Episode notes
Shazia Govindji had a full coaching practice before she ever posted on social media. Not because she had a perfect system, but because she kept picking up the phone, showing up to conversations, and doing the uncomfortable thing before she felt ready — including saying her fees out loud ten times to herself so they wouldn't stick in her throat when a real prospect asked.
Shazia is a leadership coach who works with organizations ranging from global corporates like HSBC to charities like Shelter, as well as privately with individuals and groups. In this conversation, she and James explore what it actually looks like to build a practice through action rather than perfection — why your own wellbeing and inner development aren't separate from your professional growth but are the very thing that makes you someone people want to work with, and how following a nudge — calling someone out of the blue, sharing a quote that made you think of them, checking in with a past client — creates the kind of connection that no marketing strategy can replicate.
They also get into the practice of picking up the phone three times a week with no agenda beyond genuine curiosity, why creating a game around the action you know you need to take but keep avoiding is more powerful than another plan, and Shazia's reminder that the number one requirement for success is the willingness to be uncomfortable.
If you know what you need to do and you're still not doing it, this conversation is a direct and warm invitation to go get it wrong.
If this resonated and you're ready to explore what's possible for you and your business, reach out to James at JMWightman.com.
Connect with Shazia: linkedin.com/in/shazia-coaching
Connect with James: JMWightman.com
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