My Career Trajectory – A Story of Pivots

After 15 years in corporate human resources, I founded Workplace Solutions.com (1998) as a solution to my own career issue: the need for more balance and flexibility in my professional and family lives.  I’m a natural entrepreneur and successfully transitioned my HR career at Verizon launching WorkplaceSolutions.com, a human resources consulting practice. My early years were much supported by anchor clients such as Verizon,  Bell South International, and  Coca-Cola Enterprises.  Nine years later, I had a strong desire to earn an advanced degree in psychology, to bolster my consulting credentials. I wondered, What’s next? What’s possible?

In 2006, I read an article in the New York Times Sunday Magazine about the burgeoning field of positive psychology. The article mentioned a master level psychology program at The University of Pennsylvania.  At 48 years of age, I mustered up some courage, applied to,  and was accepted to Penn’s Master of Applied Positive Psychology Program.   I commuted from Tampa to Philadelphia monthly.  My studies focused on answering the question, “What makes life worthwhile?”  We examined subjects related to positive emotions, relationships, meaning, achievement, vitality, and the benefits of being a part of something bigger than ourselves. I expanded my career path combining a Master of Applied Positive Psychology degree with  HR experience, and grew my consulting practice to include career and leadership coaching.

 My Credentials

• Certified – Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator (MBTI) (2009)
• Certified – Emotional Intelligence Practitioner (TalentSmart) (2009)
• Certified – Positive Psychology Coach (Positive Acorn) (2010)
• Certified – Positive Psychology Practitioner (CAPP) Flourishing Center (2012)
• Master Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) | University of Pennsylvania (2008)
• University of Pennsylvania Secondary School Selection Interviewer (2008 – 2013)
• Penn Interviewer for Master of Applied Positive Psychology graduate program (2008-2013)
• Facilitator – Military Resilience Training | Penn Positive Psychology Center (2010)
• Presenter – Polk County, Clerk of the Court – Positive Psychology Practices in the Workplace (2014)
• Presenter – USF Tampa, Muma College of Business, Accounting Students (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
• Leadership Coach, Career, and Résumé Specialist at BetterUp.co (2017-Present)
• Certificate in Conscious Business Practices – Fred Kofman (2019)
• Interview Workshop Leader – Rush Medical School Surgical Residents (2020)
• Presenter – BetterUp Career Growth: Re-Crafting for Strengths and Greater Engagement  (2021)
• Presenter – Rush Medical Residency Surgery Program “Fellowship Interview Preparation” (2023)

On the Personal Side

Ask anyone who knows me, I’m passionate about my work as a career consultant and executive coach. I love what I do. That’s genuine. My enthusiasm is contagious and often affects my clients in positive ways. I love to learn, collect information, and share the latest research and trends; but my vocation is only a part of me. I’m an avid reader. Contemporary fiction, psychology, and memoirs are among my favorites. I’ve been in a book club for over 29 years.   I love nature and try my best to be a good steward of the environment.  I spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in my garden where I grow herbs, orchids, and battle the endless invasion of weeds!  Inside, the kitchen is one of my favorite rooms where I enjoy creating “one-pot wonders” of comfort food for family and friends.

But here’s what’s most important to know about me, I did not simply study positive psychology, I live it:  I meditate, pray, and set intentions every morning. I practice yoga twice a week. I exercise three days a week. I take time to savor the good things that happen and intentionally make time to connect with family and friends in meaningful ways.

I’ve been happily married to Richard A. Jacobson, Sr. for 39 years. He’s my “steadfast tin soldier”.  Richard is a partner who specialized in foreign tax at a national law firm.  Our son, Rick Jacobson is a cancer surgeon and researcher and married to Carla Medina Jacobson who works at Airbnb.

How I Pay it Forward

I am grateful to my friends, relatives (especially Dad), and mentors who have helped me along the way.  I strive to pay their kindness and generosity forward. My community service projects have varied through the years from delivering for Meals-on-Wheels to helping underserved and unemployed individuals in the Tampa Bay community and at Metropolitan Ministries with workshops, résumé advice, and interview tips.

I have a special place in my heart for students who are striving to be the first person in their family to earn a college degree. For this reason, I offer 1-2 hours of career consulting services to worthy, hard-working “First-Generation College Students” at no cost. If you are such a person, or if you are working full-time while earning a degree, I encourage you to write to me. I want to help to the extent that I am able.