Elana Konstant

Brooklyn, New York

o: 917-270-2562
e: elana@konstantchangecoaching.com
w: konstantchangecoaching.com
w: leapingback.com

Specialties

Career Transitions
Leadership/Management
Parental
Returning to Work

Background & Certifications

I started my practice, Konstant Change Coaching, in 2012 after completing a coaching training program at The Coaches Training Institute and becoming certified through the International Coach Federation. Prior to working as a career coach, I served as the Assistant Director of Career Services at a law school in San Francisco for three years. Before taking on that role, I was a lawyer in the private and public sectors for 5 years.

For my undergraduate degree, I attended Barnard College and I earned my J.D. from UCLA School of Law.

Coaching Clientele

My client base is approximately 50% lawyers and 50% varied professionals in tech, marketing, consulting, non-profit, and healthcare, etc. Many of my clients desire to leave law firms, primarily BigLaw, for in-house roles. Additionally, some are seeking alternative legal careers beyond the standard practice of law.

Coaching Process

Depending on the client’s needs, I work either as a consultant or on a regular coaching basis. My coaching work involves helping the client create a plan of action around a goal and then providing objective feedback to further that action until the goal is attained. Prior to the first session, I ask clients to complete a self-assessment assignment, which I devised, to provide the basis of our first discussion about their career paths. The questions allow for an in-depth analysis of prior professional history and desired career transition goals.

Each session includes a 1-hour discussion (either remote via phone/video chat or in-person), a detailed follow up task list, and any related correspondence in between the sessions (emails, quick phone calls, etc.). Every session is cumulative and begins with an examination of what was accomplished from the prior session’s task list. On average, most coaching clients work with me about 4-8 sessions over a period of 2-3 months.

As a consultant, I will help the client with a particular discrete task-resume/cover letter/LI profile editing, brainstorming strategies, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and other job search needs.

Expectations & Benefits

I expect that my clients will be open and honest with themselves and with me about their careers. Many of the individuals, often women, with whom I work haven’t given themselves the space to really think about what they want from their professional lives. I aim to provide a forum for them to dive deep and think through their short- and long-term career goals. I want them to prioritize themselves for a change.

Background Information on Clients

I don’t seek out background information on my clients before our first meeting.

Case Studies

With all of my clients, I start with a self-assessment assignment. This is particularly helpful for people who are unsure of their exact intended direction but know they want a career change, be it a new role or a new field. Completing the self-assessment form empowers them by demonstrating all they have accomplished in their career, offering a newfound sense of confidence. After determining the kinds of roles that fit within the perfect overlap of their talents, their passions, and the market, I help craft marketing materials that are tailored and effective. I counsel clients regarding networking strategies and approaches so they understand how and why networking is so important in the job search process. I am there for my clients every step of the way, including through the interviewing and negotiations so they feel supported and held accountable to their goals.

Many clients come to me to help them negotiate their compensation packages, either through a new offer or a promotion. I love counseling on these issues because I believe it is imperative for people, especially those in underrepresented groups, to advocate for themselves as much as possible. Typically, in these sessions, I will discuss the research that the client has done or should do to make her case as compared to market rates. Then, I will help her determine her value add to the company so that she can argue for more based on her expected contributions. Then, I will walk her through how to prioritize the ask so that she considers what else she wants to accomplish in the negotiations, be it increased title, greater flexibility, increased vacation days, etc. Finally, we practice the ask and follow up so that the client feels confident and assured before the negotiations. Every one of my clients with whom I’ve had a salary negotiation session has received more money and typically some other benefit from their counter offers.

The single most important factor that leads to a successful coaching relationship

Accountability is the key to the coaching work that I do. Most of my clients have wanted to make a change for months, if not years. By hiring me, they are committing themselves to these goals. Paying someone to help incentivizes the process, but I think there is a definite emotional component. I’m now on their team. I offer support and guidance, both prompted and unprompted. For many of these women, this is the first time they feel they can be honest about their struggle and still have someone build them up at the end of the day. These women are superheroes already and they just need that measure of accountability to get to where they want to be.

Fee Structure & Ranges

I offer a range of coaching packages and hourly rates, depending on the client’s needs. Please contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss further.