The poem that made me thirsty.

Years ago a friend sent me the above poem by Hafiz. It tells of a fish riding a camel in the desert. Talk about lost. The fish senses that things are out of whack—and I could relate. Shortly after September 11, 2001, my husband was sent to the Middle East for a year. During that time, I was nervous, frustrated and angry that my life was on hold. Fortunately, this was also an opportunity to reevaluate my life.

People rarely take the time to study their lives and how well things are working for them. I was no different. I had not realized how thirsty I was for change. Once I acknowledged this, I revamped my life with the help of a life coach. Impressed with the process, I decided to pursue life coaching as a career. With this change came a lot of fear about how I would get it done and how successful I could be. The great news is that coaching can identify and eliminate sources of resistance that keep you from pursuing your goals. Click here to find out how I do this with my clients.

I didn’t stop there. Coaching helped me change more than my career. I had spent 26 years in Seattle, a gorgeous city but often rainy and gray. Hidden in my heart was a delicious dream to live somewhere sunny and warm. And hidden deeper was what I call my surfer girl vision. Not only did I desire sun, I wanted to live near the beach and be tan, fit, relaxed—and well, cool. My dreaming evolved to scheming, but I didn’t think I could leave my friends, family and the familiar. Fortunately, coaching tools can be applied to any situation or problem. My husband and I now live in Coronado—a beautiful, laid-back beach community outside of San Diego.

Change is absolutely possible and the evidence can be found in my smile (see left).

Since this poem inspired a change in my life direction, I named my company Damn Thirsty. And now, I help lost fish find their way back to where they are meant to be.

My background

My training has been both comprehensive and diverse. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology from Bastyr University. I selected Bastyr because it is the world’s leading natural science institution and offers a mind-body-spirit approach to psychology. This program incorporates rigorous psychology instruction as well as courses in personality, disease processes, psychotherapy, spirituality, Ayurvedic and Oriental medicine, and wellness.

In addition to my university education, I have received extensive professional coach training. I graduated from the highly selective Martha Beck Life Coach Training. The founder, Dr. Martha Beck, has developed a strong coaching curriculum based in neuroscience, transformational learning and behavioral science. Martha is a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and writes a monthly article for O Magazine. She has also written a number of books dedicated to helping people find their right life. I was personally trained by Martha Beck and received my life coach certification in 2007. In addition, I am an active member of Coachville, a coaching association and training program.

I have been coaching clients in private practice since 2003. Prior to starting my coaching business, I worked for over 14 years with senior executives at industry-leading companies. Before entering the corporate environment, I studied Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned my private pilot license.

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Testimonials

Wendy Kranz is a sharp, warm, enthusiastic, truly gifted life coach. Her style is extremely supportive; if you’re in the middle of a complicated life change or want to push yourself to unprecedented levels, Wendy will yank you up and hold onto you while you get your bearings. She’s the perfect coach for someone who wants five-star treatment. Hire her as a treat for yourself.

—Martha Beck, Life Coach, Columnist and Author

Wendy is a fantastic listener and maintained an excellent history of the issues and challenges we discussed. She was prompt, responsive and gave me a unique perspective and insight to my personal situations that I had not even considered. She was able to coach me through difficult relationship issues from a perspective that enabled me and my girlfriend to have calm, collected and successful discussions about our relationship.

—A. J., Executive Recruiter

Wendy instills self-sufficiency. She gets to know what is important for me, sets my compass and provides tools of how to check in with it. When I am confronted with challenges or big decisions, I know how to conduct self-diagnosis. I have clarity on how I should proceed according to what is important to me and the big picture.

—Lisa, Program Manager

Wendy’s coaching is always thoughtful and actionable. I have never met someone who possesses all of these characteristics and still has the ability to create an environment of safety and warmth for the people she works with.

—John Yamin, Chief Executive Officer

Her reassuring demeanor and suggestions of “tools I can put in my tool box” are priceless. Wendy is a natural coach who lives her life the way she advises her clients. She is a breath of fresh air who offers kindness and knowledge with every meeting.

—S. R., Consumer Relations Supervisor

Wendy has helped me through many issues: infertility, raising a challenging child, marital difficulties and divorce, legal problems, and work issues to name a few. She has guided me and helped to “heal” me time and time again.

—Lynn, Office Manager

Just when I thought I couldn’t live through one more day, Wendy puts it all in a sentence, culls it all down to a manageable portion and gets me to the next level. Before I know it, my life is moving forward.

—R. Z.

Before coaching, I was paralyzed by depression and fear. I felt like I was dying emotionally. Now I feel that I am growing and moving forward. I am happy – I feel safe. I am able to pass Wendy’s guidance and wisdom on to my two daughters and I feel that my improved life is the best example I can set for them.

—L. M., Executive Assistant

For over 12 years now Wendy has walked beside me, encouraged, challenged, cared and advised me through many major losses and hurdles along my life’s journey. I’m a better leader, father, brother and friend because of Wendy.

—Tom Hebner, Vice President of Operations

Wendy has the ability to ask amazing, thought-provoking questions that enable a person to get clear on issues great and small. I had been muddled for months with an issue in my marriage. After some discussion, she challenged me with, “Accept it, change it or move on.” I’ve found changing is the most satisfying road to take. I would highly recommend Wendy as a life coach. She will get you where your heart’s desire is leading you.

—Janice Supplee

I am grateful for the help and guidance Wendy provided in navigating my career path. The help Wendy has given me through her empathetic listening, her ability to keep me on track, and, at times, her tough love have truly guided me towards the life I know I deserve to have.

—Melisa, Creative Director

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