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What ever would possess a woman to leave a six-figure income to start her own business playing family coach? That's a question only Linda Wu knows the answer to!
Linda spent 30 years as an elected representative of a prominent union, 20 of those were as Executive V.P. But the pull of Family, a slower pace and less travel was the catalyst for leaving the corporate world. Now instead of negotiating for corporate Union, she mediates for the Family Union. In the game of life, you might see Linda as a referee.
Linda is part of a growing group of self-employed consultant/professionals who hope to make a difference in this world. Linda and her husband have been involved with Marriage Encounter, an ecumenical based program for 6 years as a registration couple. This led her to explore the area of Family mediation, where she has recently received her accreditation through McMaster University. The financial investment to become certified through both course and practical work was about $12,000. That investment alone says something about her level of commitment to her cause.
When I asked her how Family Mediation was different from counselling, Linda replied, "counselling asks the 'why' behind a problem, and mediation deals with 'how' we can learn to work together to solve the problem". She is there to help families in transition when they have no one to turn to, to help them work through their problems and create calm from chaos. "Adding a third party helps people stick to discussion of issues and helps them focus on reducing conflicts and emotion", explains Linda. Where there are limited Social Services that cover this area, Linda picks up where there is a deficiency. As a private consultant she charges an hourly fee for her services.
In addition to becoming accredited as a Family Mediator, Linda has also become a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker/Pinnacle Realty. It may seem like an unlikely mix, but Linda has developed a unique approach, using her mediation skills in assisting both younger couples, and the elderly who bring varying challenges to the real estate market. She assists the elderly in deciding where and when to move or downsize, often helping them to work through the challenges they face in difficult situations.
Aside from being a mother, wife and Real Estate agent, Linda is also highly active in the community. On week-ends you might find her delivering daffodils for the Cancer Society, boxing up food for a community food drive, chairing her church board and working on the budget, or organizing leading a Marriage Encounter week-end. She seems in-defatiguable! I often wonder if she ever stops to breathe.
Linda has continued her education, recently completing her Commercial Real Estate License. She tells me of her reasons - "you can never have too much information when it comes to real estate, and there is certainly a benefit in having extra training".
Linda sees a growing need for this service as baby-boomers age, and still have parents who need assistance in downsizing. It seems that Linda has equipped herself with the skills and knowledge that all of us need at one time or another. I know my family did not come with a manual for settling conflicts. As for selling our home, perhaps we had better call Linda before that discussion goes any further!
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