From Burn Survivor to Confidence Coach, Interview with Gayle Petrillo

Born and raised in Albany, New York, Gayle has called Tucson home for 22 years. She has been married to her best friend and most avid supporter, Al, for 40 years. Her 8 year-old step-daughter moved in 3 weeks after they got married.

At age 2 ½ Gayle was accidentally burned when she tipped over a fresh pot of coffee, resulting in physical and emotional burns that have lasted a lifetime. Since then, she has turned obstacles into positive outcomes, and has tackled many phobias in an attempt to gain and retain self-confidence.

With a career of over 35 years in healthcare leadership roles, Gayle believes in mentoring our next generation of leaders. Her background includes managing major medical center departments; serving as the Director of Human Resources for a large medical group; and the Director of Physician Operations, including acquisitions and mergers for a large medical system; and serving as the Executive Director for a large multi-specialty medical practice. She has seen the “good, bad and ugly” in resumes and business etiquette.

In 2017 Gayle launched First Impressions, an image consulting and career coaching firm because “We never get a second opportunity to make that all important first impression, on paper or in person.”

As a confidence career coach, Gayle enhances her clients’ first impressions. From eye contact, listening skills and body language to mock interviews, networking strategies, and business etiquette. She works with her clients’ wardrobes, ensuring their confidence shines no matter the occasion.  She also builds customer service and team building skills for organizations.

Gayle donates time to a variety of local chambers of commerce and non-profit charities including The Arizona Burn Foundation, Red Cross, and Junior Achievement.

Find out more at https://www.lifeafterburns.ca/

Get a copy of her book, The Accident, here.