About Araceli Ruiz O’Clair
You don’t need to escape the waves—you need someone who can meet you in them.
Executive Coach & Thought Partner
Helping you move through life’s tension with courage.
A Lived Map of Leadership & Life
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My personal story is shaped by the unwavering love, deep work ethic, and profound humility instilled by my Mexican parents. I grew up in San Diego, CA, immersed in our family business, where the work was constant, and my parents firmly believed that doing was the way to learn. It wasn't long before I began to lead at a young age; by the time I was just 13 years old, I was managing employees and inventory.
Three values remained a constant core in my upbringing: education, speaking Spanish at home to connect with family, and hard work. I genuinely treasure these principles, and they have profoundly shaped every aspect of my career. Today, as a mother of two adolescent children, I cherish being able to share these very same values with them, watching them begin their own journeys.
My path has also included navigating deep personal waters, including the difficult decision of ending a marriage. This experience, more than any other, has led me to cultivate a deep level of empathy for anyone who feels, consciously or not, that it's time to make changes in their life that truly serve them. I've learned that sometimes, we need to let go to experience abundance. My guiding words, a mantra that drives my own choices, are: "One day, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching." And so, I do.
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I first discovered Gallup CliftonStrengths two decades ago, and among the many personal growth instruments I've explored throughout my career, none has been as profoundly impactful. Once I truly learned to nurture my own unique talents, it unlocked a deeper understanding of myself and, consequently, those around me. I believe that when you lead your life from an asset-based perspective, focusing on what you naturally do best, your potential is truly unleashed.
My Top 5 Strengths:
Individualization
Connectedness
Arranger
Input
Adaptability
Curious to learn what your unique strengths are and how to maximize them in your life? Let's work together to discover and leverage your natural power!
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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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With over 15 years immersed in leading complex organizations, my executive experience is grounded in tangible impact and real-world team dynamics. Serving as a Principal Supervisor and Coach, I directly partnered with and developed other leaders. My tenure as Principal of a Dual Language Montessori School and Assistant Principal of an Early College High School involved orchestrating transformational change and building cohesive teams in high-stakes environments, directly informing my pragmatic approach to cultivating unified clarity.
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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 Coaching, my mission is distilled into every partnership: to guide you through your most challenging tensions, empowering you to not just lead, but truly thrive.
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Gallup Certified Strengths Coach for Individuals and Teams
International Coaching Federation (ICF) 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 in-between. The space where something’s not working—but the way forward isn’t yet clear.
I know that space intimately. There was a time in my life when, driven and energized, I was relentless about reaching all the right goals, unaware of how close I was to burning out. Upon reflection, it reminded me of how I quite literally got caught in an ocean current when I was about 10 years old; I mightily tried to swim back to shore but I realized my strength just wasn't enough. A lifeguard noticed before I did, pulling me out of the water before I went under. This moment became a profound metaphor: sometimes, no matter how capable we are, we need someone to see the danger, offer a lifeline, and guide us before we're swept too far.
Years later, in the heart of school leadership, I found myself pounded by waves I couldn’t name—expectations, fatigue, fear of getting it wrong. I kept a strong face, but inside I was unraveling. What I needed wasn’t more answers; I needed someone in it with me. Not to rescue, but to reflect. A thought-partner, the kind of executive coach I now strive to be; someone who helps you make sense of the noise and remember your voice.
That’s why I created Good Tension Coaching, a space where you're not expected to have it all figured out. Where the discomfort isn’t pushed away but honored. Where your internal compass is invited to speak, and your pace is respected. This isn’t about fixing. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, with your truth, and with the path that fits.
My coaching is shaped by my lived experience and grounded in how I naturally see people. I excel at recognizing the unique qualities of your story and holding space with genuine care. With a strategic and adaptable approach, I help you uncover a direction that feels not just clear, but profoundly right for you. Together, we turn moments of tension into turning points.
Whether you're a leader nearing the edge, a solo entrepreneur navigating the unknown, someone in a life transition craving meaningful change; your waves may differ, but the need for steady coaching support is universal.
Having navigated these challenging currents myself, both personally and professionally, I know the profound difference a truly present and insightful partner can make in moments of tension. My experience isn't just a story; it's the foundation of my commitment to being the 'lifeguard' you need before you're swept too far, or the 'thought-partner' who sits with you when the waves won't stop coming, helping you process the weight of overwhelming tension. I offer the same gift of unwavering presence and clear guidance that helped me reclaim my footing, my voice, and my true path through my own periods of tension. It would be my honor to offer that same space and support to you.
Reach out.
The surface is closer than you think.