We were lucky to catch up with Zeinab Kahera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zeinab, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To achieve success, it’s imperative to define what success means to you personally. This not only provides clarity but also makes the journey less daunting, as you’re operating on your own terms.

When I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I was initially consumed by the fear of failure. My perception of success was heavily influenced by the models of other successful coaches I admired, and I attempted to replicate their strategies. However, despite my best efforts, I found myself unable to sustain their business models. It was a frustrating experience that left me feeling inadequate.

During this period, I was coaching a client through the process of launching her own business, and I found myself imparting a piece of advice that would ultimately reshape my own perspective: “You are your first client.” In other words, by defining the type of service or product that aligns with your values and aspirations, you naturally attract customers who resonate with your authenticity.

This realization became a turning point for me. I decided to redefine success based on my own terms, drawing inspiration from other entrepreneurs while maintaining a steadfast commitment to authenticity. If an idea or strategy didn’t align with my values or prove sustainable over time, I had the courage to let it go.

In 2022, I made the transition to full-time solopreneurship, armed with a business molded by authenticity and values. Since then, my business has flourished. Clients are drawn to me not because I emulate others, but because I promote an authentic image of myself. By speaking their language and offering genuine value, I’ve fostered trust and loyalty, leading to referrals and sustained growth.

In essence, the key to success lies in being true to oneself, finding inspiration from others without succumbing to self-doubt, embracing failure as part of the journey, and celebrating each milestone along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an individual who has found great fulfillment in the helping profession. My journey began with a full-time position post-undergrad that quickly advanced to HR manager, a role where my ability to engage in compassionate dialogue with others proved invaluable. This experience in HR solidified my commitment to helping others, leading me to pursue graduate school with a focus on a career in coaching.

Following graduation, life took me on a winding path that eventually led me to coaching. A recent marriage and relocation to Canada brought about a period of transition, during which I found myself navigating the intricacies of the immigration process. It was during this time that I discovered my entrepreneurial spirit. Rather than idly waiting for opportunities, I chose to leverage my skills to assist others in their job search journey. I started by offering free services in resume writing and LinkedIn profile optimization, driven by a sincere desire to support others on their path to success. After a year of refining my craft, I transitioned to offering my services professionally, and within three years, I made the leap to career coaching. Two years later, I established myself as a solopreneur.

Today, I am honored to hold the title of Career Confidence and Fulfillment Coach. My mission is to empower clients to achieve their career goals with confidence and authenticity.

What sets my coaching approach apart is my emphasis on addressing the emotional aspects of the career journey. Whether it’s helping clients navigate through challenges that are holding them back or reigniting their passion for their profession, I am dedicated to providing personalized support every step of the way.

Creating a safe and supportive space for my clients is paramount to me. I believe that true growth and fulfillment stem from embracing one’s authentic self. By offering personalized and empathetic guidance, I strive to help my clients overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential in both their personal and professional lives.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The primary source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been word of mouth. I attribute this to my commitment to delivering a superior service experience that consistently exceeds my clients’ expectations and provides undeniable value beyond the financial investment in my coaching services. Satisfied clients often refer me to their friends and family who they believe would benefit from a similar transformative experience. This organic growth through personal recommendations speaks volumes about the impact of my coaching approach and the trust my clients have in the results they’ve achieved.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey into career coaching has been marked by several significant pivots, each shaping my path in unique ways. One pivotal moment occurred when I relocated to Canada and faced an unexpected obstacle in securing immediate employment. After six months of navigating this challenge, I made the decision not to remain idle. Instead, I pivoted towards offering my assistance to others, initially providing my services free of charge. This marked the beginnings of my business.

The next pivotal shift occurred several years later when, amidst working full-time as a travel agent, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to layoffs, leaving me unemployed. I delved further into my business, and through word of mouth I transitioned into a full-time role as a career specialist for a tech bootcamp. This experience not only deepened my understanding of coaching but also served as a catalyst for refining and shaping my business into the coaching model I use today.

My last pivot occurred after I left my career specialist role to pursue an opportunity with a large corporation, offering the highest salary I had ever received. While the new role provided similar aspects to my career coaching business, it also allowed me to leverage my master’s degree in professional counseling. However, just as I settled into this new role, fate intervened once more with a major corporate layoff, abruptly ending my tenure after a mere eleven days. It was then that I decided to transition away from full-time corporate employment and instead invest my efforts fully into my business.

This final pivot marked a significant turning point in my journey. Embracing my intuition, which I had previously overlooked, I committed myself wholeheartedly to building a business aligned with my values and definition of success. Today, I am immensely grateful for these pivotal moments, as they have led me to a place where I am able to run a business that reflects my true authenticity and provides genuine value to those I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zeinabkahera.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zkcareers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeinabkahera/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zkcareers
• Other: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thesefertilegrounds

Image Credits

Photographs taken by lovebyrdphoto https://lovebyrdphoto.com/ or https://www.instagram.com/lovebyrdphoto/