WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: 🔥 Kim's background in Learning and Development at McKinsey 🔥 What led Kim to shift her career from corporate to holistic coaching and teaching kids? 🔥 Kim's transformative experience at the Soul Kitchen Vision Retreat 🔥 Kim's return to the Soul Kitchen retreat as a facilitator

Transitioning from a corporate role to a more personal profession is a significant shift. For someone like Kim, who spent 15 years at McKinsey, such a move is transformative. This journey embodies the essence of listening to one's inner voice, embracing change, and following a passion for personal development and helping others.

Kim’s professional journey began in the fast-paced environment of McKinsey, where she found her niche in the Learning and Development sector, fostering growth and development within the company. However, as the organisation expanded and centralised its training programs, Kim felt a growing disconnect from the personal, hands-on approach she cherished. This shift, coupled with the evolving corporate dynamics, prompted her to reconsider her career path.

Kim always had an affinity for health, wellness, and coaching. She had initiated the Shape Up team at McKinsey, focusing on sports, relaxation, and nutrition. Kim, in collaboration with Cindy Lensen, developed and hosted the Values and Wellbeing session, infusing a deeply human and emotional touch into the corporate onboarding experience at McKinsey. These initiatives highlighted her drive to foster a healthy lifestyle and personal development, setting the stage for her future endeavours.

Last year, Kim attended the Soul Kitchen Vision Retreat that became a turning point. Immersed in a supportive and transformative environment, she connected deeply with herself, rediscovering her passions and aspirations. The retreat experience, enriched with breathwork and holistic practices, allowed her to confront unprocessed emotions and gain clarity on her future direction.

A significant influence during this period was her interaction with Maguy, the brilliant chef of the retreat. Their shared interests in health and nutrition, along with the connection with another participant who was enthusiastic about health and orthomolecular therapy, further solidified Kim’s resolve to pursue a path aligned with her passion for well-being and personal development.

In her pursuit of a new career, Kim explored the idea of becoming a teacher. The inspiration came two years earlier when she observed her daughter’s first day at school. Witnessing the diverse group of children and their interactions ignited a passion for education and child development. This passion, coupled with her love for learning and development, led her to enrol in a crash course for aspiring teachers. The experience was enlightening, reinforcing her decision to transition into teaching.

Simultaneously, Kim pursued a certification in lifestyle coaching. Her approach to coaching is holistic, focusing on nutrition, sleep, relaxation, and exercise. She believes in building a deep connection with her clients, understanding their lives comprehensively to foster sustainable lifestyle changes. Her coaching philosophy emphasises small, realistic steps towards long-term habits, driven by the belief that lasting change requires time, patience, and perseverance.

The integration of teaching and coaching forms the core of Kim’s vision. She aims to empower individuals, be they children or adults, to realise their potential and lead fulfilling lives. Her mission is to make people feel seen, heard, and valued, fostering an environment where they can thrive.

Kim’s personal journey of transformation is mirrored in her family life. Leaving her corporate career to embark on a new path required immense support and adaptation from her partner and their three children. This transition was not merely a career change but a holistic shift, profoundly impacting their family dynamics and routines. Kim now cherishes the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the little moments, such as spending time in nature, experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen, and deepening her connection with her husband and children.

In July 2024, Kim returned to the Soul Kitchen retreat, this time to assist the chef and offer 1-on-1 lifestyle coaching sessions. She found herself deeply appreciative of the team of facilitators, forging a profound connection with them. As Kim describes, “these retreats are renowned for their unique and indescribable magic, something that words fail to capture”. Even in her role as a facilitator, Kim experienced the retreat's healing effects, further solidifying her commitment to well-being and personal development.

As Kim embarks on this new journey, she envisions a future where she combines her roles as a teacher and a lifestyle coach. She plans to teach part-time while dedicating a portion of her time to one-on-one coaching. This balanced approach allows her to fulfil her passion for education while making a direct impact on individuals’ lives through coaching.

Kim’s journey from corporate life to a fulfilling career in teaching and coaching is an inspiration for anyone contemplating a significant career shift. It underscores the importance of following one’s passion, fostering personal growth, and making a meaningful impact on others’ lives.