Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Richards, Founder of Karen Natasha Coaching, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Karen Natasha Coaching has a diverse array of coaches and facilitators that provide career and leadership training programs from our Elev8 Program for individuals and organizations that are ready to become impactful, innovative leaders and reach optimal performance levels. If you are struggling with your career or life's changes, our personalized coaching experience will allow you to have clarity, resources, and support to reach your goals.

We work with people to feel more empowered in their leadership, communication, relationship building, change management, and conflict resolution skills. We serve a wide range of clients, from professional services to technology firms, non-profits, small businesses, and large private and academic organizations. Our approach is based on evidence, and we invest in continuous growth, development, and lifelong learning.

Tell us about yourself

As a Black-Woman-Owned practice, Karen Natasha Coaching specializes in supporting the personal and professional growth of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) experiences. We support all women, especially those who have often been marginalized and under-supported, to achieve actualization and confidence through increased self-awareness, personality mastery, financial literacy, and a continuous growth mindset. Working over 20 years in Corporate, there was nobody I could relate to that had lived experience or even looked like me trying to gain momentum to climb the corporate ladder. Every day I am motivated as I see my clients evolving and getting better in decision making, making progress and having accountability, and gaining significant pay raises. This pushes me to be a better CEO and to never stop learning so I can help others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is being asked to run my Elev8 program for the University of Toronto 2nd year in a row on all 3 campuses. We developed a strategic and trustworthy partnership with the University of Toronto. Through that, I have been asked for Karen Natasha Coaching to train and coach other departments.

Secondly is working for 3 years with New Beginnings Support Program, essentially coaching women who are on Government Assistance to Full-Time Careers. I have met a diverse sector of women and watched them grow and develop in confidence and self-esteem and move on to become empowered leaders.

New Beginnings Support Program is a charitable agency that helps restructure the lives of low-income and underserved women and their children. Karen Natasha's first big career coaching project provided coaching services for more than 30 women in receipt of social assistance. The project empowered women to become self-confident, career-oriented, and employable. With their newfound confidence, practical knowledge, and skills, these women have been able to walk away from poverty and despair, making a better life for themselves and their children. We help these women to overcome a variety of barriers they face and lead them toward a successful transition to self-sufficiency. We work diligently with these clients to reach their full personal, social and economic potential.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest job of a business owner is learning to say no; everything has to align with your values, mission, and energy. It is very easy to get off track, so you really need discipline, determination, and focus.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hire a coach to help keep you supported, focused, and accountable for your goals.
  2. Figure out with your coach what your values are individually and for the company.
  3. Have daily affirmations and a network of like-minded individuals; join a group or an organization so you can continually get inspiration. It is not a sprint but a marathon; there is no overnight success!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Yes, I love to help professionals gain clarity; you don't need to do it alone. That is how I started, and it can be a very painful experience. Invest in yourself; you deserve it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.karenatashacoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenatashacoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenatashacoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenrichards28/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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