Meet Tanya Cornfoot

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tanya Cornfoot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tanya, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose when I began to believe in myself. Helping others has always been a passion of mine, and my career in management and leadership has been the perfect avenue for this. Throughout my career, I’ve managed numerous establishments and noticed that some employees merely do the minimum required to get by. However, I aimed to create an environment where people could enjoy their work and use their unique talents.

I consistently challenged my team, kept things engaging, and took an interest in their future goals. This approach helped them feel valued as individuals rather than just numbers. Many team members would seek my advice not only on work-related issues but also on life decisions and their next steps.

My knack for boosting morale and driving results led to my being transferred to different locations to help improve team dynamics. I realized that teams had the potential to excel; they just needed a leader who genuinely cared about them. Coaching others to believe in themselves and find their purpose became the most rewarding part of my job. Even my friends often came to me for advice on their relationships and careers, and after our conversations, they would jokingly call me “Coach.” The nickname stuck and became a testament to my natural coaching abilities.

I also delivered presentations to other companies, and many attendees would ask if I had considered coaching or facilitating workshops full-time. For a long time, I dismissed coaching as a viable career, but in late 2022, I decided to explore it seriously. At my last corporate job, I was a department manager and a volunteer DEI Leader, organizing events for the team. During one of these events, I met an inspiring coach who loved what she did. Her passion and success made me curious about pursuing coaching myself.

Being a spiritual person, I prayed about this new direction and felt led by God to pursue it. When I shared my thoughts with my husband and close friends, they were incredibly supportive. The definitive sign came in February 2023 when I was laid off from my corporate job during a large company-wide reduction. Unlike many, I wasn’t upset; instead, I felt a sense of excitement. My friends and family congratulated me, saying, “Now your real journey begins!” And indeed, it did.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Absolutely! My business is called InnerLuv Coaching & Consulting. I’m Canadian-born with rich Jamaican heritage, and “InnerLuv” is Jamaican slang that signifies a profound love and appreciation for someone or something in a given moment. I wanted a name that reflects my deep love for my Jamaican roots and resonates with everyone.

InnerLuv Coaching & Consulting is your gateway to inner transformation. We firmly believe that achieving your purpose starts from within. I am passionate about helping others navigate their life journeys, whether it’s advancing their careers or managing significant life changes. If you’re feeling stuck, I’m here to help you get unstuck. One of the methods I use is Positive Intelligence, which emphasizes the importance of connecting with your emotions.

I also love conducting workshops on leadership, team collaboration, career development, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) – a cause close to my heart. Emotions impact all aspects of our lives, including our careers, relationships, and even sleep. That’s why I incorporate the Emotional Culture Deck (ECD) from Elephant Riders, as I am a certified practitioner. This means that during my workshops, I check in on participants’ emotions to achieve the best possible outcomes.

What excites me most about my work is helping others along their journeys, and I am honoured to be a part of that process. I enjoy collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and have participated in a few motivational speaking events. I’m currently developing some fantastic workshops for the fall, covering exciting topics you won’t want to miss. You can book one-on-one coaching sessions with me or schedule workshops tailored to your needs.

With unwavering support and encouragement, setbacks become opportunities for growth, and progress is celebrated. My coaching approach emphasizes understanding, flexibility, and patience, ensuring that your journey is tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Together, we’ll navigate obstacles, cultivate resilience, and uncover your hidden talents and abilities.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Wow! Are you sure just three and not like ten? Ha ha. Okay, I’ve got this.

1. Being Uncomfortable
2. Having Your Tribe
3. Being Unapologetic

Now, let’s expand on these:

Being Uncomfortable

You might think, “Why be uncomfortable?” For me, being uncomfortable was essential to challenge myself and grow. Discomfort isn’t always negative. It pushed me beyond my current limits and helped me reach new heights, increasing my confidence and building resilience.

Growth Tip: Most people strive for comfort, which is perfectly fine. However, if you feel stagnant, restless, or bored, consider why these feelings are arising. Challenge yourself by exploring your passions. Research people who excel in areas you care about and learn what it takes to get there.

Having Your Tribe

You need a supportive community around you – people you trust who will cheer you on and celebrate your successes. Equally important, these people should be willing to challenge you. No one achieves success alone; trusted companions are essential for continued growth. I deeply appreciate my tribe; I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Being Unapologetic

I am unapologetically myself. While there are times when apologies are necessary, I’m referring to being authentically you without feeling bad about it. Some might see coaching as just a hobby or an unnecessary profession, but I know my worth and what I bring to the table. There’s no one else like me in coaching and facilitating, and that confidence keeps me going.

Especially as a Black woman, I know the importance of working harder to be myself in spaces that may not always value my presence. I embrace my identity and my unique perspective, understanding that my experiences and insights are valuable. This determination and self-assurance drive me to excel and make a meaningful impact. My journey is about breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same.

Growth Tip: Many people don’t pursue their dreams due to fear of others’ opinions. Remember, you have only one life to live. What matters is what you think about yourself, not what others think. Believe in yourself and your abilities. You are more capable than you realize.

I’d like to add an extra tip, that encompasses everything that I just said. Remember, it’s not about where you are on your journey, but that you’re moving forward. Don’t compare yourself to others and feel inadequate; instead, let their progress inspire you. We all start somewhere.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I follow a routine that many recommend. First, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and say a brief prayer about the situation causing me stress. After that, I take a break, either watching a comedy or, like a child, taking a nap (ha ha). This helps me refresh and recharge my mind, allowing me to approach the situation with a fresh perspective. When I return, I prioritize by breaking down what needs to be done immediately and what can wait until tomorrow. Although this may sound cliché, as they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

My advice for when you’re feeling overwhelmed is, first and foremost, to breathe. Many people start to panic once they realize how overwhelmed they are, and breathing helps bring you back to reality. The next step depends on your personal needs. If you need a break, focus on something else for a while that has nothing to do with the task at hand. However, if you can’t stop right away, begin by breaking down what must be done today and what can be deferred. Prioritize yourself and make a list. This will help you feel more in control and improve your productivity and results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://geni.us/innerluvcc
• Instagram: innerluv_coaching_consulting
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-cornfoot

Image Credits

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