When it comes to embracing pandemic-related change, one Penn State alumna has done it well.
In the past couple of years, Deanna Figurito left her job, started her own company, moved to a different country and got married. Oh, there’s a baby on the way, too.
“When I made this pivot, maybe it was a little scarier than things I had done earlier in my career because at this point, I knew what I didn’t know. Plus, there were a lot of doubters,” said Figurito, who earned her bachelor’s degree in advertising/public relations in 2006. “But, when you open your mind up to the possibilities, you realize you can do the things you want.”
Figurito, who had worked in the corporate advertising world for 13 years, left her job two years ago. She had previously launched a side business running luxury yoga retreats, and her experience mentoring and supporting clients and colleagues helped her formulate a plan to pursue her passion.
Figurito launched DFig Connects Coaching and Consulting, an executive coaching group, in March 2020. The company is based in New York City and she works with clients in the United States and Europe — often high-achieving leaders making career transitions. And, while the coaching space might seem crowded to some, and a challenge to navigate for a start-up company, Figurito’s optimism defines her approach.
“Whether it be for your career, a career transition or ‘upleveling’ in your current company — whatever it is you want to do — I think there’s a lot of space for coaching,” she said. “Plus, it’s how you think about competition. I live in an abundant mindset. I think there’s enough out there for everyone.”
Figurito met her husband, Miguel Gonzales, who’s from Peru, on one of her yoga retreats. Because she was making a career change, the personal change seemed logical as well. She’s living in Peru and the family’s first child is due in June.
She said the lifestyle in Peru, with an emphasis on creativity and entrepreneurship, has been helpful and supportive.
There have been hurdles, though. “It is tougher than I anticipated because I was so used to having my hand held by corporate in my previous positions,” she said. “But you figure things out.”
Once she made her decision, she studied, got certified and started building her client base. The career change — as well as the location change and impending motherhood — helped improve her positivity and productivity, she said.
In many ways, the moves were well-timed. More consistent use of technology by companies and individuals has made her location less important than it would’ve been a just a few years ago, and her business model allows her to potentially grow her coaching firm with young professionals interested in gig economy opportunities and seeking flexibility themselves.
How a small company deals with its founder and leader’s maternity leave — if one exists — represents the next challenge, but Figurito does not shy away from those kinds of things. She sees them as opportunities.
“With this shift, I can be more intentional about my career,” she said. “Other people don’t always see your vision — and it all scared me a little bit because of that — but it’s really been exciting and gratifying.”