Small Biz Profile: Coach Alice Helps Reshape Careers

WESTON, MA—Alice Ain Rich says what she does is to help people of all ages, stages and levels find their superpowers.

"My own superpowers come from my ability to read people, creatively help solve problems and persist where others may give up," said Rich. "I am skilled at every aspect of the career process from marketing material to communications coaching and mock interview training."

With offices in Weston and Newton, Rich operates Coach Alice, and helps myriad professionals reshape their career paths as a corporate consultant and career adviser.

"I have many years of experience in high technology as well as higher education, working successfully with individuals seeking career and transition advice from all industries and levels of experience; from recent college graduates to seasoned executives," she said.

When did the business start? I started Coach Alice in 2000, although have been coaching and counseling in a corporate setting since the early 1990s.

What made you decide to open this type of business? Why this location? I have always been a trusted advisor and problem solver. People have sought me out for advice for a very long time, my whole life really. When I left my teaching role at The Carroll School of Management at Boston College, my students contacted me for continued coaching and I saw a business opportunity and I started Coach Alice. My office in Newton is close to BC and public transportation and my office in Weston is a home office. I coached youth soccer in Weston for many years while raising my three kids and lots of people just called me Coach Alice when they saw me in town, so that was easy.

What do you like best about it? Helping people in a transformative way in a time of need is very important and makes me feel great. I make a positive difference, not just for my client but for their family as well. When a person needs support and direction, it can impact everyone in their life.

Biggest challenge? When I work with older clients who face age discrimination and have a lot of experience and tons to give but hit barriers because of the year they were born. I help them build bridges but it can be frustrating.

What do you see for the future? Coaching is something I can do as long as I am healthy and motivated. I wake up every morning grateful for the opportunity to do something I am good at and that makes a positive difference in people’s lives that I can see the results of each day. My mother graduated from Columbia law school in 1937 and worked into her eighties while raising 5 kids and I would like to do that as well.

Politics and business - how does it affect yours? I teach clients to live in what I call a positivity bubble and focus on what they can change, so if politics and business have a positive impact on me, I consider it. If there is negative energy, and I cannot make an impact or have control; I do my best to keep it at bay.

Know of another small business that deserves the spotlight? Email us at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

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