Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Youssef Skalli, CEO of Skallibility Coaching, located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

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

SKALLIbility Coaching is a professional empowerment coaching practice combining career and life coaching, helping busy corporate professionals and individuals across the globe visualize what successful life looks like for them and craft their own journey towards their personal goals with confidence and energetic intent. Through my practice, I help turn off their auto-pilot mode and take back self-command to drive towards a GREATer version of themselves while seeing options differently and achieving higher harmony in their life and career(s).

I do this using a situational and conversational approach based on S.K.A.L.L.I (Self-Knowledge And Living Life Intentionally) combined with practicing being G.R.E.A.T. (Grounded, Resilient, Empathetic, Aware, and Thankful).

Tell us about yourself

Early in my career in the corporate world, I was driven by ticking the boxes of the various imposed society "standards," chasing job titles and what I thought then was a successful status. I started my career in Finance, and while climbing the corporate ladder, my passion for people development and empowerment, talent management, coaching and mentoring, organizational development and effectiveness, along with a strong appreciation of human capital, drove me towards Human Resources where I led different transformational projects aligning H.R. initiatives with business vision and strategic goals.

After 20+ years of successful career in corporate life, holding local, regional, and global leadership roles in different countries and multi-cultural contexts, I started feeling unfulfilled and seeking a change that I could not identify. This was accompanied by a feeling of guilt; why am I unsatisfied despite it seems that I have "everything"? It continued until I burned out before I could even see it coming. That was a wake-up call; it opened for me pathways to a deep self-introspection which allowed me to know myself better and align my intentions and life goals with my values and what I care the most about.

During my recovery journey, I decided to start my coaching practice with a strong determination to help others increase self-awareness and not wait to burn out to start making bold decisions and taking self-control and self-care seriously.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was based in Barcelona, Spain, and moved to Ottawa, Canada, in the mid of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a new immigrant, I am proud of what I could accomplish in a short period by taking the time to educate myself more and get multiple coaching certifications, building meaningful connections in a new environment. And most importantly, to witness the transformation and mindset shift in my clients. Having a long-lasting impact on their life is always my biggest big accomplishment.

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

As a solopreneur, it is what I call the "Strategic loneliness" at times, especially at the beginning when coming from corporate life with a well-structured support system and suddenly finding yourself making strategic and executive decisions at all levels of your business spectrum and nurturing your self-leadership skills.

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

  1. Embrace your fears; being a little scared is not unhealthy. Your success is waiting on the other side of your fears.
  2. It is OK not to be always OK; recognize the negative emotions without obsession and accentuate the positive ones.
  3. Help others and ask others for help when needed. Cultivate the habit to express your gratitude and appreciation.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship in general and solopreneurship, in particular, is a big financial and emotional investment, be faithful to your values and the impact you want to make. Revise your priorities consistently and make sure to schedule your priorities rather than prioritize your schedule. Self-care should always be your top priority.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://skallibility.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKALLIbility
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skallibility/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SKALLIbility
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skallibility/

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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