My name is Paul Plamondon. I am here to help you connect with your dreams and guide you as you gently stretch beyond your comfort zone, overcome your limiting thoughts, discover your natural resourcefulness, achieve your goals, and improve the quality of your personal or professional life.

The Burden of Pain
When I was in my late 30s, I woke up one morning with tingling in my fingers and an intense tightness in my neck. These were new sensations. They scared me. I thought they would pass. They didn't. 

After doctor consults, x-rays, MRIs, and physical therapy, I learned that I had two herniated discs in my neck and, according to my neurosurgeon, surgery was the only option. That REALLY scared me.

I considered spinal surgery only briefly. In looking for alternative cures, I embarked on a journey that started out medical in nature and quickly led to self-development, self-understanding, and personal healing and transformation. I discovered how disconnected I was from my body. I discovered childhood pain that I was holding on to that was really at the core of my spinal problems. I learned that I was physically holding myself small, which was causing my spine to collapse, literally. Underneath the physical discomfort, I discovered the debilitating effects of shame, invisibility, fear, and perfectionism...and that the survival strategies I perfected in childhood were no longer serving me. 

From Burden to Blessing
I had no idea that tingling fingers and news of spinal surgery would take me to where I am today. The burdens of physical discomfort, shame, and invisibility have become blessings of the highest order. I feel more awake, more alive, more vibrant, more connected, more courageous, more abundant, and more grounded than ever.

This unexpected journey has helped me find my own courageous heart. Of course, I am a work in progress and I continue to discover new edges, new shadows, and new gifts within my heart.

The Birth of Courageous Heart Coaching
Courageous Heart Coaching was borne out of my personal journey. A "courageous heart" is someone who is willing to look deeply at him- or herself, willing to step out of the shadows that permeate his or her life, and commit to living life more boldly, more fully, with more integrity and personal responsibility, and in a more connected way.

Every human being has a courageous heart. Some people tap into it naturally and fully. Some of us - like me - need a wake-up call to discover our true potential. 

Do you know what your courageous heart wants?

Courageous Heart Coaching serves people who want to improve their lives or their coaching practices by tapping into their knowledge and courage.

LIFE DESIGN Coaching is for anyone who wants to explore personal and/or professional development related to making life changes and enhancements such as health, relationships, career, spirituality, communication, self-care, and self-growth.

EDUCATION DESIGN Coaching is for coaches, consultants, human development practitioners, and social entrepreneurs who want to create more visibility and credibility for their businesses by designing, promoting, and facilitating high-impact educational events and products for their prospects, followers, and clients.

I am a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a Learning Strategist.

I have worked in the field of Training & Development for most of my adult career. In 2001, I founded Custom Training Design. I specialize in developing instructor-led workshops and learning materials for organizational settings. 

In 2009, I started Courageous Heart Coaching where I offer life coaching services to individuals and help coaches and consultants design their own high-impact educational events and products.

My coaching certification comes from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). I am also a graduate of their year-long intensive Leadership Program.

I am on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the International Coach Federation (ICFLA) where I serve as the Virtual Education Director.

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Occidental College in Los Angeles, and a master's degree in Adult Education from Capella University in Minnesota.