October 23, 2025
Seizing the RightMoment: a Journey of Serendipity
Listen here:
In this solo episode of Surfing the Quicksand, host Kathy Vines brings the first “Midlife Leap” story! This series introduces women who have made big professional shifts in midlife. Their stories inspire new ways of thinking about what is possible in this stage of life!
Notes
In this episode, Sara Skillen shares her inspiring journey from exploring her own inner purpose to stepping into own and lead the Coach Approach Training Institute (CATI). Sara talks with host, Kathy Vines, about how spiritual reflection, professional readiness, and supportive mentors guided her decision to take the leap. She also dives into the core of proper training for coaches, the foundational Coaching Essentials program from CATI, and sharing how it helps both beginners and experienced professionals level up their coaching skills. Whether you’re curious about coaching, thinking about a career pivot, or just seeking strategies to get “unstuck,” Sara’s story is a reminder that preparation, community, and bravery can align to create life-changing opportunities.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Recognizing when the timing is right for a big career shift
- The role of spiritual and inner work in her professional growth
- Collaboration, mentorship, and the power of asking for help
- Coaching Essentials: what it is, how it works, and why it’s a great starting point
- Strategies for getting unstuck and staying grounded
- How to recharge and create personal rituals for clarity and balance
Resources and Links
Coaching Essentials course and registration (next 8-week cohort begins January 2026):
https://coachapproachtraining.com/foundation-training/coaching-essentials/
https://coachapproachtraining.com/
Explore Sara’s ADHD Coaching at SkillSet Coaching: https://skillsetcoaching.com/ Follow
Sara on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraskillencoaches/
IG @skillsetcoaching and @coachapproachtraining
Sara’s book:
Organizing and Big Scary Goals: https://amzn.to/4nS2hM6
About Sara Skillen, PCC, COLC, CPO:
Sara Skillen is a coach, mentor, and trainer passionate about helping others explore their purpose and potential. Sara is the Owner/Director of Education of Coach Approach Training Institute, and the founder of SkillSet Coaching in Nashville, TN.
A credentialed coach and Certified Professional Organizer®, she has been assisting with training student coaches through Coach Approach since 2019. She is the author of Organizing and Big Scary Goals and is a contributor to the Institute of Challenging Disorganization (ICD)’s recent book on chronic disorganization, writing the chapter focused on ADHD.
In addition to her teaching, client work, and writing, she continually studies the impact of awareness and inner work on creating holistic, real-life order. With this rich background in coaching, spiritual direction, education, and organizational expertise, Sara brings insight, empathy, and a collaborative spirit to her work and to this Surfing the Quicksand episode today.