Building An Aligned Life and Business Coaching Business with Caryn Gillen
By Darla LeDoux, Founder of Sourced™ and Author of the books Shift The Field and Retreat and Grow Rich

Feeling stuck and out of sync with your true business potential? For coaches and entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get lost in generic advice that feels anything but inspiring. 

In this episode, Caryn Gillen offers a refreshing perspective on building a business that truly reflects your unique magic and inner guidance. She dives deep into the art of building a business that feels comfortable, aligned, and powerful–where your most profound work isn’t hidden behind marketing tactics, but celebrated as your greatest asset.

• Why small businesses are crucial for community support and transformation.
• How to market your coaching business authentically. 
• The benefits of showing your behind-the-scenes work.
• The difference between therapy and coaching.
• Why trusting your inner guidance is more important than conforming to external expectations
• How to protect and nurture your entrepreneurial dream in unsupportive environments
• The power of sharing your intuitive insights. 
• Understand that coaches are legitimate business owners.

00:00 – Intro

01:19 – Discovering Life Coaching Early

02:55 – Seeking Beyond Traditional Therapy

04:42 – Difference Between Therapy and Coaching

07:48 – Business Wisdom: Beyond Online Trends and Tactics

14:26 – Raising Prices and Serving Deeply

22:19 – Marketing Reimagined: Virtual Retreat Storytelling Techniques

28:29 – Changing the World Through Entrepreneurship

Finding your true calling is all about tuning into your inner wisdom. It’s about stepping into your own rhythm and following what feels right to you. So often, entrepreneurs feel the pressure to stick to a generic blueprint. But real magic happens when you listen to your gut, follow what lights you up, and stay open to shifts along the way. 

Sharing the Heart of Your Work

This is what most people get wrong about marketing–they assume it has to be complicated. The thing is, marketing can be as simple as letting your passion shine through. People don’t want polished results; they’re captivated by the story, the journey, and the real moments that make your work unique. 

Don’t think too much into it. Start by showing behind-the-scenes glimpses, sharing live coaching sessions, or telling stories that capture the heart of what you do. When you let others into the magic of your process, it creates the kind of connection that no strategy can replicate.

Redefining Success on Your Terms

What if you gave yourself permission to define success in your own way? So often, the business world tells us there’s a “right” way to do things, but the reality is that the most impactful businesses are the ones that break free from the mold.

Your uniqueness is your strength. It’s the reason clients choose you. By leaning into what feels good, even if it’s unconventional, you’re creating something that stands out. Whether it’s a bold new idea, an innovative service, or just a fresh perspective, your authenticity makes your business unforgettable.

Success isn’t about ticking off someone else’s checklist. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the way you work, in the way you show up, and in the impact you’re making.

Building Something Bigger

Your business is more than just a source of income—it’s a force for good in the world. Every decision you make has the potential to ripple outward, creating positive change for those around you.

When you pour your energy into your work, you’re not just building a livelihood; you’re creating opportunities for others. You’re supporting local communities, helping others thrive, and contributing to something meaningful. Even the smallest act—hiring someone, donating a portion of your earnings, or volunteering your time—can make an incredible difference.

How to Nurture and Protect Your Vision

Your ideas are like seeds—they need time, care, and the right environment to grow. When you’re starting out, it’s important to be mindful about who you share your dreams with. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who believe in your potential, and who encourage you to keep going even on the toughest days.

Your vision is precious, and it deserves protection. By nurturing it, giving it space to grow, and trusting the process, you’ll build something that reflects the passion and purpose in your heart. And when the time feels right, you’ll be ready to share it with the world.

Growing Into Your Business Self

Entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about building a business. Along the way, you’ll discover new strengths, uncover hidden talents, and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

Every experience—whether it feels like a success or a setback—is a chance to grow. Experiment with new ideas, allow yourself the freedom to try and pivot, and trust that every step is teaching you something valuable.

The most rewarding businesses are the ones that reflect who you are, not who you think you need to be. When you show up as your true self and build something that aligns with your values, you’ll create not only a thriving business but also a life you love.

You’re Meant to Shine

Your journey is unique, and your voice is irreplaceable. So trust your intuition, embrace your authenticity, and lean into what makes you special. 

Remember, the most powerful thing you can do is show up as yourself. Let your passion, your story, and your heart guide you, and you’ll attract the people who resonate with your energy. You don’t need to follow anyone else’s rules—your magic is more than enough.

She’s been in on the online space for 15 years and supporting humans through change work for even longer. She’s been amidst a sea of family businesses, a few of which are in their second generation. She helps people do business their way so it’s sustainable… and fun.

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