Our main objective here at the National Coach Academy is to enable aspiring coaches to reach their full professional potential. One of the most effective ways to educate students about the world of coaching is by offering them a window into the world of real, practicing coaches and showing them all the different ways coaches make a difference in the lives of their clients.
We hope today’s interview adds another insightful glimpse into the dynamic world of coaching.
Today we are interviewing Connie Costa. Connie is a personal development life coach and motivational speaker based in West Los Angeles, California.
NCA: Can you describe your coaching practice and the kinds of clients you typically work with?
Connie: I am a transformational life coach. My niche is to help people find their life’s purpose and start living the life they deserve! Most of my clients have been holistic practitioners wishing to start a successful holistic business. However, over the many years I’ve had my practice, I’ve coached an array of clients: comedians, actors, lawyers, powerhouses, CEO’s, and celebrities to name a few. I love all of my clients, but what matters the most to me is that they’re willing to put in the work in order to take their life to the next level.
Other things I do within my coaching company is write articles for magazines, lead Spiritual retreats in Ojai, produce personal development events in Beverly Hills, and lead fundraisers for charities dear to my heart. On top of this, I also take beautiful souls on Exclusive & Unique Food Tours in Sicily, Italy. I grew-up on that island and feel very connected to it. We do everything from cooking classes with royalty, to bathing in pristine beaches, to eating at the top restaurants in Sicily, to hanging out with my beloved Sicilian family. I started by taking my clients to Sicily and then it grew and grew and now I take anyone who wants to join in on the fun. I divide my groups into small, intimate groups of 6 or less to give them a unique experience they will not get anywhere else. I am very confident that my tours are the best tours of Sicily.
NCA: What initially got you interested in this career path and what kind of degree or certifications did you need to complete, if any?
Connie: I received my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in order become a psychotherapist for children. I even worked as a foster care social worker right after I graduated. However, I read a book that forever changed my life. It’s called, “Why Your Life Sucks” by Alan Cohen. I could not put the book down. I was hooked into Spiritual Personal Development. I wanted to teach those life-changing principles to everyone!
I created a program from scratch based on the principles in that book and other books I read after Alan’s book. Then, in 2009, Alan Cohen asked me if I wanted to be a part of his first life coaching program. I could not believe what I had manifested! My very own mentor, Alan Cohen, would teach me to become a skilled life-coach. I received my certification under his foundation, the Foundation for Holistic Life Coaching, and continued training with him for many years. I even took a refresher course this year. I have taken numerous trainings, seminars, read books, and have been mentored by the best in the business. I take the continual education part very seriously.
NCA: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Connie: Seeing my clients get to a whole different level in their lives. Witnessing them being able to accomplish their dreams. Knowing they can achieve ANYTHING! Then seeing the ripple effect. My clients are rockstars! They do so much for humanity. I love it when my clients discover their purpose in life and start living the life they have always desired. I also love to be a role model for my clients, friends and family. I love what I do and it shows!
NCA: What is the most challenging aspect of the work that you do?
Connie: Balancing my beautiful career with my family life. There is so much more I would love to do in my career, but I also have a beautiful family to take care of. It can be challenging, but it’s so worth it!
NCA: Can you think of one client or mentor who challenged your beliefs or made you rethink the way you approach your clients or your work?
Connie: Some major shifts occurred when I started studying the Dr. John Demartini method. He challenged EVERYTHING I ever believed. Just when I believed I was an expert in my field, he came to challenge every single one of my beliefs. He says things that NO ONE in the personal development world dares to say. He triggers many, but he is one of the most effective personal development leaders today.
Not only did he rock my personal life and my career, but I also saw major shifts in my clients. One of the many things he teaches is about balance, as opposed to “positive thinking” which most personal development coaches teach. He makes you evaluate your top values, in order to be truly aligned with your goals. Today, I have all of my clients read his books and attend his seminars. It’s been a huge game changer.
My clients are rockstars! They do so much for humanity. I love it when my clients discover their purpose in life and start living the life they have always desired.
NCA: Finally, what advice would you give someone looking to get started in the career path that you chose?
Connie: One of my expertise is coaching people who wish to become life coaches. First and foremost, I would recommend to attend a seminar led by Dr. John Demartini. They will get very clear on their niche and work through any issues they have that need to be cleared and healed. They will also work on any money issues they have which is crucial before one starts a business.
Secondly, I would tell them to READ, READ, READ! Get your hands on all the most incredible personal development books out there. Watch youtube videos, attend seminars. NEVER STOP LEARNING. And definitely get certified to become a life coach. Take your career seriously; way too many coaches are not properly trained and that’s scary!! We have a huge responsibility with our clients and we owe them proper training and to be constantly educating ourselves. I will never stop learning.
