Work With Me
Most high-performers don’t burn out from failure.
They burn out from succeeding at the wrong things.
I know this from the inside.
I followed the ideal blueprint for success — Harvard PhD, stable federal science career, & external validation. It worked, until it didn’t.
The cost was malaise & unrealized dreams.
These realizations led my partner & I to refit an old sailboat, leave our careers, & design a life more aligned with our values. We wanted a life around real freedom & chosen constraints. But most importantly: we wanted more confidence exploring the unknown, not the predictable status quo.
This experience has changed how I think about decisions under uncertainty. It has helped me learn that you’ll never feel ready. But when you know what you need, & you have a practical path of getting there, then you can jump when you’re capable. And you’re always more capable than you realize.
Today, I help people who feel that same internal friction make clear, grounded decisions about their new paths when the current ones are no longer working & the next ones aren’t always obvious – wherever we drop anchor.
The actual work
This is not hype coaching.
It’s not motivational speeches.
And it’s not about blowing up your life.
What I offer is a structured way to think clearly, test ideas, & move forward — without pretending perfect certainty or confidence exists.
It just takes a bit of honest reflection & guided effort.
People usually come to me when they know they’re at a crossroads – either crystal clear on what they want next, or completely unsure where to start.
Together, we work on:
Identifying what’s misaligned
Getting clear about the real risks
Pressure-testing ideas without killing them
Designing practical experiments to build momentum
Making decisions you can stand behind — & keep moving forward
The outcome isn’t 100% confidence.
It’s about the ability to trust yourself at a critical moment.
Then, it’s about knowing that you prepared well & you can keep moving on your new path.
How we can work together
Short-Term Guidance (6 Sessions)
Clarity is a process.
Over several sessions, we:
Further illuminate your values, principles, constraints (money, energy, relationships), & real priorities
Set your vision for the next 12-18 months
Identify what needs to happen & what’s flexible
Nurture & pressure-test ideas, models, & plans along the way
Build confidence through micro-experiments & identifying role models
Format: Six 60-minute video calls
💥 Ideal if you’re serious about change & want grounded guidance & support while you move forward.
Note: I typically work with only 2-3 clients at a time, wherever I drop anchor.
Current availability: next spot opens in April 2026 (to get on my waiting list, either message me on LinkedIn or email me at Coryvgerlach@gmail.com).
1:1 Clarity Sessions
A focused, straightforward session about one specific decision.
You’ll leave with:
Language for WHAT you need
More confidence describing your principles for sound decision-making
A clear understanding of what you’re actually deciding & what you’re not
A named decision or a next experiment you can stand behind
Format: One 60-75 minute video call
💥 Ideal if you’re considering a career shift, lifestyle change, or other big leap.
Current availability: Reach out about your situation, & we’ll see if it’s a good fit (either message me on LinkedIn or email me at Coryvgerlach@gmail.com).
Ongoing Mentorship (Limited)
We all need continuous support.
For a small number of people who want a steady sounding board while they:
Transition careers, countries, or other goals
Redefine “success” & “enough” on their own terms
Build & implement new relationships with work & other people
Better align reality with their values over time
Format: 60-75 minute video calls, as needed
💥 Ideal if you’re enacting a career shift, lifestyle change, or other big leap.
Current availability: Let me know what you’re needing, & we’ll see if it’s a good fit (either message me on LinkedIn or email me at Coryvgerlach@gmail.com).
Why work with me
I’m living the trade-offs right now (not theorizing)
I don’t glamorize or dramatize risk (I respect it)
I speak directly, without hype or merely telling you what you want to hear
I understand that emotions & uncertainty are part of the process
If you want someone to pump you up, I’m not your person.
If you want someone to help you think clearly & act deliberately, I am.
What others say
Shared with permission.
Is this a fit?
This is not for you if:
You want someone to tell you exactly what to do
You’re not willing to be honest or do the work
You’re chasing money or status over alignment
You’re looking for instant transformation
This is for you if:
You’re willing to look honestly at what’s working for you & what’s not
You’re open to doing some deep & intensive work
You want practical guidance to move forward (not ideology)
Let’s chat
If something here resonates, let’s talk.
If we’re not a fit, I’ll tell you.
Not ready yet?
Message me on LinkedIn or email me at Coryvgerlach@gmail.com with a question. I read everything & respond personally.
—Cory
