We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Claudia Mason. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Claudia below.
Claudia, appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate it if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The idea of executing a dream, desire, wish, idea into manifestation is an important topic to discuss. These days it seems like so many people are re-inventing themselves in either their business or personal lives. The times we are living in are ripe with opportunities for humanity to make a paradigm shift in consciousness which will hopefully lead us all to living in a much more conscious, loving, fraternal and collectively supportive way.
Thankfully for me I’m going through a spiritual awakening that started in 2020 when the world shut down due to covid; you too? Not surprised! This deep awakening led me to – yet again in my life – dive into the shadows that might still keep me in fear in certain parts of my life; ya know those places within us that we thought we had worked out in our Jungian dreamwork therapy sessions years ago…? Yup. The “cave work” that so many of the master teachers throughout the ages have spoken about; so well documented in the film ‘Empire Strikes Back’. It’s the moment when Luke Skywalker, guided by Jedi Master Yoda must go into the cave to confront his fears which he thinks are all related to his biological father Darth Vader, however he soon finds out that the person he must confront to gain control of his shadow side which can wreak havoc on his life moving forward, is himself.
Still with me? Of course you are. These are timeless human tales that symbolize what we all must go through in one way or another when bringing a big life transforming idea into manifestation.
So, how did I actually start, you ask? I had a bit of a breakdown at the beginning of covid; my personal life was suddenly and drastically different as a consequence of my relationship with the man I thought I was going to marry, coming to an end. I was in deep sadness as well as a certain type of isolation due to my community leaving the city I had been living in as part of the mass migration that happened across the USA in response to the first year of the pandemic. I was very much isolated but, as I later came to realize, not alone. I consistently meditated, prayed, and did yoga in order to keep as peaceful and healthy as I could; and to figure out my next steps. During this time of searching within myself, which has always been my way when I find myself in the throws of re-configuring my life in times of great upheaval, I was internally guided to get certified as a life coach since I’ve always been a natural coach my entire life through my various professions. I also knew that I wanted to get certified in Kundalini Yoga through one of the great mentors in my life: Guru Singh while he was still teaching these ancient science and spirit based modalities. I was clear that I’m passionate about helping guide people to move forward in their lives so they can truly thrive no matter what their circumstances or background might be. It was clear that an emphasis on the inner life, which I discuss in my book “Finding The Supermodel In You” was the way forward to achieve all one wants in life. I experientially knew this to be true.
After receiving both of these certifications, and while continuing onto my final advanced certification program through a wonderful Institute that is accredited with International Coach Federation (ICF), I officially launched my business at the end of 2021. Spending the time in a classroom again, albeit a virtual one due to the pandemic, was wonderful; especially during 2021 which was an unusual year that many of us felt sped by too fast as a result of covid-haze and the 2020 US Presidential election. So far my first year of business has been one learning lesson after the next which I welcome with open arms. I believe the only way to be your best in your chosen skill, trade, profession is to keep getting up to bat again and again. When we meet the challenges in our life with curiosity, wonder and awe instead of dread and paralysis we are more easily able to find the solution and enjoy the growth opportunities they present.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been a natural coach my entire life and recently decided to get certified. My emphasis as a life coach is on the spiritual. I guide people from where they are to where they want to be by helping them get in touch with their intuitive nature. They are then more easily able to create the life they truly want. Whether I’m coaching one on one or giving talks to audiences, it is truly a joy to be able to work with and help people of all backgrounds and ages to thrive in life. For more detailed info about my practice and the many benefits that one receives from coaching, check out my site and feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to know more about you and your interest in coaching: claudiamason.com
When I was an aspiring ballerina at age 13, studying at George Balanchine’s School of American Ballet (SAB) which groomed young dancers for entrance into the New York City Ballet, I was discovered by a modeling scout at Tower Records which was across the street from Lincoln Center and SAB. I was fortunate to shoot right to the top of the international high fashion industry as a top model who was just entering high school. While I was too young to navigate on my own all of the business demands that are required of young entertainers, I was fortunate to have the guidance of my parents who were very much sophisticated & artistic intellectuals who had my back in all the right ways that a child performer needs, however clueless they were to the commerce side of the industry. After modeling throughout high school by attending the Professional Children’s School, I was accepted into top tier colleges and decided to forego a Bachelor’s Degree for a top modeling career, which I embarked upon full time at 18.
Being an international supermodel definitely has its perks, and I enjoyed most of them: the globe-trotting; the creation of photos, films and fashion shows with the legendary icons of fashion: the designers, photographers, and creative teams; the money; the glamorous high profile lifestyle; and the worldly education of being a businesswoman that you don’t get in university. While all of this was extraordinary, I was missing my performing arts roots and decided to turn my career’s attention to an acting career. I eventually moved to LA and worked as an actress. It was while living in LA that I deepened my spiritual practices which had been a staple of my upbringing. Through various extraordinary mentors and teachers, both from the consciousness movements and the arts in LA, NY, Paris and beyond, I truly found how to ground myself in my inner life which I found to be the key to a thriving, joyful existence no matter what life throws at you. As I say in my book, Finding The Supermodel In You, “…it’s an inside job…”
I suffered a stroke from an accident in a dance class some years ago which was a wakeup call for me. It led me to re-evaluate my life and redirect it back to my purpose; to in fact re-define my purpose. Surviving a health crisis like that of an ischemic stroke forces one to look at themself and ask “what am I supposed to learn from this harrowing near death experience?” My strong spiritual center knew there was indeed a definitive answer. I decided to write a book “Finding The Supermodel In You” (Skyhorse Publishing 2016) and repurpose my life. I wanted to focus on how my extraordinary life experiences and choices up til now have given me such a wealth of knowledge and expertise which I find truly satisfying to share with others so that they may grab the life they’ve always dreamed of!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – this book is all about how to tackle resistance and win. It’s a wonderful, motivation and inspiring book for anyone no matter their career path
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My website; my instagram handle and my own in person meetings. Come find me and let’s move you forward to absolute thriving in all aspects of your life! Check sources in this article for my social media info.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claudiamason.com
- Instagram: @claudiamason1
- Linkedin: Claudia Mason
- Twitter: @claudiamason1
- Youtube: Claudia Mason
- Other: email: [email protected]