June 2023
PUBLISHERS
Jennifer Downs | bellemeade@citylifestyle.com
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Myra Simmons McEntire
Let’s start with the simple answer — the importance of a father is tremendous. Fathers make countless differences in their homes and family. However, how much impact you decide to make as a dad is entirely up to you. A father’s gifts of quality time, life-giving words, and positive actions have a long-lasting impact on his children.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, here are just a few of the ways dads can build up their homes:
• A father’s strength can be powerful.
• A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational.
• Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting.
• A dad’s smile can instill joy and confidence.
• Time with a dad can be fun and productive.
• A dad’s physicality can be challenging.
• A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational.
• A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving.
• Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable.
Let your father, or a father figure in your life, know how much he matters to you. And if you’re a dad, let us be the first to say, thank you. You’re invaluable to the people who know and need you as well as the community around you.
“Dad: A son’s first hero, a daughter’s first love.” Happy Father’s Day!
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kellie Benz, Julie Brown Patton, Amanda Oswalt
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Katherine Green, Hannah Meredith Photography, Heather Thorne Photography, Lydia McRae Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
JENNIFER DOWNS & JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHERS @BELLEMEADE_LIFESTYLE
neighbors can see and be seen.
1: Faithfully Restored hosted night out for a cause with live music featuring The Warren Brothers. 2: Faithfully Restored evening raised funds benefiting mothers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. 3-7: More than 1,000 teachers, educators, staff and administrators in Nashville gathered at Belmont’s Fisher Center for the “Hope and Healing for Heroes” event, as an evening to equip, encourage and uplift Nashville teachers, school, staff and administrators and provide them with an opportunity to connect in community and gain tools for navigating stress, fear, trauma and grief following the recent Covenant School tragedy.
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Restaurant, bar and live music venue Humble Baron debuted in Shelbyville at the iconic Nearest Green Distillery, home of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Featuring a 17-station, 518-foot-long showpiece bar that wraps stunningly around an indoor stage, Humble Baron allows guests to enjoy elevated fare and creative cocktails while watching live entertainment. The Grand Opening Weekend performances included American Idol's country music artist, HunterGirl, and international DJ BOVA.
Dozens who knew late animal welfare pioneer Phran Galante packed the lobby of Pet Community Center’s new facility, The Phran Galante Center for Pet Wellness, to celebrate its dedication at 5233 Harding Place, Suite 5247. At 5,400 square feet, it's nearly three times the size of PCC's former clinic in East Nashville. Once fully operational, the facility will increase surgery capacity by 4,000 animals a year, preventing an estimated 20,000 unwanted puppies and kittens annually.
Adventure Science Center named Leah Melber, PhD, its new president and CEO. She replaces Steve Hinkley, who stepped down after a five-year run. Leah previously served as senior director of education at the Catalina Island Conservancy, located off the California coast, overseeing nature-based learning for the nonprofit. She has more than 20 years of museum experience at organizations, including the Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami and the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/BelleMeade
Photography by Heather Durham Photography Courtesy of Leah Melber
Heart in wreath diamond pendant: center 0.9ct E/SI1 diamond with GIA cert, rest of diamond weight 1.53. 18K white gold (available on request with ruby heart center in place of diamond)
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO A CAREER IN FINANCE, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT IT?
I was drawn to the industry because of the opportunity to help people at all stages of their lives – from saving and spending the most efficient way to how to have a worry-free retirement. I truly enjoy the challenges that we face every day, and we welcome the hardest questions from our clients as it often gives us a chance to dive into something new. There’s nothing mundane about it!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO THE FINANCIAL SECTOR?
The best advice I can give is to work hard and be a sponge. You’ll never stop learning and you’ll never know everything in this business. So, being comfortable with being uncomfortable is good. If you spend the time researching and constantly building your knowledge base, you’ll be an asset for your clients.
SouthernOakWealthGroup.com
I am a third-generation surgeon from a small town in south Louisiana. I have many memories of my father and grandfather taking care of people in our community and spent many afternoons after school or on weekends at their offices while they were taking care of their patients. Outside of the office, I remember on multiple occasions the sheriff would come and get one of them at our duck camp on Pecan Island in the middle of the night (before email and cell phones) because a cornea became available for a corneal transplant (my dad), or someone was injured and in need of emergency surgery (my grandfather).
With my limited free time, I enjoy combining activities with friends and family with my passion for spending time outdoors, both duck hunting and on the water. During duck season, my happy place is in a duck blind!
NashvilleCosmeticSurgery.com
Russ Cook, Partner, Aaron Morales, Associate, Josh Tillman, Partner, Alex Fasching, Partner
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A LAWYER, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT IT?
RUSS COOK, PARTNER
Both my father and my grandfather were estate planning attorneys. I learned at an early age that estate planning is a family business, so that personal approach permeates everything we do. We are building lifelong relationships with every person that trusts us to serve them in this way. Each client comes to us with unique needs and circumstances. My passions are research and solving complex problems, and estate planning allows me to exercise both in building these relationships.
AARON MORALES, ASSOCIATE
I chose to be a lawyer because my skills will remain in high demand as new technologies and automation grow. Every day I enjoy my work because I get to chase my curiosity.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION?
JOSH TILLMAN, PARTNER
Learn to ask good questions and really listen. There’s an emotional purpose behind every client’s decision to come see you. In estate planning, it may be concern for the well-being of a child or hope of avoiding a painful family squabble after the loss of a parent. Sometimes saving taxes is the goal, or simply obtaining the comfort of knowing a plan is in place. Technical proficiency may be commonplace, but genuine care for your client and solutions tailored to their true needs will set you apart from your peers and make fans of those you serve.
ALEX FASCHING, PARTNER
Find your niche. The legal field is broad, so it’s essential to identify which areas of law interest you the most. Particularly with estate planning and administration, the laws are so complex, and it will serve you and the client well to focus on these areas and become the expert in your field. Then, find your balance. The legal practice can be demanding, so be sure to take care of your mental and physical health as well. Finding a balance will help you achieve long-term success and enjoyment in the legal profession.
CookTillmanLaw.com
Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Tennessee Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ORAL SURGEON?
After dental school, I completed a General Practice Residency, where I was heavily involved with the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency program. The more time I spent learning from the attendings and residents, the more I developed a passion for the complexity and attention to detail that this specialty requires. I have so much gratitude for those mentors who guided me toward a profession I love.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT IT?
I believe showing compassion and empathy for why someone presents to our office is important. Another reason I love what I do is because patients place a great degree of trust in our hands. With that trust comes an expectation of performance. It demands my very best.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
Spending time with my amazing, beautiful wife, Lily, and our two boys; Lewis (6) and Conrad (4) is always at the top of my list. From my time as a naval officer, I’ve had an affinity for the ocean, so that’s a favorite. I also enjoy doing triathlons in the summer and love watching our two boys get into sports at their age. Being able to help coach them with some of the other parents is a special thing.
TNOralSurgery.com
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN ORAL SURGEON?
I have a background in agriculture and animal science, and I got into veterinary school, but I decided I really wanted to do surgery.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT IT?
I love doing surgery, teaching and helping the community. I love interacting with patients and their families because you’re not just dealing with one person, you’re dealing with a husband or the parents, or the aunt or the uncle. It’s hard to get people to see an oral surgeon because we’re kind of the last line of defense. Most people have already seen their dentist, and they’re in pain, so before we can even do surgery, we have to get them to trust us and instill confidence that we know what we’re doing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING OF GOING INTO ORAL SURGERY?
I think everyone should try everything they want to do. If you don’t try it, you never know if you’re going to do it or not. You don’t know what you’re missing. So, I encourage younger folks to go out and visit as many hospitals, surgery offices, or dental offices as they can. I have externs and surgery residents from Vanderbilt visit me.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I’ve been fortunate enough to help the Tennessee Titans and I’m very active with the Nashville Predators hockey team. That got me into going from rodeoing and cheerleading in college to being a youth hockey coach for the past 17 years with my kids and multiple families.
I also love being outdoors and whenever I’m not here in town, it’s great spending time with family at the lake.
TNOralSurgery.com
I’ve been in it my whole life. My father owned his own shower door company. Instead of offering a wide range of products, I decided to focus just on shower doors and be a specialist and do that one thing better than everybody else.
We’re fairly new to Nashville, but I owned a shower door company in Texas for 17 years, which I sold. We’re the only company in Nashville that just does shower doors. All the others are glass companies.
I love doing something that’s so pretty when we’re done with it. We often hear, “Wow, that’s gorgeous!” Everything is custom made and there’s true craftsmanship in what we do. I also get to meet many cool and interesting people here in Nashville.
ShowerDoorsOfNashville.com
Jonathan Trusty Managing Director, Senior Wealth Advisor Southern Oak Wealth Group
The two most important parts of helping people are taking ownership of the problem and not giving up easily. I wasn’t always able to help, but I learned from each failure, whether my own or someone else’s. Over time I came to understand my contribution was to help people understand their money.
If you’re trying to find a first step, take any job dealing with money. Don’t move on from a job until you’ve stopped learning and mastered that skill.
Once you’re done growing, move on to another job. If you want to make it a career, always remember you work for your clients and not some company.
SouthernOakWealthGroup.com
Bill Breen and Hanna Paramore Breen share how Bill improves his golf game and life through planning, tips and their membership with LiveWell by Blakeford.
When it comes to top recommendations someone can do to stay active and healthy to improve their golf game on and off the course, Bill suggests that one starts with eating right. "Practice daily stretching and have a workout plan. Just move, play golf regularly. Walk as much as possible to stay in shape," he says.
He stresses how having a plan is "a big deal," and how everyone should set goals for all aspects of their lives. "Making plans can be a motivator to look back on because writing down goals holds you accountable," he adds.
When it comes to golf, Bill says it’s important to be patient and to keep learning how to improve one's game. For instance, as an instructor at Harpeth Valley Golf Center, he regularly gives his students an assessment to determine what plan of action to take at that time and then reassesses a month later.
He also suggests seeing a nutritionist, which he did after he noticed he was getting tired mentally. One of the benefits was determining to which foods he was allergic. After eliminating those triggers from his diet, he was able
to manage his weight and mental toughness, which helped improve his golf game.
Preparing for the future is important to the Breens, both personally and professionally. Hannah says it gives them peace of mind and allows them to focus on what they enjoy day-to-day.
Personal experiences led them down this planning path. Hannah says her mother has been in Alzheimer’s care for the past five years, and Bill has lost uncles during that time as well. This also showed them how expensive and confusing medical care can be, which is one of the reasons they chose to become members of LiveWell. The program pairs members with a care coordinator who helps navigate the health care system with members by attending appointments and breaking down medical jargon.
Planners by nature, LiveWell allows the Breens to remain active while taking the burden off family members. They can use Blakeford’s amenities, including a new wellness center set to open this summer, while living at home.
It all started with a simple phone call, and now a little more than a year into the program, the Breens are happy with their decision and looking forward to seeing what the future holds.
615.665.0694 | Blakeford.com/LiveWell
Senior PGA golfer Bill Breen’s career wins include the Tennessee State Senior Open he won four times. A PGA member since 1989, Bill has taught tens of thousands of golfers from the beginner to the tour level professional for more than 30 years. He has played in the U.S. Senior Open twice. He played in the PGA Professional Championship in Albuquerque, New Mexico, televised on national television in April this year.
He has two tournaments coming up this summer. In June, he says he will try for his fifth win at the Tennessee PGA Senior State Open. In July, he will travel to Wales to attempt the British Senior Open.
An important part of his preparation and planning include LiveWell, which combines the best aspects of a long-term care plan, private home care and retirement community living into an innovative package. Although more than 35 Life Plan at-home programs are in operation across the country, company representatives indicate LiveWell by Blakeford is the only program in Middle Tennessee, with a new location in Sewanee, Tennessee.
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Ran Carthon became the Tennessee Titans franchise's 14th general manager in January.
Previously, he served for two seasons as director of player personnel with the 49ers after handling five seasons as the director of pro personnel in San Francisco.
Ran, 42, was one of seven candidates to interview for the position with the Titans. "I want us to build the best team possible – a competitive, sound football team that Nashville and other surrounding areas are proud of," he says.
"We're excited to add Ran to our organization," Titans Controlling Owner Amy Adams Strunk states. "He brings a variety of valuable experiences to our team. I was impressed with his natural leadership qualities and ability to connect with people. With talent evaluation being critical to this role, the roster they've built in San Francisco stands out. He played an important role there constructing one of our league's best teams."
Ran's father, Maurice, also played in the NFL with the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts.
Ran himself played running back for University of Florida and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004. He played for three NFL seasons with the Colts and Detroit Lions.
This new Titans' leader says he doesn't miss playing as much as he misses locker room camaraderie. "In my new role, I have to leave the locker room more to the guys and let it be their personal space."
So far, he says one of the toughest parts of his new job is being away from his family. "In terms of the job, I’ve been doing this for a while, but I knew things would come up that I had no experience with. In those cases, you lean on your mentors and people who've been there."
Football executives and former players Martin Mayhew and John Lynch Jr. are a couple of the advisers with whom Ran says he's fortunately collaborated.
Regarding Ran's main considerations heading into the NFL draft as a first-year general manager, he says, "The cool thing about this experience was having a partner in Mike Vrabel. He’s done it all before. Of course, there was pressure because this was my first time facilitating an NFL Draft as a general manager, but I had a lot of experience around me to lean on and bounce ideas off of.
We also had to just trust our board, and not allow outside circumstances dictate our plan. I think we did that well."
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Ran says he's looking forward to exploring Nashville. "I’ve found a few places I already frequent, so I’m excited to keep growing that list."
Regarding hobbies, Ran quips, "If you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I have no hobbies. I have no life outside of my family and football. I do like music, though. I'm not musically inclined myself, but I appreciate it."
He says he relishes being around creators, so when he goes to Miami in the summers, he joins studio artists to just watch them create their music. "I’m looking for a studio in Nashville to engage with and spend time drawing inspiration from artists and musicians," he announces.
Ran's charitable interests lie in taking action on things that touch his heart. "I always want to lend a hand and show up for things that make an impact," he adds.
A good example of Ran's idea of support is the "Fatherhood Ticket Program" he created in Atlanta, which gives two tickets and two sideline passes to a deserving father.
"Usually kids write-in and tell us why their dad deserves it. We hear those stories about single parent households where dad wasn’t really involved, but you rarely hear the stories about where dad was involved and played a big role. It’s a great way to celebrate the men who are stepping up to fill such an important role in a kid’s life. I definitely want to bring the Fatherhood Ticket Program to Nashville. I think the community will love it," he says.
Regarding how his family's brood is getting acclimated, he says, "Our daughter is going off to college this year. I also have an assistant general manager in my house. My oldest son, at 6 years old, critiques every signing we do and every draft pick. My kids are amazing. I love spending time with them. Our house is always busy, and no one is short on opinions."
He shares that he met his wife, Heaven, during college in a Haitian-Creole class.
Ran's Father's Day tradition? "It's the best. I like to just chill out for the day. The kids will bring me breakfast and then I just have a relaxing day for myself."
Thank you to all who participated in providing joy and dignity to kids experiencing homelessness. If you weren’t able to join, it’s not too late to provide a brand new pair of shoes as they head into the summer!
Be 4EveryKid this summer!
Soles4Souls.org/4EveryKid
Our work is rooted in helping women heal, and it takes a community to make this possible.
Whether you volunteer, have lunch at The Cafè, or purchase products, everyone can support our work and share the love.
Shop now
thistlefarms.org
At Thistle Farms, we believe that love is the most powerful force for change in the world.
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Nashville Ballet company members concluded the 2022-23 Season during April at TPAC with "New in Nashville," a celebration of long-time artistic director Paul Vasterling.
“Nashville Ballet is becoming one of the top artistic institutions in the country, and we owe a tremendous amount of that success to Paul,” shares CEO/incoming artistic director Nick Mullikin. “Over the last 34 years, Paul built an organization that pushes boundaries, exceeds expectations, and inspires everyone to think bigger and do more. Because of his commitment to Nashville Ballet, we're able to take this company to the next level. He laid the foundation; now we get to build upon it.”
Under Paul's leadership, the troupe grew from 12 dancers to 32 full-time, professional global artists; toured to prestigious institutions; made regional and national broadcast television debuts; and collaborated with well-known artists.
In honor of Paul's achievements, Nashville Ballet’s board of directors voted to name him 'Artistic Director Emeritus' upon his retirement.
Effective Aug. 26, Nick will head up the group's 2023-24 season. Since joining the Nashville Ballet in 2015, and being named associate artistic director in 2018, Nick's been integral to programming choices. He's a former professional dancer with Houston Ballet and Ballet West.
Nick says, “Our 2023-24 season highlights where we came from, where we are, and where we're going. We're moving forward with ideas that make us one of the most unique ballet companies. Audiences will have chances to see things they can easily recognize, but also what the evolution of ballet looks like. We're maintaining who we are by creating eight world premieres, and fostering creativity by giving our own artists a place to create.”
“I couldn't be leaving the organization in better hands,” Paul confirms. “This transition is a natural next step and will allow for the fulfillment of Nashville Ballet’s collective vision. I've the utmost respect for Nick as a leader and an artist, and I'm looking forward to supporting him and the organization.”
Paul Vasterling / Hannah Meredith Photography
Graham Benson, originally from the United Kingdom, moved to Hendersonville eight years ago after meeting his wife Meagan, who is from Nashville, while they were attending the University of South Eastern Louisiana.
He started playing golf in college, before going back home where he toured professionally with the PGA Euro Pro Tour for four years. After which, he came back to the states to become director of instruction at Richland Country Club in Belle Meade. The club is private and member-owned since 1901. For the past five years, he has worked with their 600 members from beginners to elite juniors and LPGA players.
Graham’s top tips for new golfers:
Learn the grip, three knuckles showing on the left hand (for right handed golfers) is a good place to start for accurate and powerful shots.
To practice the correct position for your left (top) hand, I’d like you to think about picking up a suitcase with a little weight to it. You will notice that the handle will be in line with the knuckles at the base of the fingers and the thumb and heel pad hand positioned on top, try to mimic this position while holding the club.
Next up, Graham says it is important to learn to create club head speed, so many new golfers try to be too careful swinging at first. Developing club head speed is not only a good thing for hitting the ball further, but it often creates the correct dynamic body and arm motion for improving direction too.
To practice this, go ahead and turn the club upside down, holding the club near the club head with the grip end pointed to the ground, keeping the club a few inches off the ground, swing back and forth 5 times. You should hear a swishing sound at the bottom of the swing. Do this a few times and try to make the swish a little louder with each swing.
For more information:
Richland Country Club
1 Club Drive, Nashville 615.370.0036
RichlandCC.com
Graham Benson
Instagram: @grahambensongolf
Twitter: @gbensongolf
Team members at The Westin Nashville are eager to reoffer their intimate winemaker series for this year, which features renowned winemakers showcasing their finest wines, thoughtfully paired with a delectable, five-course dinner at the stunning L27 Rooftop. The meal includes valet parking at the hotel, 807 Clark Place.
It’s a great opportunity for guests to indulge in a variety of exceptional wines, including but not limited to the 100-point Napa Valley wines from JH Wheeler and the farm's portfolio, as well as the exquisite
offerings from Melka Estates, founded by Phillipe and Cherie Melka.
For those seeking a taste of the Pacific Northwest, the event series also will feature the best of Willamette Valley's Gran Moraine and Zena Crown wineries.
The winemaker series schedule is:
• June 17
• July 14
• Aug. 4
• Sept. 8
Tickets are $150 per person, and can be secured at Eventbrite.com. For each
of these dates, a reception starts at 6:30 p.m. with dinner following at 7 p.m. One of the reception plus four-course menus planned includes shrimp ceviche, lobster/ scallop ravioli, coffee-rubbed venison and veal cheek cassoulet and ice cream and caviar. Another evening spotlights pan-seared halibut, maple leaf duck breast, grilled New York strip and opera cake or berry compote.
615.248.2800
NashvilleDowntown.com/go/ The-Westin-Nashville
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
THURSDAY, MAY 25
Caylee Hammack
Catie Offerman WITH
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
Tyler Rich Graham Barham WITH
THURSDAY, JULY 20
Georgia Webster Meg McRee WITH
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
King Calaway
Ben Chapman & Co WITH
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Kassi Ashton Abbey Cone WITH
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
David Morris
To Be Announced WITH
L27 ROOFTOP LOUNGE AT THE WESTIN NASHVILLE
As a self-proclaimed student of life, Nashville-based personal and professional development coach, Isabele Lodygensky, assists others with restoring and sustaining mental and emotional well-being. Specifically, she leads individuals, corporations, schools and organizations through gaining empowerment and essential leadership skills.
Isabele's business sectors — Perform Better, which is for executive clients, and The
Mindful School of Nashville, which is applied for clients in education — are offerings that represent a unified mission: contribute to personal and professional growth while exceeding expectations in revenue and organizational efficiencies. This transformational mentor is considered an educator, executive coach, emotional intelligence speaker and mental coach all-in-one. More than 70% of her executive clients are males, she adds.
MEN LEARNING TO BALANCE WORK, LIFE, FAMILY, RELATIONSHIPS
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON"When people ask me what I do, I let them know that I'm a performance and leadership coach, and that my work is neuroscience-based. After years of studying mindfulness and leadership, I've put together a set of tools that are applicable to all people, in all settings, at every stage of life," she says.
Isabele says she especially focuses on one dimension of leadership: the leader within oneself.
"Leadership to me is how you show up for life one moment at a time. It's how you experience yourself from within, and how others experience you," she explains. "Most times, when I ask a client to tell me about themselves during our first encounter, the answer is 50 minutes of what they do."
Given those frequent occurrences, Isabele says she sees many people who unfortunately have lost a real and deep connection with the essence of who they are and what they stand for in life. The intentionality and purpose by which they live each day is lost. "There's so much 'doing' that they forget to pay attention to who is doing it. Life becomes reactive, connections are lost and the limbic system is activated at all times without any resets during the day."
Awareness of the self and self-regulation is the foundation of her work, she confirms. "From there, we explore each person's journey from a different set of soft skills, inner resilience and clarity of mind.”
She says that as for her clients and the men she serves, it gratifies her to see true leaders doing amazing work in the local community. She adds, "They wake up each day committed to being a better version of themselves, and impact others to live the same way. It's inspiring because it goes against the male nature to go inward and deep."
A native Brazilian from a Russian father and a French mother, Isabele says she arrived in the United States through a Division 1 golf scholarship. Her subsequent, professional world took various paths into finances, international business and marketing, parenting, education, finally evolving into creating her own brand in coaching, public speaking and leadership in various countries around the world. Related to her work, she's fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Golf was, but also remains, an integral part of Isabele's life in that some of her clients also are golfers and they easily engage in discussions through that sport's common language. "The lessons I myself learned over time all came from golf, such as life skills, discipline, hard work, commitment, concentration, perseverance, patience, practice and resilience," she explains.
Just like in rounds of golf, Isabele promotes clarity while helping men, women and teenagers to self-regulate and identify the best ways to focus on chosen objectives.
One of Isabele's clients recently described her as being one of the most centered people they know, and that her way of approaching problems and life in general is rational, pragmatic and above all, calm. "Her composure, thoughtful and mindful approach, in addition to her ability to flex and understand where others come from, make her a role model for those who interact and learn from her," stated this executive.
Isabele practices what she preaches, too. Calling herself “an extreme introvert," Isabele admits that after spending hours around others daily, she needs a quiet space to reset her mind and heart. "My work requires that I show up whole, and for this, it requires self discipline to recover and reset each day. I go inward a lot. I appreciate listening to silence."
Executives desire someone to talk to who doesn’t just listen, but helps them move forward in life. Life coach Isabele Lodygensky enjoys assisting people one person, one team at a time.
"There's always room to perform better."
While she shares that her heart is quiet and protected, her mind is always open in search of a new experience and opportunity. "Nashville is where I live, where my children are. It's a community I appreciate. Good has happened here. The world is where I go for wisdom, for insight to then bring it all back and continue to impact others through these experiences."
One common challenge of executives, which may cause stall outs and the inability to reach personal growth and achievements, is a subconscious chasing of personal and professional fulfillment without clear or definite purposes. Isabele says it's an honor to guide each client in their inner journeys. From a
place of vulnerability, she says they come to the other side stronger, centered and leaders beyond what they do, but in the essence of who they are.
“It all starts and ends with people. From personal interactions to company culture to productivity and capacity to impact the bottom line," says Isabele. "This is my work: I leave people and places better than I found them. My clients appreciate the connection between their personal growth along with the professional impact this work has in various aspects of their lives.”
615.856.2609 | IsabeleLodygensky.com
We’ve been serving Nashville since 1996, and we’re proud to offer two convenient locations and one amazing experience to all of our customers.
