Welcome! I'm glad you're here.
At Sturdy Coaching, I have developed programs that help individuals and organizations in Trondheim overcome high stress, loneliness, burnout, and sick leave and face challenges with courage. Through coaching, workshops, and programs, I create brave spaces to discuss mental well-being and teach practical tools and techniques for dealing with internal and external conflicts.
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My vision (AKA the world I'm working toward):
A world where people and organizations are driven by inner calm, confidence, and alignment with values instead of fear, worry, and stress.
My mission (AKA how I'm going to achieve it):
To empower organizations, internationals, academics, and emerging leaders in Trondheim (and beyond) to cut the crap—avoidance, perfectionism, people pleasing—and create more brave, inclusive, and sustainable lifestyles and workplaces.
My approach:
Creating sustainable lifestyles and workplaces requires learning tools and practicing skills in 3 key areas. These are core skills that I work on with all of my clients:
Sabaoteur awareness and interception
You will learn and understand the top three forms of judgment and top nine saboteurs (stuck and unhelpful thinking patterns) and practice five steps to interrupt and reframe stuck thought patterns.
These tools allow you to have deep self-awareness, build self-leadership skills, and better handle internal and external conflicts.
Self-leadership
Together, we practice reframing, journaling, grounding, and breathing techniques. We also create space to pause and reflect on our needs, values, and where we’re moving towards or away from balance in work and life.
These tools empower you to handle stress proactively and to take action to feel 1% better and balanced, one small step at a time.
Sage (wise) mindsets
Don’t want people-pleasing and perfectionism driving your decisions? Me neither! I’ll teach you to use five mindset tools to immediately boost creativity and consciousness: proactive thinking and purpose-driven action.
The five mindsets:
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Proactive
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Empathic
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Curious
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Purposeful
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Innovative
Meet Elizabeth: Your partner in clarity and courage
Hi! I’m Elizabeth, the founder of Sturdy Coaching. My journey from small-town Dallas, Oregon, to Trondheim, Norway, has been one of growth and transformation. With a strong background in education, including a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in STEAM, I initially pursued a career as a teacher and instructional coach. However, after moving to Norway in 2015 to support my (then) partner’s PhD studies at NTNU, I faced the challenges many internationals encounter: cultural adjustment, language barriers, and the stress of adapting to a new environment.
These experiences, combined with my own struggle with burnout, inspired me to make a significant change. I realized that many professionals in Norway faced similar challenges and needed support to thrive. This led me to transition from education to coaching, founding
transition from education to coaching, founding Sturdy Coaching in February 2022. My mission is to help internationals and professionals move from overthinking and overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and courage, using the tools I’ve developed through both personal experience and professional training.
Turning my own pain and learning into power, I founded Sturdy Coaching to partner with early and mid-career professionals in Norway. My experience overcoming burnout and mental health struggles drives my passion for mental fitness and my unshakable belief that we can all build better lives when we commit to doing the work. With 10 years of experience in teaching primary and middle school, 3 years in school leadership, and 2 years as an instructional coach, I’ve honed my skills as an educator, communicator, and facilitator of learning. I’m honored to partner with my clients, helping them transform their mindsets and lives while being their biggest cheerleader along the way.
Certifications, trainings, and education
2023
Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
I have an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a prestigious certification that recognizes a coach's professional competence and adherence to the highest standards of ethical practice. To achieve the ACC, coaches must complete comprehensive training, log at least 100 hours of coaching experience, and pass a rigorous examination.
2023
Certified Professional Coach (CPCC ACC)
Co-Active Training Institute
In the Spring of 2023, I successfully received the Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) credential from the Co-Active Training Institute. This globally recognized and rigorous program involves over 125 hours of in-depth training, emphasizing the integration of coaching skills, client empowerment, and the development of a coach's own presence and authenticity.
2016-2017
Master of Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)
San Diego University
In 2017, I received my Master of Education from the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences. My courses included Social Justice and Educational Equity, Educational Research Methodology, Technology and Curriculum Design, and Creativity and Innovation in STEM.
2007-2011
Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, and Teaching
George Fox University
In 2011, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from George Fox University as the 2010-2011 Outstanding Elementary Education Student. As part of the Elementary education program, I conducted teaching practicums in 3rd and 4th grade general elementary education, and in 7th grade mathematics.
Additional certifications and trainings:
✓ EdConnective Instructional Coach Training (2022): A program that enhances my ability to support educators through effective coaching, focusing on strategies to improve teaching outcomes and student success.
✓ Positive Intelligence (PQ) Coach Training (2020): This training emphasizes mental fitness, teaching techniques to build resilience and shift from negative to positive mindsets, which I incorporate into my coaching practice.
✓ Dare to Lead Training (2019): Based on Brené Brown's research, this training focuses on developing brave leaders and courageous cultures, equipping me with tools to foster vulnerability, empathy, and resilience in my clients.
As a human, a coach, and a facilitator, I always work hard to:
... create a safe space for you and your group to share, making you feel seen, heard, and understood.
... help bring structured solutions to your challenges through organization, planning, and routines.
... understand what is special and unique about you and your organization and will help you build your self-awareness, self-acceptance, and strengths.
... will see and affirm your potential, help you find new perspectives, develop practical strategies, and make values-based decisions.
… love to challenge my clients and create action plans to build momentum, confidence, and empowerment.
… will connect you with the tools you need using my 20+ years of professional expertise (and lifelong experience as a bookworm and nerd).