Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathy Gruver, an Executive Coach & Author based in Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a life and executive coach specializing in people in work/life transition who maybe need to set new goals and who could use some accountability and someone to call them on their BS. My job is to pull from all the tools that I gained over the last few decades and impart them to my client. I see a lot of women (and men) who have perhaps recently left a job or relationship or who are considering that sort of change. I also see couples who need to improve their communication and connection. And when I do executive coaching, it's a lot of communication skills, stress reduction, team management, and dealing with blocks and differences. I do a lot of work with ego states which are those various parts of ourselves that come forward and different situations.
Tell us about yourself
I have definitely had a varied career life. I started out as an actress and then moved into doing massage and bodywork; I also do things like Reiki and hypnotherapy. I've written 8 books (working on the 9th) and lectured around the world, including 2 TEDx talks. I began to realize that people my entire life have been wanting to talk to and have me help them solve their problems. So I started coaching. It was a great pivot for me during COVID when I couldn't see massage clients in person, and speaking engagements were canceled. I finished my coaching certification and got certified by the International Coaching Federation. I see clients not only in my office but around the world. I wake up every morning knowing that whether it's going to be a motivational speech, me working on a book or article, doing my podcast, or coaching a client, I get to help people. It really fuels me. I'm a lifelong learner knowing that the more I know, the more I can pass on to my clients and my audiences.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Wow, so many different things. I think branching out on my own and finding so much success as a massage therapist was a big accomplishment. I had no mentor. I just had to figure things out as I went, and it was a lot of throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what stuck. I'm really proud of myself for being able to pivot through the different careers that I have had. The bottom line is I get to help a lot of people, and that is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You have to wear so many different hats!! And so often, you are doing it alone. I learned early on that having a laundry service for my massage practice and an assistant is the two greatest gifts I could give myself. There is no shame at all in asking for help. Good leader surrounds themselves with people that know more than they do, so they have a team. Even if it's just an independent contractor acting as an assistant or a CPA or bookkeeper, or just someone to run your errands, know what your lane is, and don't get caught in the weeds. It's also really easy to let Type A run your life. I know it feels like it, but you honestly don't have to work 24 seven. Find that work-life balance and make sure you are devoting time to your self-care, your family, and your relationships.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know what you really want. What is your end goal? Then it will be easier to get there. The universe only can give us things that are defined.
- As I said earlier, surround yourself with people who know more. Ask for help when you need it. Get a mentor. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for advice when you need it. You don't have to do it alone.
- Remember that there is no failure. There is only feedback. Not everything is going to turn out exactly the way you want it to. That doesn't mean you failed; you just learn from that experience and make a better choice next time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kathygruver.coach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKathyGruver/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/klgruver
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathygruver/
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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