From Widow to Visionary: How Two Simple Stories Rebuilt My Business and My Life

Life doesn’t always unfold as we plan. In 2007, I faced one of the most challenging phases of my life — I lost my husband. Along with the emotional storm came countless struggles — pending loans, court cases, and a failing business. Everything seemed to collapse around me.

But as a life coach, I often say, the darkest times shape the strongest souls. Back then, I wasn’t the “Best Life Coach” people now know me as. I was a woman trying to rebuild her life, one decision at a time.

The Challenge of Leadership

When I took charge of the business, I quickly realized something disturbing — people were not serious about their work. Machines weren’t handled properly, raw materials were wasted, and efficiency was missing.

I had two options — scold them or fire them. But neither felt right. Deep down, I knew that the real problem wasn’t their capability — it was their mindset. They didn’t feel connected to the company. They lacked a sense of purpose.

That’s when I decided to change my approach — from authority to empathy.

The Airplane Story That Changed Everything

One day, I gathered all the workers at the factory. I didn’t have a speech ready, but a thought struck me — something I once read in a book.

I asked, “Have you ever been on an airplane?”
Some said yes, some said no.

Then I asked, “What does an airplane need to fly?”
They said — “a pilot,” “fuel,” “power,” “energy.”

I smiled and said, “Exactly. And what happens if the airplane doesn’t get these?”
They answered, “It crashes.”

I looked around and told them, “Our company is that airplane. Each one of you is its power, energy, and pilot. If we all give our best, we will fly high. If we don’t, we will crash. The choice is ours.”

Those few minutes transformed everything. The energy shifted. People began working with ownership, with pride. For the first time, they realized that they weren’t just employees — they were the heartbeat of the organization.

Touching Emotions Builds Teams

I learned that emotions drive people more than instructions ever can. So, I began focusing on team building through emotional connection.

We started organizing events that included everyone — even blue-collar workers. I joined them personally, laughed with them, and listened to their challenges. These moments of connection brought magic to our workplace.

However, I still noticed a pattern. Whenever I introduced a new idea, I heard replies like,
“This isn’t possible.”
“We’ve tried it before.”
“It never works.”

That mindset was holding them back more than any external obstacle.

MUST WATCH

The Elephant Story: Breaking the Chains of Limiting Beliefs

So, one day, I shared the famous elephant story.

I asked them, “Have you seen elephants in a circus?”
They nodded.

I continued, “Do you know how they are kept tied with just a small rope?”

They looked puzzled. So I explained:

When an elephant is a baby, it’s tied with a strong chain. The baby tries to break free, fails, and gets hurt. Eventually, it gives up. Later, even when it grows into a strong adult, it doesn’t try again. It believes it cannot break free — though it easily could.

That story struck a chord. Many of them realized that they, too, were like that elephant — bound by invisible ropes of self-doubt and fear.

I told them, “If we start believing that we can do it, we truly can. The only thing stopping us is our mindset.”

From that day onward, everything changed.

Empowering Through Mindset and Belief

The transformation I witnessed was beyond imagination. Employees who once avoided responsibility became proactive. People who once complained began contributing ideas.

That’s the power of personality development counselling — it helps people discover their true potential. It helps them see beyond limitations and embrace a growth mindset.

Each person started viewing themselves as a vital part of something bigger. We weren’t just running a factory anymore; we were building dreams together.

Becoming the Best Life Coach

Looking back, those experiences shaped my journey as a life coach. I realized that success isn’t about managing people — it’s about inspiring them. It’s about helping them find meaning in what they do.

Today, through my sessions on team building and personality development, I continue to share these real-life lessons. Because I’ve lived through those struggles, and I know the difference mindset can make.

Just like that airplane — with belief, purpose, and unity — anyone can soar to great heights.