“Own who you are, at the essence of who you are.”
~ Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby, PCC, CEC
I love to start every coaching session by asking clients what can we celebrate from their life? Why? Because that sort of celebration of the every day doesn’t necessarily come naturally to us. But, recognizing those little moments that were positive, where things are going well and acknowledging them, that can create an instant shift.
I recently sat down with coach Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby, founder, owner, and CEO of Morningstar Center for Engagement in Kingston, Ontario. Carolyn is an Algonquin woman who brings her positive spirit, authenticity, professionalism, and fun personality to everything she does.
Creating Your Essence: Carolyn’s Journey
A Certified Executive Coach through Royal Roads University as well as an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Carolyn brings her leadership expertise flowing from ten years in H.R. in the federal government of Canada, followed by twenty-two years as an entrepreneur, to her specialties as a coach educator, coaching supervisor, and mentor coach. Her passions include professional coach development as well as helping leaders and teams optimize performance, wellness and diversity appreciation. In addition, Rev. Carolyn is a retired ordained minister and Spiritual Director. She is excitedly preparing to publish a self-help leadership development book, which includes optimizing individual and team spirit in and outside of the workplace.
What does it mean to ‘Own Your Gold©’?
We spoke about what it means to own your gold (a term that Carolyn coined and is trademarking), which includes naming and claiming what she calls our “core presence.” As she shared, there is value in developing connection to your signature presence, whether you are a leader or a coach, that is rooted in becoming clear on what your core presence is.
While “our signature presence changes over time as we develop experience,” Carolyn teaches us that it’s our core presence that is our inner gold. “That part of us that is foundational, at the depth of who we are; our essence. It remains constant. Depth of soul, spirit, north star—whatever term you choose to describe it. This is our core presence. It’s the connection to your Best Authentic Self.”
“It’s extremely powerful to be connected to this foundational energy. Your energy source within that does not change, regardless of how your external circumstances change. It’s a place to anchor into. It’s unshakable,” Carolyn explains.
The Power of Core Presence
When asked about core presence, Carolyn’s response is, “I am light. I describe mine, and honestly, everyone’s as light. We are light. And so, if I am light, I need to let my light shine.” She adds that it’s not in a way that’s blinding from an ego-centric place, but rather from an essence-centered place that’s about bringing our best selves forward. “And I’m grounded. I’m grounded in faith, hope, and love. Nothing can change those things.” Carolyn has learned it’s about having self-trust and that knowing the core essence of oneself is one of the most powerful tools for grounding.
Drawing on her Indigenous teachings, traditions and ancestry, Carolyn views her core presence in a holistic way: “There are four realms of being, if you will. The mental, the emotional, the physical, and the spiritual.” Using herself as an example, she expands on those four realms of mind, body, emotion, and spirit. She also shares compelling personal examples of the importance of “owning your gold©”, including her father’s story of having to hide his proud Indigenous identity, at a certain point in his life.
We Meet People Differently When We Enter With That Core Presence In Place
Carolyn’s message is clear: what she terms core presence—the essence of you—is the gold. “We stay grounded in it. It is a place to anchor into confidence in who we are.” She sees the solid connection in coaching as it’s about being fully present and listening at a deeper level, “Connecting to our wise self within, and bringing this to the plate. We meet people differently when we enter with that core presence in place.”
Carolyn invites you to explore a path that helps you ‘own your gold©!’ If you’re interested in continuing the conversation with Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby, PCC, CEC – Owner of Morningstar Centre For Engagement – www.mstar.ca, feel free to reach out! Or connect on LinkedIn.
© Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby 2024
