Trudy Taylor Smith

About Me

I am a change maker, a community builder, a writer, and a deeply intuitive, relationally-oriented, strategic thinker. I pay attention to the complex web of connections between individuals and the communities, institutions, belief structures, and cultures in which we live. When we recognize and begin to fully live into our individual and collective power, I’m in awe of our ability to shape and transform both these systems and our lives.

Professionally, I bring a wealth of diverse experience to the table. Among other things, I have practiced immigration and refugee law, taught yoga, trained as a mediator, facilitated strategic planning sessions, engaged in public policy advocacy at the local, state, and national level, and helped lead coalitions working to bring about positive social change.

Personally, I have experience skillfully navigating career transitions and international moves. I have lived and worked cross-culturally in places like Thailand, India, Argentina, China, and Canada, and I have spent years cultivating deep friendships and community with people whose backgrounds and experience are very different from my own.

I know how scary and painful it can feel to leave behind a place, a community, a role, or a set of beliefs that has come to define you. I also know the unexpected joy, richness, and freedom that are possible when we have the courage to let go of a previous self-concept and reimagine our lives.

Through all of these experiences, I have discovered firsthand the connection and growth that become possible when we choose to approach one another and the surprising unfolding of our lives with curiosity, humility, and compassion.

Education and Training

1. Juris Doctor from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia
2. Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Pepperdine University
3. Certified Master Professional Coach with 70 hours of coaching training through the Certified Life Coach Institute
4. 24-hour coaching training through Essential Impact (Vancouver, B.C.)
5. 40-hour mediation training through the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County (Texas)
6. 200-hour yoga teacher training through Semperviva Yoga Centers (Vancouver, B.C.)

Coaching with me

Results & Goals

I support values-driven professionals, leaders, and executives working in nonprofit organizations, values-driven businesses, caring professions, public service, faith communities, and coalitions working for social change to excel as leaders and drive social change without sacrificing their well-being.

Are you a leader looking to develop your capacity to

1. confidently bring more of yourself to your role;
2. act strategically;
3. inspire your people; and
4. maximize your impact?

Through coaching, I support your personal and professional growth by providing thought partnership and a confidential space in which to

1. explore your current challenges and opportunities;
2. clarify your priorities;
3. gain insight into interpersonal and organizational dynamics; and
4. make strategic, values-aligned decisions that move you forward.

Coaching with me may be a good fit if:

1. you’re a leader looking to develop your skills, maximize your impact, inspire and equip your team, or successfully navigate organizational change.
2. you’re looking for new ways to move through—and even transform—recurring conflicts or challenges in your work, on your team, or within your organization.
3. you recently started a new job and are looking to successfully adapt to and excel in your new role.
4. you’re experiencing burnout and want to rekindle your energy and joy so that you can show up fully in a career and life that align with your deepest values and needs.
5. you’re feeling directionless or are considering a career transition, but you’re unsure which way to go or what it is you really want.
6. you’re facing an important decision or life transition, and you’re looking for strategies, support, and practical tools to help you navigate change successfully.
7. you’re longing to experience deeper connection, meaning, and purpose, but you feel isolated, bored, or overwhelmed in daily life, and change feels out of reach.

How I like to coach

I believe you already contain the inner wisdom you need to guide you, and that by learning to approach your life with greater curiosity, openness, and awareness, you can unlock your full potential and transform challenge into possibility.

As a coach, I provide a confidential, nonjudgmental space to explore your values, goals, priorities, and challenges. I come alongside you as a strategic thought partner who brings curiosity, thought-provoking questions, and deep listening to help you unlock your inner wisdom and develop actionable plans to get where you want to go.

In our coaching conversations, you can expect me to be attuned, insightful, and direct as I hold a nonjudgmental space in which to explore current challenges and opportunities, generate new ideas, develop effective strategies, and chart a course toward realizing your aspirations. I will ask you thoughtful questions, share my honest observations, compassionately challenge you to move beyond familiar patterns and assumptions, and hold you accountable to the intentions you set for yourself.

Offerings

Coaching

I work with clients in person in Austin, Texas, and remotely (via phone or video call) across the U.S. and Canada. You can book one-on-one coaching sessions with me one at a time as needed, or at set intervals to provide accountability and support consistent progress toward your goals. Each session lasts 60 minutes.

I charge $150 per one-hour coaching session, and discounts are available when you purchase prepaid packages of several sessions together. See details below.

Experience, Certifications & Training

Certifications and Degrees

• Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia
• Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Pepperdine University
• Certified Master Professional Coach through the Certified Life Coach Institute

Training and development

• 70 hours of coaching training through the Certified Life Coach Institute
• 24 hours of coaching training through Essential Impact (Vancouver, B.C.)
• 40-hour mediation training through the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County (Texas)
• 200-hour yoga teacher training through Semperviva Yoga Centers (Vancouver, B.C.)

Fee description

I charge $150 per one-hour coaching session, and discounts are available when you purchase prepaid packages of four, six, or eight sessions.

Catalyst Package (4 sessions) | $560

1. Save $40 when you book four, 60-minute coaching sessions with me, conducted weekly or biweekly over 4-8 weeks via phone, video call, or in-person in Austin, Texas.

Accelerator Package (6 sessions) | $810.00

1. Save $90 when you book six, 60-minute coaching sessions with me, conducted weekly or biweekly over 6-12 weeks via phone, video call, or in-person in Austin, Texas.

Visionary Package (8 sessions) | $1,000.00

1. Save $200 when you book eight, 60-minute coaching sessions with me, conducted weekly or biweekly over 8-16 weeks via phone, video call, or in-person in Austin, Texas.