The Struggle That Started This

For over 25 years, I built a career in leadership, regulatory strategy, and quality systems — including senior leadership roles at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. I was good at navigating complexity. I was good at leading teams through uncertainty.

Then I stepped back from that career myself, and none of that expertise told me who I was without it.

It took me more than five years to figure out what I wanted and who I was becoming. I didn’t have a program. I didn’t have a coach. I found my way through trial, error, therapy, yoga, and a lot of quiet persistence — piecing together on my own what should have been a guided process.

I didn’t want other people to go through that same prolonged, lonely struggle. So I built the practice I wish I’d had.

Where I’ve Landed

Today, as Menzies Coaching & Consulting, I blend transition coaching, leadership development, and mindful movement to help clients — individuals and organizations — move through change instead of getting stuck in it.

My approach rests on a simple framework: every transition moves through release of the past → navigation of transition → emergence into transformation. Most people get stuck in one of these three phases. My work is helping you find your way through, whichever phase you’re in.

I currently coach individuals preparing for retirement (including those still years out, in later-career planning), professionals stepping into new leadership roles, and organizations navigating succession and change. I also teach mindfulness and gentle movement — because the body carries this work too, not just the mind.

Credentials

• Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation
• Certified Transitions Coach (CTC)
• RY-500 Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance
• M.S., Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
• B.S., Biology, James Madison University
• Former senior leader, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

I was interviewed by Kathryn Lancioni on her Gut Punch Podcast in the spring of 2026.

In the interview, I discussed my transition into my own version of retirement. You can listen to the podcast here: 

https://kathrynlancioni.com/gut-punch/

“Sandy helped me — through a series of exercises over several weeks — to understand my strengths and weaknesses, my likes and dislikes, and what motivates me. She helped me map out what a day of retirement might look like… As a result, I now have a clear vision of what I’d like to do. I am participating in volunteer training in my chosen area (literacy) and am excited about my post-work future!” — Retirement coaching client

“She has a great combination of structure and client-led techniques, so you can always see your progress forward… Once you’ve figured out your vision, Sandy is great at helping you create a plan to make that happen. And then she helps you pivot if you need to and keeps you accountable to your bigger ‘why.'” — Coaching client

“I struggled with networking skills and the fear of asking for testimonials, but Sandra’s exceptional support helped me overcome these obstacles… Thanks to her guidance, I’ve built strong relationships, expanded my network, and received more positive testimonials than I could have imagined.” — Coaching client

I’ve also coached 34 federal employees, 1:1, through late-career and retirement transition planning under a formal agency contract — work I’m proud of and hope to continue in similar programs.

Let’s Talk

You don’t need perfect clarity to start. You just need the willingness to explore what’s next.