Overcomer Series with Sian Yewdall
What do you do?
Hello, I am the Founder of The Woman Rising Network – a space for online workshops and resources to help women cultivate their best life. All workshops are presented by certified Life Coaches and are available 24/7 to allow busy working Mums access to information, tools and support anywhere anytime.
I was a PR Manager for 13+ years then became a Life Coach to create a work-life balance that matched my evolving values, however this changed again when my family (2 boys and partner) moved 1400KMs (in Australia) to a regional centre and I was no longer able to access live events with influential speakers or connect with my power posse on a regular basis.
This move and having two children realized there would be other Mothers seeking information and support but don’t have the time or money to attend in-person events or even know where to start looking for the useful and practical info – hence The Woman Rising Network.
I relaunched my Life Coaching business to this online network in August 2016 with the incredible help of Restored 316 Designs and haven’t looked back! I work my own hours, I am able to be a Mum and loving partner again – but am also able to invest in myself at a time and place convenient to my schedule thanks to these online workshops.
Growing up, did you always dream that you would be doing what you’re doing now?
No! I thought I would be a PR Girl Boss. I studied Communications at University and thought success was a killer suit and massive salary. I now realize, thanks to having a family and following my heart, that I define success on my own terms.
What made you decide to “go for it” in terms of your career goals/ambitions?
Something inside me always said I’d have my own business but again I thought it would be a PR firm, because that’s what I studied for and only knew that world for 13+ years. However, when I had my first son 5.5 years ago I discovered the world of online magazines, blogging and an incredible range of women all ‘going for it’ online. This inspired me that I could have a life I loved because I knew I had the skills, knowledge, and ability to give it a go. I just needed to find the sweet spot between my passions and values with my skills and experience.
Did you face adversity? How did you overcome that?
I’m very fortunate that I haven’t faced any significant personal adversities (e.g. a family death, marriage split or unemployment etc…) however I believe we all have our own versions/levels of adversity and it’s how we cope with that which builds our resilience. With that in mind, I’d have to say starting and investing money in a business that didn’t get off the ground was extremely hard for me. I questioned my ‘purpose’ and whether or not I had what it takes to be a small business owner/operator. Can I provide what other people need and be of great service? I questioned it all, but the Universe kept tapping me on the shoulder with little reminders that I couldn’t give up on a dream of establishing a service orientated and passion-fueled business just because I failed at my first venture. So I had to dig deep and discover what it was that I really wanted to offer the world. How could I be of greatest service to women? I wrote in my journal regularly, I meditated and I talked to other Mums. What do they want and need? What did I want and need? Looking back at this situation I realize I needed to go through this internal evaluation in order to really uncover the work I needed to do. In other words, I believe everything happens for a reason.
A lot of women have these big goals & big ideas that they’d like to bring to life, what advice would you give them in terms of how they can make that happen?
The best advice I’ve resonated with is Simon Sinek’s book ‘Start with why’. WHY are you doing what you’re doing? WHY do you get out of bed in the morning to take steps to achieve those goals? If you’re only in it for the money than the novelty will wear thin very quickly, however, if you’re offering a service/product from a deeper place of love and purpose then you can’t go wrong. Believe in yourself and what you’re doing and the rest will fall into place. Oh and take action! You can’t dream about it. You have to just dive in!
What’s the biggest regret you have when it comes to your blog/shop/business?
My biggest regret has been not listening to my heart from the very beginning and doing things I think would work because it worked for someone else. The Mumpreneur green-eyed monster was really strong with me at the beginning and I had to block that out in order to move forward.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Definitely having women contact me and say Thank You. That’s what it’s all about. Without my audience connecting with what I’m doing and resonating with it, I’d have nothing.
And, just because we like our coffee around here, how do you take yours? 🙂
In Australia, we drink Flat Whites (coffee with milk) I love my coffee so I’ll have 3 usually!! 🙂
I believe in the story of the overcomer. That has been my story and I believe that is your story too. We want your journey here on the blog to help encourage others just like you and me. If you’d like to share that with us, please come over and share your story with us!
Was this story an encouragement to you? Share it with others!