Member Spotlight: Debbie Pugh Coaching
I’m Debbie, I call myself a Confidence Creator.
My mission in life is to help men and women overcome their limiting beliefs, especially in the workplace, and find the courage to either leave a role they no longer want, or to thrive in the one they have. Most of my clients experience low self-esteem and are very stuck.
Through coaching, and using my skills as a qualified hypnotherapist and an Integral Eye Movement Therapy Practitioner, I am able to support people in letting go of the past, and then develop a positive mindset for the future. Compassion and Impact are the values I cherish most in my work.
Share an interesting fact or something that people might not already know about you:
Some people may not know that I also work with phobias and I love helping people overcome their fears. A more boring fact is I have coeliac disease and consequently spend a lot of my time looking at labels in the supermarket!
What inspired you to start your business, and how has your journey been so far?
I was inspired to start my business for a couple of reasons. One was I was tired of corporate life. I had worked my way up to being an MD which was never the plan, and once I got into that position I realised I just didn’t want to be there!
The second thing is, despite reaching those heady heights, I suffered from a lot of self-doubt. I had a lot of internal criticism, and often felt I was unworthy of my success at work. I did all the usual things – compared myself to others, tried to be perfect, over-worked and over-delivered. It was exhausting.
And so I decided I would focus my attention on helping other people who might feel like I did. People who have disconnected from any sense of their own power, forgotten their innate capabilities and written themselves off.
It’s been a BIG journey. I have studied and trained more or less constantly to become an accredited coach and therapist. The four years have been a journey of honing my skills and really discovering what I actually want and who I want to serve. That has constantly evolved and it’s taken me this long to feel settled.
The challenge can be to know what to focus on as there are so many different types of coaches. And when I first began I wanted everything to be perfect before I would really try. It was beautiful procrastination and now I just try things . If they work, great, but if they don’t I’ve learned something. I think that’s been the biggest lesson – just do it!
What values drive you and your business and how do they shape the decisions you make?
My values are Impact, Compassion, Joy and Success.
I would say Compassion is my North Star. Self-compassion is the trait I encourage my clients to embrace above all others because it’s the root to confidence. It helps me with my own behaviour too.
In everything I do, I want to make an impact for my client. I want them to see progress. If there’s no impact, there’s not really any point. The smallest wins can create real momentum.
Joy is actually my word of the year, and there is no greater joy in my work than when I see my clients have Success, which is my fourth value.
What has been your biggest challenge as a Conscious Entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I would say staying focussed on my niche, and not trying to be all things to all people!
I found that it was wonderfully distracting to go on the hunt for more and more qualifications or courses. It was all just procrastination, and in the end I just had to trust my instinct that confidence was the area I am specifically drawn to. Any training has to deepen my knowledge now, not broaden it.
The other challenge is having to master all parts of a business. In some areas I outsource this, I don’t want to become a social media expert for example, so I collaborate with those that love it and are brilliant at it.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through running your business?
I love new and shiny things! Also, I’m not a patient learner, I really don’t like the consciously incompetent part of the growth journey, but I just have to practice what I preach.
How does your business make a positive impact on your customers, community, or the environment?
I am helping people rediscover their confidence. This can have really powerful impact on their lives, especially if we’re talking about fear. I love my phobia work too – hearing from a client who is now happily getting on plane or no longer wracked with anxiety in work and social situations has a positive effect on their ecology as well as themselves.
How has (or will) being part of the Conscious Entrepreneurs membership supported you in your business journey?
I’m at the beginning of my journey, but I think being part of a community is the most valuable aspect.
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone considering joining the membership?
If you’re a solopreneur, it can be a lonely place. Being around others who understand the journey is so valuable.
What’s next for your business? Are there any exciting projects or goals you’re working on?
This year I am launching my newsletter and a podcast. I am excited about both of them. It’s my intention to help as many people as possible develop their confidence.
