Meet Maia

Powerful presence has been my passion since I was 7 years old.

One day I walked into the living room where my parents were watching Laurence Olivier on TV; he was playing Hamlet. Although I had no idea what he was talking about or what he was doing, I was so engrossed by his presence that my mouth dropped open. I was mesmerized—he simply “had me at hello.” I knew at that moment that I wanted more of that—I wanted to be able to have that same effect on other people when I grew up.

I’ve come a long way from that mesmerized 7-year old. My journey has been rich and deep, challenging and rewarding—a direct result of my early choice of taking the “scenic route” and learning things “the hard way.”

The gift I received from that choice was an instinct for creating strategies.

At this point in my life, the art of creating strategies for success comes as naturally to me as breathing. It’s taken me from 17-year-old runaway to sandblasting and painting submarines in the US Navy, from non-traditional jobs as a skilled laborer in the Navy as well as in the private sector, to certified addictions counselor and employee assistance professional to keynote speaker, master trainer and co-active coach.

Even though there have been times when I have not used it—when I have denied it or forgotten it, that powerful presence has always been inside me. Along the way, I have learned how to find it in myself, to own it and to draw from it.

The greatest gift of my life has been to share my strategies with other people so they can find that Powerful Presence inside of themselves.

My experience

• Master Trainer: I’ve been training adults since 1982 on strategies to increase your skill in interpersonal communication, especially in challenging relationships. Along the way, I’ve created over 30 original training programs.
• Keynote Speaker: I’ve been a motivational keynote speaker since 1987 for audiences as large as 1800, across 40 states, Canada, Australia, the UK and the Dominican Republic. My specialty is powerful presence in all of its forms. My audiences range from professional associations, universities, government and private industry, non-profits and professional women’s organizations. Along the way, I’ve created over 20 original programs.
• Co-Active Coach: I have been informally coaching as part of my training programs for over 20 years; I graduated from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI) in March 2005 and completed the Leadership Program in June 2005. My coaching clients include women executives and professionals, both new and seasoned speakers, veterans, trainers, and the presidents and owners of small-to-medium-size companies.
• Author: My three books focus on strategies for powerful presence, whether in your personal and professional life, as a speaker, or in the classroom as a trainer.

The strategies I share with you for developing and using your unique powerful presence are the ones that I use in my own life. When you work with me, you will have an experience that is vibrant and nurturing, empowering and direct—one that is completely focused on you stepping into your own powerful presence.

I look forward to working with you!

Maia brings unbridled passion and huge love that both comforts and calls us forth at the same time. She embodies safe and courageous. Watching her is like watching pure love in motion.

Cathy Jacob, ABC, CPCC
Tiger Lily Coaching, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Maia is an insightful and gifted trainer and group facilitator. She has a keen ability to ‘read the room.’ She trains by sensing what is really going on for other people, then flexing to meet participants where they are to help them move forward.

Cris Janzen, Janzen & Associates,
Seattle, Washington