We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephan Cote a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

From Stability to Self-Made: The Risk That Defined My Future

Taking risks is often easier said than done. I’d even say it’s always easier said than done! One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was walking away from the stability of a job I had always known to step into the unknown world of self-employment. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I was convinced that risk wouldn’t come without significant challenges. Yet, it was a decision that ultimately redefined my life and career in ways I could never have imagined.

The Backstory

For years, not to say decades, I worked in structured environments, where the paycheck was predictable, promotions available and my career trajectory seemed clear—at least on paper. Yet, deep down, I felt the quiet tug of something more. My role had become a box, and the person I was becoming felt too big to fit in it.

The tipping point came when my employer and I mutually agreed it was time to part ways. It was a moment of reflection and reckoning. I could have easily sought out another job in the same field, which I did. And after countless fruitless interviews, something in me knew it was time for a change. This was my opportunity to step off the well-worn path and carve a new one for myself.

The Leap

Starting my own business wasn’t just about launching a career; it was about launching a new version of myself. I was stepping into uncharted waters, trading the security of a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. I had no guarantees, no roadmap, and only a vision of the life I wanted to build—a life of freedom, fulfillment, and a brighter future.

The early days were far from glamorous. The financial strain was real, and the fear of failure loomed large. There were moments when doubt crept in—moments when I questioned whether I had made the right choice. It took a couple of years of hardship, grit, and sweat to get to a place where I could confidently say, “This is working.”

The Outcome

Fast forward to today, and I can confidently say that risk was worth every sleepless night and every hard-fought battle. I’ve built a career that aligns with my values and passions, and I’ve found a level of freedom and fulfillment that I never thought possible in a traditional role.

I’ve learned that the journey to success is rarely linear. It’s messy, uncertain, and sometimes downright scary. But it’s also where growth happens. Taking the leap to become self-employed taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of believing in myself, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

Reflections

Looking back, the risk to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown was one of the most pivotal moments of my life. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It reminded me that the best things in life often lie just beyond our comfort zones.

To anyone standing at the edge of a big decision, unsure whether to leap, I’d say this: trust the pull of your potential. The risk may feel enormous, but the reward—the freedom to live a life on your own terms—is immeasurable.

Stephan, 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 journey into the field of communication, leadership and financial coaching was born from a passion for helping people unlock their potential and develop their value. . Over the years, I’ve seen how miscommunication, lack of leadership skills, and financial instability can hold individuals and teams back from achieving greatness. I realized I could use my experience and expertise to bridge those gaps, guiding others toward clarity, confidence, and success.

Today, I help clients gain clarity in their communication, develop leadership skills that inspire action, and move closer to financial freedom. My approach is anything but cookie-cutter. Every client is unique, so I personalize my services to meet their specific needs and goals. Whether I’m coaching a team to collaborate more effectively or mentoring a leader to step into their full potential, I tailor my strategies to ensure meaningful and lasting results.

What sets me apart is the deep connection I form with my clients. I don’t just work with them; I walk alongside them on their journey. My goal is to help them achieve what they’ve longed for—whether it’s stronger relationships, greater confidence, or the ability to lead with purpose.

The moments I’m most proud of are when clients experience breakthroughs that transform their lives. Seeing someone finally gain the clarity they’ve been searching for, or watching a leader grow into their role and inspire their team, reminds me why I do what I do.

For anyone considering working with me, here’s what I want you to know: my work is about transformation, not just information. I’m here to empower you to communicate more effectively, lead with confidence, and create the life and career you’ve dreamed of. Together, we’ll turn aspirations into achievements—and that’s a journey worth taking.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

When I started college, my class began with 30 students. By the end of the first semester, we were down to 25. After the first year, there were 20 of us. On graduation day, only six remained. Today, just two of us continue doing what we love.

Looking back, I’ve come to realize that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships—it’s about facing them one more time than anyone else. But this was a lesson I had to unlearn and relearn in a deeper way.

One pivotal moment came when a friend of mine was promoted to a position I had dreamed of. I’ll be honest: it made me sick to my stomach. The disappointment felt personal, and I wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Yet, in the midst of that pain, I realized I had a choice. I could let the experience embitter me or use it as fuel to grow. My pastor’s words echoed in my mind: “Get better, not bitter.” I decided to pour my energy into my craft, focus on developing the leaders around me, and refine my ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

That season taught me that success isn’t a straight path; it’s a journey shaped by resilience, self-improvement, and the ability to heal from setbacks. Comparison, I learned, is a trap. The only person I needed to compete with was the version of myself from yesterday. and let me honest, that season was like a looooong winter season of Canada!

Ultimately, that hard lesson helped me evolve into a better version of myself—someone more focused on progress than perfection, and on collaboration over comparison.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Reputation is a fascinating thing. It’s shaped by what people think you are, what they say about you, and even their own biases. For me, reputation isn’t just about perception—it’s about the foundation I’ve intentionally built over time. If reputation is what people say about you, character is who you know you are, when nobody watches.

Here’s what I’ve relied on to shape an enviable reputation…that people around have communicated to others!

This character of Integrity: I do what I say I will do. People know they can count on me to deliver on my promises.
Honesty is essential: I tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. This fosters trust and transparency in every relationship. This one is hard to say, humility: I recognize my own value while celebrating the worth of others. I never need to diminish someone else to shine. I do not say I am humble (which would prove I am not!) but people around me say I am.
I have build competence in what I do. I bring a keen eye for recognizing people’s inner qualities, clearly communicating expectations and messages, and developing others’ character and skills.
When these qualities come together, they drive the results my clients seek. Whether it’s enhancing their leadership skills, developing their executive presence, refining their communication, achieving financial freedom, or strengthening their faith, I help them move closer to their goals.

Ultimately, reputation is built on the impact you leave behind—and I’m proud that mine reflects both the principles I live by and the transformations my clients achieve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephancote.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephancote.coach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephan.cote.1023
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-cote-b03405b/

Image Credits

Maude Cote Photographe www.maudecotephotographe.com
Caroline Perron : www.caroline-perron.com