Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anjené Abston. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Anjené, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When you were first starting out, did you join a firm or start your own?

I started my career in Corporate America over 15 years ago. I completed graduate school at the end of 2020. Shortly after that, I was laid off from my job. and I was wondering, what next? I had the pleasure of being a participant in several coaching programs, During my time in those programs, I felt a calling to become a coach myself but I had never pulled the trigger. I made the decision to go for it and start my own life coaching business, Living Ambitiously, LLC.

I climbed the corporate ladder at a young age and had to learn the hard way about setting boundaries, executing on non-career goals and maintaining a social life. I became a coach to support those who are struggling to “have it all” to help them avoid the pitfalls and roadblocks I experienced. While I coach in general around balance, I specialize in prioritization, goal execution, productivity, professional development and travel.

Starting Living Ambitiously has been rewarding and challenging. It’s a decision I believe was the right choice at the right time. It has been amazing to work with clients and support them through their own journeys. Throughout my life, I’ve been asked for my advice and support as an accountability partner. Having this business allows me to do this intentionally and to reach more people in various stages of their lives.

It hasn’t always been easy. Although I have a Business degree and have experience with operations, marketing and project management; having my own business is a different ballgame; especially when juggling it with other business and personal commitments. Trying to figure out where to start, what credentials if any were necessary, what infrastructure to develop, where to reach clients and determining my capacity levels has all been a learning curve. But every time I made a mistake or learn something new, it makes me that much better and efficient.

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?

My name is Anjené Abston and I’m a Life Coach who specializes in supporting busy people achieve their life ambitions. I’ve participated in multiple coaching programs myself and transitioned into being a coach 2 years ago.

I’m an accomplished business professional with over 15 years of corporate experience, with focus on operational excellence, security and risk management. I love to travel, am driven to be a lifelong learner and enjoy accomplishing my goals via action plans.

I have a Masters from Northwestern in Information Security, a Bachelors in Marketing / Sociology from Miami University, have attended an Executive Development program at Wharton School of Business plus 7 professional certifications / designations.

By the age of 30, I made Vice President while working at an S&P 500 organization. I completed my Masters while Crisis Managing COVID from a corporate perspective. I have traveled to over 40 countries.

Finding balance while climbing the corporate ladder can be exhausting. Becoming an executive at a young age, I had to learn the hard way around setting boundaries, executing on non-career goals and maintaining a social life. I became a coach to support those who are struggling to “have it all” to help them avoid the pitfalls and roadblocks I experienced. While I coach in general around balance, I specialize in prioritization, goal execution, productivity, professional development and travel.

As a travel coach, my high-quality resources will allow you to purposefully and intentionally travel to foster memorable experiences, growth opportunities plus self-care / wellness.

When focusing on professional development, my mission is to provide coaching services that inspires individuals to achieve their highest potential and be leaders in their professional careers, regardless of their role.

For productivity, my services are designed to support clients through the phases of planning and execution so that they can achieve their wildest dreams.

I currently offer a 12-week Life Balance coaching program, a 6-week Travel coaching program plus have a Professional Development coaching and online course package.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think the ability to pivot and be nimble is such an important skill. After working for the same organization for 12 years, I learned how critical it is to set yourself up to have multiple paths to choose from should the need rises. A form of diversification if you will. Having the skills to be able to take on opportunities when they arise. For me, starting my business as a life coach is one way that I pivoted. I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and I never really knew what exactly it would be. My corporate career is in security and I’ve specialized in both physical security and information security however I took the risk to start my own business and put myself out there because I believe I can really support others in their life journeys. I had to readjust the way I operate on a daily basis, reprioritize and focus on other areas in life to ensure my business is successful and thriving. Even choosing which areas I coach has been a pivot for me. When I first started out, I focused only on Professional Development and quickly realized that Life Balance was the focal point I wanted to have because it’s the foundation for everything else one will do. If you can’t find balance, you likely are going to struggle with professional development, travel and goal execution. But that realization took me over a year to figure out. I’m still in the progress of fully pivoting over.

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

Tapping into my network and word of mouth have been the best source of clients for me thus far. Being mindful and intention to advocate for myself as a coach and talking about what I specialize in has definitely secured me multiple clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://livingambitiously.teachable.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/living_ambitiously/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Living-Ambitiously-110483661297997
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/livingambitiously

Image Credits
Anjené Abston