We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Cano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Taking a risk is in my DNA. My mother immigrated to this country when I was just 1 year old. I immigrated at age 3. Together with my father, she took the greatest risk of all time—starting a brand-new life. Ironically, I had no idea how risky and difficult curating my life was for them and me.
Fast forward many years: my first career dealt wholly with risk—more accurately, helping others mitigate risk. After many years of helping individuals and later corporations reduce and avoid risk, I decided it was time to take the biggest risk of my life. I changed careers completely.
The goal of my role remained the same—helping others—but the vessel was starkly different. I would now be supporting people in taking risks of their own and making impactful changes in their lives. I took all the aspects of my career that I enjoyed—working with people, providing guidance, support, and encouragement—and I built a platform that allows them to take as little or as much of what they need.
The choice I made to better myself and improve my vitality, and therefore my longevity, was life-changing. The more I noticed how much people were paying attention, the more I made the decision to take a risk and embark on this journey to help others feel and look their best.
Looking back, I did not realize just how risky my decision was, as I was wholly focused on the good I could bring to others. Seeing this through a present lens, I understand now that the risk I took was much greater than I could have speculated. With that realization, I am able to dig my heels in and remain steadfast in my mission to help others in any way I can.
I see clients for the people they are: our mothers, fathers, siblings, family members, friends, colleagues, and, more simply, our loved ones—individuals we want to see doing well and feeling better year after year. I would take the risk to end here again, over and over.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The most important fact is that I am a regular person, just like everyone else. I am not remarkable in any way. Some may have a different opinion, and that’s okay. In fact, this is what differentiates me from others—because I have been where you are, in one way or another, even in parallel situations. Furthermore, this fact is my favorite thing about myself.
I am a proud immigrant daughter whose primary goal and objective have always been to be the best version of myself and make the most of my opportunities. This notion of self-improvement is sold to us in one way or another by someone at some point along the way. For me, this sentiment has carried me through life with vigor and resilience.
After spending 15+ years in the insurance risk management industry, I decided it was time to take a risk and start something new. When choosing a new path, I reflected on the parts of my career I enjoyed most and carried those forward: being of service to others, particularly in my own community; providing valuable and trusted education, resources, and guidance; and offering instruction through feedback and support.
Coached by K was born out of the pandemic, conceived during a time of uncertainty and discomfort—a reality check that mirrors many of our own fitness journeys. Soon, I realized I wanted to pursue my mission with greater intensity. Before long, I decided to empower and encourage others to improve their quality of life as both a career and a mission.
I’ve worked with a wide range of populations in big-name gyms like EōS, boutique studios such as Orangetheory, and luxury facilities like Equinox, before venturing out privately to serve the South Florida area.
Coached by K is an evidence- and practice-based coaching service specializing in mindset, nutrition, and movement coaching, with the goal of promoting longevity for adults aged 30 and above. Coached by K offers in-person, virtual, and online programming and coaching, providing solutions—simple to complex—that allow individuals to start their journey, resume or get back on track, and/or get more serious about their existing goals.
Coached by K takes pride in eliminating the guesswork from wellness and fitness. We serve as an anchor for our clients, offering coaching geared toward lifestyle changes, improving quality of life, and promoting longevity. We emphatically promote programs built on sustainability, with client goals, preferences, and needs at the forefront.
Our goal is to encourage the quest for information, empower sustainable actions, and uplift our clients to grow and glow. We specialize in balanced, sustainable nutrition habits and pain-free strength and movement, with mindset coaching integrated into all programs and methods.
What sets Coached by K apart is our values. In a sea of fitness content where professionals peddle products they believe to be the answer, we aim to be the exception. Our product is created for the individual client. Our mission is deeply rooted in being a collaborative ally, assisting clients in curating a journey of their own preference.
What we are most proud of, brand-wise, is our values. Coached by K prides itself on a holistic approach to mind and body wellness. We encourage gratitude and collaboration, compassion and grace over self-loathing, and sustainability and accountability over quick fixes. We empower our clients to work for longevity, embodying qualities such as grit, resilience, and perseverance.
What I want readers to know most is that their health is of utmost importance. It is never too soon to start with one small action. The first step is figuring out why health is important and taking a small action they can commit to making a habit.
Lastly, regarding our services, Coached by K is ideal for anyone looking to improve their quality of life and live richer, fuller, longer lives.
Coached by K is not just another online coach or personal trainer—we’re an ally in your journey to better health and fitness. We offer a range of highly individualized services backed by science and applied with actionable daily practices, including nutrition coaching, one-on-one and small group training sessions, virtual training and coaching, and mindset coaching, all designed specifically for each client.
Have you ever had to pivot?
The story of Coached by K is a direct reflection of pivoting in life and in career and in business. Coached by K evolved from a transition period both for me and the World. Arising from a time when the world was experiencing major health threats – it seemed to put what was most important in perspective.
For me that was first and foremost my health and well-being. Reeling from a career that was high stress and demand into a moment in time when no one was moving around too much and all things health and safety were being considered, I was able to slow down and take stock. Much of that reflection was focused on being more active and behavioral habit change.
After some time, it was calling more attention from my parents, family and friends and I decided it was time to try to connect with as many people as possible and spread as much good information as possible. The goal became clear which was to empower and encourage adults to strive for longevity above all.
Reminding them and everyone that it’s not the years in their lives but the life in their years.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that we can make an impact on everyone if we’re prepared and make the best presentation. Some people won’t connect with us or many people for that matter and that’s okay. This doesn’t at all mean that we won’t be able to offer value and have a great working relationship in fact depending on the person it might be the exact opposite.
I have come to terms with the fact that many people are in their own lane and just want a service completed well and frankly I have unlearned my lesson and adapted a new way of thinking. Thanks to them, I am able to do my best work without pressure of exceeding expectations that are outside of my scope. It’s been a surprising win-win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachedbyk.com
- Instagram: @karenpcano
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachedbykmindbodywellness/
