Check out our chat with Noelle El Saadany, life coach and founder of Change with Noëlle.
What brought you to Dubai?
I came to Dubai on a work assignment a few years back, from Paris. Initially it was for six months but as the story goes, I fell in love with the city, its energy and people, made it my home and never looked back.
How did you get into this profession?
Back in 2010, I was diagnosed with a life threatening autoimmune disorder. My little world as I knew it fell apart. I was overwhelmed with all sorts of negative emotions ranging from fear to sadness and from anger to self-pity. No amount of zen practices, positive affirmations or even conventional therapies could help with my emotional sufferings. I felt trapped in self-loathing. That’s when I came across a life coach. This woman assisted me shift my whole paradigm. She helped me reframe my entire mind-set, and change the perception I had of my situation, one step at a time, one goal at a time. I was fascinated and forever grateful. I wanted to give back and be able to do the same for people everywhere, so I studied and studied some more, got certified and started my own practice.
What is the best thing about your job?
Well, as every coach would tell you, the best part about what we do is simply witnessing personal growth and positive changes from the people we work with. There is something priceless about being invited to be part of someone’s journey and then watch them achieve their goals and realise their dreams. However, for me, the most rewarding thing about being a coach is that with each story that is shared with me I learn something new about myself. I learn about my own patterns, I understand the decisions I have made and that have shaped me. I believe in serendipity so for me coaching is a two-way relationship; I have as much to learn as you do in this moment.
And the worst?
There is no worst really, but I would say one of the most challenging things in coaching is to set emotional boundaries with the people I work with. When I first started I used to find it so difficult not to be emotionally attached to outcomes. I would adopt my clients’ challenges as mine which would in turn affect me psychologically. It wasn’t uncommon back then for me to burst out crying after a session. What has helped me was the realisation that although it is essential to feel empathy, each one of us has its own personal journey, paved with lessons and other learnings, and it’s ok.
What was a standout moment in your career?
I was at a wellness convention once, and one thing lead to another and before I knew it I found myself talking in front of an audience. I always thought I had a fear of public speaking, and it wasn’t until I found myself on that stage that I realised ‘wait a minute you’re talking in front of an audience, why are you not panicking?’ I realised right there how passionate I was about what I do and how much love goes into my practice. That’s the key right, when you find passion in something things will just flow.
What advice would you have for any young person wanting to get into your field?
Listen, listen and LISTEN some more! Listen with your five senses, listen with an open mind and with an even more open heart…and do not be tempted to lead decisions in any way.
Your motto?
Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.
Reach out to Noëlle on info@changewithnoelle.com.