Life By Design Coaching - Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. -

Nikoo Berenji

I’ve been working with Brandy on and off for almost three years, and I can confidently say that she’s been a game-changer in my life. I was reluctant about the value of coaching initially and interviewed many before meeting Brandy, but from the start, I felt she was different from the rest: super smart, kind, genuine, and she really understood the unique challenges of being a high-achieving, professional mom who’s also searching for balance in life.

The first time I worked with her, I needed help launching a business idea, and Brandy was the reason I was able to get it off the ground (and then recognize I didn't want to do it anymore!). The second time, it was more about finding balance and peace in my life, and again, she was instrumental in helping me reach that place. I’ve just started working with her for a third time on a new project with my partner, and he’s been equally impressed. Brandy’s ability to help us organize our thoughts, set clear goals, and hold us accountable has already proved invaluable.

Beyond the major milestones, Brandy’s tips on small but impactful things—like setting up a better to-do list system or simplifying parenting tasks—have made a huge difference in my day-to-day life. I feel truly blessed to have found her and can’t recommend her enough to anyone seeking a coach who genuinely cares and delivers results.

Andrew Shiotani

I've benefited incredibly from working with Brandy - I started working with her several months ago, when I decided I needed to take a more strategic and reflective approach to my job search and job change strategy. She's since helped me to expand my horizon of possibility and to invest more time in cultivating my sense of interest and passion in what I want to do. Our conversations have ranged from the immediate and practical to the long-term and philosophical - while I initially was skeptical of the value of career coaching, her dedication, commitment, and incisiveness have proven their value to me.

Sarah Cuevas

Brandy is passionate and committed to her practice, I have had wonderful experiences while meeting with her throughout the year for career coaching. She is warm, kind, astute, and tenacious.

In my experience with Life By Design coaching, Brandy uses her authority, passion, and experience in this field to offer a lot of wisdom and truth to the career situations I am going through. She will also come alongside you and be your partner, counselor, advocate, and confidant in your career search. Brandy pushes you when you need some tough love 😉 and is dedicated to helping her clients feel empowered and realize the inherent value we all have as humans. Now, I am confident that I don't need to settle for a job that doesn't meet my needs, and that everyone deserves a healthy work environment!

Additionally, Brandy has expertly counseled me through some pretty negative and hostile job situations, and she is equally as dedicated to celebrating the successes I am experiencing in my career journey. 10/10 would recommend her services.

Joy Ross

Brandy helped me tap into the courage I didn't know was there at a time when I was trying to reimagine a second career for myself. We started out exploring the perfect job opportunities, but through Brandy's self-discovery process, I learned that starting my own business would bring me the most satisfaction in having autonomy, flexibility, and a balanced life with my two kids. Even when I thought I was being unrealistic wanting to find ALL of those things in a career, she would always say "It's not too much to ask." It was the nudge I needed to get out of my head and take that leap.

So every time I have a big, scary idea, thought or opportunity, Brandy's reaffirming words remind me "It's not too much to ask." And with that, I'm now a small business owner and I'm shooting for the moon! Highly recommend her for any part of your life and/or career journey. You won't regret it.

Eleanor Arabia

Brandy is an exceptional Life Coach and I would highly recommend her to anyone navigating career and/or life transitions. I worked with Brandy on a career pivot when relocating to a new city as well as on my doctoral research strategy. What distinguishes Brandy is her sheer intelligence, outstanding listening skills, ability to discern subtle details and themes, and create an environment conducive to meaningful self reflection. She effectively challenged my thinking, offering keen insights and ready access to useful resources to assist with refining my research and choosing a new career path. Her flexible service delivery model has allowed me to address challenges as they arise, and circle back for check-ins as needed. Brandy is able to very quickly get to the heart of a matter and provide sage, well-supported advice. For those undergoing transitions or seeking clarity in any facet of their life, there is no better sounding board and thought partner than Brandy.

Lipika Subbiah

When I started working with Brandy, I was burnt out in my corporate role and my dream of starting my own coaching business was 10 years away. Brandy helped me with practical strategies, tools, and guides to manage my time effectively and efficiently at work. She also challenged me to get started now on my dream to start my own business. Today, I feel empowered to manage my well-being. I feel rested. I feel creative. I'm also excited to be working on my website and bringing my dream to life much sooner than I had hoped! I couldn't recommend Brandy enough as a coach. She really has transformed my life!

helen moon

I started working with Brandy when I was ready to transition out of my current job role. Her guided questions, homework, and detailed notes were helpful navigating the many changes that happened since our first meeting.

Every session brought more clarity to my journey and her deep understanding of where I am currently, her feedback, and structured know-how on next steps were invaluable tools for me.

It is a journey aligning the elements that make work meaningful and Brandy has been instrumental in helping me as I carve out this path.

Jake Knight

Working with Brandy has been a positive and productive experience. I highly recommend working with her if you are in transition or seeking clarity on next steps. Prior to our work together, I had pages of notes, ideas, and thoughts. I was overwhelmed, scatered, and uncertain on what to pursue or where to focus my attention. I knew I was in a major life transition and I needed a skilled thinking partner to assist me in sorting it all out. Brandy is a great listener and picks up on all of the subtle details and themes. Our time working together helped me gain clarity and confidence on how to move forward. I highly recommend working with her if you have the opportunity!