Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shaunessy Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shaunessy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
One of the most transformative moments in my mindset coaching journey was with a client named Lisa (name changed for privacy). Lisa was a single mother of two, barely making ends meet, and drowning in self-doubt. She came to me not because she believed coaching could help her but because she felt like she had exhausted all other options. Her words during our first session struck me:
“I just want to feel like I’m enough—for my kids, for myself. But I don’t think I ever will.”
Lisa’s life had been marked by constant sacrifice. She grew up in an abusive home, married young to escape, and found herself divorced with two children under five. Her days were spent juggling two jobs, yet she constantly felt like she was failing her kids and herself. She was stuck in a loop of believing that no matter how hard she tried, happiness and success were for “other people,” not for her.
The Breakthrough Moment
During one of our sessions, Lisa broke down in tears, saying, “I feel like I’m running in circles, but I’ll never catch up. I’m exhausted.”
I gently asked her a question that shifted the tone of our conversation:
“Lisa, if your best friend came to you, carrying the weight you’re carrying now, what would you say to her?”
She paused, wiped her tears, and said, “I’d tell her she’s doing the best she can. That she’s enough, even if she doesn’t feel it.”
I let her sit with that for a moment and then said, “What if you started saying that to yourself? What if, instead of running after an idea of perfection, you let yourself believe you’re already enough as you are?”
The Transformation
We worked together on dismantling the beliefs that had held her captive—ideas like “I have to struggle to prove my worth” and “If I take care of myself, I’m being selfish.” I encouraged her to make small, intentional changes in her daily life: writing affirmations like “I am enough” on sticky notes around her home, carving out 10 minutes each day for self-reflection, and celebrating tiny victories instead of dismissing them.
Six months later, Lisa was unrecognizable—not just in appearance but in energy and confidence. She had started a side hustle making handmade jewelry, something she’d always dreamed of but never believed she could pursue. Her self-worth had grown to the point where she asked for—and received—a raise at work. Most importantly, she became a more present and joyful mother.
Lisa once told me:
“The moment I started treating myself with the same kindness I give to others, my life began to change. You gave me permission to rewrite my story, and for the first time, I’m excited about what’s next.”
The Lesson
Lisa’s story reminds us that mindset transformation isn’t about sweeping, overnight changes. It’s about consistent, small shifts in how we view ourselves and our potential. When we change the story we tell ourselves, we open doors to a reality we never thought possible.
Helping Lisa was more than just coaching—it was a profound reminder of the power of self-love and belief. Seeing her thrive was one of the most rewarding moments of my career, and it fuels my passion to help others rewrite their own stories.
Shaunessy, 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?
My name is Shaunessy, and I am a mindset transformation life coach who is deeply passionate about helping others unlock their potential, overcome adversity, and design a life they truly love. My journey into this industry is rooted in my own experiences of hardship and triumph.
My Story
I grew up in a challenging environment marked by physical, emotional, and mental abuse from my parents, poverty, bullying, and instability in the foster care system. These early experiences shaped my view of the world and instilled in me a survival mentality, but they also left me feeling unworthy, broken, and stuck in a cycle of negativity.
As I grew older, I began to see that my external circumstances didn’t have to define my future. Through relentless self-reflection, education, and personal development, I shifted my mindset from one of scarcity and victimhood to one of abundance and empowerment. I learned how to reprogram limiting beliefs, set clear goals, and take consistent steps toward achieving them.
This transformation was life-changing for me, and I knew I wanted to help others achieve the same. That’s how my coaching business was born. Today, I offer tools and guidance to help individuals shift their perspective, overcome self-doubt, and create the lives they’ve always dreamed of, no matter their starting point.
What I Offer
I specialize in mindset and positive life coaching, focusing on helping people:
Break free from limiting beliefs and self-sabotage.
Build confidence and self-worth.
Set and achieve meaningful goals.
Develop resilience in the face of adversity.
Whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or digital resources, I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. I provide actionable strategies rooted in empathy, experience, and proven methods to help people achieve real, lasting change.
What Sets Me Apart
What sets me apart is my ability to connect deeply with my clients because I’ve walked a similar path. My journey from surviving to thriving has given me a unique perspective and a deep empathy for those who feel stuck or lost. I combine practical strategies with a heartfelt approach to inspire and empower my clients to take control of their lives.
Another distinguishing factor is my belief in holistic transformation. I don’t just address surface-level goals—I help my clients rewrite the narratives they’ve been living by and adopt a mindset that supports long-term success and happiness.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I am most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients. Seeing someone go from feeling hopeless and defeated to confident and empowered is the most rewarding part of my work.
I’m also proud of my ability to use my story as a beacon of hope. My experiences of overcoming adversity serve as proof that no matter where you start, you have the power to change your life.
What I Want You to Know
My brand isn’t just about coaching—it’s about creating a movement of self-belief and resilience. I want potential clients to know that:
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start.
Every small step you take toward a better mindset is a victory.
You are never too broken, too old, or too far gone to make a change.
Above all, I want people to know that their past does not define their future. My mission is to help you see the greatness within yourself and to guide you as you create the life you’ve always wanted.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward transforming your mindset and your life, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe the most helpful factors for succeeding as a mindset transformation life coach are authenticity, empathy, resilience, and a genuine passion for helping others. These qualities are what allow you to build trust, connect deeply with clients, and inspire real change.
1. Authenticity
Clients can tell when someone is being genuine versus when they’re just going through the motions. Sharing your personal story of transformation—not to center yourself, but to show your clients that change is possible—creates a powerful connection. When you’ve lived through challenges yourself and can speak authentically about overcoming them, it inspires hope and trust.
2. Empathy
Being able to put yourself in your clients’ shoes and understand their pain points, fears, and dreams is invaluable. Empathy allows you to meet people where they are, without judgment, and provide the kind of support that feels personalized and genuine. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about truly listening and guiding them toward discovering their own strength.
3. Resilience
This field can be emotionally demanding. You may work with clients who are struggling deeply or resistant to change. It’s essential to stay resilient, maintain your energy, and practice self-care so you can continue to show up fully for your clients. Your own ability to navigate setbacks and challenges sets an example for those you coach.
4. Passion for Helping Others
At the heart of this work is the desire to uplift others. If your “why” is grounded in making a positive impact, it will shine through in everything you do. Passion fuels perseverance, and it’s what keeps you going even on the toughest days.
5. Strong Communication Skills
Being able to communicate clearly, whether in one-on-one sessions, workshops, or digital content, is crucial. Great communication helps you articulate complex ideas in a way that resonates with clients and keeps them engaged.
6. Adaptability and Open-Mindedness
Every client is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Being flexible and open to trying new approaches ensures that you can meet each client’s unique needs and stay ahead in a field that’s constantly evolving.
7. Unwavering Belief in Your Clients’ Potential
Clients often come to you doubting themselves and their ability to succeed. Your job is to hold space for their growth and believe in them even when they can’t. When you consistently encourage and uplift, you help them begin to see their own worth.
By combining these qualities with your training and knowledge, you create a foundation for success—not just for yourself, but for your clients as well.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely! A number of transformative books, videos, and other resources have profoundly shaped my management, entrepreneurial thinking, and mindset philosophy. These resources have helped me refine my perspective on growth, resilience, and success, and I often recommend them to clients as part of their own journeys.
Here are some that have left a significant impact:
—
Books
1. Mind Power into the 21st Century by John Kehoe
This book was instrumental in helping me understand how to harness the power of thoughts to create positive outcomes in life. Kehoe’s teachings about visualization, affirmations, and mental discipline are cornerstones of my coaching philosophy.
2. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This classic completely reframed my understanding of financial independence and wealth-building. It taught me the importance of a growth mindset around money, leveraging assets, and embracing entrepreneurship as a path to freedom.
3. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
Hill’s timeless lessons on persistence, definiteness of purpose, and the power of a mastermind group are principles I apply not only in my own business but also in guiding clients to achieve their goals.
4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
This book deepened my understanding of mindfulness and staying present. It taught me how to help clients break free from anxiety about the future or regrets about the past by grounding themselves in the moment.
5. Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book offered practical strategies for building better habits and breaking bad ones. Its focus on small, consistent actions aligns perfectly with my coaching style and helps clients create sustainable change.
6. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A powerful guide for cultivating personal freedom and authenticity, this book taught me the value of clear communication, self-respect, and staying grounded in my truth.
—
Videos and Talks
1. Tony Robbins: “Why We Do What We Do” (TED Talk)
Robbins’ energy and insights into human motivation are incredibly inspiring. His focus on the six human needs and how they drive behavior has influenced my coaching approach.
2. Dr. Joe Dispenza: “Rewire Your Brain” Series
Dispenza’s work on neuroscience and the power of thought to change reality underscores much of what I teach about mindset transformation. His focus on combining intention with elevated emotion is life-changing.
3. Simon Sinek: “Start with Why”
This talk redefined how I view leadership and purpose. It reminded me that knowing your “why” is the key to inspiring others and building a sustainable business.
—
Essays and Articles
“The Strangest Secret” by Earl Nightingale
This essay is a classic in personal development and mindset transformation, emphasizing the idea that “we become what we think about.”
Positive Psychology Articles
I regularly read articles from platforms like Psychology Today and PositivePsychology.com. These resources provide science-backed insights into cultivating happiness, resilience, and fulfillment.
—
Personal Practices and Insights
In addition to these resources, journaling, meditation, and engaging with like-minded communities have also profoundly shaped my thinking. They provide clarity, focus, and ongoing inspiration, which I pass along to my clients.
Each of these resources helped me overcome limiting beliefs and design a life of purpose and abundance. They continue to serve as invaluable tools for not just my personal growth but also my ability to empower others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunie_laneeee?igsh=cGRmcG13djZzcmY3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14wCqSC3yp/
