Based on a belief that we all have an inherent desire to be authentic and significant in our lives, Eileen Chadnick, founded Big Cheese Coaching  in 2003 to help people and organizations work and live more meaningfully, successfully and authentically in the contexts of their unique goals and circumstances.  Over the years, Eileen has served as a professional communicator, a coach, consultant, speaker and writer.  For her clients, she is a collaborative thinking partner and a catalyst for purposeful reflection, action and results.

CREDENTIALS: Eileen completed coach training and certification (Adler Certified Professional Coach/ACPC) at the school of Adler International Learning and has also earned her PCC credential (an advanced coaching credential) from the International Coach Federation. Specializing in Emotional Intelligence, Eileen is also certified to administer and coach using the EQi assessment as well as the EQ 360 version.

Eileen also brings additional expertise from her more than 20 years in the communications field and is an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) – as conferred by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Eileen earned a Bachelor of Education from McGill University majoring in fitness as well as a certificate in Marketing. Earlier in her career she taught fitness and wellness (for eight years). She continues this interest with her own active lifestyle and passion for the work-life balance equation.

EXPERIENCE: Eileen has more than 20 years of varied experience in business, communications and coaching.

Coaching: Eileen has worked with leaders from various sectors and different levels – from emerging to C-level leaders. Focusing on leadership development, Eileen has served mandates related to engagement, leadership presence and effectiveness, communications, team work, corporate culture, career management and work-life balance. Eileen is now expanding her offering to work with boomers who want to plan for their own unique vision of retirement. See more at www.UNretiredLife.com.

Communications: Eileen brings 20+ years experience as a communications professional. Prior to establishing her own business (Chadnick Communications in 1998), Eileen has held progressive senior-level roles with two of Canada’s leading public relations agencies (Hill and Knowlton and Environics Communications), a Canadian bank (CIBC) and a financial services association (Mondex Canada).

Since 2002, Eileen has served as a consultant to Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) and has developed an appreciation for the value of financial planning and working with CFP professionals — particularly for retirement planning.  She brings this appreciation and network of competent professionals to help round out her work as a life/work retirement coach.

Over the years, Eileen has served a wide roster of top tier clients in financial services, business, education, consumer products and other sectors.

AWARDS/RECOGNITION:  Eileen/ Big Cheese Coaching is two-time recipient of the International Coach Federation Prism Award – recognizing excellence in leadership and performance coaching for a program with Tribute Communities (in 2007), and in 2023 for a program with the Ontario Library Services, called “The Coach Approach“. Eileen has also earned awards of recognition from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) for media relations and writing accomplishments.

THOUGHT-LEADERSHIP: Eileen’s coaching expertise has been profiled extensively in various media including: Globe and Mail, Canadian Business Magazine, Toronto Star, Advisor’s Edge Magazine, Canadian HR Reporter, Metro News, Choice Magazine, CBC TV and Radio, Rogers television – and more.

Eileen has also authored another blog since 2007 called TGIMworklife

PERSPECTIVE: A life-long learner, Eileen always gives her personal best where ever she is on the journey. Having completed full distance marathons, half marathons and many more races, Eileen knows what it takes to go the distance with your dreams and goals: partner with a coach, develop meaningful strategies, evaluate and celebrate progress regularly, stay flexible, rally up support where you can — and have some fun along the way! Eileen incorporates that kind of disciplined approach, enthusiasm and respect for her clients’ goals into her work — and always goes the extra mile!