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The story may seem familiar: you are unhappy with your job and feeling stuck in life but doesn’t know what to do about it. Jo Garside felt exactly like this until she decided to take action and make a change, leaving her corporate job behind to become a certified coach and founder of Time to Glow, where she helps individuals and organisations.
Jo recently hosted an edition of the Business Breakfast focused on confidence and how to tame our inner critic, a subject we can all relate to. I caught up with her to learn more about Time to Glow, the challenges of becoming your own boss and some advice for those thinking about taking the leap of faith:
Project M: What motivated you to launch the brand?
Jo Garside: I had been in the corporate world for almost 10 years and I was constantly “switched on”, overwhelmed and frazzled. The turning point was when we started to receive the RSVPs to our wedding in 2017 (we had lots of friends and family travelling from Australia and we thought many wouldn’t be able to make it). I was completely humbled that people would travel all that way for us, and it was at that moment that I knew something needed to change in my life. I was a slave to emails and my job was very reactive, to the point where it was seeping into my personal life. So, I finished up at my current job, took the summer off to get married and became a full-time coach. I haven’t looked back since!
It took me a while to come up with the brand Time to Glow but I absolutely love it! When we have clarity and are living a life in line with our values, we glow with confidence. It’s that inner glow that you can’t really put your finger on, but when you meet someone who has it, it’s infectious! We also put off taking risks and going for things that we really want – often because we are scared of failure and judgment. I always say to my clients, “stop putting it off, NOW is your time!”
Project M: What are the biggest challenges you have faced so far?
Jo Garside: The biggest challenge has been owning my story and sharing that with people. I always thought my story wasn’t interesting – why would anyone want to hear about ME?! I’ve since realised that stories are incredibly powerful and everyone has a story to tell, no matter how big or small. Getting more visible and putting myself out there (on social media, speaking at events and running workshops) has connected me to so many amazing people. That’s the beauty of being authentic and vulnerable, it unites people and helps us feel less alone.
The other challenge has been getting comfortable with marketing (I guess that goes hand-in-hand with being visible!). I’m a bit of a technophobe, so learning about Facebook ads, Instagram algorithms and how to launch a podcast has been a steep learning curve!
Project M: What advice would you share with those thinking about creating a business?
Jo Garside: I know a lot of people have said this already, but honestly just DO IT! If you are passionate about something and you truly believe in its purpose then you’ll make it happen. It’s hard work and entrepreneurialism can give the impression that we’re sat on a beach sipping a cocktail whilst answering emails, but that’s not the case! Yes, having my own business gives me more flexibility and freedom, but it means that there’s always something to do – so make sure you do something that you love!
Follow Jo at:
www.timetoglow.co.uk
Instagram: @timetoglowcoaching/
Facebook: timetoglowcoaching/
Linkedin: Jo Garside