We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Nicolya Grigsby Williams. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Nicolya below.
Hi Dr. Nicolya, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Launching my own coaching business as a single mom was a significant risk that I took, but it was a decision that was driven by my passion for helping others and my desire to create a better future for my family.
The backstory to this risk begins when I found myself in a job that no longer fulfilled me, and I felt a pull towards pursuing my dream of becoming a coach. As a single mom, the idea of leaving a stable job to start a business came with uncertainties and fears about financial stability. However, the thought of not pursuing my passion was even scarier, as I knew I wouldn’t be happy settling for a job that didn’t align with my purpose.
After much contemplation and planning, I decided to take the leap and launch my coaching business. I invested in training and certifications, worked tirelessly on setting up the business, and slowly started building a client base. Balancing entrepreneurship with single motherhood was challenging, but my determination to succeed and create a better future for my child kept me going during the tough times.
As time went by, my coaching business started to gain traction. I was able to help clients achieve their goals, build a strong reputation in the industry, and create a steady income stream for my family. Despite the initial fears and uncertainties, the risk I took in starting my own coaching business turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
It was not an easy journey, but the sense of fulfillment and pride I gained from following my passion and creating a successful business on my own terms was truly rewarding. The experience taught me the importance of taking risks, believing in myself, and never giving up on my dreams, no matter the challenges I faced along the way.
Dr. Nicolya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Dr. Nicolya Williams, a passionate Believer and mom to two amazing girls. I transitioned from being a Licensed Clinical Counselor to become a Transformational Coach. I am the founder of The ELEVATE Method, and Trainer. I hold a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership and am certified in Neuro-linguistic Programming, Emotional Freedom Techniques, TIME Techniques, Hypnotherapy, Somatics, Trauma-Informed Care, and Human Design.
Driven by a major life transition, I decided to live my life to the fullest and use my gifts to help women worldwide who are seeking more in life. By offering individualized goal setting, mindset work, and personal empowerment, I help women bridge the gap from where they are to their desired destinations. As an accomplished coach, I have enabled women to launch courses, become certified, become successful, international best-selling authors, overcome fear, secure speaking engagements, enhance productivity, cope with trauma and pain, battle addictions, and monetize their coaching business.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
In addition to training and knowledge, several other qualities and skills are crucial for succeeding as a coach:
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and empathizing with your clients’ experiences, emotions, and perspectives is essential for building trust and rapport. Emotional intelligence allows you to connect with clients on a deeper level and provide meaningful support.
Effective Communication: Strong communication skills, including active listening, clarity, and the ability to convey information and ideas effectively, are vital for successful coaching relationships.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable and flexible in your coaching approach allows you to tailor your methods to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.
Resilience and Perseverance: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, stay motivated, and persevere through challenges is crucial for long-term success as a coach.
Ethical and Professional Conduct: Upholding ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating professionalism are essential for building credibility and trust with clients.
Curiosity and a Growth Mindset: A genuine curiosity about your clients’ experiences and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional growth contribute to your effectiveness as a coach.
Business Acumen: For coaches in private practice, having a strong understanding of business principles, marketing, and client acquisition can greatly contribute to success.
Networking and Relationship Building: Developing a strong network of professional relationships and nurturing connections within the coaching community can provide valuable support, learning opportunities, and potential referrals.
By cultivating these attributes in addition to your training and knowledge, you can enhance your capability to succeed as a coach and deliver meaningful value to your clients.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
As an individual committed to personal and professional growth, I have been fortunate to encounter several transformative books that have deeply impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. Among the diverse array of influential works, two stand out as particularly impactful: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “Sabbath Keeping” by Lynne M. Baab.
“Atomic Habits” serves as a catalyst for establishing the habits and routines that lay the foundation for sustainable success. It has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power and significance of small, consistent actions. Through Clear’s compelling insights, I have come to recognize the cumulative effect of incremental improvements and the pivotal role they play in achieving long-term goals. This book has led me to more intentionally cultivate positive habits, enabling me to harness the compounding nature of incremental progress in both personal and professional domains.
In parallel, “Sabbath Keeping” has profoundly influenced my approach to balancing productivity and well-being, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship. Baab’s work has illuminated the essential value of rest, renewal, and reflection in sustaining a fulfilling and productive life. By embracing the wisdom encapsulated in this book, I have been empowered to prioritize self-care and mindfulness, recognizing that dedicating time to rejuvenation is not only compatible with but essential to entrepreneurial endeavors. Sabbath Keeping has prompted a paradigm shift in my understanding of productivity, revealing the intrinsic interplay between recuperation and peak performance.
Moreover, beyond the scope of these specific works, several other resources have contributed significantly to my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries has elucidated the principles of iterating, testing, and adapting in the pursuit of innovative entrepreneurship, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek has underscored the paramount importance of purpose and vision, imparting an appreciation for the potency of authentic leadership and organizational alignment. Additionally, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins has offered invaluable insights into the enduring traits of exceptional companies, imparting enduring principles for sustainable, transformative leadership.
In tandem with these literary influences, I have actively engaged with a myriad of educational resources, including online courses, podcasts, and TED Talks, nurturing a commitment to lifelong learning and exposure to diverse perspectives. These supplementary resources have enriched my knowledge and broadened my understanding of entrepreneurship, leadership, and management.
In conclusion, the books and resources that have significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking have collectively contributed to a comprehensive and nuanced framework for leadership, productivity, and sustainable progress. “Atomic Habits” and “Sabbath Keeping” have been pivotal in fostering a harmonious, purpose-driven approach to my professional endeavors, while other influential works have complemented and expanded upon these foundational insights. As I continue to explore the rich tapestry of literary and educational resources available, I remain committed to cultivating a multifaceted and adaptive philosophy that integrates the wisdom of diverse sources, thereby enriching my capacity to contribute meaningfully as a leader and entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolyawilliams.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nicolyawilliams
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNicolyaWilliams/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-nicolya-williams-a0322224/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/drnicolyawilliams
