Hi Alexandria, you’re one of the UK’s leading business coaches. What is it about your work that drives your passion?
So many things! On a personal level, I have experienced burnout, breakdown, depression and anxiety, which for me were linked to living a life that felt radically out of alignment. This was the initial spark for my passion for what I do – I never wanted any woman to have to experience this. I wanted every woman to know she is worthy of a life that lights her up and fills her with joy.
Now, I get my passion from the women I work with. I get so inspired seeing them step into their true power and boldly claim their desires, whilst building businesses that have a positive impact on the world (everything from coaching businesses to sustainable fashion brands). This in turn has its own ripple effect – not just on their clients and customers, but the people around them.
What caused you to leave London 18 months ago?
Leaving London always felt like my long term plan. Whilst I love London (the vibrancy, the restaurants, the unique areas), I have always felt the urge to explore the world. When I was in my early twenties I assumed this was something I would “grow out of”. It was such a wake-up call to realise I didn’t need to grow out of it at all, and I could establish a successful business whilst still travelling. My husband’s business was established in London however, and it took a while for him to also create a situation where he too could travel (he is a VC investor in sustainability-focused businesses and a leadership coach). The pandemic was a big wake up call for us. We realised we were craving new adventures, cultures and dare I say it, more sunshine! As soon as things opened up a little more we booked a one-way flight to Tulum and set up base there. It shifted our whole life. Our main road was replaced by jungle, our evening walks down the canal became beach walks. We actually arrived during turtle season, so we got to witness all the baby turtles being born. It shifted so much for us and we’re so excited to be building a home over here.
Many people have left the city in the last 18 months, why do you think the pandemic has had this impact on people’s life choices?
I think there have been a number of reasons. I think the pandemic forced many of us to stop and reflect on our lives. It was so easy previously to be distracted by being busy. Suddenly, the world stopped and we were forced to reassess and reflect on the lives we had built so far. For many, I think this led to a radical reassessment of what they truly wanted from their lives and surroundings – be it a more fulfilling career or more space closer to nature. Realistically, I also think lockdown felt particularly restrictive for those in cities, who didn’t have outside space. With all the usual appeals of a city closed, I think many were keen to move outside of the city. Now I have left the city, I actually love it more. We recently returned for a series of in-person events and I loved getting to explore the role of tourist for a change!
What is the difference between life coaching and business coaching?
Technically speaking, life coaching takes a wider view of all areas of your life, whilst business coaching is more centred around your business and the various elements that feed into this. However, for me, the two are intrinsically linked. Part of what I help clients create is a life or business that they don’t want to escape from- where they feel excited on Monday mornings and don’t live centred around their annual leave. This means often making life decisions to support your business and visa versa.
What advice do you have for those who find themselves starting again post-pandemic?
Lean into the opportunity. We are naturally resistant to change as it means we have to leave the comfort zone of everything we know. But in leaving our comfort zone we also create new possibilities and realities. Instead of focusing on what we have lost, or what can go wrong, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves ‘what is possible?’. Take into account all the lessons and wisdom you have accumulated and use this to spur you on into your next steps. I often think of the phoenix in the ashes here: we can rise even greater than before from setbacks.
What are your top tips for making the most out of your business?
1. Put yourself first. This may sound counterintuitive, but you really are the machine and the life force of your business. Therefore, if you’re not filling your cup first, you can end up with nothing left to give. Plus, you should get to enjoy running your business!
2. Create healthy business boundaries. Your business is your baby and it can be so easy to pour everything into it. But as they say, in between goals is a thing called life. Allow yourself to build your business whilst embodying healthy boundaries to make the most of both.
3. Know your customer. It’s easy to get caught up in what we think would be a great offering, forgetting to check in with what people actually need. Know your customers inside out to truly create an aligned offering.
What is your favourite piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I think some of the best advice I have been given is around taking personal responsibility for my outcomes. It’s so easy to blame everything and everyone else when things go wrong, but when we step into taking personal responsibility, we become empowered to create new results and see the opportunities rather than the blocks.
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.’ It’s always such a powerful reminder for me to leave my comfort zone and to not be afraid to create something new.
