Meet Maki Moussavi

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maki Moussavi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maki below.

Maki , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I’ve often joked I should have been a spy due to the number of countries I’ve been asked if I’m from. It takes a decent amount of reflection and integration to go from feeling singled out to seeing that what makes me different is what empowers me. Because people often can’t pinpoint where I’m “from,” I’ve learned to not to consider it; what others assume about me is not my concern. My job is to show up authentically as myself. Of course that’s influenced by my origins, so there’s unique perspective that comes through in being willing to be me. I’ve found this approach serves all involved. Me, as one who isn’t trying to fit into a mold of expectation, and others, as they know exactly who they are in conversation with, which empowers them to decide if that works for them or not.

Most people appreciate honesty and can feel it when we strive to please rather than be real. Transparency makes for genuine connection, and that only strengthens our interactions.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
After years of working in corporate America, I left to become a mindset coach focused on helping type A, achievement-oriented people overcome success conditioning to find real fulfillment. After my own personal development journey to do that very thing for myself, I recognized that far too many people labor under the “rules” of success as they’ve been defined by society, only to find themselves stressed, overwhelmed, or miserable despite their material achievements.

I absolutely love the process of helping others look at what they’d rather not, facing fear and taking action in ways that transform their lives. It’s not for the faint of heart; the courage of my clients inspires and energizes me, as does seeing them lit up by the impact doing that work has on their lives. It’s a privilege to be a part of that process.

I’m currently working on the launch of a corporate offering, Shifted, for senior leaders interested in doing this work to more fully embody their power, authenticity and self-worth to positively impact themselves, their teams and their organizations.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first and most impactful quality is curiosity. When we judge or compare ourselves, it’s diminishing. Instead, I learned to take the scientific part of my brain and turn it on myself. When I noted a judgmental thought, limiting belief, or negative self-talk, instead of spiraling, I’d think “That’s interesting, Why do I think that? Is it even true?” And I’d let the answers come. Instead of pushing our emotions away, curiosity can help us neutralize the energy and address the challenges these thoughts can bring to our attention if we’re willing to look at them.

Secondly, it’s interesting to see just how relevant my background in genetic counseling has been to mindset coaching. My ability to take complex information and make it accessible to someone who is in a state of fear or high anxiety while supporting them emotionally is a highly parallel skill, and I’m grateful to have that background in working with my clients. I often hear “that felt like a therapy session!” which demonstrates how critical it is to create a sacred space for people to be vulnerable in processing their deepest fears.

Last, but not least, my own history with a difficult childhood and toxic familial relationships is critical to my approach to personal development. Though painful at the time, what I learned about myself, the power of boundaries, the need to be myself even at high personal cost – all of it led me to what I’m doing today. There’s power in that pain, and I get to help others uncover their own power because of that experience.

If you find yourself judging or comparing yourself to others, flip your perspective and be curious about where you are and why. Apply the compassion you’d give to a friend in the same situation to yourself. Remember that no matter what’s happened to you, it’s made you who you are. There’s power in that.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book I recommend to EVERYONE is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Though initially written for writers, the “art” implied is different for everyone and can apply to business, sports, or really any endeavor. I read this book when I was forming my thoughts around escape from my corporate life, and it resonated deeply. The premise is that we each face an internal “enemy” called Resistance that we have to face each and every day on the journey to creating our art, whatever that is for each of us.

It’s packed with wisdom, but one point in particular stands out: Resistance is not a one-and-done enemy that can be defeated. You have to treat fighting it like a job and make a plan to face it every day. Know that it will be there whenever you try to do something new. Your role is to overcome it repeatedly to bring what you want into the world.

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