#BEYOUROWN MEETS GERI HENDERSON

Geri Henderson is a certified transformational life and business coach. She is insanely committed to inspiring free-spirited, purpose-driven women to step into their fullest potential and create a life that truly makes them shine. 

Geri’s journey began nearly 30 years ago as a passionate student of self-development, but rather than follow her heart and build a career in this field, she focused on bringing up her family as a young mum and instead, spent the first 2 decades of her working life going from one unfulfilling, low-paid job to another. She had grown up with a fire in her belly and determined to make a difference in the world, but as she supported everyone else’s dreams but her own, she slowly watched these drift away, along with her confidence and identity as anyone other than ‘mum.’

After getting divorced and hitting rock-bottom, she knew it was time to turn her life around. She used her knowledge of self-development to rebuild her life and subsequently followed her passion and trained as a life coach to help other women who are living their life as a shadow of who they are meant to be. 

She has now set about her mission to inspire women to stop settling for anything less than a life that truly lights them up. Through her workshops, talks and coaching programs, she is passionate about making self-development mainstream rather than just for the elite few. 

She is an incredibly intuitive coach and uses this skill alongside other disciplines such as NLP, positive psychology and neuroscience to enable her clients to re-wire their mindsets and redefine what is possible for them in their relationships, business, and life. 

Hey Geri, can you introduce yourself to us?

Hi, I’m Geri Henderson. I’m a transformational life and business coach for free-spirited, purpose-driven women. However, my number 1 job is definitely being proud Mum to my gorgeous family of four who amazes and inspire me daily.

Can you take us through your journey to where you are now?

It’s certainly been a long and colourful journey to get to where I am today, but I wouldn’t have wanted it to be any different due to the lessons learned and experiences I’ve gained en-route.

My fascination with self-development began way back in the late 80’s when it was still a bit woo-woo. I remember keeping all my books hidden when friends came round to my house for fear of them thinking I was a bit weird!

Whilst I continued studying psychology and self-development, I went through the first 20 years of my working life going from one mediocre, poorly paid job to another. I did whatever fitted in well with bringing up young children, but I always felt so unfulfilled at work and knew that I was capable of achieving so much more.

The turning point came for me when I was studying for a business degree and realised that not only was coaching and self-development now widely accepted but was also an essential part of the business and personal success. I was also at a really low point in my life after a difficult divorce. At that moment, I knew I needed to turn my life around so I quit my degree, followed my heart and finally got qualified as a life coach.

I’d like to say the rest was easy, but it certainly wasn’t. I made the big mistake of not hiring a coach myself and this meant that setting up a business, whilst bringing up kids as a single mother and working full time was seriously tough. It meant working before they woke up and after they’d gone to bed, day after day. There was so much noise out there about what you ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ do to run a successful coaching business, so I tried to do all of it even though it didn’t feel right for me. Work trickled in, but it was always felt like such hard work and I certainly didn’t attract my ideal clients.

They say when the student’s ready the teacher appears and that was definitely the case when I came across an amazing coach, Lulu Minns. Investing in her coaching was the single best thing I did. She taught me to simply serve from the heart. To ditch all the masculine struggle and instead, tune-in and take aligned actions from a place of love instead. This was THE biggest turning point for me. My practice was at full capacity within weeks and my business has continued to grow in the most wonderfully beautiful way ever since. For the first time in my life, I’m embracing my feminine side, trusting the universe and everything is flowing with so much ease.

What is a day in the life of you like?

Every day is different, but I always begin my day with a gratitude practice, reading and quick meditation. Due to the youngest child only being at nursery part-time, I try to make my days really productive by batching things together and having focus days over a two week period. On week one, my focus tends to be on coaching my regular clients and connecting with new ones, whereas week two is more focused on social media, developing programmes, networking and the admin side of the business.

I always try to end the day by listening to a podcast or reading a self-development book. It’s my quiet time and a great way to finish the day on a positive note.

Just like yourself, when you became a mother, you began to feel torn between your desire to achieve and your heartfelt need to be there for your family. How did you find a way to master both?

It took me a long time to get over the guilt factor of working with a little-one, not-forgetting the times when my older teenage girls also needed extra support during exams etc. But it really is all about perspective. Instead of focusing on what you’re missing out on, it’s important to look at what you and your family gains.

Being an entrepreneur gives me the freedom to be there when my family needs me most, but equally, it also allows me to follow my passion and create a business that truly lights me up. By doing this, I’m also teaching them what’s possible if you work hard, never give up and keep following your dreams. I really do hope it inspires them too.

I try to find a good balance as much as I can though. Whilst my youngest gains so much from her mornings at nursery and time with grandparents, I always have Monday’s off which I keep as our ‘special day’. That’s the time where it’s just the two of us and we go and make wonderful memories on the beach or at farm parks etc. I think it’s extra special because I make such an effort to keep the day totally free from work distractions and be incredibly present with her.

Can you talk to us about your the complimentary ‘True To You’ coaching session you offer?

I absolutely love these sessions! This is a totally complimentary, 90-minute call for free-spirited, purpose drive women who are ready to invest in themselves, ignite their passion and step up to create the success and life they truly desire. During these sessions, clients get to create super-clear visions, develop an action plan and identify any current blocks that may be stopping them from moving forward. We have huge breakthroughs on these calls and they really are one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

 What 3 tips would you give to momtrepreneurs out there?

1. Remember it’s not a race. Work on progress over perfection and keep taking small, consistent steps every day that move you towards your goals but remove the pressure to get it all done right now. You may still have little ones at home, need to take time off to care for them when they’re poorly or be struggling to work whilst they run riot around you during the school holidays, but know that you’ll get there. The struggles and frustrations of building a business whilst looking after a young family are all part of the journey and make you more resilient and creative as a result,.
2. Get a coach. Coaches are great at helping you fast-track your results, keep you focused and help you to create the right mindset for success in amongst the chaos of family life.
3. Create a team. Hire people to help you with the areas that aren’t your strengths. As a momtrepreneur, your time is precious and is always best spent doing what you do best.

Where can you see yourself within the next 3-5 years?

In the next 3-5 years, I hope to have published my first book, created a podcast, be speaking at a lot more events and running training events globally.

How are you planning to expand further?

I hope to expand my business further by developing a soul-based coaching academy and a mentorship programme for disadvantaged girls who lack a positive role model in their lives. This is a little way off yet, but it’s my big vision.

Can you tell us what areas you have struggled in professionally?

My biggest struggle professionally was finding a business model that felt authentic and true to me. For years I did what all the ‘experts’ say you need to do such as creating courses, sales funnels, landing pages, and Facebook ads. Whilst they are all great, they all felt too ‘salesy’ for me and I struggled to get out there and be visible. It was only when I invested in a great coach who taught me to just serve from the heart, that everything turned around. I filled my coaching practice so quickly and without a landing page in sight!

I also struggled with the comparison for a long time too. Always looking at other coaches who were further along their journey and feeling that I wasn’t good enough. It took me a long time to realise that they don’t have my gifts or message. We’re all a work in progress and we all have our own message that only we can give. When I realised that, there was no-one to compare to.

Have you ever had any other mentor? If so how has this benefitted you to grow?

Yes, I’ve worked with several mentors over the years and each time, my life has changed dramatically and in record time. I’ve always found that having a coach who is in the place that you want to be in or has faced the same struggles as you, has always been the most effective. They’ve made the mistakes and learned the lessons so they can help you get to where you want so much quicker and easier.

What outlets do use to market your coaching services?

Facebook mainly. I tried initially to keep my focus in one area as it became too overwhelming to do well when my youngest was at home and I had very little time. I’m literally just about to start up a YouTube channel, to which I’m really excited about.

Which methods are you using to build your own support network?

Networking and coaches.

What do you believe are the common misconceptions about being an entrepreneur?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions about being an entrepreneur is that you need a lot of money and it takes a long time to start it up. Depending on your business, it really doesn’t. In the world of modern technology, so many businesses can be built on a shoe-string with very little resources. I’ve helped many clients create businesses from scratch in a period of weeks. As long as you’ve got passion, drive, self-belief, and an open mind, I believe that you can make it as an entrepreneur.

What would you like to see changed for moms in business?

It would be great to see more networking groups that are specifically for mums, which allow you to take the kids along with you too. We all face the same challenges and being an entrepreneur can be lonely too, so being able to connect with other momtrepreneurs, gain support and network within these groups is priceless in terms of business growth and personal wellbeing.

What is the best piece of advice you have received to date?

The best bit of advice? There’s so much I could share! I think the single best piece of advice is to just show up authentically and serve from the heart. When you speak your truth and share your passion, you simply can’t fail to attract the people who need you and your services. You have a gift that only you can give.

What is the number 1 critical lesson you have learned in your career so far?

Not to be afraid to fail. It took me until my late 30’s to get comfortable with failure and realise that it’s an essential part of the journey to success. I really do wish it was taught in schools as I’m sure far more people would challenge themselves more and reach their full potential if it was.

A highlight of your career so far?

I think my biggest highlights are often the smallest, most intimate moments when I’m coaching clients. Each time I grow as a coach and help a client reach a breakthrough or get an ‘ah ha’ moment, it feels like magic. When you know that you’ve helped to change someone’s life for the better, well it doesn’t get any better than that.

What gives you ultimate career satisfaction?

Watching my clients go from stuck to inspired. I love watching them grow and create amazing things. Seeing them find their voice, have belief in themselves again or finally have the courage to follow their passions. It truly does light me up and give me so much satisfaction. I feel so privileged and blessed that I get to work with such incredible women.

What challenges have you seen to have been presented during the growth of your business?

I think the biggest challenge for me during the growth of my business has been my own money mindset. They say each new level has a new devil and getting comfortable with raising prices and services is something that I have to consistently work on.

Time has also been a big factor. It was frustrating not having the time to devote to my business for a few years whilst my youngest was a baby, but I also had to learn that there are a time and place for everything. It was her time then and I had to put my frustrations to one side and treasure the precious opportunity to make memories with her. Now that she goes to nursery part-time, my time’s come to take my business to the next level. Patience and accepting that there’s a time for everything was key.

Which other leading entrepreneurs and pioneering game changers do you also admire and why?

I absolutely love Lulu Minns, Louise George, Regan Hillyer, and Alexi Panos at the moment. I love their authenticity, the way they walk their talk and run soul-based businesses from the heart.

What is a good article or book you have read recently?

I’m re-reading The Prosperous Coach by Rich Litvin at the moment. This book and his coaching model transformed my business. I learn something new each time I read it.

What does your Podcast playlist look like?

I’m currently listening to ‘The School Of Greatness,’ by Lewis Howes. I love his style and also the diversity and breadth of knowledge shared by so many leading entrepreneurs from all fields and walks of life.

How do you measure your own terms of success?

By showing up in life truly at peace with who I am, walking my talk, striving for excellence and making a real difference in the lives of my clients and my family.

What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?

Living a fully aligned and authentic life from the heart which is in line with my values, desires, and my truth.

Lastly, what is next for you?

More speaking events, workshops and a retreat next year, along with continuing to step-up and grow as a coach in order to help my clients achieve even greater success, exciting times.

Instagram: @gerihenderson73

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gerihenderson.co/

Website: www.gerihenderson.com