Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maya Cohen, Founder and CEO of Lotus Coaching, located in Washington, D.C., USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a leadership coach and the founder of Lotus coaching. My goal is to provide leaders with a space to reflect and create actionable goals. Through awareness, leaders can start to develop the habits and identify the resources they need in order to be effective in their organizations and their communities. With a passion for mindfulness and self-compassion, I support leaders in developing their sense of meaning and purpose and greater confidence in themselves. I work with clients from all industries, targeting new and established managers who seek further support as they navigate their roles and learn how to be effective managers.
Tell us about yourself
I have been working in the field of leadership development for over six years, mainly with students and young professionals. Over a year ago, I got a promotion and started managing a big team. That led to a huge shift in the amount and type of work I did. Half of my time was dedicated to managing my team, and I was constantly searching for ways to improve as a manager, giving my team the support that they needed and empowering them to grow in the organization.
I also realized how isolating it could feel at times to be a leader and how important it is for leaders to receive guidance and support and take care of their own well-being. That's what motivates me to support other leaders in their journey, helping them find balance in their day and to invest wisely in themselves and their people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making that leap of faith and starting a business is a huge accomplishment for me. As a coach, everything relies on me for the success of the business. Owning a business comes with a lot of pressure, and it's a pretty lonely journey, as I'm told. Yet, it can be quite energizing to support my clients, knowing that I had a role in their growth and that they feel empowered to live their lives with more awareness and kindness in a way that impacts their relationships at work and at home.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It takes time to build the business and requires a lot of courage to stay on this path and believe in yourself in those early years when your business isn't established yet. It requires a lot of patience and endurance, but with the right tools, it can be very empowering and can lead to growth, personally and professionally.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I'd share the tips that I was given, which have helped me a lot:
- It could take about 3-5 years to build a business, so pace yourself and save accordingly.
- Every person finds the method that works for them for growing their business. Some love writing blog posts and going to networking events, and others prefer intimate coffee chats. Find what works for you.
- Create a community of people that are in a similar place in life. Lean on each other for support and advice because otherwise, it can feel a bit lonely.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lotuscoaching.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayacohenil/
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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