We chat with executive coach and personal trainer Geraldine Gauthier on juggling roles and shattering glass ceilings.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Geraldine Gauthier, the founder of GoMasterCoach, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
Born in France but curious to discover the world, I hopped borders to live in the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. I thrived in the fast-paced world of finance, but something was always missing. Determined to find my true calling, I hired a career coach and challenged myself physically by signing up for a triathlon. Midway through that gruelling race, it hit me: my real passion was helping others achieve their full potential – in mind, body, and spirit.
So, I took a leap of faith. I quit my finance job and became an executive coach and personal trainer. Winning that triathlon silenced my inner critic and proved to me that the only limits we have are the ones we place on ourselves.
Today, I coach founders and leaders; I run a coaching school accredited by the International Coaching Federation. At GoMasterCoach, we don’t just offer expert-led classes; we arm aspiring coaches with digital tools and a marketplace to sell their expertise. I’ve coached over 50 top-level execs, helped 300 coaches get their ICF certification, and trained more than 1,000 executives in leadership and well-being.
Every client has taught me something valuable, helping me fine-tune methods that genuinely make a difference. Now, I’m on a mission to help others realise that they, too, can break their own boundaries and redefine what’s possible in their lives. If you’re looking to shatter your own glass ceilings, I’m here to tell you it’s not only possible, but it’s also within your reach.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Juggling the roles of founder, mother of three, wife, and coach is a delicate balancing act. My biggest challenge has been embracing these identities while also scaling the impact of my coaching school. Setting clear boundaries is key, but it’s a complex task that goes beyond managing time. It’s about allocating emotional and mental energy efficiently across my professional and personal landscapes.
Recognising my limitations, I’ve leaned on coaching and mentoring to better manage these competing demands. This guidance has empowered me to expand GoMasterCoach while remaining an active presence in my family and personal life. However, balancing these roles is an ever-present challenge. It requires daily self-questioning: “If I say yes to this, what do I say no to?” This personal mantra has become my guidepost in the unending quest for a fulfilling life.
How do you keep stress levels low?
I maintain a trifecta of stress-busters: runs in the Botanic Garden to connect with nature, group swimming for fun challenges, and coaching sessions that provide fresh perspectives.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
Whenever doubt creeps in, I look back at my track record of success to ground myself in my capabilities. For those trickier moments, I turn to my coach, who helps me reframe challenges and criticisms into growth opportunities.
Favourite place to work?
My sanctuary for my coaching programs is the Huone Training room. The environment is incredibly conducive to transformational coaching and training. I’ve been a part of countless life-changing moments there, each one leaving an indelible mark on me.
Can you share a work mantra that you use?
Mine is a coaching question: “If you say yes to this, what are you saying no to?” This instantly clarifies my choices and reminds me of my core values.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
I’m passionate about the body-mind connection and how it can revolutionise our lives. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to disconnect from our physical selves and focus solely on the mental grind. But there’s untapped intelligence in our bodies. Through coaching and neurolinguistic programming, we can unlock a deeper sense of self-awareness and empowerment. This isn’t just about fitness or mental health; it’s about merging these elements to thrive in our personal and professional lives.
Your go-to self-care activity?
My ultimate reset button is swimming. The water provides both a physical workout and a mental cleanse, leaving me refreshed and focused.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
“Dare more, you rock!” Hesitation is the only thing standing between you and your dreams.
Get in touch with Geraldine Gauthier online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!