Meet Dr. Caroline Iscovitz

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Caroline Iscovitz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Caroline, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.

Burnout was like a shadow I couldn’t shake, first in my days as a marriage and family therapist, then again as I pivoted into coaching. In those days, I was seeing 30 clients a week, pouring every ounce of myself into their sessions, ensuring I was fully present for each one. Yet, in this relentless cycle of giving, nothing was left for me as the pressure I felt wasn’t solely about helping others; it was magnified by the immense expectations I placed on myself. In private practice, the line between dedication and self-neglect had completely vanished. I didn’t know how to say “no,” but my need to prove my worth and pay my bills kept me saying “yes” until my energy and spirit were depleted.

Transitioning to coaching, I found myself in a familiar spiral. The entrepreneurial world was new, daunting, and exhilarating. I believed success was a function of hours logged, not strategies employed. I worked relentlessly, driven by an internal narrative that my success would validate my leap from therapy to business. But the pattern was clear; the harder I worked, the further success seemed to slip away, and burnout loomed like a storm on the horizon.

The turning point came with a revelation about efficiency versus effort. In school, hard work translated to success, but in business, it was about working smarter. I started to see my time as a garden; overworking was like overwatering, leading to wilted productivity. I needed to cultivate a system where growth was sustainable.

First, I established boundaries. I learned to say “no” with confidence, not just to others but to myself when my ambitions tried to outstrip my capacity. I set non-negotiables: yoga, hiking, and time for my well-being became sacred. These weren’t just activities; they were my anchors, ensuring I could pour from a full cup.

Next, I mastered delegation, content batching, and automation. In the solar industry, this strategy allowed my business to flourish even without my constant oversight. Earning money while I slept wasn’t just a business tactic; it was a profound lesson in trusting both my team and the systems I’d put in place.

This transformation wasn’t just about avoiding burnout; it was about crafting a life where I could thrive. Every system I built, every boundary I set, was like planting a seed for a future where I wasn’t just surviving but flourishing.

The narrative of my life took another turn as I prepared to welcome my daughter. This season demanded a different kind of presence, one where every step was taken with intention. Here, I practiced what I preached, focusing on being, not just doing. I embraced the ebb and flow of life, understanding that some seasons require pushing forward while others demand stepping back to cherish what’s unfolding.

This journey from burnout to harmony has not just been about business success but about living a life where I can look forward to each day, not just as a series of tasks but as moments to be lived fully. If you’re feeling the weight of your own shadows, know that it’s possible to step into the light. It starts with a single, smart step towards self-care and strategic living.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, from the serene halls of academia where I earned my doctorate degree in Psychology to the exhilarating realm of entrepreneurship. After encountering burnout in the mental health field, I realized I needed a shift. This revelation guided me into the dynamic world of business, starting with coaching and wellness consulting. But it was in Colorado, where I met my husband, that I discovered my true calling in the solar industry.

His company, Solar All Over, was his vision, built from nothing. I saw not only potential in the business but also how I could integrate my own skills into its structure. I immersed myself in recruitment, administration, and social media, finding a new harmony in these roles. Our joint partnership has since transformed Solar All Over into a comprehensive service provider. We now oversee everything from the ground up – installations, financing, maintenance, and consulting for residential, commercial, and industrial clients alike.

What genuinely sets us apart in the solar market is our commitment to integrity and genuine care. We’re not merely about installing solar panels; we’re about cultivating enduring relationships, treating our clients like extended family. Our 25-year warranties are not just a testament to the durability of our products but also to the longevity of our connections.

I’m eager about the forthcoming evolution of my YouTube channel, where I’ll explore content that mirrors my current life journey. It’s going to be a fresh, engaging narrative that I believe will resonate with many. I invite you to tune in for what promises to be a compelling new chapter.

My transition from psychology to the green energy sector is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. It’s about discovering where your passion and expertise can contribute positively, not only to your own life but to the community and the planet.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been communication skills, a strong work ethic, and being honest with myself.

Communication Skills were key at every stage of my career shift. Whether I was explaining complex psychological concepts, pitching business ideas, or building relationships in the solar industry, my ability to convey messages clearly and listen actively has been crucial. Here’s my advice:
Practice Active Listening: Make an effort to listen more than you speak, understand the context, and respond thoughtfully. This builds trust and understanding in both personal and professional interactions.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback on your communication style. Joining groups like Toastmasters can help hone your public speaking and interpersonal skills.
Adaptability: Learn to tailor your communication to different audiences. The way you speak to a client might differ from how you communicate with a team or present to investors.

Work Ethic has been my anchor through the challenges of burnout and learning new industries. It’s about consistency, dedication, and the readiness to put in extra effort when needed. Here’s how you can cultivate this:
Set Clear Goals: Define what you’re working towards to maintain focus and motivation, especially during tough times.
Balance Effort with Efficiency: Learn when to work hard and when to work smart. Utilize productivity tools, time management techniques, or delegate tasks when necessary.
Prioritize Self-Care: Remember, a strong work ethic shouldn’t compromise your health. Incorporate breaks, exercise, and hobbies to maintain a sustainable pace.

Being Honest with Myself was perhaps the most pivotal aspect. Recognizing my limitations, knowing when to pivot, and being truthful about my capabilities and aspirations have led me to success in new ventures. Here’s my advice:
Regular Self-Reflection: Dedicate time to reflect on your experiences, successes, and failures. Tools like journaling or meditation can be beneficial.
Seek Honest Feedback: Surround yourself with people who give you candid insights. Sometimes, we need external perspectives to see what we might overlook.
Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge your weaknesses as well as your strengths. This self-awareness can guide you to areas needing growth.

For those at the beginning of their journey, my overarching advice is to develop these skills with intention:

Never Stop Learning: Whether through formal education, self-study, or practical experience, keep expanding your knowledge base.
Network Intentionally: Build relationships for mutual growth and support, not just immediate benefits.
Embrace Change: Be open to new paths if your current one isn’t fulfilling or if new opportunities align better with your evolving goals.

Each of these qualities has not only shaped my career but has also enriched my life, making every step of my journey meaningful and sustainable.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has undoubtedly been in becoming more flexible and adaptable, particularly since becoming pregnant. This profound life change has not just shifted my physical state but has fundamentally transformed my outlook on life.

Pregnancy has been a masterclass in relinquishing control and embracing change. It taught me that adaptability isn’t just a skill; it’s a survival mechanism in the face of life’s unpredictability. I’ve learned to listen to my body in ways I never did before, to prioritize differently, and to let go of rigid plans in favor of living in the moment. This shift has been both humbling and empowering.

Before, my life was often about pushing boundaries, setting ambitious goals, and maintaining a certain pace in my career. But now, I’ve seen the power in flexibility—how it allows for growth not just in business or personal development but in understanding oneself and one’s place in the world. It’s about adapting to new roles, new emotions, and new priorities, all while maintaining the core of who I am.

In essence, becoming pregnant has been my catalyst for personal transformation, teaching me that true strength lies in flexibility. This lesson has made me not only a better leader and partner but has also prepared me for the ever-changing landscape of motherhood, where adaptability will continue to be my greatest asset.

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Image Credits

Lisa Craig Photography

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