Empathy IS a talent!

I saw my next Pink Expert's name a lot, long before I met her and when I finally did meet her, what a great time we had! Eve Menezes Cunningham is one of Sadie Nine's Loud Women, along with me, and we first met in the reception of the BBC Essex studios. It was very unexpected and lovely to get to know her, so I'm really pleased to be able to feature Eve as this weeks Pink Expert. She says her talent is 'empathy' and I'd say she's got that spot on! Here's what she says:

1. What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

Empathy (though it feels strange to call it a talent). I used to wish I weren’t so over-sensitive but now I know that being able to empathise with my clients is much better for them. Specialising in confidence and self esteem coaching (around work, relationships and life in general) evolved partly because I used to be so painfully shy myself. I’m easier to relate to than someone who’s never had self doubt or lacked confidence themselves. I can meet my clients where they are rather than expecting them to just get over something that’s a challenge for them. A lot of coaching and NLP is about “peak performance” and excelling. This is brilliant for people who are ready to take things to that level but I also enjoy helping clients build a stronger core of self confidence.

Also, my writing. I work as a freelance journalist specialising in emotional health, well-being and personal development and write a lot about coaching as well as other life enhancing things. I write session summaries for my coaching clients. Re framing things in a positive way helps keep them motivated between sessions and long after we’ve finished the process (I’ve had people come back to me for more coaching years later when they’ve reread their old summaries).

2. When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

My life path really shifted when I started training as a complementary therapist in 2000 (and learning to take better care of myself, meditating and so on). I then trained as a coach and in NLP, enabling me to use my empathy to help other people. I’ve been coaching and writing full time since 2004. Since then, between my writing and coaching, I’ve spent the majority of my working days helping people (clients and readers) feel better about themselves. This feels far more “worthwhile” than any job I had beforehand. The better people feel about themselves, the more empowered they are and the more everyone benefits.

Now you've met Eve, let's meet you!  E-mail with your Pink Expertise today and you could find yourself right here!