Meet Gayle Petrillo | Career and Confidence Coach, Author and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gayle Petrillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gayle, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Born and raised in Albany, New York, I grew up in a middle class family and working neighborhoods. I’ve called Tucson my home for 25 years.

Early on I learned the importance of family and work ethic. We lived in apartments until I was about 12, when my parents purchased their first home. They were so proud of this accomplishment. My dad worked two jobs and when I went to school (kindergarten was full time), my mom went to work outside the house. She had earned a scholarship to a prestigious art school which she turned down to marry my dad. They met very early in their lives, were five years apart, and married when my mom turned 18.

I was burned by scalding liquid, a fresh pot of coffee, at 2 1/2 while reaching for a cookie and knocking the coffee off the table and all over me, leaving residual physical (40% of my body had 3rd degree burns) and emotional scars.

In families like ours in the late 50’s and early 60’s people didn’t share their personal lives outside of the immediate family, especially trauma. As I healed, we never talked about the accident. I grew up with body image issues, fears and phobias, and imposter syndrome.

The love in our household was palatable. My parents were lovingly married for over 50 years, holding hands everywhere they went until my father passed away. My sister and I were shown love and support. Our parents attended every choir event (even though neither of us could sing), parent/teacher meeting, and more. Mom was our Girl Scout leader. Our friends all spent more time at our home than at theirs. Everyone was accepted regardless of their color, race, or religion, adults and kids alike.

My husband and I have been happily married and in love for over 43 years and like my parents, hold hands when walking, dance in the kitchen and hug often. He is my best friend and most avid supporter.

I have always had a penchant for clothes; however, ever since babysitting and throughout my adult life, I always save some of my earnings for future needs and wants. Like my parents, I have always worked, at least one and sometimes two jobs. We purchased our first home before getting married.

My mom recently passed away and I miss her every day. I know she loved me and she knew I loved her. Before her death, we moved her to Tucson to be close to me. We shopped together, shared cookies over coffee, played scrabble and I was responsible for ensuring that her prescriptions were refilled and groceries were in the refrigerator.

I am comfortable in my own skin now, having come out of hiding as a burn survivor during Covid, finally sharing my story with other survivors, their families and speaking in schools about the importance of prevention, and encouraging others to tell their story. We heal when we share, which I personally have experienced.

I had my mom’s blessing and support in writing my book, The Accident (www.booklocker.com/11593), wherein I share personal stories for the first time.

I am grateful to my parents for teaching me early on the importance of family, friends and giving back. Today I am the Board Chair for Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona; Vice Chair of the Board of the American Red Cross of Southern Arizona; and I am an active volunteer with the Arizona Burn Foundation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Healthcare has always been at the heart of what I’ve done over my 30 year career. I have had the honor of working for and with many amazing physicians and non-physicians in hospital settings, large and small medical practices and in clinical research.

I started as a medical secretary. As my contributions were recognized, and I returned to college for my Bachelor’s, and years later my Master’s degree, I honed my leadership skills, attending the Disney Institute, Dale Carnegie and other courses.

Slowly overcoming a lack of confidence and imposter syndrome, I learned what my super powers are and I have not only drawn from them for myself, I’ve shared what I’ve learned about turning seemingly failures and obstacles into positive outcomes.

Requesting guidance, active listening, venturing outside of our comfort zone, and positive thinking have all helped me learn, grow and heal.

I started my consulting business, First Impressions Image Consulting, in 2016. With a strong background in the Human Resources arena, I saw the good, bad and ugly as far as resumes, interview skills, negotiation strategies, wardrobe faux pas and etiquette and I knew I could make a difference in my clients’ pursuit of their ideal jobs. I’m a successful career and confidence coach assisting new entrants into the workforce, as well as seasoned executives move forward in their professions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a family member, colleague or friend visiting the area, I would ensure that they had experiences including eating amazing food, visiting our museums (Arizona State Museum on the University of Arizona campus; Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum; Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, and MOCA to name a few), and hiking in our desert.

Food and/or bike tours, visiting downtown Tucson, and Old Scottsdale are some of my favorites. We have amazing gardens including the Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, and Tohono Chul in Tucson.

As a foodie and with Tucson having a designation as a City of Gastronomy it provides a multitude of phenomenal restaurants, food trucks and coffee shops for every palate. From Mexican, to Latin American and Peruvian and more, no-one will leave our city feeling cheated.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my husband, Al; my parents, sister and many friends and colleagues for their consistent and constant love and support. I’ve been fortunate enough throughout my career to have amazing mentors, including many physicians, particularly Joel M. Kremer, MD and Brian Riveland, MD. Additionally, while giving back to local non-profits is rewarding, I believe I’ve received more from and am ever grateful to Junior Achievement, Red Cross and Arizona Burn Foundation.

Website: www.firstimpressions1.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayle-petrillo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gaylepetrillo602

Other: The Accident (www.booklocker.com/11593) El accident (www.booklocker.com/11681)

Image Credits
Photo taken by Michelle Owens, Artifact Photography, Tucson, AZ