“I’m passionate about showing up in the world every day as my most authentic, powerful self and enabling others to do the same.”
For Claire Turner of Coach Claire, learning has been a long-time passion. It’s what shaped her career around teaching and coaching. But after a cancer diagnosis and transformative experience with Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Claire rededicated her life to helping others find the same breakthrough. Following training as a Master Coach and Master Practitioner of NLP, she founded her business in 2015.
Now, Claire harnesses the power of NLP to create life changing breakthroughs for women in their 40-50s. Through personalised coaching, she helps them to release the past and find new fulfilment in life. As Claire explains, “I’m passionate about showing up in the world every day as my most authentic, powerful self and enabling others to do the same.”
While she may be fiercely independent, Claire has joined the HerBusiness Network for the opportunity to connect with a community of amazing women. Knowing that she can find support has been encouraging as she embarks on the journey to create her dream business.
Claire’s passion to help others has led her to also engage with local charities that give back to the community. But on her days off she can be found enjoying the outdoors, spending quality time with her family, and at times even competitive dragon boating on Narrabeen Lake.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Janine Allis – she’s so energetic and passionate about what she does. She tells it like it is, while maintaining empathy for others, and regardless of her immense wealth, remains very genuine and accessible.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I’ve always had a passion for learning and by 2014 I had built my career around teaching and coaching, eventually working my way up to General Manager of an International Training Organisation.
Then, in March 2014 I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Being a single mum, I took aggressive action in return and opted for a double mastectomy, followed by intensive chemo and radiation.
Before my treatment began, a wonderful man, a friend of a friend (who is now my husband!), kindly offered to coach me using Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Time Line Therapy, allowing me to let go of pain from my past and visualise myself well in the future, remaining healthy through chemo and living a full life down the track. This reset dissolved so much fear around what was about to happen and proved so effective that I hardly suffered any effects from my year long treatment.
I decided then and there that once I was well, I needed to learn whatever that ‘NLP thing’ was and dedicate my life to helping others. I trained as a Master Coach and Master Practitioner of NLP in 2015 and started my own business the same year.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
The flexibility, the autonomy and of course, helping others – knowing that I’m making a difference every day.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Stash some pennies away for the quiet times. No-one engages their brain in Australia until the kids go back to school. Don’t let it freak you out.
- Practice self-care daily. You can’t give to others if you don’t put yourself first.
- Don’t be afraid to say no if an opportunity isn’t sitting right with you. Trust your gut in the first place and if it’s not the right fit, move your client on.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Just go for it. I was always too afraid to try in case I failed, but in the face of potential death decided, “It’s only work – I can always get a job if I need to.” Sometimes when we let go of the outcome we relax into doing what we’re naturally good at and it just flows.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
Financials, BAS, super, tax etc. Outsource finance if it’s not your thing, but understand the numbers for yourself and keep an eye on them quarterly.
HR legislation is another one. Make sure you have the right staff agreements/contractor arrangements in place – pay someone good money to set you and your team up for success.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
Ideally, I would have a waitlist for Breakthrough Coaching Programs and would refer people to other trusted coaches when I’m at capacity.
I would have an evergreen webinar, an e-book and a mini-course all leading people to the point when they are ready to break through what’s holding them back.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
I’m fiercely independent and so I’ve chosen to embrace networking with amazing women and consider setting up partnerships so that I don’t try to do it all on my own.
