Sobiya Jawaid - Leaving a powerful legacy of contribution

As a Coach, I empower leaders to create breakthroughs in their confidence so they can lead with clarity, purpose and vision. 

I am an International Speaker and European Kickboxer- I have spoken at events and appeared on many podcasts and interviews.    

I use my experiences of being one of the first hijab-wearing, female British Muslim Black Belt kickboxers to have represented England at European level, where I won silver medal, to help inspire and motivate people and also coach in a powerful and impactful way.  

My kickboxing coach who defied all stereotypes- a tall, slim, blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman - took me under her wings at the age of sixteen. 

From her I learnt the essence of how to be confident and also the importance of inclusivity- she valued and accepted me. 

My race, ethnicity or faith did not matter and that enabled me to flourish to heights I never had imagined. This is one of many reasons why inclusivity forms a fundamental part of my coaching business.  

I went through University and graduated in Biology, qualified as a Secondary Science Teacher while simultaneously pursuing my passion for kickboxing. 

"I represented England at the European Championship in Germany; where I won Silver and went onto qualify for the world championship in Florida. However, I got entangled in the expectations of society- getting an education, pursuing a career."

I achieved a Black Belt in martial arts and fought in a national competition where I qualified to represent England at the European Championship. There were a few people who tried to deter me in my path- to keep to what was ‘normal,’ but I kept focused. I represented England at the European Championship in Germany; where I won Silver and went onto qualify for the world championship in Florida.  

However, I got entangled in the expectations of society- getting an education, pursuing a career. That was the sensible thing to do and so I decided at that time not to go to Florida and take part in the world championship, but to focus on my professional teaching career- a choice I often reflect on.  

"I knew I wanted more from life. I wanted to leave a powerful legacy of contribution. I wanted to live my life on my terms. Those two days transformed my life forever and it was at that point I made the intention to become a Coach and help others transform their lives."A few years later, I got married and started a family. But life took a drastic turn. I lost two significant members of my family and faced the most difficult time in my life - it was an incredibly dark time. I experienced death in a way that I never imagined and it led me to do a lot of soul searching. I discovered a newfound strength in my spirituality. A strength that was born out of those challenges. I knew I wanted more from life. I wanted to leave a powerful legacy of contribution. I wanted to live my life on my terms.   

I was always intrigued by coaching, self-help and psychology. Curiosity led me to attend the Introduction to Life Coaching course with The Coaching Academy. Those two days transformed my life forever and it was at that point I made the intention to become a Coach and help others transform their lives. 

I invested in myself, trained with The Coaching Academy, qualified with a Distinction, and resigned from my 15-year teaching profession to run an online coaching business working with high performing clients across the world. 

Coaching enables me to connect to my purpose and I get immense fulfilment in helping people transform their lives.  

5 things I’ve learned so far as a Coach:  

1. Your uniqueness is your superpower 

You have a unique fingerprint; there is nobody in this entire world that has the same fingerprint as you. Like this, you have a unique set of experiences, skills and strengths and nobody else has that unique blend. Embrace them, shine a light on them and share them with others. You will bring value and insight that nobody else can.  

2. Connect to your purpose and vision

Why do you do what you do? What change do you want to create in the world? Connect to this and this will motivate you on those days where things don’t run smoothly and are challenging (we all face them!). 

3. Invest in yourself

Hire a coach; invest in your development and your business. Your growth as a professional coach should never stop once you qualify. I have employed and worked with some of the leading coaches in the world- at one point I had three coaches and a business mentor working with me.  

4. Progress is a result of taking action

Your thoughts, ideas and passion only materialise when you take action. Take small and manageable actions. Perfection doesn’t exist and the sooner you let go of this idea, the better. Be creative, messy and try things. If they don’t work out, it is ok. Try a different way. You will learn, develop and grow as long as you take action. There will come a point when you will look back and recognise how far you have come in your journey. 

5. Surround yourself with a ‘high vibe tribe’

Surround yourself with people who will elevate and believe in what you do. It will change your life. Let go of people that bring negativity, pull you down or are toxic.  

I leave you with this- a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. There will be highs and lows in your coaching journey, embrace the learning, live according to your own terms and don’t forget to enjoy yourself. 

Who do you want to be when lockdown is over?

Would you like to make a positive and lasting difference to others, just like Sobiya does? Would you like to have a coaching business you can run from the comfort of your own home?

The free Introduction to Life Coaching webinars are available for you to join. They are interactive, informative and designed to help you understand if training to be a life coach is for you. 

Take positive action, project forward and plan for a year to remember for all the right reasons. Choose from available dates here.