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About Me
About Your Coach Désirée 
 
 Image of the character Cloud Strife from the game Final Fantasty VII: Rebirth

"Will you all come with me?"
Cloud Strife,
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth

Characters Matter
I'm sure you're asking, "Why is there a video game character on your 'About Me' page?" Well, there's a method to my madness (and fandom)!

First off, I'm a huge believer in the power of compelling characters. In my book, they're one of the absolute cornerstones of any great story - truly the heart and soul, wouldn't you agree?

And speaking of heart and soul, Cloud Strife's journey really resonates with me. Here's a character grappling with his identity, piecing together his past to forge his own future. It's a powerful narrative of self-discovery, and honestly, who can't relate to that on some level?

Finally, I actually wanted to kick things off with a quote – and Cloud's words here perfectly encapsulate my leadership philosophy. Consider this a little sneak peek into what guides my approach!

My Leadership Philosophy

Some are drawn to leadership, mistakenly believing it bestows power. Yet, in a democratic republic, we know the very foundation of authority rests with the people. My own journey through both private and public organizations has taught me that true leadership isn't about wielding power, but about inspiring a shared vision. The most impactful leaders, whether through their spoken words or their demonstrated commitment, extend a humble invitation: "Will you all come with me?" This simple question ignites a powerful sense of unity and sets the stage for a remarkable fellowship.

Let's embark on a journey to transform you into the kind of leader whose vision and approach naturally inspire an enthusiastic "Yes!" when you ask, "Will you all come with me?"

Professional Resume
To view a traditional listing of my work experience, please click below:



Portrait of Désirée Santiago, Founder of Character Arc Leadership Coaching LLC
Portrait of Désirée Santiago in cosplay as character Yuffie from game Final Fantasy VII
Portrait of Désirée Santiago in cosplay as character Arya Stark from Game of Thrones
 Portrait of Désirée Santiago in cosplay as character Claire Redfield from Resident Evil, with other cosplayers

My Origin Story

Hello there! Let me share a little bit about my journey with you. The middle of five children of an Army recruiter dad and a federal human resources manager mom, you might think I'd be outgoing. But the truth is, I was quite shy, often finding myself blending into the background.

It wasn't until I stumbled into the world of theater that something clicked. For someone who often felt unheard, the stage offered a voice. Whether it was wearing a Buttercup bonnet in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas or embodying the passion of Anita in West Side Story (a role that definitely pushed my comfort zone!), I discovered a sense of belonging and a way to express myself through the words of others.

That experience was transformative. I found that speaking other people's words allowed me to find my own. It was like unlocking a part of myself I hadn't known existed. Or finding the key to the Secret Garden (as well as the door!).

Fast forward a few acts, and I also found myself in the surprisingly theatrical world of Federal human resources. It turns out that understanding people – their motivations, their strengths, and their potential – is a lot like understanding the nuances of a character. I've spent my career constantly seeking to learn and evolve, taking on new challenges, and leading teams with the same dedication I once brought to performing in community theater.

Even now, I continue to explore the fascinating world of characters through movies, books, video games, and even a bit of cosplay now and then. Because I believe that every role we play, in life and on stage, offers a chance to learn more about ourselves and authentically connect with others.

And that brings me to you. My goal now is to share what I've learned about understanding people and stepping into different roles to help heroes like you explore your own potential. Together, we can discover who you truly are and who you aspire to be, crafting the most authentic and impactful version of yourself. Think of me as your guide on this journey of self-discovery. Places, everyone!


Ready to schedule a complimentary consultation?

Contact me and let me know how I can help rewrite your story!
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