We recently connected with Elisabetta Entwistle and have shared our conversation below.

Elisabetta , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

My first client was a dear friend of mine who is still one of my best friends. Although she is a friend, beginning to work with her as a client wasn’t as easy as it may seem. As a new coach, starting off can be really hard. You look around and all you see are successful coaches and entrepreneurs. It’s painted as a fairy tail through social media to own your business, work for yourself, create your working hours, and show up on your own time. How could it be so hard? Well what I have learned is that no matter how many trainings you’ve done and how well you know your “stuff” it doesn’t guarantee clients. Thankfully I come from a sales background and my parents are business owners so even though I found myself desiring what social media portrays, I was able to ground myself in the hard work and commitment it takes. I knew that relationships mattered. When I became a certified coach, I was tempted to share my message with people I didn’t know and hope that someone would want to work with me. However, I decided to have the courage to actively reach out to people already in my community, my close friends. Although it was hard because I did fear that they would be put off by the idea and never consider working with a friend, I set the intention to share even if it was uncomfortable. When my friend said yes and that she was interested in working together it allowed our friendship to grow. Receiving my first completed payment from her was the foundation to keep going, to keep believing, and keep growing as a business owner and coach. Sometimes all it takes is one person to believe in yourself, and it starts with you! I still hold so much gratitude for my friend and celebrate her as my very first client!

Elisabetta , 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?

Something I learned from a world famous coach, Rich Litvin, is that you can share your “official bio” or you can share your “real bio.” I’d like to share both with you.

My official bio is that I am a women’s life, leadership, and menstrual cycle coach, based in New Jersey. Women, whom you’d assume would not need a coach, work with me. These are working professionals and ambitious “do-ers” who want to create possibilities in their life. They have the desire to live a more conscious and healthy life while being financially proud and in loving relationships. I have hosted online groups, 1:1 programs and in-person events. Conscious connected breathwork, meditation, and embodiment practices are all part of the work I incorporate with clients to help them be more present in their bodies and less stressed in their mind so they can take clear and empowered action.

My real bio is that my name is Elisabetta, however my friends and family call me Betta. I grew up in Boulder CO within an Italian household who cherished family, faith, and fun. Those are now my values that I strive to build my life upon. I’ve lived in Boston, San Francisco, and New York City and in each of these places, I’ve grown closer to myself and others. My biggest accomplishment is that I am a mom and wife. It is the best role I have had in my life. I’ve felt anxious, judged my body, questioned myself, and have had a lot of self doubt. I’ve faced challenges like getting laid off from covid in 2020 and rebuilding myself back up one day at a time. I am an introverted, extrovert who loves alone time and also being in deep heart opening conversation. You can learn more about me or reach out to me at www.elisabettacoaching.com.

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

In March of 2020, I found myself among those affected by a company-wide layoff. Despite the challenging and uncertain global circumstances at the time, the unexpected nature of the layoff made it particularly difficult to accept. I had been part of a team that not only fostered personal growth but also consistently exceeded monthly revenue goals. There were no apparent signs of failure in our endeavors.

As shocking and devastating as the news of my departure from the organization was, I sensed a certain tranquility within me. Just a few months earlier, I had completed my coaching certification and yoga teacher training. It felt as if God was signaling a shift towards a new purpose of service. Armed with the necessary resources and tools, the onus was on me to transform my mindset from one of self-doubt and inability (“I am not worthy and I can’t do this”) to one of confidence and capability (“I am worthy and I can do this”).

This shift, though easier said than done, required consistent effort. Every morning, despite the motivation I felt the night before, I found myself grappling with negative thoughts upon waking up. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was undergoing a process of self-reflection and reprogramming. Looking back, it is clear how much internal restructuring was needed to overcome the fear, worry, anxiety, and judgment intertwined with the rejection.

The journey toward where I stand today, in a state of peace and acceptance regarding the events of 2020, demanded considerable self-work. In the midst of rejection, it is all too easy to succumb to a false and repetitive narrative. I discovered that slowing down and relying on my support system were crucial coping mechanisms. Engaging with a life coach played a pivotal role in helping me recalibrate my perspective. This involved not only reevaluating the urgency of solving problems within a 24-hour timeframe but also reshaping my thought patterns to originate from a place of love rather than fear.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Racing towards success was a challenging mindset for me to overcome and unlearn, rooted in my upbringing as the youngest of three siblings. I was accustomed to keeping up with my sisters. The belief that continuous chasing more was better than rest and reflection became deeply ingrained in me.

Through experience, I’ve come to understand the importance of slowing down to support success. This principle extends across all facets of my life, both professional and personal. I’ve discovered that setting clear intentions, approaching situations with consciousness, and being fully present contribute significantly to my overall joy and fulfillment. Practices such as prayer, breathwork, meditation, and engaging with a coach have proven invaluable in enhancing my self-awareness.

In embracing this approach, I’ve learned that showing up intentionally and listening more, is more impactful than taking perfect action. As Rich Litvin puts it, “Slow down your conversations with clients, and you will notice things they can’t yet see. Slow down your intake of conversations with potential clients, and you will create space for them to delve deeper into their lives than ever before.” I echo this sentiment, recognizing its relevance not only in the realm of business but also in personal relationships.

Taking a balanced pace in conversations creates stronger connections, facilitates learning, and offers compassion, especially when situations deviate from expectations. The practice of slowing down has proven beneficial in various aspects of my life, including motherhood, interpersonal relationships, self-perception, and business. Sometimes, even a brief pause, a 4-6 second breath, can make all the difference. I encourage you to try it right now and witness the positive impact it can have on your day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elisabettacoaching.com
• Instagram: @betta.wistle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betta-entwistle-38b0b682/

Image Credits
For the lifestyle, breathing, and laptop photo: Christie Nannariello