I Never Outgrew the Horse-Crazy Phase, And It Made Me Better at My Job

...and it made me better at my job.

It's difficult for me to separate my passions; one flows into another, or at least the crossover skills and the feelings they evoke in me. Horses have been the longest-standing constant in my life, even before I ha

d a "real horse," I had an imaginary one named Lightning (he had a bit of a vengeful streak, like the day that "Lightning" kicked that bully in the shin at preschool).

I spent a couple of decades trying to figure out how to turn my passion into a career. Instead, I discovered another passion in my career, helping to clarify and simplify what was often far from it.

It wasn't until recently that I had the "ah-ha" moment when I realized that it was through horses - what they teach me, the emotional connection they provide, and the clarity with which they thrive - that I have developed many of the skills I bring to my work.

The more of our authentic selves we bring to our professional life, and by extension, to LinkedIn, the more meaningful our connections will be. I often find myself looking at LinkedIn as something I "should" be more engaged with, but I struggle to find my voice on this platform. Perhaps I need to discuss more how horses have shaped me, developed my communication skills, and daily "fill my cup."

With that, I suppose I should introduce the "other" side of me - Kay LaCoe, the girl who never outgrew that "horse crazy phase."