We were lucky to catch up with Kenny Fontan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kenny, appreciate you joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

Yes, there was a defining moment that completely changed the trajectory of my coaching career. When I first started coaching, I had already been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but I didn’t fully embrace that part of my identity. At the time, I focused on helping people get physically active in ways they truly enjoyed—something that resonated with me as a lifelong hobbyist always eager to try new things. However, I soon realized that while I was passionate about movement, I wasn’t solving a specific problem, and more importantly, I wasn’t aligned with my deeper purpose.

Fast forward three years and a series of personal experiences led me to fully own and accept my MS diagnosis. That shift in perspective changed everything. I recognized that my true calling was to help others like me—men with MS—make meaningful lifestyle changes that could directly improve their quality of life. I wasn’t just teaching theories; I was living these principles every day and seeing their impact firsthand. That realization gave my work a new level of clarity, passion, and effectiveness, and it’s what continues to drive me today.

The biggest lesson I took from this journey is that purpose often emerges from personal challenges. When we embrace our own experiences, even the difficult ones, we can transform them into a source of strength and guidance for others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the only Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach that is a man specifically working with men who have MS. I’m passionate about guiding men with multiple sclerosis (MS) to build strength, stamina, & confidence. Living with MS has given me a unique perspective on resilience and adaptation, shaping my coaching approach to be both empathetic and practical. I understand the physical and mental hurdles because I face them myself every day. This firsthand experience allows me to connect on a deeper level with my clients, guiding them through mindset shifts and lifestyle adjustments that foster long-term well-being.

One thing that sets me apart is my ability to combine evidence-based training with a compassionate and motivating style. I believe that coaching is more than just giving instructions—it’s about empowering others to take control of their lives. What I’m most proud of is seeing the transformation in my clients as they go from feeling uncertain and limited to confident and capable. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I’m making a difference in their lives by equipping them with the tools and mindset they need to overcome obstacles. My goal is to create a supportive community where men with MS feel understood, motivated, and empowered to thrive—both physically and mentally.

If you have MS and are looking for a coach who genuinely understands your journey and is committed to helping you unlock your potential, I’m here to walk that path with you.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe success in coaching requires three key characteristics:

1. Deep Curiosity – Coaching isn’t about giving answers; it’s about uncovering the best version of someone that already exists within them. A great coach is deeply curious about their client—who they are, what drives them, and what might be holding them back. That curiosity allows us to ask the right questions and shine a light on strengths the client may not even recognize in themselves.

2. Genuine Empathy – At its core, coaching is about human connection. If I can identify something within myself that understands even a piece of what my client is going through, I can stand beside them and help them navigate change. It’s not about fixing them—it’s about walking with them through their journey.

3. Unwavering Belief in the Client – One of the most powerful things a coach can do is believe in their client’s ability to grow and find solutions. People are naturally creative and resourceful, and when we truly trust in their self-efficacy, they begin to trust in themselves too.

These mindsets create the foundation for real, lasting transformation in coaching.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of the most impactful books for me was Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty. It helped me connect passion and service to find my purpose. Before reading it, I struggled to identify what I was truly passionate about clearly. The book guided me to recognize that health was at the top of my list. From there, I realized I could combine this passion with service to create a sense of purpose, which set me on an exploratory journey to find the best way to live it out.

When I discovered coaching, I knew right away it was the right path for me—I’m naturally drawn to guiding and supporting others. That sense of alignment was reinforced when Dr. Michael Arloski, my health and wellness coaching professor, complimented my coaching abilities during a live workshop saying “You’re a natural”. That moment affirmed that coaching was truly my calling. Once I embraced that purpose, everything else in my business started falling into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mscoachkenny.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mscoachkenny/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSCoachKenny