by Michael Piperno - Coach, speaker, and author Darcy Eikenberg took a leap 13 years ago when she founded her executive coaching and leadership development company Red Cape Revolution. The story of how that happened is a testament to the message she is on a mission to share with others: it’s time to unleash the superhero in you.

“One day on my way to a leadership meeting in the Chicago suburbs, I learned my boss was trying to reach me. This is before the days of smartphones, so I stopped at a rest stop to call her back,” said Eikenberg. “On the call, I learned that she was going to retire — and that her successor was not me. I thought to myself, ‘If the next job up isn’t available to me, what do I do now?’ That’s when I hired my first coach.”

Hiring that coach changed her life. When she realized that there were people in the professional world who were out there to help people grow, she wanted to be part of that community. She worked to change jobs within her current company and went on to develop an internal coaching program that resulted in widely recognized, tangible results.

Then, she put on her red cape and jumped into the world of entrepreneurship — first known by her clients as Coach Darcy and now as Red Cape Revolution.

As a coach, Eikenberg helps clients navigate through change, and make better, more confident decisions with less stress in less time. She also helps them gain clarity and build the confidence they need to take control in the workplace.

When she is not coaching or speaking at events, she writes books and shares career and leadership stories and strategies with her subscribers through her free Insider Community. In October, she will release her second book Red Cape Rescue: Save Your Career Without Leaving Your Job. In the book, Eiekenberg shares strategies to help people think differently, say things differently, and do things differently to help their career without having to leave a job — or just “suck it up and sacrifice.”

Part of that is knowing how and when to speak up, or even brag about yourself (in a good way).

“I think it’s time that we recognize that bragging is a service, not an arrogance,” said Eikenberg. “If we’re not talking about how we help — the good we do in the world — how are people going to know?”

If you want to learn more about how to brag appropriately and effectively, be sure to register for her upcoming talk with IABC Philadelphia, Mastering the Art of Bragging: What Today's Professionals and Other Humble Leaders Must Know, on July 22, 2021. Learn more here.

Eikenberg lived in Atlanta, Georgia for a long time and now calls Bonita Springs, Florida home. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and going to the beach as often as possible.

Michael Piperno is a communication expert, trainer, and coach who helps people communicate clearly, speak and present effectively, build and maintain positive and healthy business relationships, and lead with confidence. Learn more at WeAreComvia.com.