Farah Syed is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her bravery and professionalism.

She is a former tech wizard turned life coach. Her journey from the intricacies of computer science to the depths of human psychology is nothing short of inspiring. With over two decades immersed in the world of information technology, she discovered a newfound passion for guiding others during the tumultuous times of the pandemic.

She has been on a journey ever since a young age, traveling halfway accross the world, away from family and friends, in search of better education and making her dreams come true. That made her more resilient, taught her about independence, and gave her an unwavering commitment to personal growth. Drawing from this wealth of knowledge, she has developed a coaching style that blends technical expertise with compassionate insight, offering clients a transformative journey towards holistic well being.

She has a unique approach to coaching. Through deep self reflection, accountability, and active listening, she creates a nurturing environment where clients can unlock their full potential and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth. From navigating the challenges of studying abroad to thriving in a new career path, her experiences have cultivated a deep understanding of human nature and the power of self awareness. Here is what she said.

Meet Life Coach Farah Syed:

Name: Farah Syed

Pillar: The Spirit, The Mind

Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to find clarity, empowerment, confidence, and personal and professional growth.

How they can help: By using various tools and techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, positive psychology, reframing, personality tests, goal tracking sheets, and strengths assessment tools, just to name a few.

First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?

We saw unprecedented times with the pandemic.

As many of us will agree, it’s been a pivotally life changing moment in our lives.

I am happy to say that my family emerged stronger and are doing well.

We have found growth and closeness to each other.

The pandemic gave the world the precious gift of time back.

Fortunately, we were able to use it to show our appreciation to each other, to self reflect and gain self awareness.

How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?

The coronavirus pandemic was a stressful period in most people’s lives.

It brought about uncertainty, anxiety, unpredictable job situations, health concerns and isolation.

It was also a period of mindset shifts for many.

For me, most particularly it was the realization of what an outdoorsy person I am.

The quarantines gave me restlessness, as I thrive in being active and busy in the outside world.

It also required a shift to virtual coaching sessions for my clients, understanding and supporting new client needs, and focusing primarily on mental health support during a difficult time.

What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that people aren’t made for living in isolation.

Human beings are social creatures and we thrive in compassion for each other and interdependence.

I also think through the pandemic, the world as a whole, has revived the supreme importance of mental wellbeing, slowing down, spending time in nature, appreciating the simple joys and valuing our loved ones.

The Origin:

Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?

I was always fascinated by two things: how the human mind works and how the power of that mind is harnessed to create and advance technology.

I studied computer science and engineering, and then went on to get a Master’s degree in CS.

I have spent 2 decades in the information technology field before making a complete career shift to the world of life coaching.

Interestingly, it was during the pandemic that I fully realized my burning passion to support people in their quest for personal development and I used all my time to research and study human psychology and learn effective techniques to help people empower themselves.

What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?

At a young age, I traveled halfway across the world on my own to start an educational endeavor and subsequently build a career.

Adjusting to a new culture, working hard to get good grades while rising in my profession, living away from family and friends, learning about managing a home and paying bills brought about their own set of challenges and obstacles.

I learnt the strength of my own resilience, independence and determination.

That whole experience has definitely contributed to who I am today for which I am grateful.

The Coaching Style:

How do you innovate with coaching your clients?

Each client has unique needs, challenges and goals that need an innovative and intuitive coaching approach.

I also utilize my technical background to design customized coaching programs and offer virtual sessions.

As a coach, I feel it’s important to stay updated with current trends as well as incorporating diverse approaches in coaching such as mindfulness, deep breathing, positive psychology and mindset reframing.

What’s unique about your coaching approach?

I believe self awareness is a superpower.

I work with the client to help them understand their desires and motivations at a subconscious level.

I help them understand their Myers Briggs personality type and their Enneagram type in order for them to know their strengths, values, aspirations and their approach to interpersonal relationships.

I emphasize on deep self reflection and accountability to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their potential and overcome obstacles.

My coaching approach is deeply personalized to each client’s individual goals and I integrate a holistic perspective, addressing mental, emotional, and physical well being to foster sustainable growth and fulfillment.

What benefits do your clients get after working with you?

Clients often experience a range of benefits after working with me, including self awareness, perspective shifts, discipline, clarity on their goals and priorities, confidence, empowerment, resilience, work and life balance, ability to build healthy boundaries, overall fulfillment and ultimately personal and professional growth.

Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?

I use a plethora of tools in my coaching practice like scheduling and designing softwares, resources, materials, personality tests, goal tracking sheets, strengths assessment tools and communication platforms.

However, I have to say my most effective tools have been compassion and active listening.

Making the client feel heard and seen.

The Impact:

If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?

Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you are undeserving of love, happiness or fulfilling your dreams.

You aren’t less than anyone.

Always have faith in yourself and stand up for what you believe in.

Rumi once said “what you seek is seeking you”.

So don’t stop seeking!

What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?

Life is unpredictable and not everything can be controlled.

And life is not really about what happens to you, it’s more about how you react to it.

Your final thoughts?

Life coaching is a transformative experience that helps one go on an empowering journey of self discovery and embrace their full potential.

Few things in the world are as priceless as inner happiness and peace of mind.

These can be achieved by taking the active decision to prioritize self care and mental wellbeing by tapping into the power of having a coach who can help overcome challenges, keep you accountable and help you get to living the life your desire.

Remember, small actions lead to big results.

Whatever change you decide to make in your life, start today!

Where Can You Find Farah Syed?

If you liked this interview and you would love to see how Farah can help you, go here and choose how to work with her.

If you’d like to peak a glimpse into her coaching, follow her Instagram account.

And if you’d like to connect with her more personally, you can do that through LinkedIn or by sending her a message on her Email farah@farahsyedcoaching.com. It was an honor having this interview with her.