Empowering Coaches: Insights from Fiona Moss on Success
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Chapter 1: The Coaching Landscape
The coaching sector has exploded, currently valued at an impressive $15 billion. While many individuals are transitioning from traditional office roles to thriving coaching careers, success is not guaranteed for everyone. What must aspiring life, wellness, or business coaches understand to transform their careers into fulfilling ventures?
In this interview series titled "Five Essentials for a Successful Coaching Career," we engage with seasoned coaches across various fields to share their insights and strategies for achieving success. Our conversation today features Fiona Moss, a unique career and business coach who empowers women to discover their purpose and defy societal norms, enabling them to pursue careers that align with their dreams.
Fiona's mission is to normalize the idea of starting anew in adulthood, guiding clients to craft a life they love through her candid, no-nonsense approach. For some, this means departing from corporate jobs through her program, PURPOSE, while for others, it involves launching their own businesses via her startup program, WILD. Fiona aims to assist 100 women in finding their purpose and embracing fulfilling careers in 2022. Based in Central America, she also enjoys the flexibility of a location-independent business model, sharing her journey of building a remote enterprise.
Thank you for joining us in this enlightening series! To kick things off, could you share your background and what led you to coaching?
At the age of 28, I experienced what I call my "big career change." While it may seem premature to have a career crisis at that age, looking back, it was the ideal time for me to recognize the need for a shift in my career path.
I was feeling unfulfilled in my role as a retail buyer, overwhelmed and stuck. Externally, I appeared to be thriving, yet internally, I was on autopilot, making excuses to avoid moving forward. I felt trapped in a cycle of negativity, believing I lacked the time or financial means to change my situation.
Social pressures added to my struggles as I tried to meet everyone else's expectations, leaving little room for my own needs. I had lost sight of my true self, feeling drained and burnt out. Most distressing was the sense of being trapped without a clear solution. It became evident that I had to instigate change; waiting for a more favorable moment would not resolve my issues. Life taught me that favorable circumstances must be created, not awaited.
Challenging my existing beliefs was not easy, but I learned that regardless of the situation, I always have the power to choose how I live my life and can find solutions to the obstacles before me. Society teaches us to conform, but I take pride in having the courage to pursue what I truly wanted.
By releasing societal expectations and resetting my personal agenda, I transformed my life. Stepping out of my comfort zone led to significant personal growth, and I built a business that grants me financial independence, allowing me to lead the adventurous lifestyle I cherish.
Now, I strive to help my clients navigate similar challenges.
Section 1.1: Key Traits for Success
As a successful business leader, which three traits do you believe have been vital to your accomplishments? Can you share an example for each?
Resilience is a crucial skill I've cultivated throughout my entrepreneurial journey. I faced a significant challenge early on when I launched a course that garnered zero interest. While this is common for new coaches, it can be easy to perceive such experiences as failures instead of learning opportunities. I've refined my ability to navigate setbacks, understanding that they are a natural part of business growth.
Being bold is another fundamental aspect of my philosophy. It has pushed me to take decisive actions even when unprepared. For instance, I invested in high-level coaching and mentorship, which required me to connect deeply with my vision and focus on desired outcomes. Viewing financial investments as integral to my development has been essential.
Finally, maintaining focus and commitment to my goals is vital. By consistently revisiting my "why," I remain clear on my purpose and the individuals I aim to help, especially during challenging times.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Habits
Section 1.2: Building Effective Habits
Habits significantly impact my success. Establishing routines enhances my efficiency and productivity, allowing me to consistently show up for myself. This framework minimizes overthinking and fosters consistent results.
One of my most valuable habits is committing to read one book weekly. This ongoing learning process has deepened my insights, particularly in personal development. Currently, my favorite read on this topic is "Atomic Habits" by James Clear.
Creating good habits fosters a stronger connection with ourselves; consistency builds confidence and self-trust. For instance, my morning self-care ritual is both calming and energizing, setting a positive tone for my day. This ritual, which I can adapt while traveling, begins the night before with preparation and involves exercises like making my bed, journaling, meditating, and listening to uplifting music.
Speaking of habit development, the best way to cultivate positive habits is to link them to existing routines. For example, if you want to read more, connect it to a daily activity, like brushing your teeth. This approach makes it easier to remember and integrate the new habit into your day.
Conversely, to break a negative habit, identify the trigger and root cause. For example, if you wish to reduce social media usage, disable app notifications to eliminate the emotional prompts driving you to engage.
Chapter 2: Insights from Fiona Moss
The first video titled 25 Ways To Think Like A Six-Figure Coach explores strategies to elevate your coaching mindset and achieve financial success.
The second video, 3 Simple Ways To Grow Your Coaching Business, provides actionable tips for expanding your coaching practice.
Reflecting on your journey, what is your favorite life lesson quote, and why does it resonate with you?
"Nothing changes if nothing changes" is a mantra I hold dear. It highlights our responsibility to act differently if we desire alternative outcomes. Many people wait for life to unfold, but true change requires proactive effort. We must actively shape our lives and take responsibility for our directions.
What exciting projects are you currently working on that could benefit others?
In 2022, my goal is to guide 100 women in discovering their purpose in their careers. A sense of purpose in one's work leads to fulfillment and meaning in life. Our purpose evolves, and finding it can unleash transformative potential, allowing us to live intentionally rather than by chance.
Finally, what factors differentiate successful coaches from those who struggle, and what are your "Five Essentials for a Flourishing Coaching Career"?
- Purpose: Understanding your "why" attracts clients and sets you apart.
- Self-Development: Embrace discomfort, challenge yourself, and let go of outdated beliefs.
- Vision: Define your goals clearly instead of leaving them to chance.
- Strategy: Develop a bold plan to support your vision and take action.
- Resilience: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
New coaches often set unrealistic expectations, leading to premature burnout. The first two years are foundational for business growth, and persistence during this time is crucial for laying a solid groundwork.
Effective lead generation is critical. What strategies can coaches employ to attract clients?
- Clarify your purpose, unique selling proposition (USP), and ideal client profile.
- Understand where your target audience spends time and what content resonates with them.
Taking care of physical and mental well-being is vital for coaches, especially when starting a business.
Social media presence is essential for connecting with potential clients. Tailor your approach to your audience, using formats like Instagram Reels to create engaging content. Remember, a clear customer journey and consistent calls to action are key to converting leads into clients.
If you could initiate a movement to benefit society, what would it be?
I would advocate for normalizing career transitions for individuals over 30, encouraging them to pursue work that fulfills their purpose. It's essential to inspire people to seek meaningful careers that empower them to become their best selves.
Is there a notable figure you would like to have a private meeting with?
I would love to have a conversation with British author Sam Conniff, whose book Be More Pirate encourages challenging the status quo. His insights have profoundly influenced my work.
How can readers follow your journey online?
Visit my website at www.fionamoss.co.uk or connect with me on Instagram @fionamoss_.
Thank you for this inspiring conversation! We wish you continued success and well-being!