We recently connected with Ilka Murray and have shared our conversation below.
Ilka, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Story Behind Own Your Shift®
The concept for Own Your Shift® was unleashed out of a raw, relentless desire to step into my SUPER SELF!. I was done settling. I was over living what I like to call “groundhog day” if you’ve seen that movie you know it’s about repeating the same day over and over again. My life became unstimulating, my creativity was faded, I was bored, and I was done muting my voice. I knew there was something more – layers of life within me waiting to be unleashed. I had to Own My Shift. The truth is, I craved a life of high performance, optimal living, and fulfillment in my purpose. I had that in a few areas of my life, but not in all areas and not within myself. It was time to sell myself on my own abilities and unleash my untamed ambitions.
I started my shift:
I had to be truthful with myself. I had to become self-aware of what my mindset, habits, behaviors, and confidence were cultivating in my life daily. I was tired of playing small and living below my true capabilities. It was clear: I needed to break free and embrace the power within me. I knew that I was never created to live at the base level, I was created to live a life of optimal purpose and performance.
The Emotional Journey:
This journey wasn’t for the faint-hearted. I faced my fears head-on and dismantled the self-doubt that had been my constant companion. Realizing that I needed to Own My Shift®️ was both a challenge and a revelation. I had to honor my true self and believe in my own power. I had to stop thinking of myself as just average and simple. I knew I had power, I knew I had volume in my voice, I knew my story had value, and I knew I had the intelligence, gifts, and creativity to make an impact in the world. But I had to start with myself first. Creating new habits is not easy but it’s doable. You have to literally make decisions that line up to who you want to be in this moment and for the next hour, day, week, and month in order to shift. The truth is, it’s not the habit that is hard to break or implement, it’s being committed to the new habit and consistent in the commitment that takes work. It’s convincing yourself that you are worth it.
The Logical Leap:
Many people are stuck in their lives because they don’t reflect their true potential and they are not clear about their purpose. The logic was simple: create a program that helps others unleash their super selves and Own Their Shift. I envisioned a movement that provides the tools and support needed for optimal living and high performance. I took my story, training, experiences, and methods and cultivated the go-to hub for individuals seeking to shift their lives. I created Own Your Shift®️
Unique Approach:
Own Your Shift® isn’t just another self-help program. We combine personal growth strategies, emotional intelligence, and a fierce commitment to authenticity. Our resources, engaging content, and vibrant community are designed to fuel your transformation. I focus on Mindset recovery and mind shifts, habits and behaviors, faith in God, patterns to your purpose, and self-awareness. I do this through online courses, live events, pro-level training, and community.
Excitement and Passion:
What fuels my passion is witnessing the raw, powerful transformations in others. Seeing people reclaim their power, amplify their voices, and step boldly into their true selves is electrifying. This isn’t about small changes; it’s about seismic shifts.
Conclusion:
Own Your Shift® was born from my journey of breaking free and stepping into my super self. It’s about living a life of high performance, optimal living, and untamed ambition. Our mission is to help you unleash your potential and Own Your Shift®️. This is more than a business; it’s a revolution. It’s about transforming lives and celebrating the untamed power within each of us. Get ready to live boldly, speak loudly, and embrace your true self. The time to shift is now.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Ilka Murray: Transformative Shift Coach and Entrepreneur
Ilka Murray is the dynamic force behind Own Your Shift®, a transformative platform designed to empower individuals to take control of their lives through mindset mastery, habit transformation, spirituality, self-awareness, and optimal life performance. Ilka’s mission is to guide individuals on a journey from settling to success.
Born of Dominican descent, Ilka brings a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant energy to her work. As a mother of two and wife of 24 years, she understands the complexities of balancing personal and professional life. With over 23 years of entrepreneurial experience, Ilka has honed her expertise in helping high-performing women achieve profound shifts in various aspects of their lives.
Ilka is a Shift Coach, Speaker, Digital Creator, Author, and Entrepreneur. Her passion for mindset transformation has made her an international faith and transformation speaker, inspiring audiences around the world. Based in Atlanta, she has created a home where creativity and entrepreneurship thrive.
As a creative writer, Ilka has authored several works, including the “Mavens Unleashed” series, the “Adventure Dave Kids Series,” “Intuition Shifters,” and “1200 Degrees,” among others. Her writing reflects her energetic and creative spirit, aiming to inspire and empower readers.
Ilka Murray is not just a coach; she is a catalyst for change. Her vibrant approach to life and business continues to inspire individuals to unleash their potential and own their shift.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My Story of Resilience
Life has a way of knocking the breath out of you. But let me tell you, you can not only bounce back—you can hit back harder.
I’ve faced more challenges than most can imagine. My journey has been a relentless test of endurance and strength, particularly through a series of medical issues that pushed me to my limits. The most brutal was a traumatic brain injury from a severe concussion. This wasn’t just a bump on the head. It was a life-altering event that stripped me of basic abilities.
I couldn’t walk without falling over. Showers became a team effort because I couldn’t do it alone. My speech was impaired, and the pain was beyond excruciating. Every day was a battle against my own body, a test of my willpower and spirit.
Unlearning to Learn:
In the midst of this chaos, I had to unlearn some hardwired lessons. I had always believed in being strong and self-reliant, but this injury forced me to embrace vulnerability. I learned to ask for help, to rest when needed, and to accept that healing takes time. Letting go of the notion that I had to do it all on my own was one of the hardest yet most necessary shifts I made.
Faith Kept Me Going:
My faith in God was my anchor. When everything else seemed to fail, my belief kept me grounded. I held onto the idea that there was a purpose to my pain, a greater plan that I was part of. This faith wasn’t just a comfort; it was a driving force. It gave me the strength to face each grueling day.
I always say, “Life has a way of knocking the breath out of you, but you can not only bounce back, you can deliver a blow back to life that tells it you can’t be stopped.”
Resilience in Action:
Despite ongoing symptoms and constant pain, I chose to rest when my body demanded it. But as soon as my energy was back, I was up and helping others shift. My personal struggles became a powerful testament to the resilience I preach. Resilience isn’t just about survival—it’s about coming back stronger, faster, and more determined.
Today, I use my story to empower others. I teach that while life may knock you down, it’s your choice to rise again and own your shift. My journey is proof that no matter how severe the storm, with faith, determination, and resilience, you can not only survive but thrive. You can take life’s hardest hits and come back swinging.
Through my work, I aim to be a source of light and hope. True resilience is about enduring the storm and using its lessons to help others navigate their own. My story isn’t just one of survival; it’s a story of triumphant transformation. It’s a living example that with faith and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve high performance in every aspect of your life.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building my reputation within the market has been a journey rooted in relentless commitment, authenticity, and a clear vision, all grounded in my faith and trust in God. From day one, I’ve dedicated myself to delivering excellence in everything I do, ensuring that every book, course, or live session reflects the highest quality. I also believe that life is not about perfection but about progress. My audience knows they can always expect love, truth, energy, blunt truth paired with methods that offer results.
Being authentic and transparent has been crucial. I share my own struggles, failures, and triumphs openly, and this authenticity resonates deeply with people, fostering trust and a strong connection. Consistently providing valuable content that addresses the real needs and challenges of my audience has been key. Whether through social media, e-content, or live events, every interaction is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Creating and nurturing a strong community is essential. The Own Your Shift®️ community is a space where like-minded women come together to support, inspire, and empower each other, amplifying my impact and reach. My mission has always been to empower women to own their shift, focusing on empowerment at the core of everything I do. By helping women realize their potential and take bold steps towards their goals, I’ve built a reputation as a catalyst for getting unstuck, energizing your start, and scaling your growth.
I’m not afraid to be blunt, edgy, and push the envelope. This distinctive style sets me apart and attracts those ready for real, transformative change. I challenge my audience to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their power, all while staying true to the truth and values that guide me. Ultimately, results speak louder than words. The success stories and transformations within the Own Your Shift community are a testament to the effectiveness of my approach. When people see tangible results, they become advocates and ambassadors for my brand.
Making a personal connection with my audience is important to me. Whether through live events, one-on-one coaching, or engaging on social media, I ensure that I’m accessible and approachable. This personal touch strengthens the bond and loyalty of my community. By staying true to these principles and my faith, I’ve been able to build a strong, respected reputation within my market. It’s about more than just business; it’s about creating lasting, positive impact and empowering women to live their best lives, guided by God’s truth and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ownyourshifts.com
- Instagram: @ilkamurray
- Facebook: @ilkamurrayIME
Image Credits
All rights reserved Own Your Shift® Ilka Murray
www.ownyourshifts.com
Contracted Photographer Ben Dutton [email protected]
Design work: Galaxy Punch Creative Agency