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Samantha Simon McIntosh Lambda Theta - Michigan Technological University
Life Coach and Founder, The Holistic Phoenix
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Community
Can you share a brief 5-7 sentence biography about yourself, highlight key moments in your career that have shaped who you are today?
I’m a firm believer that life rarely follows a straight line, and my journey is a testament to that — each twist has led me to who I am today. When I started at Michigan Tech in 2008, I dreamed of advanced degrees and working for NASA as an astrophysicist but a program change to psychology that first semester set me on a career dedicated to understanding people. After graduating, I went to grad school, becoming the third generation of women in my family to earn a master’s degree. Post-college, I launched my career at Quicken Loans and soon found my way to Bosch, where I spent over a decade honing my skills and played a pivotal role in launching an employee wellbeing platform for over 12,000 associates — a project that transformed our work culture and earned us the ”Rookie of the Year” award. Throughout my journey, building community and empowering others has been a constant thread; as a mom, I discovered a passion for coaching that pushed me to earn my ACC certification, joining an exclusive group of dedicated coaches worldwide. Today, I balance a thriving corporate role with my independent coaching business, where I host women’s circles and one-on-one sessions that empower others to embrace life’s unexpected twists and create a future they love.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from this friendship?
I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors along the way, but one who truly stands out is Estella Woo. I met Estella in 2021 during a challenging time — shortly after I started a new role and my manager had just left. Estella immediately welcomed me into her circle of influential leaders and took me under her wing, showing me what true leadership looks like. Through our friendship, she taught me to assert myself in the corporate world, recognize when it’s time to move on and how to always look for the silver linings in challenging situations. Her guidance has profoundly shaped my professional growth, empowering me to lead with confidence and purpose.
How did you discover your passion and what opportunities have helped shape your curiosity for what you do?
I discovered my passion by following what truly lit me up, even when it led me down unexpected paths. Every role I’ve taken has been a stepping stone, guiding me toward my true calling. For example, my experience in corporate benefits — an area I hadn’t originally planned on — became a turning point that revealed my deep passion for employee well-being and sparked my interest in a holistic approach to supporting people. That unexpected role opened my eyes to the transformative power of nurturing work environments and ignited my curiosity about empowering others. Today, I embrace each twist and turn as an opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact.
Looking ahead in your career, how do you envision continuing to incorporate generosity into your leadership style and professional endeavors?
I’m highly customer-centric in everything I do. My goal is always for everyone I work with to feel heard and valued. I see my role as a life coach as a powerful opportunity to give back and support the world. Every person I positively impact creates a ripple effect of kindness and empowerment, sparking a chain reaction of generosity. Looking ahead, I plan to lead with open-heartedness, ensuring that every interaction — whether in coaching, mentorship or leadership — is rooted in genuine care for others. This commitment to generosity will continue to shape my work and inspire those around me.
How has your community helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I love this question because so much of my career is thanks to a Delta Zeta sister several generations before me — Sunny. When I was just starting out and looking for a job after college, Sunny recommended I apply to Bosch. At a time when I was single and living an hour away from my family, she welcomed me into her world, becoming not only a mentor but also a dear friend. Despite our more than 20-year age gap, we’ve shared unforgettable experiences from international travels and Broadway season tickets in Detroit to even collaborating on my wedding centerpieces. I know without a doubt that Sunny has been, and always will be, a steadfast supporter, guiding my journey every step of the way.
What does empowerment mean to you, and how have you worked to empower others in your career or personal life?
Empowerment, to me, means having the strength and courage to pursue your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against you. As the daughter of a teen mom, I saw firsthand how my mom fought relentlessly for everything she had, teaching me the true meaning of resilience and strength. Her example inspired me to become the woman I am today, and now, as a life coach, I strive to pass that empowerment on to others. I work with women to help them manifest a life they love, whether through one-on-one coaching or transformative women’s circles, because I truly believe every woman deserves to experience true happiness. For me, empowerment is a lifelong commitment, one that I embrace every day by supporting and inspiring others to reach for their dreams.
What does it mean to you to create an environment of belonging for others, and how do you carry that lesson into your personal and professional life?
For me, creating an environment of belonging means fostering a ”brave space” — a concept inspired by Brené Brown — where people feel empowered to show up as their most authentic selves. In every role I play, I work to ensure everyone feels welcome, heard and valued. Whether I’m hosting a women’s circle or engaging in everyday conversations, I strive to break down barriers and encourage vulnerability. I even have a bit of magic — I’ve seen complete strangers open up and share some of their deepest thoughts within just an hour of meeting me! Ultimately, these brave spaces not only nurture individual growth but also deepen our connections, allowing us to evolve in ways we never imagined.