The qualities of an effective coach are vast, and so are the skill sets needed to support others to make significant life changes. While the definition of a coach describes the individual to be a guide, a trainer, an advisor, and much more, however, above all, they are the people who empower and pave the way for others to achieve a successful life.
Molly Downs, an entrepreneur and business coach, is one such pioneer who works with people to create life-changing results in the areas of business and personal development. She is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and author who helps clients design their dream careers and life.
In the following interview with Exeleon Magazine, Molly Downs talks about her growing up years, her earliest days in health and wellness coaching, and the transition to becoming a pioneer in the business consultant space.
What according to you makes one a pioneering leader? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?
In my own experiences and in working over the years with my private clients and groups, being a pioneering leader means being willing to take risks and experiment with new ideas. When there’s an area that needs attention or support, I love to bring a sense of curiosity and wonder to it. Actually, being the first to try something completely new is often rare, but being the first to try something and do it your own way, fail, and try again is a real opportunity to lead, expand, and grow.
Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader that you can remember?
My earliest memory of taking initiative and standing up for myself and giving a voice to others was when I wrote a letter to the editor in the small city I grew up in. The letter was about the environment and taking care of trees instead of cutting them down. My letter eventually drew the attention of others who wrote back in the newspaper section to support my ideas. For me, it was the first time I realized that I had a voice and that I could create change. And no matter how small it was, it felt big to me.
What led you into becoming a transformational coach and business consultant?
In 2012, I created the first yoga and Ayurveda wellness studio in Dubuque, Iowa, and it was there that I offered health and wellness coaching. During that time, I would talk with clients about their health concerns, but inevitably the conversation always veered into what they really wanted to be doing in their work and their whole lives. This led me to eventually close the studio to shift my focus into a career in coaching, speaking, and writing even though at that time I felt like I had no idea what I was doing and no clue how it would all unfold.
What is the approach/process followed by you when offering your services?
The process I use in working with someone for the first time is to take a close look at the vision they have for their business and life and start to uncover new insights and ideas. I most love to help people significantly increase their intention, their impact, their income, and to live fully now. The mentors I’ve worked with over the years, especially Jason Goldberg, always have given me an “I’ve got your back” type of coaching relationship, and that’s what I hope to always impart to my own clients.
Having worked with countless entrepreneurs and leaders, what would be your advice to emerging leaders in the current work environment?
To just be yourself and do your best to stay open to working with different types of people and organizations. And to let people in so they experience the real you and not just an impressive version of you. That will really help them to connect, inspire them to take action for themselves, and make a positive impact on everyone they meet
What does a day in Molly Downs’ life look like? How do you ensure work-life balance being a coach, mentor, author, and mother of three kids?
A day in my life now has changed so much. Two of my kids are teenagers and one is in college now, but I can remember working on my business when they were very young too. In the early morning hours, evenings and weekends I spend almost all of my time with my husband and our three kids, and three cats. I spend lots of time writing, going for walks, and experimenting with new ideas. Most days you’ll find me in a conversation with someone, or writing an article or recording an episode of my podcast: Entrepreneur in Flow. I learned from my favorite coaches to leave lots of space for nothing in between appointments, conversations, and activities. That’s where creativity and inspiration come in and I can drop out of my thinking, accomplish a lot in a little amount of time, and just enjoy the day.
Looking back at your journey, what would you have done differently?
The only thing I would have done differently (I don’t believe in regrets) is that I would have started sooner. I became an entrepreneur in 2009 and it took as long as it did because I didn’t know what was available to me. I also thought that confidence was something I needed to get, instead of what I know now – and that’s how confidence is what you experience while you’re living with purpose, moment to moment, and is a result of being in action.
Finally, what does the future look like for you?
I couldn’t think of a better time to be doing what I’m doing now, and at 45 years old, I see the future as bright with a generation of young people and a lot of society accepting people more and more for who they are. And being an entrepreneur has never been easier. If you would have told me years ago that I would be working with clients from around the world, I don’t think I would have believed you! The truth is that we have everything we need to stay connected and create an even better world. As long as we stay open to it.
Yes, it sure looks bright to me.
