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

Shani Fay , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share the story behind our mission at Shani Allman, LLC. The core of our mission is to empower entrepreneurs to break free from constraints and amplify their voices through podcasting. This stems from a deeply personal journey, one that began with my own experiences as a single mother facing the societal narrative that my circumstances would limit my success and opportunities.

The inception of this mission was sparked by an encounter that could have deterred my aspirations. During a meeting with a prominent coach in the industry, over a conversation that cost more than some might deem a single mother should spend on a meal, I was advised to target a demographic that “had money” because, supposedly, single mothers were not a viable audience if financial success was my goal. This moment was pivotal; it was a stark reminder of the stereotypes and limitations often imposed on us by society and sometimes, even by those within our own circles.

Rather than dissuade me, that conversation ignited a fire within me to prove the misconception wrong—not just for myself but for others in similar situations. I realized that the essence of empowerment and success lies in the ability to define your own path, irrespective of the barriers that others may try to place in your way. It became clear that my mission was not only about helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses but also to amplify their message through podcasting and challenging the narrative around what people, particularly those from underrepresented or underestimated backgrounds, can achieve.

As my journey evolved from business mentorship to podcast production and strategy, the mission of Shani Allman, LLC expanded to serve a broader audience of audacious entrepreneurs. This expansion was driven by a gap I observed in the marketplace: the need for accessible, authentic guidance in the podcasting space, especially for those juggling the demands of entrepreneurship with other life responsibilities. My own experiences of stumbling through the podcasting process, coupled with the recognition and requests for help from others, underscored the importance of what we offer.

Our mission is meaningful because it is rooted in authenticity, transparency, and generosity. These values reflect not just a business model but a personal commitment to support and uplift others. The goal of amplifying voices through podcasting is not merely about achieving commercial success; it’s about creating platforms for impact, connection, and the sharing of diverse stories and perspectives. It’s about proving that with the right support, strategy, and community, every voice can find its audience and every entrepreneur can make their mark.

In essence, the mission of Shani Allman, LLC is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of representation, and the belief that every individual, regardless of their background, has a valuable message to share with the world. It’s a mission born from my own narrative, designed to inspire and empower others to craft their own stories of success and impact.

Shani Fay , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Before embarking on my path as a business mentor turned podcast producer and strategist, I was living what many would consider the American dream. I had a “good” government job, a side hustle, homeownership—the only thing missing was the proverbial white picket fence. On paper, my life looked complete, but the reality was far from fulfilling. Working in an environment that devalued my excellence to maintain a status quo and diminish perceived threats to their authority was a pill too bitter to swallow. It reached a point where compromising my values and silencing my voice for the sake of job security was no longer an option. So, I made my stand, spoke my truth, and took a leap of faith into the unknown.

This decision to leave wasn’t taken lightly. I changed my whole life; I quit my job, sold my house, and moved 600 miles away from everything familiar. It was a radical shift, driven by the conviction that there had to be more to life than merely existing in a system that didn’t recognize my worth or allow me to make the impact I knew I was capable of. This transition wasn’t just about seeking better opportunities; it was a deep, personal journey to reclaim my voice, my power, and my purpose.

As I navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, my focus shifted towards empowering others, especially those who’ve been overlooked or underestimated by society. My business, Shani Allman, LLC, is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of authentic voice, and the transformative impact of mentorship and strategic guidance. We offer a range of services designed to help entrepreneurs amplify their brands through podcasting, from group coaching programs and VIP days to a supportive online community. Our approach is rooted in transparency, authenticity, and generosity, reflecting the journey I’ve taken and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

What sets me apart is not just the breadth of services I provide but the depth of understanding and empathy I bring to each client relationship. Having lived through the transformation from a government employee to a successful entrepreneur, I offer not just theoretical knowledge but practical, lived experience. I’ve felt the frustration of being the world’s best-kept secret and have navigated the journey to becoming a recognized voice in my field. My mission is to help others do the same, ensuring their message is not just heard but resonates with their intended audience.

I am most proud of the resilience and courage it took to redefine my life and the lives of those I’ve had the privilege to work with. Witnessing the growth and success of my clients reaffirms my belief in the divergent power of finding and amplifying one’s voice. To potential clients, followers, and fans, Shani Allman, LLC is more than a business—it’s a movement. It’s about breaking free from constraints, reclaiming your narrative, and making your mark on the world. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your brand, we are here to support you, every step of the way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most profound lessons I’ve had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey was the notion that success could be fast-tracked, particularly through external solutions, such as courses or high-ticket coaching programs. Coming from a structured government job, I was deeply ingrained with the employee mindset—waiting for instructions, following orders, and executing plans laid out by someone else. So naturally, when I embarked on my journey into full-time entrepreneurship, my initial instinct was to seek out a new set of instructions, a blueprint that promised to expedite my path to success.

I invested in a course right off the bat, thinking it would bridge the gap between my government background and the entrepreneurial world. When that didn’t yield the results I expected, I doubled down and invested in a high-ticket coaching program. Yet, despite these investments, success seemed as elusive as ever. It wasn’t just that these programs didn’t work; it was the realization that I felt like a failure, as if I had made the biggest mistake of my life. This period was a significant low point for me, filled with doubt and self-criticism.

However, this experience brought about a crucial epiphany. I wasn’t just searching for ways to accelerate my success; I was looking for a new boss. I was seeking someone to tell me what to do, to provide a step-by-step guide I could follow without question. This realization was the catalyst for a profound shift in my mindset. I had to unlearn the belief that my ideas didn’t matter, that my input couldn’t move the needle. More importantly, I had to rediscover the trust in my own judgment, to value my unique perspective and insights.

The journey from seeking external validation and direction to trusting my instincts and valuing my ideas was transformative. It wasn’t about finding the right course or coach; it was about taking an introspective approach to understand the impact I wanted to make and the path I needed to carve out for myself. This shift wasn’t easy. It required me to challenge deeply ingrained beliefs and to step out of the comfort zone of being an employee. But it was necessary for my growth as an entrepreneur and as an individual.

This lesson in unlearning and relearning trust in my capabilities has been invaluable. It taught me that while guidance and mentorship can be incredibly beneficial, the most important voice to listen to is my own. My journey, with its trials and triumphs, has shaped the entrepreneur I am today. It’s a lesson I carry into every aspect of my business, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, self-trust, and the courage to forge one’s path.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape is indeed an ongoing series of pivots, each one teaching invaluable lessons and guiding the next steps in a journey marked by growth and self-discovery. One of the most pivotal moments in my career came when I transitioned from identifying primarily as a business mentor to embracing the role of a coach. This may seem like a subtle shift to some, but for me, it was profound and fraught with internal conflict.

The term “coach” had become laden with negative connotations in my mind, primarily due to personal experiences where I invested in coaching services that fell short of their promises, leaving me feeling burned and skeptical of the coaching industry as a whole. This skepticism made me wary of adopting the title for myself; I wanted to distance myself from those negative experiences and ensure I didn’t inadvertently replicate them for my clients.

Despite these reservations, I recognized that the essence of what I do closely aligns with the true spirit of coaching. I am deeply invested in my clients’ success, feeling a personal responsibility for their growth and achievement. However, this commitment also became a source of internal struggle. The realization that, despite my best efforts, I cannot guarantee their success was a difficult pill to swallow. This understanding mirrors the dynamic between a teacher and a student; a teacher can provide all the necessary tools, insights, and customized support, but the student’s ability to absorb, apply, and benefit from these efforts varies greatly.

Acknowledging this reality was both a challenge and a turning point. It forced me to confront my fears and the pressure I placed on myself. The journey through these emotions involved open, vulnerable conversations with my Circle of SheEO’s™️ who provided support and perspective. This process of reflection and dialogue helped me come to terms with the nature of coaching and mentorship. It underscored the importance of meeting clients where they are, guiding them at their pace, and accepting that while I can provide the map and the tools for the journey, the actual journey is theirs to undertake.

This pivot in my understanding and approach has not only shaped my identity as a coach but has also deepened my commitment to my clients. It has reinforced the value of empathy, patience, and the personalized approach I take in my coaching relationships. The journey of entrepreneurship is indeed a series of pivots, and this particular pivot has been instrumental in defining who I am as a coach and how I serve my clients. It’s a testament to the belief that growth often comes from the most challenging moments and that true leadership involves continuous learning, adaptability, and the humility to evolve.

Contact Info:

• Website: shaniallman.com
• Instagram: @coachshanifay
• Linkedin: Shani Allman
• Youtube: @MommyMogulMastery