We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brittany Kohnke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Brittany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
2020 and the effects COVID completely decimated some small businesses, especially those in the fitness industry. For me it did just the opposite. During the shutdowns and lockdowns I realized how much of an impact I could be making to those around me. While working as full-time teacher, I continued to build my coaching business and expand my reach to those online and within my community. By the start of 2021, I made the decision to go “all in” and pursue coaching full-time
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
People ask me why I got into this profession and the answer is always “I’m here to change the game”. My journey started shortly after I competed in my first figure competition where I dieted and trained hard to get “stage ready”. Little did I know what I was doing was all wrong and worse; would set me up to crash and burn shortly after. Having gained almost 70lbs after that experience I spent the next two years deep into an eating disorder and looking for every quick fix, gimmick I could find to help shed the pounds. Feeling frustrated and confused I said enough and stayed out the gym for almost a decade until one gym completely changed my life. That gym and the methodology behind it taught me to focus on what I could do instead of what I wasn’t. Adopting this mindset and learning the fundamentals of strength have catapulted me to where I am today; helping others navigate towards becoming their strongest self. I help people, especially women, eliminated the impossible by showing what’s possible so they can show up as their best, most confident self.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
The fitness industry is not for the faint of heart. With lots of competition, it’s hard to set one’s self apart from the rest. In the last several years I have seen trainers in the field with limited or basic knowledge absolutely thrive and others who, in my mind, are considered “the best in field” struggle. So what gives?
People skills. In a profession all about people, coaching is more about how you can make people feel and the experience you can give them and less about one’s ability to describe the Krebs Cycle. The ability to communicate effectively, show empathy, and “lead while joining” clients on their journey to health is paramount for success. Those who are able to combine best practices with interpersonal skills will thrive.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Choose collaboration over competition. Networking with other professionals in the field coupled with an “abundance” mindset has been one of the best strategies to building a reputation. Whether its collaborating on social media or finding ways to serve clients, I’m constantly on the look out for finding other trusted professionals to help others.
Contact Info:
- Website: BrittanyKohnkeTraining.com
- Instagram: Brittany_Kohnke
- Facebook: Brittany Kohnke Training
- Twitter: Brittany_Kohnke
- Youtube: Brittany Kohnke Training
Image Credits
Tim Weaver Photography Elevare Creative Studio
Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.