About Andrea DYSON
EXECUTIVE & CAREER COACH
I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to work on Wall Street. When I reflect on it, the knowledge and experience I gained is truly invaluable. Most of all, I’m grateful for all the talented and lovely people I met and worked with, many of whom have become long-lasting friends.
After a rewarding decade and a half in banking, I reached a place where the thought of stepping into my manager’s role didn’t sound appealing anymore. I began to wonder if there was any real meaning to what I was doing, and I started questioning my purpose in life. Unsurprisingly, at the same time, I started experiencing minor but persistent health issues. A couple of years later, I left Morgan Stanley, hired a career coach, and began searching for answers on what to do next.
When I reflected on the things I enjoyed doing when I was younger, I remembered that I’ve always loved listening to people’s stories. As a kid, I’d sneak into the living room during family gatherings instead of playing with the other kids so that I could listen to the adults tell their stories. As I grew up, I noticed that friends and family found it easy to talk and confide in me. And the same occurred later at work with my managers, team members, and colleagues.
Despite my technical skills contributing to much of my corporate success, when I asked my husband what my biggest professional skill was, he said unhesitatingly, “You’re loving.” At first, I wasn’t satisfied with his answer — but over time, I realized this was my biggest gift. I have a big heart and lead with it in everything I do. Years ago, I wouldn’t have wanted to admit it publicly, but I’m sensitive to people’s emotions and energy. I empathize with the people around me and like connecting on a deeper level, not just superficially.
Much of this introspection led me to explore becoming a coach. When I left the corporate world, I was pulled strongly toward a calling to dedicate my time and energy to helping individuals. When I started coaching and discovered it was my passion, I committed to using my empathy and business skills to help others reach their professional goals. My vocation is to connect with people and support them so that, in some meaningful way, their lives can become brighter. There’s nothing that brings me more joy.
More on Me
My faith, family, and friends are my cornerstones. My husband is my best friend and the best life partner I could imagine. We have a 10-year-old four-legged pup named Lawson, who we love and spoil to death. We live in the Hudson Valley and love to hike together as a family every morning. I enjoy spending quality time with my closest friends and love meeting new ones. Every year, I look forward to visiting and traveling with my extended family from Ecuador, particularly my “little” cousins (who are now in their late 20s).
Some of the things that inspire me in life are kind and optimistic people, nature (especially trees and large birds), spiritual practices, thought-provoking and heartfelt books, uplifting music, and my loved ones.