If you want to take your business to the next level, Sasha Young’s coaching sessions will guide, challenge and support you.
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 Sasha Young, the founder of Sasha Young Coaching, gets it done like a boss.
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
I’m a recovering perfectionist and high achiever. These traits drove me to both academic and professional success, first in financial markets and subsequently as an entrepreneur. These qualities were also behind my imposter syndrome and ultimately what caused me to burn out.
I discovered the benefits of coaching more than 25 years ago – and I’m now able to live the life I love. I’ve learned it’s possible to thrive and grow with ease – both personally and professionally. I coach to help as many people as I can to achieve the same. I love working with entrepreneurs and business owners. Phenomenal grit, drive and determination are required to build, lead and run a business – all while creating strategic opportunities for growth.
Coaching can have a massive impact in helping leaders and business owners find balance and perspective, so they make smart decisions on the front foot, rather than react to stressors. Coaching also helps entrepreneurs as leaders who can support the developmental stages of their businesses. Each stage has different requirements. What got you ‘here’, won’t get you ‘there’. Coaching is how you discover and implement what works for you and your business to evolve and thrive.
I get a kick as the returns are tangible: increased dollar returns, staff retention and staff build, customer growth and customer satisfaction, and market and mind share. It’s a joy to see my clients create these results while enjoying more time, greater ease and healthier lives.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how did you overcome it?
Asking for help. Having the self-compassion to acknowledge my needs and being willing to ask for help in meeting them used to be like a foreign language. Coaching helped me to understand it’s okay to need help. People generally like it when you ask!
I’m a work in progress but I’m always delighted by the willing support and collaboration when I reach out. I love working in partnership – with clients and other practitioners and experts. The exponential results we create together are a great reminder of how asking for help can lead to creative and inspiring outcomes.
How do you keep stress levels low?
Having experienced burnout, I’m now on the front foot of managing stress. I’ve learned to have very clear boundaries: I stay in the lane of energy, thoughts, emotions, actions and outcomes that serve me and I say a loving “no” to those that don’t. I purposefully manage my work hours.
Exercise is hugely beneficial in managing stress, as is nature and fresh air. I also subscribe to the pro-active approach of functional wellness and prioritise making time and space for optimising physical, mental and emotional balance in my life. I see my naturopath quarterly and have my blood work done every six months. These check-ins keep me on track and give me a heads up before I get out of balance.
How do you deal with self-doubt or criticism?
Ah, my old friend, self-doubt! I define it as feeling uncertain about one or more aspects of myself. It shows up most for me when I have the opportunity to try something new or when I enter a new environment. This is when my brain will offer up self-critical thoughts. I know this happens because our brains are designed to be risk-averse and keep us safe.
Self-doubt is part of the human experience. So I thank my brain for keeping me safe and I show up as the adult who’s here to thrive and grow. A frisson of nervousness or uncertainty shows me I’m leaning toward an edge. It’s a good sign. If I were brave, what would I do? The answer is usually to go for it!
Favourite places to work?
Anywhere with a view of the sea or the ocean inspires me. A good vibe does too: Mandala Club in Singapore, The Upper House in Hong Kong, and Ham Yard in London.
Can you share a work ‘mantra’ that you use?
“I’m willing to be the most valuable asset in the room.” Being curious as to how I can create that value for the room always bears fruit.
One thing you can keep talking about for hours?
I love architecture and interior design. I’m inspired and fascinated by all the ways we optimise and decorate our spaces and environments for living and thriving. I love the purpose and joy in it all. I’ll grab any chance to explore a beautiful building.
Your go-to self-care activity?
My exercise is my moving meditation. It’s where everything unravels and I get to be entirely in my experience of here and now. I’ve been a student of Tracy Anderson and her method for many years. I walk our dogs every day and work out five days a week.
One piece of advice to your younger self?
Allow more kindness into your life – mostly for yourself. We all need it.
Get in touch with Sasha Young 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!