Enza S. Richards

From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been sensitive to others’ feelings and had a strong desire to help. I think I have a radar for people’s suffering, perhaps because of my own painful experiences, beginning when I was very young. I prayed a lot and talked to God as a friend and confidant.

In addition to my strong spiritual connection, what I think saved me during my adolescence was that I could sing. It all began when I got the solo in my first-grade play. From then on, I was hooked! I see now why I loved the stage so much because I actually felt when I sang, my voice touched people, and in return, I experienced love. I understood/saw my voice could bring goodness. But making my voice my life work was not to be…. not yet anyway.

Since 1989 I have been a practitioner of meditation and yoga following the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. I found solace and specific guidance through these universal principles based on teachings of love, tolerance, and actual Divine perception through raja (royal) yoga.

I have experienced many miracles throughout my life. They ranged from events that would come to pass as extensions of my intuition to specific Divine intervention.

In 2009, I had started on my daily morning walk as usual. It was a cold, dark October morning. After nodding hello to the high school kids passing by me on their way to the bus stop, I began to cross a small side street. I quickly looked over my right shoulder and realized that headlights were heading right toward me. Before I had time to think about what was happening, I felt the piercing cold metal of a car slam into my body. I remember flipping over the top of the car, all the while calmly talking to God and Yogananda. I saw white light all around me and distinctly felt that angels were gently helping me dance through this experience.

It’s so strange how your entire life can pass before your eyes in a flash. I ended up landing on my hands and knees. I was still relatively calm and worried about the person who’d hit me. I was thinking he must be a wreck knowing he hit a human being! As he knelt down next to me, I looked up and told him I was okay and not to worry. I understood his suffering. When I got to the hospital, they confirmed no broken bones and no internal injuries. I walked away with some scrapes and big bruises — another miracle. I guess my time wasn’t up. I had some work left to do.

I ultimately gave up my life on stage and opted for a “real” job. Over the past 30 years, I worked my way up the ranks in a major corporation as a senior leader. I wanted to be responsible and earn enough money to properly contribute and take care of my family – a loving husband and two amazing daughters.

I felt that out of all the many responsibilities as a manager, the most important was the time spent listening to and guiding employees. My role as a leader was important. My role as a caring human being was crucial. I genuinely cared about the people I worked with and wanted them to grow and be happy, not just with their work and career path but, most importantly, as the whole person.

I consistently find that people want to give their best by expressing compassion, understanding, and unconditional support. When we recognize suffering and act to alleviate it in the workplace, the impact on the bottom line, employee performance and productivity are always positive and often outstanding!

Through my spiritual practices, my long involvement in coaching and mentoring employees in my experience as a senior leader in a corporate world setting, I am prepared to walk with you to improve your work culture and employee engagement. I am committed to use my voice toward the practice of compassion in the workplace and want to provide tools and guidance to help facilitate your journey. I envision all working environments as positive, supportive, productive and energizing. In the end, it all comes down to compassion, kindness and love.