We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hannah Powley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hannah below.

Hi Hannah, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In one defining moment, I decided to take the risk of leaving the comfort of my corporate fitness job—a position that offered financial stability and a managerial role with opportunities to keep climbing the ladder. At the time, my savings were limited, just enough to purchase a laptop as my only tool to kickstart a new venture. Having recently moved back to my parents’ house after the end of a long-term relationship, I found myself questioning the trajectory of my life, wondering, “Is this all there is?” The curiosity to explore what could be wouldn’t be silenced any longer. Despite lacking a concrete plan for acquiring clients or a dedicated training space, I took a leap of faith, trusting that both would materialize. It was a risk laden with uncertainties, but a burning knowing within me insisted that the time was ripe for this transformative journey. And, as fate would have it, the aligned training space did manifest, affirming the wisdom for me of embracing and trusting the unknown, and taking risks.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Absolutely! I’m Hannah, a seasoned fitness and wellness coach with over a decade of experience. My journey into this industry began as a passionate pursuit to empower individuals through movement, delving into the intricate connection between our relationship with fitness and our sense of self. At Lift with Hannah, my brand, I offer a comprehensive array of services, including in-person and online training, Breathwork, and Reiki, emphasizing self-discovery, strength, power, conditioning, and mobility.

My services extend beyond conventional fitness coaching—I provide a nurturing and supportive environment, steering away from gaslighting and embracing a new era of wellness. In this space, we lift to take up space, not to shrink ourselves. My approach revolves around trusting the wisdom of our bodies, marking a paradigm shift in the way we view fitness.

What sets me apart is my commitment to meeting clients where they are, catering to a diverse range of individuals, from mothers to athletes and those navigating chronic pain. I take pride in fostering a community that values progress over perfection, where each person’s unique journey is celebrated.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my work goes beyond sculpting muscles; it’s about recognizing and validating the inherent strength and beauty within. I am most proud of creating an inclusive space where authenticity is cherished, and transformations extend beyond the physical.

In essence, Lift with Hannah is more than a fitness brand; it’s a movement towards self-discovery, resilience, and celebrating the magic within each of us.

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

A lesson I’ve had to unlearn, an ongoing journey for me, revolves around the challenge of not trusting myself fully. Throughout my entrepreneurial path, I’ve always been accustomed to diving headfirst into the unknown, embracing the uncertainties. However, at the inception of my business journey, that inner voice questioning my decisions took up a considerable amount of mental space.

Over time, I’ve undertaken the task of dissecting and unraveling that self-doubt, working diligently to soften its impact on my decisions. The process involves navigating through moments of uncertainty with a greater sense of trust in my instincts and capabilities. It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-affirmation, where I strive to minimize the internal resistance when approaching significant endeavors. The key lies in fostering a deeper connection with my intuition, allowing it to guide me confidently through the complexities of both business and life.

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

Certainly! Shortly after launching the LWH brand in October 2019, I had built a solid foundation of in-person clientele. At that point, I had already developed a comprehensive online program for women, gearing up for its launch. However, the landscape swiftly changed in early 2020 with the onset of the global pandemic. Faced with the challenge, I had to pivot my approach entirely to adapt to the new circumstances.

Rather than succumbing to the potential setbacks, I saw this as an opportunity to shift my personal training entirely online. Despite the brand being relatively new and the circumstances being far from ideal, I felt a burning determination to make the most of the situation. I invested my time in creating video content, setting up a personalized app, and establishing a women’s group coaching program. This initiative allowed my community to access tailored personal training from the safety of their homes, coupled with essential mental health support during those challenging times.

Simultaneously, I had to navigate the transition of my in-person clients to virtual sessions on platforms like Zoom. It required creative solutions, adapting workouts to incorporate the equipment available in their homes, ensuring they could continue their fitness journey while staying healthy and strong. This pivot not only sustained the business but also opened up new avenues for reaching and supporting a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liftwithHannah.ca
• Instagram: @liftwithhannah
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liftwithhannah
• Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/hannah-powley
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@liftwithhannah?si=GaIValLvZUYGD62m

Image Credits
Rachael Haugan Jenalee Anderson