We recently connected with Howie Shareff and have shared our conversation below.
Howie, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In 2005, I read an article that asked the reader to consider whether they venture into projects to make money or help people. At the time, I had an idea to produce educational materials and programs that share the benefits of gentle yoga to people in my age group, aging Baby Boomers. My body was challenged from arthritis and yoga was helpful to me in getting comfortable. My intention and action was to make a video with my teacher that capable and challenged individuals could utilize. My passion to help others was blinding. The teacher agreed. I assembled a program that she approved, a team to produce the video, a business to generate the minimum 1,000 DVDs. and a website to sell it on. I took the DVD to classes, events and stores in our area. The result…..very few people were interested and I learned several important lessons. Solutions to a problem are very personal, very few people care to try new things, and I had more dollars than sense to learn about a market.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My life has been full with participation in many sports, with resulting wear and tear throughout my body, and the emotional challenges that comes with feeling worn out. My 25 year career as a dentist honed my skills in assessing of problems and then utilizing standard and creative ways to address what was specifically helpful for the patient. With the creation of the yoga nonprofit organization and my teaching style, I assess problem areas (group or individual need) and customize programs or practices to address them. Recently, I provided a demonstration on chair yoga to a new group of seniors, and was able to foster people standing more upright, breathing more robustly and moving more fluidly. That is the joy and benefit of accessible yoga.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I am a big fan of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This influenced my approach to people, regardless of the relationship. Other books that have expanded my perspectives are: Blue Ocean Strategy (market awareness), The Body Keeps the Score (trauma, emotional awareness) and Blink (perceptional awareness).
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
While in my upper 40’s my right arm strength began diminishing. Throwing a ball or hitting a tennis backhand became a challenge. It was then that I was diagnosed with cervical disc disease (neck arthritis) and would require surgery (boney fusion) to correct the failing nervous system. I was also advised that other areas were vulnerable to disease and a future surgery was likely. I had the surgery and improved, however my range of motion was compromised. About five years later, symptoms returned in another area of my arms, indicating further arthritic issues. Yoga, massage and physical therapy could not undo the damage. Another neck surgery was required. This resulted in me retiring from my career as a dentist and selling my solo practice. Unfortunately, my surgery had a complication, which lead to a brief paralysis on half of my body.
At fifty two years old, I had to rehabilitate from paralysis and loss of career. Fortunately, I had already began developing a home based business to help others with accessible yoga. As a result, I got to concurrently practice what I preached.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youcallthisyoga.org/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howieshareff/
- Youtube: You Call This Yoga
- Other: Email: [email protected]