Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nausheen Saumtally, a Corporate Coach, Speaker, and Trainer, based in Brampton, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a Corporate Speaker and Trainer curating, creating, and delivering trainings and keynote speeches to organizations and conferences on Communication and Leadership using a Human First approach. I work with large organizations as well as smaller ones across the world to help them in their people, team, and leadership development initiatives.

Tell us about yourself

Throughout my time in the corporate world at Microsoft as a Business Development Manager, I had the opportunity to attend multiple training across the world. On top of that, I had a mentor whose training and conferences I invested in regularly. Through these, I discovered the world of personal development, and it raised my self-awareness. I was surprised how I did not come across this before and how little people are aware of this side of life. It quickly turned into a passion of mine. I knew I wanted to make this my career eventually. And, luckily, yes, luckily, I lost my job after a big company reorganization, and as tough as this was, I also saw it as an opportunity to start doing what I loved: speaking and training, helping others, and building their confidence, leadership and communication. I got certified by the Maxwell Leadership Team as a Coach, Speaker, and Trainer and found a job shortly after doing just that.

When COVID-19 hit, another blessing presented itself in the form of adversity; yes, I lost my job again because of COVID. It was an even tougher time, but I also saw it as another opportunity, this time to do what I loved on my own terms. With this was born my company, Elevate Now. Every day I wake up knowing that I live a life where I get to do what I love, which also means pouring into people's lives and making a real difference.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting a business during the pandemic, passing through the ups and many, many downs, and still sticking with my business and the vision that I have. As an entrepreneur, I have to say yes to my business and vision every day because easier ways to earn a living are all around. I had the opportunity to interview at Google, but I said no to temporary comfort and yes to building a life that is more fulfilling for me.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I think I answered that one above. But I can add that transitioning from corporate to entrepreneur life can be tough. We move from being told what to do, how to do it, or at least having some guidance to having to decide and do everything. This takes a change in mindset and a change of habits that have been built for years.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Invest in your personal development through coaching and conferences - this is a great support, and the business will as much as you grow.
  2. Don't get dragged into comparing yourself to others. You never have the full story that others post on social media or even your close friend and family. You are exactly where you need to be and what would work for you.
  3. Be clear on why you want to have a business. For most people, it is because of the freedom it brings aside from the passion for the product and services they bring to market. So when you start, keep that in mind, and don't let yourself get influenced by those business owners who work 24/7. I believe that you can build a business that works with what you want in life and that aligns with other areas of your life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

To the readers, I believe in YOU!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://elevate-now.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nausheensaumtally/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheensaumtally/

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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