From the time of my childhood, I have always been driven by the pearls of wisdom given to me by my Grandmother, Belle, Mother, Frances, and Aunt, Alfie. Each of their pearls of wisdom taught me a life lesson. Lesson #1: "What other people think of you is none of your business. Only what you think of yourself is really important." Lesson #2: "Just do what you can do and don't worry about what anyone else is doing or not." Lesson #3: "It isn't what you have—it's what you do with what you have." Each one of these life lessons played an integral part in the creation of Self Development Success (SDS).

SDS is actually about self development and providing guided and directed assistance to individuals or groups working toward achieving their personal and professional goals. By engaging active listening skills and promoting an exchange of thought provoking conversation, people are encouraged to discover the answers that ultimately put them on their path to greater success. SDS helps people become the change they are waiting for while raising the quality of life for humanity.
– Fran Allen

Testimonials

Over the course of several years I have come to value the coaching that God has blessed me with through Fran Allen. At every turn, Fran's innovation, positive attitude, and unique counsel rooted in faith have propelled me to higher heights. Never once, was there rejection or pessimism. Her collaborative teaching, mature outlook, and supportive guidance towards achieving specific goals have been right on target. She helped me to develop and implement strategies to address challenges and come to prudent life altering decisions. Fran continually demonstrates a high degree of integrity and responsibility. She has proven her abilities to consistently provide organized, creative plans of actions that offer broad-ranging opportunities for development and growth in the areas of leadership, personal integrity, and career management. I am honored for the opportunity to continue coaching with her.
– Ms. Hope Williams, Office of the Mayor - Initiative for a Cleaner Greener Baltimore

Fran is who she needs to be at the moment… and, often changes roles – effectively and efficiently – on the run! I have personally witnessed Fran in a variety of roles during my three-years with the Woodstock Job Corps Center. This former member of the U.S. Marine Corps would often use leadership and coaching skills to motivate the youth of Job Corps to excel beyond their dreams and imaginations. And… she continues to use those skills today whenever she is in contact with job-seekers – younger or experienced – in these challenging economic times. Fran has the ability to simultaneously apply measures of sooth-stroking and kick-in-the-rear tactics to get someone moving in the right direction. As a leader and life-coach, Fran will make certain that those under her watchful eye will have the necessary skills to succeed in life…personally, professionally and spiritually. All who seek Fran's counsel will be pleased with the results of her one-step-at-a-time approach to life. I know… I have personally benefited from her counsel, advice and friendship.
– Ed Roberts, Baltimore, MD