Sharon is an energetic, motivating and highly skilled consultant specializing in workplace wellness, corporate training programs and motivational speaking presentations. Her background includes 30 years as an educator in a diversity of environments on such subjects as: Workplace Wellness, Sleep, Creating Healing Environments, Feng Shui, Lifestyle Balance, The Air we Breathe, Customer Service, Leadership, Teambuilding, Negotiation Skills, Ethics, Stress and Time Management and Humor in the Workplace. She enjoys working with clients in a variety of industries, including, but not limited to – Construction, Healthcare, Education, Hospitality, and Merchandising.
President, Core Consulting Group, LLC and Managing Partner, Core Wellness International, Sharon truly leads the field. Her articles related to wellness have been published in Remarkable Woman Magazine, the Sierra Club, and the American Organization of Nurse Executive’s newsletter as well as multiple business publications. She has appeared on NBC news, the local Filipino Station, s and been quoted in newsletters and journal articles. She is the author of 7 books, including B is for Balance, and numerous peer-review manuscripts.
Sharon was recently named an International Advisor to the Nightingale Initiative on Global Health (NIGH). She was also recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) as an Exceptional Women/Exceptional Leader for 2007 and again in 2008. This program honors women entrepreneurs who have integrated business success with a commitment to serving others.
Sharon is a member of the Medical Wellness Association, the American Wellness Institute, the Infinity Foundation, Chicago Healers, Autism Speaks, and the American Holistic Nurses Association. She was named Consultant of the Year for 2006 and 2007 for a Japanese wellness company and she is founder of the Integrative Health Forum, an alliance of licensed healthcare practitioners committed to creating the evidence base for wellness practice. She served as advisor to Central Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia from 1993 – 2005 and oversaw the construction of a western-style International Patient Department. She has advised US healthcare organizations and schools on the creation of healing environments that promote well-being.
Sharon earned a Master’s Degree in health management and gerontology, a certificate in health administration, a bachelor’s degree in nursing and behavioral science and is a graduate of the Kellogg Executive Management Program and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She is a frequent presenter at domestic and international meetings and symposia.
About Core
Core Consulting Group, LLC partners with clients to address critical business, operational, and human resources imperatives. Our clients include healthcare systems, hospitals, school systems, health ministries, law firms, physician practices, and spas. Core Consulting Group LLC is uniquely qualified to collaborate with you and your organization as you address patient safety, the continuum of care, medical errors, the balanced scorecard, the nursing shortage, business development and marketing within the continually evolving wellness industry...
When you first started your career/business did you feel passion for your work?
When I began my consulting group, I was passionate about my work and the contribution that I could make to the healthcare community. My passion was based on a 35 year career as a healthcare provider within the United States and abroad, and the conviction that I could bring great satisfaction and meaning to the lives of others.
When you first started were you able to visualize your final outcome?
My consulting practice initially focused on healthcare outcomes and safety, and yes, I was able to demonstrate successes across the map. When I expanded my practice to include wellness, I knew that I would be a success.
What were you top three obstacles/challenges?
We all face challenges as we grow our businesses. For me, the three top obstacles were my reputation as an allopathic professional and a credibility factor, lack of knowledge about a network distribution model of business, and having never networked before.
How did you deal with doubt, fear, and self recrimination?
I never had much self-esteem. I came from a family in which I was told to learn to type because I would never amount to much. I left home at age 15, and I have supported myself ever since. I learned through a positive role model/mentor in my life that I am capable to doing anything, if I put my mind to it. I needed to get out of my own way; often our own worst enemy is ourselves. Fear is false expectations appearing real! If someone says no to me, that person may not be the person with whom I want to share my work. Those who join me on the wellness journey become not only business partners, but great friends.
Did you feel that the traditional male dominated workplace affected you at all? If so, what did you do about it?
Having lived in 6 states and 2 countries, I had many jobs and many bosses. My favorite corporate position was in an organization headed by a male who surrounded himself with talented women and let them do their work to make him look good. Until he sold his share of the business, at which time my new boss was the traditional made dominator, I loved the work and the company. When the tables turned, I knew that it was time to move on, and out!
Did you have mentors? If not, why? If yes, tell us about them?
I have taught mentor/mentee relationships through the nursing honor society and through my leadership institute (www.gedinfp.com); thus, I believe in mentors. I have sought professional mentors within my field, and I have learned a great deal from each of them. Inspired by a career touched by amazing mentors throughout the world, my work has been, and will continue to be, about service to others. By the way, one of my best business mentors has been my MBA daughter.
Do you feel you were traditional in terms of your steps to your Optimal Level? If yes, if no, please explain.
I do not believe that I have been traditional at all. As I indicated, I had little self-esteem. I began my nursing journey with a scholarship from the Philadelphia public schools and saw it as a means to support myself. With a 3 year education, and the first in my family to go beyond high school, I did not perceive myself as an educator, author, public speaker, mentor of mentors. I don’t know if I would have been happy with the traditional nursing job, perhaps marrying and having a family. But, I was blessed to meet an extraordinary man who had grown up in a terrific, loving family – one that valued education – and I embraced that concept and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree and two master’s. I also identified a specialty for myself within the field of nursing and went on to become the national president of my professional society. And then, I wrote the book on the subject, as well as 6 others and became a renowned expert in the field. I have always been one step ahead of the pack and was first in home infusion, in practice management, international nursing, and now, once again – I am ahead of my peers in wellness.
As you look back, what is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?
I wish that I knew more about the efficiencies of running a business; knowing what you do well and farming out the rest is critical to one’s success.
Any regrets?
I regret that I was not exposed to the wonderful world of wellness prior to 2002; I feel blessed to be a part of my organization, and I am grateful that Nikken came into my life.
Do you believe luck had something to do with your rise to where you are now?
I believe firmly in the Law of Attraction and in attitude. The first chapter in Lead the Field by Earl Nightingale is about The Magic Word: Attitude, and how it determines your actions. Our attitude toward life determines life’s attitude toward us. You attract what you are…
Do you feel you paid a price to be as successful as you are now?
I believe that I lost valuable time with my family while I pushed myself to pursue my educational and practice dreams. However, by leaving the business world to become an entrepreneur, I have developed time and money freedom, and new balance in all areas of my life. My greatest joy is family and my greatest overall contribution has been bringing three wonderful young people into the world that care for, and about, others.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other women on their way to their Optimal Level?
Know thyself, and follow your dreams!
Do you have any other tips for career or business women?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help; seek professional support through networking groups, mentors and colleagues. Use the resources available through NAWBO, e-Women, and Optimal Level to help you to grow personally and professionally.
What do you think is the biggest mistake career/business women make?
I think that women sometimes forget to trust their inner voices – their inner selves – their intuition.
