We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Thembi Aquil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dr. Thembi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I spent over 25 years in the financial industry, navigating through various roles and responsibilities. While I found some of these positions fulfilling, many were simply a means to support my family. However, a couple of years ago, I encountered a challenging manager that made my work environment unbearable. The stress and unhappiness began to take a toll on my health, prompting me to make a pivotal decision. Finally, I mustered the courage to resign from that toxic situation. At the time, I had been contemplating starting my own business, but fear held me back. Instead, I opted to find another job to ensure stability. For about a year, I worked diligently at the new company. However, as the economy started shifting and interest rates began to rise, the mortgage industry faced a decline, resulting in widespread layoffs. It was then that I received a clear sign to seize the opportunity and embark on my entrepreneurial journey. I won’t sugarcoat the fact that the path of entrepreneurship has presented its fair share of challenges. Long hours and dedicated effort were necessary to establish and grow my own business. Yet, there’s a fundamental difference in the way I approach these tasks now. I prioritize investing my energy in something that brings me genuine peace and joy, rather than sacrificing my well-being for the sake of a stressful job. The decision to become an entrepreneur has allowed me to align my work with my passions and values. It has given me the freedom to create my own destiny and pursue a path that truly fulfills me. While the journey has its own set of hurdles, the rewards outweigh the difficulties. The satisfaction of building something meaningful, the joy of helping others, and the flexibility to design my own schedule are invaluable. As I reflect on my transformation from a corporate employee to a business owner, I am grateful for the challenges that pushed me to make this leap of faith. It was a choice to prioritize my well-being and pursue a path that aligns with my values. Today, I can confidently say that the journey towards entrepreneurship is one that brings fulfillment, purpose, and a renewed sense of joy. In the end, it’s not about the easy road but rather the path that leads to personal and professional growth. If my story can inspire others to follow their dreams and overcome their fears, then it has served its purpose. Together, let’s embrace the unknown, chase our passions, and find the courage to live life on our own terms.

Dr. Thembi, 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?

Over a decade ago, I embarked on a journey as a volunteer, teaching financial literacy to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to improve their financial circumstances. It was during this time that my passion for helping people navigate their financial challenges ignited. When the opportunity arose for me to start my own business, the path ahead was crystal clear. Today, I proudly serve as a Financial Wellness Coach, offering a unique approach that goes beyond conventional financial coaching. My focus extends beyond the numbers; I delve into the depths of your money story, financial trauma, and money mindset. By understanding the roots of your financial journey, I can provide holistic guidance tailored to your specific needs. With expertise in financial strategies, my aim is to alleviate the worry of running out of money before the month ends, granting you the freedom to do the things you love with the people you love.
In my practice, I offer personalized 1:1 coaching, working closely with individuals on both personal and business finances. By addressing the unique challenges and goals of each client, I help them build a solid financial foundation that brings stability and prosperity.
Additionally, I collaborate with companies to deliver impactful Financial Wellness workshops. By empowering their employees to transform their relationship with money, we create a ripple effect that enhances employee retention rates, boosts productivity, and fosters higher engagement. Together, we cultivate a workforce that is financially empowered, resilient, and driven to achieve their full potential.
What sets me apart is the personable experience I provide. Financial discussions can often be uncomfortable and accompanied by a sense of shame. However, I strive to create a safe and judgment-free space, allowing my clients to openly explore their financial concerns and aspirations. I firmly believe that by addressing our financial challenges head-on and embracing a growth mindset, we can overcome limitations and create a brighter financial future.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I began my entrepreneurial journey, my sole focus was on providing transformative 1:1 coaching to individuals seeking financial wellness. However, as the economic tides shifted and inflation began to rise, I recognized the need to adapt my approach and broaden my horizons. As people started cutting back on non-essential expenses, I observed an opportunity to contribute to the financial well-being of businesses and their employees. This pivotal moment prompted me to shift gears and direct my efforts towards offering financial wellness solutions tailored specifically to the needs of organizations. As I navigated this transition, I discovered a newfound passion for helping businesses create a financially empowered and resilient workforce. Witnessing the positive impact of financial wellness initiatives on employee morale, retention, and overall performance, I am inspired to continue empowering businesses to prioritize their employees’ financial well-being.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I recommend new business owners read the following books: How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington, The E Myth by Michael Gerber, Atomic Habits by James Clear and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. For any coaches I recommend The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sensiblelivingcoach.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensiblelivingcoach/?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SensibleLivingCoach
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thembiaquil/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensiblelivingcoach
• Other: https://calendly.com/sensiblelivingcoach/15min