From Self-Doubt to Co-Founding InspireHer - A Coaching Journey Across Borders

The story of Kayoko Nidsaid Advisor, Transformational Leadership Consultant, Executive Coach & Public Speaker

What was your life like before coach training - what might have been the challenge, the opportunity, the whisper in your ear?

Before coach training, my life looked successful and well organised from the outside. I had built a career, was balancing family responsibilities, and was constantly focused on supporting others. However, somewhere along the way, I had placed myself at the bottom of my own priority list.

I had always been fascinated by coaching and personal development, yet I kept postponing taking the next step. My days were already full, and I convinced myself that I didn’t have the time, money or capacity to invest in something for me. Looking back, those were the very reasons I needed it most.

The whisper in my ear was a desire to reconnect with myself. I wanted my voice back. I wanted to rebuild my confidence, create space for my own aspirations, and stop living on autopilot. Deep down, I knew something needed to change. I wanted to move from simply managing life to intentionally creating it.

The biggest thing keeping me stuck was fear-fear of investing in myself, fear of not having enough time, and fear that it might not be worth it. Yet that quiet voice telling me there was more available for me never went away.

What was the moment you said “yes”?

What first attracted me to Empower World was the genuine sense of community they consistently demonstrated. Through their social media, their events, and the experiences shared by colleagues who had completed the programme, I could see that this was about far more than acquiring coaching skills-it was about transformation.

What almost stopped me was the investment. It was one of the biggest investments I had made in myself since university. I questioned whether I could justify the expense and whether it would truly be different from other courses I had attended.

Ultimately, I realised that saying yes wasn’t simply about becoming a coach. It was about choosing myself. It was about trusting that I was worthy of investing in my own growth and future.

Had I said no, I genuinely don’t believe I would be the woman I am today. I would have continued playing small, doubting myself, and putting my needs second. Saying yes became a turning point that changed the trajectory of my life.

What was your learning journey?

One of the biggest surprises during the training was realising that while I spent years developing strategies for organisations, teams and my family, I had neglected to create a strategy for myself.

The most powerful breakthrough came when I understood that prioritising myself was not selfish. For years I carried guilt around taking time for my own needs. The analogy of keeping your own glass full so that you can support others from the overflow rather than from depletion completely changed my perspective.

The Wheel of Life exercise was particularly transformative. It highlighted how unbalanced certain areas of my life had become and gave me a practical framework to reassess my priorities whenever I entered a new phase of life.

The experiential nature of the programme was incredibly powerful because I wasn’t simply learning coaching techniques-I was experiencing the impact of coaching myself. Every exercise, reflection and coaching conversation deepened my self-awareness and strengthened my confidence.

The community was equally important. There was a genuine sense of psychological safety. Everyone was supportive, encouraging and non-judgemental. Jeanine and Marie created an environment where vulnerability was welcomed, making the learning experience both profound and enjoyable.

What were your tangible success/results?

Since completing the programme, the changes have been both professional and deeply personal.

Professionally, I built and expanded my coaching practice and had the privilege of coaching women and professionals across multiple countries. The training gave me the confidence, skills and credibility to support clients through significant personal and professional transitions, helping them gain clarity, build confidence and take meaningful action towards their goals.

One of the achievements I am most proud of was co-founding InspireHer, a women’s empowerment initiative dedicated to supporting women through life transitions, personal growth and leadership development. Through InspireHer, I co-hosted women’s empowerment events, workshops and coaching programmes that created meaningful connections and transformational experiences for women from diverse backgrounds.

The impact of coaching also opened doors to leadership opportunities within the profession. I served as the Marketing Director for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Doha Chapter, where I contributed to promoting coaching excellence and increasing awareness of the coaching profession within the region.

Personally, the transformation has been even more profound. Perhaps the boldest example is that I completely redesigned my life and successfully relocated to Spain-something that once felt overwhelming and out of reach. Coaching helped me move beyond fear, trust myself, and take intentional action towards the life I truly wanted to create.

One of my proudest achievements was witnessing the ripple effect coaching had-not only in my own life but in the lives of my clients. I saw individuals move from self-doubt to confidence, from feeling stuck to taking action, and from limiting beliefs to achieving goals they once believed were impossible. Some changed careers, pursued higher education, moved countries, strengthened relationships, or finally stepped into opportunities they had delayed for years.

The lessons, skills and personal growth I gained through this journey continue to shape every aspect of my life. The greatest result has been the confidence I now have in myself. I trust my ability to navigate uncertainty, make courageous decisions and create the life I want, rather than waiting for circumstances to change. Coaching did not simply change what I do-it changed who I am. It gave me the self-belief, awareness and resilience to embrace new opportunities, overcome challenges and approach life with a greater sense of purpose and possibility.

What was your personal transformation?

I have become the woman that little girl in me always wanted to be. Through coaching, I developed a level of self-belief, confidence and trust in myself that I had never experienced before. I no longer allow fear, self-doubt or uncertainty to dictate my decisions. Instead, I trust my judgement, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and move forward with greater clarity and intention.

The greatest transformation has been the relationship I have with myself. I now understand that I am capable of far more than I once believed. I no longer wait for the perfect moment or for someone else to validate my choices. I have learned to trust my instincts, make courageous decisions and create the life I want rather than simply react to circumstances.

If my younger self could see me today, she would see a woman who is confident in her abilities, comfortable in her own skin and willing to take bold leaps of faith. She would see someone who has stopped playing small and started living with purpose. More than anything, she would see proof that growth is possible and that believing in yourself can transform every area of your life.

What would be your advice to future coaches?

If you are drawn to coaching, trust that instinct and take the first step. Many people hesitate because they question whether they are ready or good enough, but coaching is not about having all the answers. It is about being present, listening deeply, asking powerful questions and creating a space where others can discover their own solutions.

The coaching journey is as much about your own personal growth as it is about learning how to support others. Along the way, you will gain greater self-awareness, confidence and perspective that will positively impact every area of your life. The skills you develop extend far beyond coaching conversations; they influence how you lead, communicate, build relationships and navigate challenges.

Most importantly, trust yourself. Growth comes through action, not waiting until you feel completely prepared. Coaching has the power to transform lives because it helps people reconnect with their strengths, overcome limiting beliefs and move forward with intention. In a world where many people feel overwhelmed, disconnected or uncertain about their next steps, coaching provides a valuable space for reflection, clarity and meaningful change. That is why coaching matters now more than ever.