Philip A. Okrend

Phil knows that living a life from your own values and unique talents will allow you not only to personally thrive, but to be able to contribute more fully and profoundly to the world in which we live. 

Phil began his professional career as an attorney in New York, specializing in business and family law. As a result of his own self reflective journey, he was able to transition into the life of a creative entrepreneur. Along with his wife and partner, Elise, he took a creative idea from inception and developed it into a successful greeting card company, MixedBlessing, Inc.. Through their vision and efforts, they were able to sell and distribute our cards to the finest stores throughout the country. The story behind their company has been featured in national media such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Businessweek Online, The Washington Post, The News and Observer and seen on Good Morning America.

Enjoying the freedom and fulfillment of living a dream, Phil is committed to helping others create their own unique vision of possibility. As a coach he will support you on a journey of discovery, planning and action taking, leading to the success you desire. 

Phil received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1982 and his Juris Doctor Degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1985. He is an AOC Certified Mediator in the State of North Carolina.

He is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and received advanced training through the Coaches Training Institute. Member of the International Coach Federation. Phil lives in Raleigh, NC with Elise his wife of 22 years, their two teenage sons Jordan and Joshua and their blue eyed dog, Maya.

One of the passions and special talents Phil has is for music. He composes and performs on the piano and frequently performs in the Triangle area of North Carolina with his son Jordan, a gifted guitarist.  Phil produced, composed and arranged the CD, Dinner Notes, A Smooth Blend of Jazz and Rock which is available on Amazon.com. He is very excited to introduce his latest CD, Emergence, A Meditative Journey Through the Seasons. This transformative CD includes guided visualizations and meditative music to help people become centered and peaceful on a daily basis. Emergence recently received a glowing review in CHOICE, The Magazine of Professional Coaching. Click here to sample and order Emergence.

Click to listen to other original music by Phil

"A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself."
-Maya Angelou

Elise R. Okrend

Career and Creativity Coach

My creative spirit flows through my coaching work. I provide a nurturing environment where my clients can fully explore their creative ideas and achieve their vision and success. I coach individuals in career transition as well as creatives ready to bring their ideas to life. My specialty is creative product development, coaching you from idea to tangible, marketable product!

I offer 15 years of experience of creating my own vision into a successful greeting card company, MixedBlessing. MixedBlessing cards are currently

sold in fine stores throughout the country. The story behind my company has been featured in national media such as The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Businessweek Online, The Washington Post and seen on Good Morning America. For you, the benefit is being walked through my step by step process of turning an idea into a product. Coupled with the coaching process, you will gain clarity, support, accountability and the focus you need to achieve your creative vision. You will develop the inner tools necessary to allow your creative talents to shine and achieve all the success you desire.

My life is filled with endless beauty, creativity and discovery. As the mother of two boys, wife and owner of an adorable mutt, my days are filled with balancing career and family. One of my favorite family activities is hiking in nature, which we do on a weekly basis. It allows us some quiet time as a family and to deeply connect. My love for nature is also translated in my pastel paintings which warm the walls of our home and have been exhibited in local galleries. It is also typical for our home to be filled with the sounds of amazing music. Phil plays keyboard and often jams with our two sons, who play guitar and drums.

I am very excited about a current CD project Phil and I are working on. We are combining Phil’s original meditative music with guided visualizations to support you on your journey to success. I will be designing and illustrating the CD and using my creative product development skills.

I am a Associate Certified Career Coach. I have trained with The Career Coach Institute and Coaches Training Institute. My Bachelors degree is in Art from the State University of New York at Binghamton. I am a member of Chix in Business and Journeys, a spiritual community. I live in Raleigh, North Carolina with my husband Phil, son’s Jordan and Joshua, and dog Maya.

COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

Explore what coaching can do for you. Contact Elise at

elise@steppingstonescoaching.com or call 919-621-1579

to schedule a 30 minute coaching session.

Phil Okrend of Stepping Stones Coaching, is a Certified Life and Business Coach located in Raleigh, NC with clients throughout the U.S.