About Araceli Ruiz O’Clair
Executive Coach & Thought Partner
You don’t need to escape the waves; you need someone who can meet you in them.
A Lived Map of Leadership & Life
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My story is shaped by the unwavering love for connection and a deep work ethic instilled by my Mexican parents. Growing up in San Diego, CA, immersed in our family business, I learned by doing. By the time I was thirteen, I was managing employees and inventory. Three core values defined my upbringing: a commitment to education, honoring our Spanish language to stay connected to family, and hard work. Today, as a mother of two young adults, I cherish passing these exact principles down to the next generation.
My path has also required navigating deep personal waters, including the difficult choice to end a marriage. This experience, more than any other, cultivated my profound empathy for anyone realizing it is time to make life changes that truly serve them. I’ve learned that sometimes we must let go to experience abundance. Driven by the mantra, “One day, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching,” I choose to lead, live, and coach with intentionality and truth.
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I believe in leading life from an asset-based perspective. Two decades ago, I discovered Gallup CliftonStrengths®, and no other growth instrument has been as profoundly impactful for my personal and professional development. Learning to nurture my own unique talents unlocked a deeper understanding of myself and, consequently, how I develop those around me. When you focus on what you naturally do best, your true potential is unleashed.
My Top 5 Strengths & How I Use Them for You:
Individualization & Connectedness: I instinctively recognize the unique qualities of your specific story, seamlessly linking your personal experiences to the broader impact of your leadership.
Arranger & Adaptability: I excel at organizing complex dynamics and orchestrating clarity out of the swirl, while remaining highly flexible and responsive to the unexpected waves of your day-to-day reality.
Input: I am a continuous collector of powerful frameworks, neuroscience insights, and strategic tools, always ready to deliver high-value resources that serve your growth.
Curious to learn what your unique strengths are? Let’s work together to discover and leverage your natural power.
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With over 20 years immersed in leading complex organizations, my executive experience is grounded in tangible impact and real-world team dynamics. Currently serving as a Principal Supervisor in a large urban district, I directly partner with and develop other leaders. My tenure as Principal of a Dual Language Montessori School and Assistant Principal of a High School involved orchestrating transformational change and building cohesive teams in high-stakes environments, directly informing my pragmatic, grounded approach to cultivating clarity, resilience, and unity.
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Executive coaching is where my diverse professional journey and deeply personal insights converge. As the Founder and Executive Director of Good Tension Solutions, LLC, my mission is distilled into every partnership: to guide you through your most challenging currents, empowering you to clear the noise, protect your well-being, and truly thrive. By combining pragmatic organizational strategy with the science of human potential, I don't just help you manage the weight of leadership—I help you leverage it as a catalyst for sustainable success and profound professional growth.
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University of Denver | Instructional Leadership | Ritchie Program for School Leaders
University of Colorado Denver | Master of Arts in Linguistically Diverse Education
Worcester State University | Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies
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Gallup Certified Strengths Coach for Individuals and Teams
International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Coaching Certification: Messy Roots Executive Coaching Program
Polarity Approach to Continuity & Transformation (PACT™) Certification
Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator
Mastering Design Thinking Executive Program, MIT Sloan School of Management
Montessori Whole School Leadership Certificate, Loyola University
Cognitive Coaching, Level 1
The Story Behind Good Tension Coaching
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The Story Behind Good Tension Coaching |
We all know that moment when the current of life pulls harder than we expected. One day, we’re treading confidently toward a goal, fueled by vision and purpose. And then, without warning, the waves shift. We’re working harder, pushing further, but the shore doesn’t seem to get any closer. That’s the tension: the space where something’s not working, but the way forward isn’t yet clear.
I know that space intimately. When I was ten years old, I got caught in an ocean rip current. I mightily tried to swim back to shore, but my strength wasn't enough. A lifeguard noticed before I did, pulling me out of the water before I went under. Years later, in the heart of school leadership, I found myself pounded by waves I couldn’t name: expectations, fatigue, and the fear of getting it wrong. I kept a strong face, but inside I was unraveling.
What I needed wasn’t more answers; I needed an executive coach. She ended up becoming my lifeguard, helping me make sense of the noise and remember my voice. That partnership completely transformed my leadership and extended my tenure as a principal; I went on to lead that school for nine years, a longevity I 100% attribute to executive coaching.
Good Tension Coaching is my way of paying that experience forward. Because I was given a lifeline when I needed it most, I am deeply committed to offering that same sanctuary to others. This is a space where you're not expected to have it all figured out, where discomfort is honored, and your internal compass is invited to speak. This isn’t about fixing; it’s about reconnecting with your truth and charting a path that fits.
My coaching is shaped by this lived experience. I excel at recognizing the unique qualities of your story and holding space with genuine care. Whether you are a leader nearing the edge, a solo entrepreneur navigating the unknown, or an individual craving meaningful change, your waves may differ, but the need for a steady partner is universal. It would be my honor to offer that unwavering presence and clear guidance to help you reclaim your footing, your voice, and your true path.
Reach out.
The surface is closer than you think.