Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kim Foster Yardley, Owner of The Mental Game Clinic, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I am the owner of a sport and clinical psychology clinic. We work with high-performing athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives to build healthier and sustainable performance and balance this with their own well-being.

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from South Africa. I ran a private practice there for almost ten years and sold it before coming to Canada. I had been a psychologist for 15 years and really wanted to get into sport and performance psychology. I could not find a clinic that integrated sport psychology and clinical psychology to treat the whole performer, and so I decided to create this myself.

I also wanted to give back to the therapy community. I mentor early-stage career therapists and help them hone their skills so I can give back. I want to change the world, and I think that by supporting the people who are trying to change the world, I can have the most impact.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business has rapidly expanded over the last four years, and my greatest accomplishment has been my persistence and my ability to grow and learn as I have adjusted to being a leader. It is a continuous process. The learning never stops, but that is what I love about the work.

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

You are ultimately responsible, and there are always new problems. This is what I love about running my own business, but it also creates the most stress. There is no time when I can switch off completely, and there are always new challenges that stretch me out of my comfort zone.

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

  1. Know yourself - you take yourself into your business, and the more successful you are, the more pressure there is, so you are confronted with your vulnerabilities. This can be hard, but if you can look them right in the eye, you can evolve as a leader, and this will only make you more successful.
  2. Hire people who are better than you. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Hire good people who outshine you and add to your strengths. This will take your business much further than you ever thought it could go.
  3. When the stress is at its highest, remember you chose this. It was your choice to become a leader. It has its challenges, and it will test you, but ultimately it is what you wanted for yourself, and you will reap the rewards if you are willing to take responsibility and do the hard work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thementalgame.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalgameclinic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KFosterYardley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimfosteryardley/

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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