Who is Carolyn Caldwell? It seemed like a simple enough request. In a recent content coaching session. Leigh Fowler, pointed out that I had not introduced myself to my followers in a very long time. If ever.
Hmmmm….well that got me thinking.
I started my organizing business in 2005. This coming July I will celebrate 19 years in business. Much has changed in 19 years with the world around me, in my business and in me. My client base has changed as my business focus as evolved and my skill set has developed.
So here goes – a reintroduction of Carolyn Caldwell.
Who was I before my entry into the organizing industry?
My original career was in healthcare where I trained as a nurse. Then there was a stint working in Bella Coola on the northwest coast of Canada then overseas with CUSO in Kimadan, Papua New Guinea.
When Dad (Dr. Caldwell) and Mom came to visit Kimadan, Papua New Guinea.
In PNG I supervised two rural health centres and was responsible for connection with ten outpost first aid stations.
I was 25 years old when I arrived, 27 when I left and aged a few decades while there. It was crazy wonderful and sometimes just plain crazy. Yes, I had malaria, almost got myself deported and learned one of my still favourite Christian songs.
Back in Canada I lucked into a spot at the University of Alberta for a Masters degree in health administration. By the time a graduated I was certain I wanted to complete a Phd. I still am certain, however, after over 30 years and two careers the subject matter has changed dramatically. My time in health care admin lasted only 8 years before the toils of the 80’s and 90’s in health care in Ontario wore me down.
With two small children, a house, husband and mortgage, the days of travelling the country with all my worldly belongings on my back in a knapsack were over.
How did I get started in the organizing and productivity industry?
About that time my daughter learned to channel surf with our new digital TV box. She landed on Peter Walsh‘s Clean Sweep and I was smitten. I was fascinated with the marriage of organizing as a profession and the psychological issues of being disorganized. While watching every episode I could find, I also came face to face with the reality I was keeping way too many baby clothes and supplies. I was 44; the likelihood of more children was slim. So, I watched and purged. Bags and bags of gear left our house. While auditing a coaching program for a friend, I realized there might be a business venture for me.
Thus, in 2005 Wellrich Organizers was born. I found the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization, now the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). I joined the Professional Organizers in Canada (POC) and the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO). Having been socialized by the health care system that credentialing protects the public, I worked hard to achieve my Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and my Certified Professional Organizer designations. I subsequently went on to earn my Master Trainer designation with ICD.
Having volunteered in leadership since university, jumping into the volunteer leadership track was a natural step. By 2009 I was a Director on the POC Board of Directors and currently have been honoured to serve as President of the Board of Directors for ICD.
Carolyn Caldwell as Coach
I get the best views at the top of the ski hill.
Before long in, it was clear that coaching was an obvious skill to add to my tool box. I credentialed as a Certified Organizer Coach and subsequently transitioned to a Certified Productivity Coach. The addition of coach training has probably been one of the most influential parts of both my organizing career and training. Coaches learn to support and hold space for their clients. They believe their clients and knowledgeable, competent, resourceful and whole. Stepping back as the expert and holding space for clients completely changed my approach as an organizing professional. As my practice has evolved, I have developed a proprietary coaching model Mindfully, I AM Evolving.
Carolyn Caldwell as Teacher
I taught sailing as a teenager and have taught skiing professionally, as a CSIA member and ACA coach since my children could carry their own skis and ski better than me. It seems only natural to add teaching to my career in the organizing and productivity world. I’ve created courses on marketing, planning and kickstarting a new service-based business. Having made many, many mistakes as an entrepreneur, and invested heavily in my personal development, I realized I could shorten the learning curve for others.
Caldwell Evolution Inc Today
The word Evolution came from a mentored coaching session with other coaches seeking recertification. It was perfect. Evolution describes my exact understanding of the decluttering, learning, coaching and getting things done process. I incorporated the business in 2015 and launched the new company in 2016. In 2020 a rebranded to the look, touch, feel you see today. The wing over wave represents the freedom of flying and the nourishment of water. My goal is that clients would achieve that sense of freedom by mastering clutter-free living for a calm and powerfully productive life.
I love the work that I do coaching and teaching. I especially love that I specialized in working with individuals managing chronic disorganization. Most of my clients have been diagnosed with ADHD, regardless of whether they seek my out because they are overwhelmed with clutter, frustrated trying to get stuff done or discouraged at not getting their business up and running.
Watching clients achieve those AH HA moments makes it all worthwhile. When they tell me they are becoming, evolving, to the best version of themselves, the version that THEY want to be, are goosebump moments for me.
