Meet Rachel Kodanaz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Kodanaz.

Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Quick background — I was born in Connecticut and studied business in college, specifically computer science, with the goal of breaking into the newest industry of our time. My first job was with Electronic Data System (EDS) which kicked off a career of information technology and telecommunication relocating me throughout the United States. Eventually landing in Denver, I met my husband who introduced me to a lifestyle of the great outdoors. Sadly, I became a widow after only being married three years – which is what kicked off my current business of writing and presenting on all aspects of embracing life’s challenges – both expected and unexpected.

On a personal note, I’m an avid athlete pursuing unique challenges that allow me to reach past my comfort zone, including the completion of the Hawaiian Ironman. I also love to travel the world-embracing different cultures and landscapes (been to all seven continents). I’m an author, speaker and a curious, learning enthusiast.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve definitely had challenges along the way. I have chosen to embrace an industry of grief and loss that is a taboo subject in our society. Yet, with my logical, professional brain, I had a desire to bring greater clarity to a subject that was traditionally not spoken about in public. My goal of breaking the glass ceiling of the computer world drove my desire to provide clarity to those who experience untimely life transitions, supporting a younger age group that is often overlooked. Society has a tendency to think only “old people” experience loss.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
The mission of my business is to help my clients understand that ‘it’s not about what happened, but it’s what you do with what happened.’ We can’t change the past, however, we can look at our future with a desire to embrace our challenges. My unique blend of personal experience and logical mindset has allowed me to provide realistic and relatable solutions for companies suffering from an employee’s death or a co-worker returning to work after a substantial loss.

Often referred to as a heart-minded professional, I help audiences, businesses and individuals reach their potential by addressing all aspects of change, growth, and acceptance that comes with embracing life challenges. My goal is to inspire, inform and persuades audiences to be self-aware, take action, and continue to thrive personally and professionally.

In addition to presenting to national audiences of all sizes, I have published three books that provide current and relevant ideas that allow readers to embrace and live comfortably with their challenges. Each of my writings provides practical ideas and realistic approaches.

My latest book Finding Peace, One Piece at a Time: What to do with your or a loved one’s possessions provides readers with ideas for thinning, sharing and repurposing personal items. Living with Loss, One Day at a Time offers 365 daily encouragements of organically learning and embracing a loss. Grief in the Workplace: A comprehensive guide for being prepared provides support for companies who have been challenged by a loss.

What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I actually don’t feel I’ve been lucky, meaning something happens by chance. Rather, I like to say that I’ve been fortunate, when good things happen because you made the right choices in life. In fact, I share with my clients, we have so much to be fortunate about even when we have experienced a loss.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rachelkodanaz.com
• Email: rachel@rachelkodanaz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rkodanaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelKodanazAuthor/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelkodanaz
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkodanaz/

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