My name is Tracy Schira-Parker and I welcome you to my digital home where you can find out what I do (services), how I think (podcast/blog), and how I serve (training/speaking).
When I visit an ‘About’ section of a website, I am looking for a couple of things:
Is this person the real-deal?
Do I resonate with them?
I hope to achieve that here for you.
The formal stuff (credentials):
I have a bachelor of commerce and a CPA (certified professional accountant), CMA (certified management accountant) designation.
I am a certified coach – an ACC (associate certified coach) through the International Coaching Federation.
I’m also trained in economic development, project management, investments, marketing, and on-line business/marketing.
What I have done:
I started my own consulting business back in 2003, and at that time I am grateful I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I knew moving back to rural Saskatchewan would not provide an abundance of professional opportunities and I knew I would have to work hard to open my own doors. What I didn’t realize is that 30 year old women (in the middle of their child bearing years) don’t become consultants. In the 15 years I have been an independent consultant, I have not come across another woman working independently in this capacity. Without a ‘path’ to follow or mentors to learn from, I put my head down, worked hard, and persevered, and happy to say that I made it,….and it’s been a great ride. Due to geography and demographics, I have spent the past 15 years primarily working in the agriculture and construction industry, and working in Indigenous communities (in many capacities).
In this time I have had the opportunity to learn and do so much; from CEO, finance management, and government contracts to strategic planning, project management, succession planning and so much more.
What makes makes me unique (aka ‘weird’):
I have spent all of my adult life as a student of holistic healing, motivational, and spiritual teachings. Back in the day (yes,..I’m getting old), I would save up to buy these cassette tape programs, and listen to them in my car, but since I knew people would think I was weird, I would hide them in my trunk so nobody would ask what I was listening to. I have read and listened to hundreds and hundreds of books and programs teaching topics across the spectrum – I am a life long student. As people started to approach me more asking for advice and recommendations as they started on their holistic and spiritual journey – I wanted to create a platform that I could share, teach, and help people on their journey.
I’m a seeker of deep truth:
I was going to say I’m a straight shooter, but it’s really more than that. I am deeply curious and I am willing to dive deep into courage in order to come out the other side more aligned with the deep truth around the problem or situation. Brene Brown has a saying “you can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both”. Choosing courage is how I am wired. What this means for you is that if you need someone to sugar coat the truth because you want to keep things comfortable, I am likely the wrong person for you. If you are looking for courage, bravery, strength, and resiliency to come out on the other side in a better place, we will likely be a great fit.
I’m grit and grace
I watched a TED talk not long ago, and it outlined what people need to be successful. Grit. As I listened I was like – hey – that’s me! Now I’m no where near where I want to be professionally, but I have grit, and it has served me well over the years. I know how to dig deep and believe in the impossible when all the stakes are stacked against me.
Grace – now that’s what I pray for. Due to my wildly curious truth seeking mind mixed with my direct nature, I am always asking for more grace – both for myself and those around me. It is the aspect of living a wholehearted life that I know I always need to move back to. So,…in every situation and in every arena,..I pray for grace.
That is it.
If you want to explore more, please don’t hesitate to send me an email or give me a call.
With Grit & Grace
Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA, CMA, ACC
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