We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adetokunbo Osinaike a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Adetokunbo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
One of the most significant risks I’ve taken in my life was transitioning from a stable career in engineering and engineering sales to becoming a Breathwork facilitator and men’s work coach. This decision was not made lightly and involved considerable reflection and courage.
The backstory begins with my long-standing passion for personal development and healing practices, which included working with psilocybin and Ayahuasca. Over the years, I realized that my true calling lay in helping others navigate their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. Despite the security and predictability of my engineering career, I felt a growing dissatisfaction and a strong pull toward a more fulfilling path.
Taking the plunge meant stepping into the unknown. I had to leave behind the comfort of a well-established profession and the financial stability it provided. The transition also required me to invest in further training and certifications to become a certified Soma+IQ Breathwork practitioner and a trauma informed coach & facilitator. I began to immerse myself in various modalities and practices, learning from experts in the field and gaining hands-on experience.
As I started to build my practice, I faced numerous challenges. Establishing a client base, gaining credibility, and marketing my services were all daunting tasks. However, my dedication and passion for this work fueled my perseverance. I began to offer sessions, workshops, and retreats, slowly but surely building a community of clients who resonated with my approach.
Some of the most pivotal moments in my journey were connecting my own coach Jose Alejandro of The Modern Renaissance Man mens group which I am now a Captain. This opportunity helped in my own personal journey and transition while opening doors to lead a weekly men’s mastery, incorporating movement, breathwork, deep conversations and more. It not only expanded my reach but also reinforced my decision to pursue this path.
The risk paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Today, I’m able to touch lives and facilitate profound transformations in the men and women I work with. I’ve also been invited to share my insights on platforms like numerous podcast and collaborate with like-minded individuals. The fulfillment I derive from this work is immeasurable, and it has affirmed that taking this risk was the right choice.
Transitioning from engineering to coaching was a life-changing decision that involved leaving behind stability for uncertainty. However, by following my passion and committing to my growth, I have found a career that not only aligns with my values but also allows me to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.
Adetokunbo , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a Breathwork practitioner, trauma informed life coach and men’s work facilitator, with a deep commitment to guiding men and women through transformative journeys of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. My path into this industry has been a blend of professional evolution and personal passion.
How I Got Started
My career began in engineering and engineering sales, where I developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. Despite my success in this field, I felt a persistent yearning for something more meaningful and fulfilling. This led me to explore various healing modalities, spirituality plant medicines, time in the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle, which profoundly impacted my life. These experiences sparked a realization that my true calling was to help others navigate their own healing journeys.
My Services
As a Breathwork facilitator, I offer a range of services designed to support individuals in their personal growth and healing. These include:
One-on-One, Couple Group Breathwork Sessions: Tailored to individual needs, these sessions help clients release emotional blockages, reduce stress, gain clarity and connect deeper with self ancestors and source.
Group Workshops: These provide a supportive environment for men to explore their inner landscapes, share experiences, and build a sense of community.
Retreats: In collaboration with few Studios in Chicago. I lead retreats that incorporate somatic breathwork, workshops, with optional cannabis or psilocybin, offering deeper healing experiences.
Men’s Healing Journeys: Monthly sessions that blend breathwork with other holistic practices to foster emotional and psychological well-being.
Problems I Solve
Many men struggle with unresolved trauma, stress, emotional blockages, and a lack of connection to their true selves. Through my work, I help clients:
Release stored emotional pain and trauma.
Develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
Enhance their self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.
Navigate life transitions and challenges with greater resilience and clarity.
Master Financial Literacy Abundance and Manifestation.
What Sets Me Apart
Several factors distinguish my approach from others in the field:
Holistic Integration: I combine breathwork with elements of plant medicine, somatic practices, and traditional healing methods to provide a comprehensive approach to healing.
Personal Experience: My journey from engineering to healing work gives me a unique perspective and empathy for clients making significant life changes.
Community Focus: I place a strong emphasis on building supportive communities where men can connect, share, and grow together.
Authenticity and Connection: I prioritize genuine connections with my clients, ensuring that my guidance is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding.
Proud Achievements
One of my proudest achievements is successfully transitioning from a conventional career to a deeply fulfilling vocation where I can make a meaningful impact. Additionally, being invited to lead healing journeys at a few Yoga Studios here in Chicago and appearing on a few podcast are significant milestones that validate my work and its importance.
Key Messages for Potential Clients
If you’re considering working with me, here’s what you should know:
Transformation Awaits: Whether you’re dealing with stress, seeking emotional healing, or looking to connect more deeply with yourself, my services are designed to support your journey.
Commitment to Growth: I am dedicated to ongoing learning and personal development to provide the best possible guidance and support.
Community and Support: You’ll find a welcoming, supportive community that encourages growth, connection, and shared experiences.
In essence, my work is about helping men reclaim their power, heal from past wounds, and navigate their lives with greater purpose and clarity. I’m here to support you on your journey towards a more fulfilled and authentic self.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, several key factors contribute significantly to success in the field of Breathwork facilitation and men’s work coaching:
1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Being able to understand and share the feelings of others is crucial. Empathy allows you to connect deeply with clients, understand their struggles, and provide the support they need. Emotional intelligence helps you navigate the complexities of human emotions, both your own and those of your clients, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing.
2. Authenticity
Clients are more likely to trust and open up to someone who is genuine and authentic. Sharing your own experiences, vulnerabilities, and insights can create a powerful connection and encourage clients to do the same. Authenticity builds trust and rapport, which are essential for effective coaching and facilitation.
3. Active Listening
Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it involves fully engaging with the speaker, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. This skill is vital for understanding clients’ needs, concerns, and goals, allowing you to tailor your approach to best support their journey.
4. Patience and Compassion
Healing and personal growth are often gradual processes that require patience. Compassion helps you to remain supportive and understanding, even when progress seems slow or setbacks occur. It’s important to meet clients where they are and honor their unique pace and process.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
Every client is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Being flexible and adaptable in your methods and approaches ensures that you can meet the diverse needs of your clients. This also involves staying open to new techniques and continuously evolving your practice.
6. Resilience
Working in the field of healing and personal development can be emotionally taxing. Building resilience helps you to manage your own well-being and stay committed to your work, even in the face of challenges. Self-care practices are essential to maintain your energy and effectiveness as a facilitator and coach.
7. Community Building
Creating a sense of community among your clients can enhance their healing experience. Supportive group environments allow individuals to share, learn from each other, and feel less isolated in their struggles. Community building fosters a sense of belonging and collective growth.
8. Ethical Integrity
Maintaining high ethical standards is paramount. This includes respecting client confidentiality, setting appropriate boundaries, and ensuring that your practice is client-centered and free from exploitation. Ethical integrity builds trust and ensures that clients feel safe and respected.
9. Continuous Personal Growth
Your own journey of personal growth and self-awareness directly impacts your ability to support others. Continuously working on your own healing and development not only enhances your skills but also serves as an inspiring example for your clients.
10. Passion and Purpose
A deep passion for helping others and a clear sense of purpose can drive your success. When your work aligns with your core values and passions, it becomes more fulfilling and impactful. This intrinsic motivation keeps you committed and enthusiastic about your practice.
In summary, while training and knowledge provide the foundation, qualities like empathy, authenticity, active listening, patience, and resilience are essential for succeeding in the field of Breathwork facilitation and men’s work coaching. These qualities enable you to connect with clients on a deeper level, provide meaningful support, and foster lasting transformations.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
ne significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that vulnerability equates to weakness. Growing up and throughout my initial career in engineering and engineering sales, I was conditioned to value strength, stoicism, and self-reliance. In both professional and personal contexts, showing vulnerability was often perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence.
The Backstory
In my engineering career, I thrived on solving complex problems and presenting a confident, capable exterior. This approach served me well in many respects, allowing me to advance professionally and maintain a solid reputation. However, as I delved deeper into personal development and healing work, especially through my experiences with psilocybin and Ayahuasca, I began to realize the limitations of this mindset.
These powerful plant medicine experiences revealed deep-seated emotional wounds and unresolved traumas that I had been suppressing. The process of confronting these issues required me to embrace my vulnerability and acknowledge my fears, insecurities, and pain. It was a profoundly challenging but necessary journey. Alongside this, I had to navigate impostor syndrome and feelings of inadequacy, questioning my worthiness and capabilities in this new path.
The Turning Point
A pivotal moment in this unlearning process occurred during one of my early breathwork sessions. I witnessed firsthand how allowing myself to be vulnerable—both in expressing my own emotions and in holding space for others—led to profound healing and connection. It became clear that vulnerability was not a weakness but a profound strength that allowed for authentic connection and transformation.
Embracing Vulnerability in My Work
As I transitioned to becoming a Breathwork facilitator and men’s work coach, I began to integrate this lesson into my practice. I encouraged my clients to embrace their vulnerability as a path to healing and growth. By sharing my own experiences and creating a safe, supportive environment, I helped men release emotional blockages and connect more deeply with themselves and others. I also learned to address my impostor syndrome head-on, recognizing that my experiences and insights were valuable and that my feelings of inadequacy were part of my growth process.
The Impact
Unlearning the association of vulnerability with weakness has transformed both my personal life and my professional practice. It has allowed me to build more authentic relationships, foster genuine connections with my clients, and create a space where true healing can occur. This shift has been fundamental in differentiating my approach and has become a cornerstone of my work. Additionally, overcoming impostor syndrome has empowered me to step into my role with confidence and authenticity, further enhancing the impact of my work.
Key Takeaways
Vulnerability is Strength: Embracing vulnerability allows for deeper connections and genuine healing.
Authenticity Matters: Being open about my own journey helps create a trusting and supportive environment for my clients.
Continuous Growth: Unlearning deeply ingrained beliefs and overcoming impostor syndrome is an ongoing process that requires courage and commitment.
By unlearning this lesson, I have been able to live and work more authentically, supporting others in their journey towards self-discovery and healing. This process has not only enhanced my effectiveness as a coach and facilitator but has also enriched my own personal growth and fulfillment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/oba.tokunbo
- Instagram: @oba.tokunbo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adetokunbo.osinaike
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adetokunbo-o-615213a2/
Image Credits
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