Work & Client Appreciation

As I look back I can see that she seems to blend her skills of listening, asking powerful questions, sharing insights, and what I can only call intuition -in helping me develop my own insights, solutions and strategies.

Shawn S. Kasserman, Illinois State Bar Association President

Read the full testimonial below or download a PDF of the Illinois Bar Journal here.

Being the Best You Can Be

The cat is out of the bag. The silliness of that statement rings true to me as I type it, but the truth is that I recently revealed to a reporter that I rely heavily on a life coach. There is a part of me that hoped my turning to a coach would be my secret and only my benefit. The truth is that in opening up about my experience, perhaps my fellow ISBA members will reap the rewards I have found in adding this tool to my life.

My coach has helped me develop, foster, implement and incorporate insights, solutions and strategies that have enhanced my life. As I look back I can see that she seems to blend her skills of listening, asking powerful questions, sharing insights, and what I can only call intuition -in helping me develop my own insights, solutions and strategies.

One of the most important skills my coach has helped me discover and develop is to identify my self limiting beliefs so that they don’t control me. I was “last year’s old” before I actually had the insight to see and hear an inner voice that at times kept me “playing small” away from my dreams and fullest potential. I began to recognize how this defense mechanism felt protective but in reality was limiting my choices, joy and ability to live my fullest dreams.

Instead my coach taught me how to identify my real values. Personal and professional values that make me…me. Listing these identifying qualities required me to sit down and think through what is truly important to me. This process started out awkward, but eventually became more natural as I allowed myself to slow down and focus on what I truly value. The result? A list of focused values which reflect who Shawn Kasserman truly is….or hopes to be.

After reflecting on these qualities that I identify as important, I took a hard look at all of the roles I live in life. A husband and father, advocate, leader, friend and individual to list a few. With the help of my coach and a lot hard work I have learned to be better at living my life in accordance with what I truly feel is important, instead of being driven by other people’s agendas, emergencies and even my own fears.

Perhaps the most surprising lesson that I have learned during my time with my coach is the importance of being vulnerable. The willingness and ability to truly be honest with myself and others about what I feel, see, think and want. Vulnerability was something I shunned in the past as a sign of weakness. What I learned is that in embracing my own vulnerability I am better able to identify my honest feelings, communicate more effectively and actually foster a closeness and trust that enhances life for me and those around me. Writing this message is an attempt by your ISBA President to show vulnerability. My hope is that this honest sharing of my experience will benefit all those members who took the time to read this column.

There are many forms of coaching. From professional relationships to fostering a regular meeting with a mentor. I urge you to find what works for you and if I can help you get to the right person, I would be delighted to share more of my experiences with you.

Have a great month!

Coach Maureen Gainer Reilly talks shop with Comedian Pat…

Pat McGann fills in for WGN Radio’s Karen Conti and talks with Maureen Gainer Reilly, CEO of GO Consulting & Coaching! Maureen discusses the optimism of the return to normalcy, life coaching and much more.

Listen in here.

5.5 Million Dollar Office Re-Design, Downtown Chicago

Working as the Owner’s Representative, Maureen aligned with an organization committed to creating a new way of working to best support its and staff and culture. She served on a team that engaged and aligned with leaders to co-create a space to support staff and how they work best.  The 45,000 square foot space was designed to facilitate better meetings, manage distributed teams, and leverage technology. Maureen created and delivered platforms to positively engage employees and make them part of the transition. The project was delivered on time and under budget due to Maureen’s close collaboration with staff, the construction team, architect, broker, building management, and several consultants. 

Educare Family and Training Center

Contracted by Ounce of Prevention Fund, Maureen acted as project manager for the Educare Family Center. This 7,800 square foot structure, designed by vonWeise Associates and built by Lend Lease, is an addition to the existing Educare Center on Chicago’s south side. The building is much needed space to fuel the Ounce’s efforts toward effective program and policy change in the early childhood field. The center includes a resource center, library, offices, and state of the art training center.

Headstart Renovations

Maureen acted as project coordinator for two Head Start Renovations on Chicago’s west side. The $450,000 projects constructed classrooms, upgraded facilities, systems, and added an outdoor playground. The perk of managing the bidding process, multiple consultants, City of Chicago permitting and compliance was getting to see the kids at the job sites; always a good break from a site meeting.

HGTV’s Mission Organization

Episode 713
Family Room Remix

Lizzy Benner needs professional help getting her family room back in working order. At 22 x 14 feet, it has become a cluttered mess of children’s toys (she has four children), art supplies, musical instruments and sports equipment. Organizer Maureen Gainer Reilly takes control of the situation and sets out to give this large family the kind of space they desperately need.

Episode MSO-804
Kitchen Redo

The Tlusty family needs help with their kitchen, which has turned into a cluttered mess of toys, papers and unused kitchen items. They are ready to remodel the entire 10 x 25-foot space. Professional organizer Tracey Hall signs on to help give this Chicago family a kitchen that will be the envy of all the city.

Episode MSO-809
Spare Room Spruce-Up

Gretchen Edwardson wants boyfriend Paul Fuka to move in with her, but he wants her to straighten up her cleaning habits first. Her spare bedroom, at 12 x 12 feet, is a complete mess, crammed to the gills with office supplies, excess clothing, gift-wrapping supplies and mementos. Fuka is desperate to get this room in order and make Edwardson change her ways. Organizer Katie McCarthy is up for the challenge.

Episode MSO-911
Cluttered Condo Gets Cozy

Jenny and Tim Breitberg have been married for two years, and they just recently purchased a condo in Chicago. One of the many things they have in common is collecting–everything from records and movie posters to vintage glassware and furniture. That’s a lot of stuff for one small condominium! While they love sharing their new space, they need help making it work for both of them. Professional organizer Randy Ballesteros is in the Windy City to help the Breitbergs take their condo from cluttered and chaotic to cozy and comfortable.

Episode MSO-903
Room Needs Two Personalities

The Smith family of four has a challenging space issue. Marya and Rob are the proud parents of Madison and Parker, two girls who couldn’t be more different. Madison is an athlete and straight-A student, while her younger sister Parker likes to sing, dance and play dress-up. Like most families in a big city (Chicago), they have limited space, so the girls share a room–a room that has become pretty messy! Organizing pro Randy Ballesteros signs on to give the girls an organized room with enough space for both of their personalities to shine.

Episode MSO-808
Craft Room Cleanup

Chris Falvey’s 25 x 12-foot craft room is nothing more than a glorified storage area filled with beading supplies, painting materials, musical equipment and photography supplies, according to his live-in girlfriend, Susannah Ward. They agree it’s time for order, and organizer Randy Ballesteros is ready for the challenge.

Episode MSO-902
Making the Bedroom Efficient

Chicago Loop Office Renovation and Staff Move

A non-profit client had outgrown their space, reorganized their staff structure, and needed a new state of the art training center. Space had to be found, designed, built out, and occupied. Maureen analyzed, strategized, and managed these concurrent projects. In a matter of months, over 90 staff relocated, 8800 square feet of office space was constructed, and the agency added a cutting-edge, multi-media training center.

Maureen on Giuliana and Bill on Style Network

Brought in as a surprise by Bill, Maureen helped the celebrity couple work on Bill’s Chicago home to make room for Giuliana. Bill’s gift backfired a bit when Maureen suggested Giuliana needs more space to feel at home. A few shots from the episode are below, and you can purchase it through iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/giuliana-bill-season-2/id346258381