Meet Keisha Ebbesen, who turned her lived experience as a leader into a children's book—and used her coach training to transform fear into service.
For years, Keisha Ebbesen noticed a pattern in her work as a talent recruiter at Microsoft in Seattle. She'd meet incredibly talented individuals who would make it to the threshold of opportunity and then waver—not because they weren't qualified, but because something was holding them back.
"I saw talented individuals hesitate because they didn't always see themselves reflected in the spaces they wanted to grow into," Keisha reflects. "I wanted to share the different roles and careers that anyone can choose."
As she built inclusive, high-performing teams, something began to shift in her. It felt natural to move from bringing people into Microsoft to helping them thrive once they arrived. She became the Employee Engagement Lead at Microsoft's Atlanta office, creating culture-driven experiences focused on upskilling, reskilling, and employee wellness.
"My passion has always been about creating spaces where people can excel," she says.
But the seeds of a bigger idea were also taking root—one that would eventually become a children's book.
Creating What She Wished Existed
As Keisha began raising her daughter, she realized something profound: confidence starts young.
"I wanted to create a story that helps children see possibility before doubt appears—planting seeds of self-belief, visibility, and aspiration," she explains.
She thought about all those talented professionals she'd watched hesitate, all the conversations about representation and belonging she'd had throughout her career. What if there was a way to reach people before that doubt ever took root?
"As a parent, I intentionally expose my kids to the diversity of people and perspectives around them so they can see that brilliance exists in many forms," she shares. "That directly inspired Little Mia and the Big Tech Dream. I wanted children to see someone who looks like them dreaming big, and also know that they'll collaborate with people from all over the world."
The book tells the story of a bright young girl navigating curiosity, courage, and imposter syndrome in the world of tech—a story Keisha knew intimately from her own journey.
She chose a children's book format intentionally. "Through iPEC, I learned the power of asking instead of telling," she explains. "This book models that for families, encouraging curiosity, confidence, and big dreaming—especially when life feels busy."
Writing the book felt aligned with her purpose, and the gremlins were quiet during the creative process.
But they were waiting in the wings.
When Fear Gets Loud: The Moment of Truth
"The gremlins weren't loud while I was writing the book—they got loud when it was time to share it," Keisha admits. "That's when fear of visibility showed up."
The voice was familiar: You're not prepared enough. Not polished enough. Not "the right person" to tell this story.
"It felt familiar—the same type of self-doubt I've had to overcome in my real life," Keisha reflects. "And here I was, creating something for myself, and still facing that same internal resistance."
She'd completed the work. She'd created something meaningful. And yet, standing at the finish line, the gremlins were telling her to stay invisible. That was the decision point: listen to the gremlin, or lead with purpose.
Coaching Herself Through: Energy Leadership® in Action
This is where Keisha's iPEC training became essential, both for creating the book and finding the courage to share it with the world.
"Energy Leadership® helped me recognize that I was operating from fear, not truth," she explains. "By applying the iPEC framework, I learned to shift from Level 1 and 2 thinking—fear and self-doubt—into Level 5 and 6 energy: vision and possibility."
The shift wasn't just intellectual. It required a complete reframe of what visibility meant.
"I shifted from 'Am I enough?' to 'Who does this story empower?'" Keisha shares. "Once I saw that, I reframed visibility as an act of service—not performance. I wasn't promoting myself—I was sharing a message that could empower others."
That mindset shift from self-protection to service really opened things up. "I reminded myself that there are no mistakes—only learning and growth," she says.
When You Need Your People
Even with these tools at her disposal, self-coaching wasn’t always enough. Keisha knew she needed support when she felt frozen, in those moments when she knew intellectually what to do but couldn't move through the fear.
"My peer coach held space for me and helped me uncover that the block wasn't about the book—it was about feeling seen and worthy in my own life," she shares.
Her iPEC cohort showed up for her in the ways that mattered most. "They showed up with love, accountability, and celebration, reminding me that my voice and my work matter."
One moment stands out: "When my cohort mate's husband said he was going to buy a few copies for the office because the message was so important, I literally cried," Keisha recalls. "He is so far from the identity of Little Mia but the exact ally she needs as she grows."
That response captured exactly what the book was meant to do: create bridges, inspire allies, and show children that they belong in spaces where they can dream big.
The Ripple Effect: When Purpose Meets Action
Since the book's release, the impact has been profound. Families across Keisha's community have shared photos, voice notes, and stories about how Little Mia and the Big Tech Dream sparked conversations about dreaming bigger.
"Hearing kids say they see themselves in Mia has been incredibly affirming—it's exactly why I wrote it," she says.
But the process changed Keisha just as much as the book is changing its young readers.
"This process strengthened my belief that leadership is about living in alignment with your gifts and your purpose," she reflects. "It expanded my courage, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that the most impactful work we do comes from answering the call that's on our lives."
Creating the book required her to do exactly what she supports others in doing every day as a coach: trust herself, move through fear, and stand fully in her voice.
"It reminded me that growth happens when we're willing to lean into discomfort and stay connected to what truly matters," she says.
Coaching as Identity: Integration in Action
Today, Keisha's coaching work shows up everywhere—in her role at Microsoft, in her independent coaching practice supporting people through career transitions, and in how she moves through the world.
"Career transitions show up in my work by helping individuals gain clarity about what's next, advocate for their growth, and find spaces where their voices are valued," she explains.
But the deeper integration runs even further. "iPEC taught me that I don't have to live a 'programmed' life—I can live a life fully aligned with who I am and what I believe," Keisha shares.
Coaching isn't something she does. It's who she's become.
For Anyone Sitting on Their Dream
For those holding back on their own "big dream"—whether it's writing a book, starting a coaching practice, or something else entirely, Keisha's message is clear and powerful:
"The dream exists because it's meant for you. When you honor your dream, you give others courage to honor theirs."
She acknowledges that gremlins are real and their grip can feel strong. But she also knows something essential: "Gremlins have strong holds—but they will never be stronger than who you are."
And sometimes, the gremlins show up loudest right at the finish line, precisely because what you've created matters.
