformed my life in the year that I was having sessions with Jody and I still use many of the skills that she taught me. read more

Jody Michael is an exceptional coach and human being. I initially met her when we hired her to conduct a 360 degree review of one of my key team members. Her observations and recommendations were spot on and transformative. Over the course of our follow-up conversations, the depth and quality of her insight blew me away! Soon afterwards, I started working with her one-on-one, and it has changed my life. The skills I have acquired from working with Jody transcend industry (I already have a coach who is specific to my industry), and have had a profound impact on in how I interact with my team, my clients, my spouse and even my children. She has given me tools to gain control of my life, to be a more effective communicator, to manage how I feel throughout my day, and to enable to me to remain calm and make thoughtful choices, even in the craziest of situations. My experience with Jody has been so helpful that at the end of last year, I hired Jody to host an all day seminar with my team. It was a gift to them to help them personally and professionally. Her seminar was followed by two one-on-one coaching sessions for each team member. The impact of my investment is already visible in our office. Some of my team members were more receptive than others which is to be excepted. For a few, it has been a game changer and worth every penny. I highly recommend Jody for anyone who is ready to make significant changes in their lives. She has a uncanny ability to recognize what may be holding you back, and will give you the tools to overcome it. read more

I came to Jody after realizing that I needed outside help and guidance to help get me on a positive trajectory. I can honestly say that after only 8 weeks of coaching, Jody has made a tremendous positive impact on my personal and professional life and this is supported in observations from friends, family, and co-workers. There are obviously many coaches, counselors, and psychologists out there to choose from. I cannot speak for all of them, but in my experience, Jody is a perfect choice for those of you who want to quickly shift your life into a higher gear. She really gets at the root of your issues and empowers you to make shifts on your own that produce dramatic results. It takes effort, accountability, and most of all, mindfulness, but if you are hungry to make a change in your life then Jody is a perfect choice. I can also say that Jody's overall team is top notch. Kelly is very responsive and goes above and beyond to make your experience a positive one. Your sessions will take place on time (no late starts!), there is always a clear explanation on billing, and you are made to feel at home in their offices. read more

Our son, who was going into his senior at college, came to the realization that the path he was on was not one that he wanted to pursue. I was already aware of Jody Michael Associates (JMA), and discussed the possibility of him working with her and her team to find out what career he was really interested in and committed to. He had already worked with the college counselor with no success. He was committed, and agreed. I spoke with Jody about his situation one evening, and arranged to start the program after she described what it would be like. The challenge for us all was that what is normally a 2-3 month process had to happen in 4 weeks, while he was home for winter break. Jody and the coach that would work with our son were committed to do whatever it took to help him get through this, with the goal being that he find a career path that worked for him. Maura (our son's coach) was wonderful- she really worked well with him, and helped him through some very challenging process steps- at 21, most young guys have not done a lot of introspective work, and it was tough at first. As the process went on, he saw how it was all coming together, and became aware of the value of this foundational work. At the end of it all, our son found a career path that he was excited about, and has shifted his major and coursework accordingly. If, at the end of break, he was not at that point, Maura would continue the sessions via phone and Skype if needed. That's dedication to your clients! JMA has an outstanding program, one that I would recommend to anyone needing help with career coaching. read more

Where to begin. First off Jody is a very cool lady, immediately familiar, smart, witty, insightful, the things you would look for in a friend and solid work colleague. I found Jody on a search for a life/business coach when I was starting my real estate brokerage right after the 2009 crash and to this day, even though I am no longer a 'paying customer' we remain in contact on matters of life and business - this alone says it all... but there's more. Jody's workbook and lesson plan is a combination of her street smarts, which she has a lot of, and new thought movement (sans the religious component) which helped me evaluate my then state of affairs and chart a plan towards my goals. (Still in process). In summary yes, work with Jody if you are sincere about making life changes and setting and accomplishing goals. Thanks Jody! read more

For anyone looking to develop their leadership team, improve teamwork, become an effective leader, or advance your career, I would recommend Jody Michaels Associates. Jody's executive level coaching expertise is superior to those in the industry. I would highly recommend the Accountability Mirror one day workshop for all managers and C-Level executives within your organization. It's not often a one day workshop will transform effective communication within an organization and give individuals the information they need to succeed and make others around them successful. Thanks Jody! Thanks to you I just celebrated the New Year Day participating in an Aerobathon and at the age of 50+, I ran my first 6K this summer! It's been 1 year since I found your website www.jodymichael.com and reached out to you for Executive Coaching. Over the past year, I've been able to improve team performance, become a better leader, advance my career and somehow convince myself that exercising several times a week is fun. Happy New Years, Lynn. read more

I recently completed my work with Maura at JMA, and I found the process to be challenging, thorough and ultimately very rewarding. I needed to assess my options and reconnect with what really matters after leaving my job earlier this year. Maura guided me through the JMA process, which required a deep level of introspection and honesty, with a sure hand. Her kindness, good humor, and ability to direct our work was essential in helping me to get the most out of the time we spent thinking about my previous experiences and the next steps. I think this type of work requires that kind of partnership. In working through JMA's process, I was able to refocus on my core interests and with Maura'a help to navigate the tricky spots that pop up when doing this type of exploration. No one can make these decisions for you-it's your life and you have to be responsible for it-but JMA will allow you to take stock and move forward with clear eyes toward a fulfilling career. read more

My experience with Jody Michael has been truly valuable. When I started the process, I was frustrated and somewhat confused. Working with Maura helped me a lot to identify the true direction I want to point at. For whomever approaches the coaching, make no mistake: the coach is not going to tell you what to do, rather than help you understand what you really want, and that's because the answer, YOUR answer, is already in you heart. The coaching experience was also incredibly helpful in understanding the existing problems, and approaching them from a different, more constructive perspective. You will have to work a lot, during and after the coaching program, but with a totally different spirit. Update: I also had the opportunity to work personally with Jody, and my review is more than confirmed. It is amazing how this team is truly committed to take the best out of you. I highly recommend the experience to whomever feels stuck in their career or professional life and wants to make a real change. read more

I worked with Jody a few years ago as I contemplated a career change, and recently reached out again as I was feeling a bit stuck (I lost my "mojo"). She suggested the Mind Mastery and Accountability Mirror workshops. I was very skeptical about spending the money AND the time (8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday). I spoke to previous attendees and decided to take the plunge (it also seemed like a miracle that my husband's and our kids' schedules were such that I could do those 2 days when no other weekend would have worked as well for months...) Serendipity perhaps? I found the workshops to be a good use of time. Mind Mastery was more impactful to me than the Accountability Mirror, but both were valuable. (I also wonder if part of why I liked MM more was that it was the second of the two days so that I was more "open" and had connected with some of the other attendees - many, but not all, did both days.) Accountability was more focused on how we communicate with others, whereas Mind Mastery was more about how we talk to ourselves. I gained valuable insights on both fronts, but the biggest takeaway for me was on the topic of the relationship between energy and success. Prior to the workshop, I definitely felt like when I have been most successful in life, I had strong positive energy. What the workshop (including subsequent exercises and assigned readings) suggested was that my energy was a key ingredient (cause) of my success and NOT a by-product of it as I might have supposed. It made me believe that changing my energy could improve my results (vs. waiting for better results to improve my energy). And much like Pascal's wager, it seems better to go through life believing that positive energy drives better outcomes and thus practicing strategies to manage our energy (which primarily involves managing our thoughts which are within our direct influence) than to allow our energy levels to get buffeted around by external factors wholly outside our control. If you are looking for ways to take your leadership and self-efficacy to the next level and my comments above resonate with you, then I would encourage you to give these workshops a try. read more

I attended Jody's Perceptual Lens training not really knowing what to expect. Within the first 15 minutes, I was sold and motivated to learn more. In just a short daylong session, I was able to entirely change how I perceive myself and others. I learned how to be more 'Teflon' in challenging work situations, and how to better support my team by taking care of myself. Jody's training brings an awareness that many of us (myself included!) lack. It teaches you to harness the power of your own brain and actually how to reprogram your brain to bring yourself more happiness. I am so happy I have taken this class, and I highly recommend it to all people. You can never be too self aware! read more

I started seeing Jody in mid January for personal and professional coaching. I did not really know what to expect since I have not seen a "life" coach before, but it's been a helpful experience and I'm looking forward to seeing the continued results I achieve working with her. Jody has experience in corporate America so she can relate to my experiences and she makes you feel comfortable from the very first appointment you have with her. She's intuitive and accomplishes changes/results with you in a quick manner. There were and are so many things I was doing that are detrimental to myself that I was aware of (and some I was not so aware of) that Jody has helped me to manage that I did not know how to manage before seeing her. She's compassionate about what she does and knows exactly how to relay to you and your specific situation. Within a week of meeting with her I was feeling better and more powerful with my life. It was because of the questions she was asking me that made me really think about how I was treating myself, others and where I wanted to be and go both personally and professionally. Just recently I attended the Accountability Mirror Workshop that Jody also hosts. It's an all day workshop you can attend that discusses various aspects of accountability that will have an immediate effect on your day to day interactions. As a direct result of attending this workshop, I have a better relationship with my boss and other colleagues. The skills taught during it, if used properly, can help you work more efficiently, more accountable and effectively. Jody gives you a few homework assignments from the workshop as well and because of those I have found myself improving each day because I think of the skills I learned and apply them each day rather than just tucking them away like I have from other seminars. If you put the work in with Jody, she will get you results. It's not easy if you're looking to make long lasting changes, but it's well worth. Jody is a cool cat and worth every penny. read more

There have been times when my life and career were deliriously wonderful and other times when both were scorched in fire. Each time I have been lost or stuck I have returned to Jody - to light my way, renew my ambitions or reset the bar. A mentor and guide, she is a successful coach running a successful business and living a successful life. She has helped me face myself when I could least tolerate it. Most importantly she has helped to free me from the confines of my own limitations - and I can think of no greater compliment. read more

Y'all -- I wrote a 1 star review for Jody Michael from another account years ago and since then her Yelp accounts have skyrocketed with "positive reviews". There were FOUR reviews at the time. It was clear Jody Michael knew it was time to game the system -- many of the subsequent reviews sounded like they were from friends and/or fake. Yelp even flagged my 1 star review several times because her team would try and appeal my review. The TL;DR version is I spent ~4k on her "career counseling" sessions and be forewarned: it's not conversations about you and your skills and strengths or soul searching, it's a proprietary system she designed so most of your sessions you just sit there and tell her "numbers". Without giving her system away, just know that you can go to sites like Love My Job or career bootcamps to not just figure out YOU and what you want to do but to then FIND a job in that area. Many of the critical reviews resonate with my experience; Jody stopped the rapport after the first call when I began to pay money. It was all about HER system and less about the client learning about themselves. She would be late for sessions and one time did a ~$300 session remote over phone and then cut it short! Props to her for finding a way to monetize people's challenges so she can "make more than six figures" in social work as she said -- coming from a financial trading background. Read between the lines and check out other career coaches and consider a multi-pronged approach: individual, group and then go out to meet ups and MEET people. You'll learn more about yourself like I did once I stopped trying to have ONE person help me. You drive your own opportunities! Steer clear of Jody Michael Associates if you want to save your money and if you actually want help with you career. Cheers! read more

I was referred to Jody at a time in my life when I recently decided to change career paths. I worked in an industry for nearly seven years and while I had success, I became very unfulfilled with both my personal and professional life. From the first conversation Jody was attentive, empathetic, patient, and most importantly - solution and goal oriented. She guided me through a process of self discovery and goal setting that was invaluable. Jody's coaching provided the direction I needed to help me become more aware of what I wanted out of life and how to get it. After several weeks of personalized sessions and exercises I was completely focused and energized to accomplish my goals in life and work. One week after my final meeting with Jody, I accepted a position with a company in a new industry and it was the perfect fit. Jody can help you make an impactful change in both your life and profession. If you are willing and open to put forth the thought and effort needed to improve then Jody is the person to help guide you. read more

- I went through with the $5k charge because I was not sure what I wanted to do with my career and thought the advice would help. In my initial phone interview with Jody, she saw that I was in finance and mentioned, "she used to be in finance and made $3MM a year, and was not happy" in order to drive home the sales pitch (I have this in my notes from the call with her). This comment rubbed me the wrong way and I should have trusted my gut there. But I did not. - I paid the $5k and was assigned to Maura. Jody never introduced herself or corresponded with me though she acted like that would be the case in our initial call. - A very nice woman who I enjoyed speaking with during out meetings. However, other than doing a Myers Briggs test, which did not really tell me anything I did not know. Maura was not helpful in directing me into anything that a close friend or parent could do. Nice conversations, but not effective. WHEN YOU PAY $5K, IT BETTER BE EFFECTIVE. -I decided to quit my job and travel Asia for a few months. When I returned, I scheduled a follow up call with Maura (part of my travel was to think about my career). I personally decided on the call (we were 2/3rd through the counseling schedule process) that it was simply not helpful. I never communicated to Maura that I had made any decisions or anything, but she NEVER reached out again to see if I had made any decision. I Never heard from she or Jody again. THE BOOK WAS NEVER CLOSED, THE SERVICE NEVER COMPLETE. FOR $5K I EXPECT A COMPLETE SERVICE AND VALUE. - THIS IS MY ONLY YELP REVIEW BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED 2 YEARS AGO AND I FEEL THAT COMPELLED TO STOP OTHERS FROM WASTING MONEY. - Jody replied below but did not email or call me to try to address anything which I think is reflective of her true business character. Fluff. - Before making this expensive decision, feel free to call me at 205-292-3591 to discuss. I have spoken to several Yelpers in the last few weeks and am happy to offer 5 minutes of my time. -Clint read more

I remember my initial phone conversation with Jody as I told her my situation and goals, and she said "You know you really need to work with me. I can help you achieve that". And, from that beginning whenever Jody spoke I listened, and I listened not only because of her super successful track record. But, she just has a way of making you believe that anything is within reach. One of the many things Jody does well is to ask the questions that really made me think about what I thought were obstacles to my goals. I wanted someone to challenge my ideas/thoughts and Jody did exactly that. She is very easy to talk with and that helped keep the conversations real. Another really valuable part of working with Jody is her sharing relevant stories in her life about how she handled certain personal/business situations. What i saw was a woman who doesn't let anything stop her. If she has a goal and idea, she finds a way to get it done, and I have tried to incorporate that thinking into my life. For me the whole process was a real learning experience. Each week something new was uncovered, and she will challenge you to rethink your sticking points. In my case I really sort of knew the direction I wanted to go to, but was sort of stuck unable to move forward because of obstacles I put in my head. However, after working with Jody I have the confidence to move forward and to move the obstacles to the side. I had worked with another career/business coach in 2011 and went through the process with a lot of excitement. However, in the end I really didn't make any changes that I knew I needed to make. I let the obstacles really stop me from starting. Working with Jody really gave me the confidence to say to myself "Yeah, I can do that, and there's always a way". I look forward to the day I can work with her again. read more

I first met Jody Michael a few months ago. After a 14 year trading career followed by some entrepreneurial endeavors, I found myself at a point in my life where i truly did not know where to go next. I went into the first session not really knowing what to expect, and somewhat skeptical of what I would receive. Spending 14 years on the floor of the CME was wonderful and financially rewarding, but once a trader hits the "real world", it can be an extremely shocking change of pace and very hard to adapt to more normal ways of making a living. Further, few of the skills gained as a trader are directly transferable to the real world, leading to a very unsettling "fish out of water" feeling. I knew that I needed help finding direction, so I took a not inexpensive gamble on Jody. Having spent at least 20 hours with Jody, I look back on the experience with nothing but appreciation. Instead of a few sessions resulting in "you should do this", I learned so much about myself, so much about what drives me, what things I should not do, and what direction I should go not just in the future, but in the present. Jody has given me the ability to look at my life much more objectively. As a person, I cannot speak highly enough about Jody. Jody herself is an ex-floor trader, and there is always a connection between traders as we all experienced the same crazy, unique world. Beyond that, her own life story is one of determination and overcoming obstacles, and I cannot imagine that many other coaches out there have the real world experience that Jody has. Would think it would be very hard to take life advice from somebody that has little of their own, and Jody has it in spades. Jody will not accept your excuses for not living up to your potential, as she has lived her own life accordingly. The money I spent on Jody was worth every penny and then some. I plan on spending more with her to help me with my newly found direction, and I know it will be worth every penny. read more

I have had the opportunity to work with Jody in several different capacities and each time I find her work with clients to be direct, intelligent, challenging and supportive. I appreciate working with a coach who is unwilling to expect mediocrity and pushes me to succeed beyond what I thought possible. Jody is not interested in "good enough" and asks only that her clients are unwilling to settle for it as well. Several months ago, my company offered me the opportunity for executive coaching as I had just taken over as the Executive Director in our Chicago office. I knew immediately that if anyone could support me during this complicated transition it would be Jody, having worked with her previously. Jody worked diligently to make the arrangement possible for me and then dove in to provide me with the necessary support to move into my new role. Jody works in a holistic style with the assumption that to become a true leader you must incorporate leadership into both your personal and professional life. Together we looked at my challenges and opportunities and devised weekly homework assignments to help me address them. While initially skeptical about some of the tactics, I was unsurprisingly rewarded each time I completed an assignment with a deeper understanding of leadership and my opportunities. I would highly recommend Jody to anyone who is looking to not only understand how to be a strong leader but wants to be the best and therefore have the best support in getting there. read more

I reached out to Jody Michael and Associates as I was frustrated with my career and in a mid-level management job for 10 years within an industry I held a college degree in and wanted a change. When I submitted an inquiry Jody contacted me directly and explained the next steps and I made my goal clear to both her and her associate who was my coach. I wanted to explore options outside the current industry I was working in without having to return to school and to earn comparable if not more money. Next step was to drop $5,000 to receive the Career Coaching package which amounted to about 16-19 sessions. My coach Maura followed the script and we did some digging into strengths, ideal careers, what I like to do, along with some homework and self reflection followed by some of their testing and line of questioning to guide me to a career choice. On 2 of the 15 sessions I did at which averaged 333 per session my coach wasn't prepared one time misplacing the notes on the homework I submitted and another time not having the materials we were going to review ready for the phone call. At the conclusion of the package we basically identified 2 career moves I could look for but would be a significant pay cut or require additional schooling which I was not interested in and both against my original objective of utilizing the service. After a few months I called my coach and expressed dissatisfaction for the process and asked for some of my money back and not only was I told I received the service they sought out to provide but tried selling me on additional services. The parking situation at the Wabash location was frustrating and one time I had to leave the $333 one hour session to move my car which was a 15 minute interruption. The 1 star represents the potential I see in the program for college bound students guiding them to what they would like to choose for a major or professionals whose degree or experience can be applied to different careers but they aren't sure exactly what they want to do. I wouldn't recommend Jody Michael and Associates. For 16 sessions and a total of $5000 the coaches should be on point and not distracted or forgetful. The content wasn't there to deserve the price tag. read more

I am both a client of Jody's coaching (she is my coach) and attended both of her seminars... no seminar is the wrong word; it's a workshop (Accountability Mirror, and Perceptual Lens Training). I make the distinction because a workshop to me implies there is an ACTION PLAN and a FRAMEWORK you are able to apply, rather than just learning concepts. Having attended many workshops, this is where Jody and her team are head and shoulders above the others I have taken. By way of background, I have been in and out of psychotherapy, and have tried it all. I was sick of sitting in a therapist's room, being told either what was wrong with me or what I needed to change. I already knew most of these things, and sitting there talking about it never really helped me achieve my goals. It's an entirely different experience when someone becomes vested in your success. Jody and her team strive to first achieve on goal above all others: personal accountability. You think you're accountable - you don't need this, right? Think again. You're probably a bull in a china shop an you'll see how relevant this topic is for you - personally and professionally. Through keeping you accountable, and her framework of the human psyche, I have been able to better understand where my abilities were lacking, but more importantly, WHAT I CAN DO TO CHANGE. Without that plan for success, you are just spinning your wheels, and will be stuck in the mud indefinitely. The insight I have gained in my own professional pitfalls (as a trader, and a person as a whole) has changed my life entirely. I sound like a zealot I realize, and you can take it or leave it, but I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Jody and this company are the real deal. Worth every penny. read more

Working with Maura at Jody Michaels was one of the most rewarding and enlightening experiences I've had. We had a great connection right from the start. She guided me through a couple of rough patches in my career search and brought me to the path I should have taken some time ago. I felt Maura truly cared, which brought out the best in me and was a great support in finding my new journey . read more

Jody Michael Associates were uniquely instrumental in helping me guide myself towards a midlife career change. I am 35 years old and never had a clear idea of what I wanted to spend my life doing. Years of retail management had been financially ok, but personally unfulfilling. After poring over career counsellors in the Chicago area, and speaking with Jody over the phone, I signed up with JMA. My personal counselor, Maura Koutoujian, put me instantly at ease in our first session with her professional demeanor and affable personality. Over three months of weekly sessions, some 45 min, some 90 min, she gave me the tools to work out for myself what my ideal career role should be. As it happens, I'll be returning to school this summer to work toward a BS in Nursing, and eventually pursue a career in patient advocacy. The appeal of JMA, for me, is that they don't tell you what you should do based on tests or psychological indicators or by saying "be what you wanted to be at 11 years old!" We talked about that for certain, and there was one (really cool) online exam I took early on - but what Maura and JMA coached me to do is to work out for myself, using a vast amount of career information and resources in their library and online, what my best career would be. And it is work. I had almost weekly homework, and spent hours of time in JMA's library in North Chicago. I plowed through dozens of potential careers, and learned to overcome speed bumps and brick walls in the process, occasionally needing to backtrack several steps. With Maura's great patience and unwavering support, I made a well-informed, deliberate decision that will benefit me and my family in immeasurable ways. I gave JMA a full five stars because of the commitment and care they give to their clients and to every step of the process. read more

Jody has been working with me for several months now and I feel like I'm in a completely different place in my life because of it. I was stuck in a program that made me more miserable by the day, and didn't know how to get out of my rut either professionally or mentally. Jody has helped me with both. I'm progressing in a totally new direction career-wise, and I'm working to rewire my head so that I can achieve the success I want and be the kind of husband and father I want to be. She's been tremendous to me, far above and beyond what I would have expected from anybody. I can't recommend her strongly enough. read more

Great organization! I started in September of this year working Maura and it was a great experience. I went into the a process pretty open minded and what I found is Maura acted like a wind in my sails but it was my job to figure out what direction I was going. From the initial background information to the discussion of the jobs and factors that were and were not important I loved the process. It confirmed some things if already knew, opened a door to a path that I hadn't thought of and resurrected an idea that could be a very impactful nonprofit if I can get it off the ground. Now I'm ready to move forward with a plan and areas of focus. I strongly recommend the Jody Michael's team for helping you in your career endeavors. read more

I have been working with Jody since October of 2012 and I have to say that it has been a tremendous experience. I was skeptical and hesitant at first of seeing her but 10 minutes into the first session I knew that she was the best person for me. I am switching industries and transitioning to a new stage in life. Jody has given me the guidance and confidence to be fully prepared for the next stage of my life. Instead of being apprehensive of what might happen next, I am excited for the next stage of life and what I might do. I would give Jody my highest recommendation and suggest to anyone who needs career advice and guidance to seek her out. read more

Have you ever met a person who wants you to grow and succeed? Maybe a teacher in high school or college? Now imagine that, plus no BS. That's what you will get from Jody Michael. As an experienced commodities trader, I sought help to adapt to the new HFT/Algo market reality. Taking both the Perceptual Lens Training and Accountability Mirror workshop has made me realize my misconceptions about the market as well as interpersonal relations. I believe that gaining this knowledge and being trained to use and apply it will make me more profitable in my trading and in my life outside trading. It's great to see a person who is on a mission to change the world one person at a time. Live to your full potential! Thank you, Jody!​ read more

I completed the career coaching program with Maura last fall. Working with Maura was a wonderful experience. In completing the program with Maura I took an inventory of my skills, talents, and interests. I was able to use the introspective work that I completed with Maura to then research various careers that would be a good fit for me based on my skills, interests, and talents. Maura was great to work with. She guided me every step of the way with kindness and enthusiasm. In completing this program with Maura, I not only got a better understanding of my best fit career but I also gained a better understanding of who I am as a person. This program helped me to feel more confident in myself, especially my decision making abilities. This program is a big investment but it is definitely worth the investment you are making in yourself. read more