We were lucky to catch up with PJ Olsen recently and have shared our conversation below.
PJ , thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
Hey there, folks! Guess what? I’m a professional phoenix… in the corporate world, that is! Before starting my own business in 2016, I had risen from the ashes of termination not once, not twice, but EIGHT times! Yes, you read that right. Eight times I’ve been fired, and eight times I bounced back with a better job. Talk about an upgrade, huh?
You see, I’m a firm believer in the saying “When one door closes, another one opens.” But sometimes, it’s not just about the door, it’s about the whole darn building! Each time I’d walk into a new job feeling excited and ready to kick some major booty, only to find out that while the job description was right up my alley, the company culture was more like a dark alley at midnight. Yikes!
Here’s the funny part: each time I got the boot, I dusted myself off, put on my best suit, and strutted into an even better job. After walking out of each “we need to talk” meeting, I’d go home, pour myself a glass of wine, and give myself a pep talk. I would make a list of as many of my achievements and accolades as I could think of to remind myself that my skills and talents were invaluable to the right company. It’s like it became this magical charm to turn every setback into a setup for a comeback. I mean, who needs a ladder when you’ve got a trampoline, right?
Here’s the kicker — I learned something incredible from this rollercoaster ride. I realized that it’s absolutely vital to stay true to myself. Because pretending to be someone else is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole – it’s just not going to work. Because at the end of the day, the right fit will find you. And trust me, it’s worth the wait!
And remember, you’re not just climbing the corporate ladder, you’re bouncing on the corporate trampoline!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the owner of Restorative Strength, LLC, I am a holistic movement specialist and I help the 50+ crowd to overcome current physical limitations, regain their confidence, and restore and maintain their strength and mobility for the long term. I empower clients by teaching them simple tools and techniques that strengthen their bodies, brain, and nervous system. They are able to quickly reduce stiffness and pain, reclaim lost mobility and strength, and get back to leading their normal active life!
I like to think that I’m not just any fitness specialist. I consider myself to be a facilitator on the client’s path to rediscovering the joy of movement and the freedom that comes with renewed strength! 😉 With my background in Original Strength™ and other specialized fitness and mobility modalities (including 500+ hours of Yoga Wellness), I’m able to create customized plans that meet each client’s unique needs. By teaching simple, effective movements and functional strength skills, I help mature adults improve their balance, reduce the risk of injury, improve their ability to perform daily activities, and enhance their overall mental and physical wellness.
My typical client is an ambitious, active person between the ages of 50-70 who is finding it more challenging these days, due to stiffness and/or pain, to participate in their favorite physical activities (such as golf, tennis, gardening, hiking, mountain biking, etc.), maintain high-performance levels on the job, or keep up with the grandchildren. They are determined to reclaim their active lifestyle, age gracefully, and return to a thriving life! It’s an honor to be part of their journey to wellness!
Types of services I provide:
* I offer customized private and semi-private training packages — both virtually (via Zoom) and in-person (for Nashville folks).
* I have a membership where I offer ongoing live group movement classes on Zoom. Total Body Reset: Simple Moves To Improve Balance And Mobility meets online for 25 minutes, 3 times a week. (A 72-hour replay is made available as well.)
* I created a 4-module online course, Movement For EveryBODY: Jumpstart to Reclaiming Your Mobility At Any Age, that walks folks through simple, safe movements that, when practiced regularly and consistently, will help them to feel better physically and mentally, move better, get stronger, and regain their confidence! It’s currently on sale for $59.99 (almost 40% off)! More information can be found here: https://osi-online.com/movementforeverybody/
* Team Wellness Workshops are another offering for those companies/groups interested in improving productivity and reducing stress amongst their team, or who might simply want to encourage more enthusiasm among members! I help promote a healthy lifestyle by empowering their team members with the knowledge and tools to inspire positive change in their lives!
* I am currently expanding into the world of Caregivers because that is one group of bighearted folks who rarely give themselves permission to make time for self-care. When they learn these simple tools and techniques that I teach, they can not only help themselves but the person that they are caregiving for as well!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say that it has been staying true to my core values — honesty, integrity, and compassion — that have been the most impactful in my journey. My top three qualities that have helped keep me moving forward are tenacity, a commitment to personal growth, and having a consistent spiritual practice. Here are my top 3 pieces of advice for folks who are early in their journey of entrepreneurship…
1. KEEP REVISITING YOUR BIG “WHY” OR MISSION STATEMENT! Be sure that you absolutely love what you’re doing! When business is slow, it’s easy to get discouraged. Let your passion for serving and helping others be the reason for owning your own business. You’ll find yourself moving past obstacles with ease and grace!
2. REMAIN RECEPTIVE AND COACHABLE! Don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are plenty of resources (many of them are free) available to folks wanting to start their businesses. Do your research, of course, but also talk to as many small business owners and solo entrepreneurs as you can. Most will be honored that you asked for their advice and will be thrilled to share what they know with you!
3. BE A FOREVER STUDENT! You don’t have to wait to complete all the training and certifications before starting your business. My kettlebell coach always told me that as long as I was one page ahead of my clients, that was enough to make me the expert in the eyes of those clients. But do remain a student forever. It will result in you improving your services in the most amazing ways. Stay open-minded and realize that knowledge can come from anywhere!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love collaborating with other heart-centered coaches and holistic practitioners! Who in the health, wellness, and/or fitness space is interested in co-creating a special workshop, class series, webinar, or mini-clinic with me? Coaches of team sports, instructors of Golf, Tennis, Martial Arts, Yoga, Running, Theatre, Vocalists, Musicians, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Senior Center activity directors, Caregiver groups, etc. — let’s discuss a possible collaboration! 🤔
I am looking for more opportunities to share my love of the Original Strength™ movement system and teach folks how to become the strongest, most resilient version of themselves! Who is Original Strength™ for? Anyone who wants to look, feel, and perform better — whether you’re an athlete, adventurer, weekend warrior, work in the artistic community, or simply want to continue to work in the yard or around the house without pain — there is something for you here.
If you have an idea swirling around in your brain and you’re interested in discussing a possible collaboration, please email me at PJ@RestorativeStrength.com or go here to schedule a time to chat: https://calendly.com/restorativestrength/success-session
Here’s an example of a collaboration I did with a USAPL/SFL Coach, Zack Henderson, where we packaged TWO hands-on clinics together and offered it for the price of one:
Zack and I designed the Strength Unlimited Seminar to equip folks interested in strength training with the tools and techniques to start feeling better, moving better, and getting stronger!
I taught Original Strength™ RESETS to this strong group of folks during the first half of the seminar. Before they began lifting any weights, they all had unlocked lost mobility simply by rediscovering how their body is designed to move!!
In the second half, Zack taught tips and techniques to help unlock greater strength and power than these strong folks ever thought possible— quickly and safely — primarily through the use of kettlebells and barbells.
Keeping in mind the proper tongue placement and diaphragmatic breathing that I covered during the Original Strength™ portion of the workshop helped those bars float up easily that afternoon! I loved being witness to the big ‘aha’ moments and the ensuing PR’s hit that day!
Needless to say, the workshop was super fun and all attendees walked away having gained some new knowledge and skills that they could apply immediately!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://restorativestrength.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjolsen_rs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restorativestrength
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/p-j-olsen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChUkyoCeMhT-fV6lkOiX9aA
Image Credits
Jen Creed Creative
