Q1. How did your career journey start? After hanging up my boots, on the heels of a 17-year successful career in advertising and marketing, ...
After hanging up my boots, on the heels of a 17-year successful career in advertising and marketing, I launched my own practice, Farzana Suri Victory Coach, 8 years ago.
It wasn’t a planned decision. I was fatigued with the way things were in advertising and couldn’t see a future for myself, anymore. I grappled with this most challenging decision till the Universe nudged me into the direction. I had planned a holiday to Europe when my mentor suggested exploring the science of numbers, numerology. It was fascinating and I applied for a course at a gurukul of S Radhakrishnan in Chennai out of curiosity. Little realising that it would change the trajectory of my life. When I got back, I explored it further and realised I wanted to delve deeper and my analysis was getting sharper and more accurate, by the day. I bid goodbye to the career of selling brands and instead turned towards helping people see the brand in themselves. A couple of years later, I signed up for the relationship coaching program with Robbins & Madanes, the training school of Tony Robbins. There’s been no looking back, since.
Q2. Kindly share some information about your Business, products and services here.
As a life coach, I adopt an approach that is unique. My job as a Victory Coach is to empower people to conquer the emotions of fear, self - judgment, insecurity and frustration and morph it into their strength to propel them towards their potential. I understand the client’s personality, leadership and relationship and decision-making abilities and where they are at this point, on the success curve. Based on the analysis, I apply coaching and other techniques to help in the transformational process.
I use the power of coaching to make the mental shifts required to sustain change towards achieving personal and professional goals. In my journey as a Victory Coach, I zealously encourage people to boost their potential and harness the power of their mind.
Apart from coaching, I’m passionate about training. I take workshops and seminars on leadership, personal branding, storytelling, self-empowerment, diversity & inclusion as well as motivational programs. These include programs for various organisations and educational institutes.
Q3. What kind of challenges did you face while starting/doing business?
The first year of moving out of a job and going solo were blissful. There was no commute and no boss to report to. I lived my lifestyle, unabashedly till one day, the savings depleted. My so-called close friends and well-wishers turned away. I have never felt so alone. I suppose they thought I’d ask them for favours or lean on them for help though that was farthest from my mind. However, the pain of losing was too hard to accept. Added to that as a start up, I was not trained to run my own show. I was used to a legacy of a large brand backing me and now I had none. There was a moment in my life when I had nothing but very limited money and a mortgage to pay in three weeks. There was no sign of income coming in. Till an angel offered me an assignment which surpassed my expectations. It was a sign that I’m meant to follow my path. I have never looked back ever since. The support from my family and a few close friends bolstered my beaten soul to rise and keep walking. They are my anchors, my cheerleaders and my best critics who keep me moving in the right direction. This is my path to victory. And, the birth of the Victory Coach.
Q4. Do share with our readers about your discovery period when you were facing difficulties in your business?
The biggest challenge was how to promote myself and create a rate card. How to differentiate myself. I have had people who came for appointments and didn’t pay. I have had people who were so appreciative of my work that they are responsible for the clients I serve even today. Interestingly, one such client when my suggestions worked for him, surprised me by coming over with a briefcase filled with notes to reward me!! It as tempting to keep it however, I explained to him that he had already paid me my fees and seeing him progress was enough reward. I was happy my coaching made a difference to his life and transformed his outlook for the better and his victory. He thought I was crazy refusing the money! Haha! However, my work is to inspire and infuse an energy that makes people feel they can get past anything. I love what I do. I’m mindful of that. Ethics and confidentiality are paramount for a coach. This was an interesting test and experience for me. My family was initially dumbfounded that I refused but on hindsight they are proud of me. I am so proud of me, too!
Q5. Share with our readers about your experiment period after the discovery period?
I am a Work in Progress. I have had the privilege of working, closely with business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, corporate executives, media and sports celebrities in the 8 years of launching my practice. I am fortunate to be featured for my thoughts and advice in national and international print and electronic media.
My success story is my 109th Tier referral in my life. What this means is that my first client A was referred by a colleague, who then referred me to her boss, who then referred me to his relative, who referred my services to his client and this trail has moved to the 109th level of referral. I couldn’t be more grateful for their trust in me.
Q6. What is your vision for next five years?
We keep evolving so I am not sure about the next five years however, I do know this: My mission in life is to positively, impact over 100,000 souls by 2021.Nothing warms me more than leaving people better than I found them.
Q7. How would you advise/suggest new entrepreneurs who want to start & sustain in business?
Focus on why do you want to do what you are doing. Do not be obsessed with the money. Money is a means. Look to make a real difference to people’s lives. There will be people who will pull you down or belittle your efforts. Audit them. You will make mistakes and it is okay. Look upon them as lessons. Lastly, surround yourself with people who inspire and force you to step up. I have been blessed to have some incredible people around me, who induce me to rise above any mediocrity and excel. So, do not play small.
Q8. LinkedIn profile URL link
https://www.linkedin.com/in/farzanasurivictorycoach/
Q9. Facebook profile URL link
https://www.facebook.com/farzanavictorycoach/
Q10. Twitter profile URL link
https://twitter.com/surifarzana2
Q11. Personal blog URL link
www.farzanasuri.co.in
Q12. Company website & Company blog URL link
https://farzanasuri.com/
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Interviewed by: Khushboo Chotaliya - Lifestyles Influencer from Mumbai, India.
Khushboo is a student of Digital Influencer's Academy by Yogesh MA.
Kindly follow Khushboo here instagram.com/khushboobchotaliya
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