Transformational Business Coach: CEO's Guide for Female Founders

The Unfiltered Truth About Finding Your Transformational Business Coach: A CEO's Playbook for Ambitious Female Entrepreneurs (Especially Mums)

Struggling to find the *right* biz coach? CEO & mom of 4 shares unfiltered truths to help ambitious femmeprenistas thrive. Read more!

Alright lovely, let’s have a proper chat, shall we? You, me, a virtual cuppa (or maybe something stronger, depending on when you’re reading this – no judgement here!). If you’re an ambitious female entrepreneur, especially if you’re juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood like I am, the thought of finding a business coach has probably crossed your mind. Maybe it’s a whisper, maybe it’s a roar, but it’s there.

And let’s be honest, the coaching world can feel like navigating a maze sometimes, can’t it? So many promises, so many price tags, so much noise. Who do you trust? Who’s genuinely going to help you transform, not just tick a few boxes on a generic checklist?

As a CEO, a mother of four (yes, four!), & someone who has both invested significantly in coaching & now coaches incredible women myself, I’ve learned a thing or two – often the hard way! I remember that feeling of overwhelm, like I was drowning in to-do lists and “shoulds,” desperately trying to balance school runs with sales targets, often feeling like I was failing at both. In fact, I once chose a coach because they had a fancy website & all the right certifications, but it turned out they just weren't the right fit for meme and my chaotic life. I ended up wasting money & months feeling even more lost - a mistake I'm keen to help you avoid! You can read a bit more about my journey & what drives us at Femmeprenista here About Femmeprenista (Carlene Nisbett's Story), but suffice to say, I get it. I get the overwhelm, the hope, & the very real need for support that actually fitsfits.

So, I want to pull back the curtain & share my unfiltered, experience-driven playbook for finding a transformational business coachtransformational business coach. This isn’t just about finding aa coach; it’s about finding youryour coach, the one who can truly help you build a business & a life you adore, without losing yourself in the process.

It's More Than Credentials, Darling: Why Your Gut & Values Must Lead the Way

First things first: yes, do your due diligence. Check testimonials, ask about their track record, see if their expertise seems to match your needs. That’s Business 101. But honestly? That’s just the starting line. The real magic, the kind that leads to genuine transformation, happens when there’s a deeper connection.

I remember when I was choosing my university. On paper, my first choice looked great, ticked all the boxes. But it just didn’t feelfeel right. I ended up at the University of East London, which felt like coming home. It was a gut feeling, an intuitive sense of belonging & the right kind of energy – & it made all the difference to my success there. Finding a coach is remarkably similar.

Now, how do you tune into that "gut feeling?" For me, it often starts with a quiet moment, a cup of tea, & asking myself, "Does this person genuinelygenuinely understand me & my vision? Do I feel lighter & more energized after speaking with them, or drained & confused?" Try it.

The most impactful coaching relationships I’ve experienced, both as a client & as a coach, are built on a bedrock of genuine connection & deeply shared values. Think about what truly matters to you. For us at Femmeprenista, it’s things like family, holistic growth, integrity, & taking personal responsibility for our journey. If your coach’s core values don’t sing to the same tune as yours, you’re likely to hit a discordant note sooner or later.

Before you even start your search, get crystal clear on your own core values & what you truly need from a support system. At Femmeprenista, our entire approach is built on a philosophy of holistic success & empowerment because we know that’s what truly creates lasting change. You need a coach who doesn’t just understand your business goals, but who getsgets your life as a busy mum, respects the beautiful chaos, & champions your unique vision. That intuitive click, that feeling of being truly seen & understood? That’s non-negotiable, lovely. At the end of the day, remember Michelle Obama’s words: “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own ‘to do’ list.”

Are You a Sprout or a Mighty Oak? Matching Your Coach to Your Business Season

Imagine trying to get advice on laying the foundations of your first tiny shop from someone who only coaches CEOs of multinational corporations. Or seeking help to scale your six-figure business from someone who’s only ever helped people validate their initial idea. It just wouldn’t compute, would it?

Your business has seasons, just like nature.

Perhaps you’re a Foundation Builder: You’ve got a brilliant idea (or a few!), you’re figuring out your niche, who your dream client is, & you need to validate that this spark can actually turn into a flame before you pour your heart, soul, & savings into it.
Maybe you’re a Scaling Leader: You’ve got traction, clients are coming in, but you’re hitting a ceiling. You need to build sustainable systems, attract more premium clients consistently, perhaps start thinking about a team, & do it all without burning yourself to a crisp.
Or you could be a Visionary Leader: Your business is thriving, & now you’re looking at legacy, exponential growth, leading a larger team, & making an even bigger impact on the world.

The coach who was a godsend when you were a tiny sprout, helping you validate your idea & get those first roots down, might not be the strategic partner you need when you’re ready to grow into a mighty oak, aiming for consistent premium clients or visionary leadership.

It’s about strategic matchmaking. Be honest about your current primary business challenge. Are you trying to get your first paying client? Or are you trying to streamline your operations to handle 50 clients? The expertise & programme structures you need will be vastly different. Don’t fall for a one-size-fits-all approach. Seek out coaches whose genius zone directly addresses where you are right nowright now. If you're a Foundation Builder, Scaling Leader, or Visionary Leader looking for a coach who embodies these principles of tailored support, you can explore how our Launch Programme helps you set up essential systems https://www.femmeprenista.com/launch.

The Spark & The Engine: Why Your Coach Lights the Way, But YOU Drive the Car

This is a big one for me, & something I’m incredibly passionate about. A truly great business coach is a catalyst. They provide frameworks, strategic insights, powerful questions, & unwavering accountability. They’ll help you see your blind spots, challenge your limiting beliefs, & equip you with tools to sharpen your mindset & focus. They might even introduce you to holistic approaches to business, ensuring your marketing, systems, & wellbeing are all working in harmony – much like our own Business Flourish Framework The Business Flourish Framework at Femmeprenista aims to do. This reminds me of what Jim Rohn said: “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.”

But here’s the unfiltered truth: your coach is the spark, the navigator, the brilliant co-pilot. YOU are the engine. YOU are the one who has to grip the steering wheel & drive.

I’m currently navigating my PhD journey. I have incredible supervisors who guide me, challenge me, & offer invaluable perspectives. But the monumental task of research, writing, critical thinking, & juggling it all with four children & a business? That’s down to me. If I don’t do the work, if I don’t take ownership of my progress, that PhD isn’t going to write itself, no matter how brilliant my support system is.

It’s the same with coaching. Ultimate success hinges on youryour commitment to implement, to do the messy work, to show up even when it’s tough, & to take radical personal responsibility for your outcomes. Look for coaches who empower this agency within you, who champion your ability to create results, not those who promise magic pill solutions or try to create dependency. The transformation happens when you internalise the strategies & truly own your journey. Like William Ernest Henley said: “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

Spotting the Gems & Dodging the Duds: Your CEO's Vetting Checklist

Okay, let’s get practical. How do you separate the truly transformational business coach from those who might not be the right fit, or worse, could hinder your progress? Here’s my CEO’s insider guide to red flags & green lights:

Red Flags – Proceed with Caution If You Notice:

The Overly Prescriptive Approach: They have a rigid, one-size-fits-all system & don’t seem interested in tailoring it to your unique business, personality, or life circumstances (especially as a mum – if they glaze over when you mention school holidays or childcare, run!).
Poor Listening Skills: They talk more than they listen, interrupt frequently, or seem more interested in their own agenda than genuinely understanding yours. A great coach listens deeply.
Values Misalignment: Their business practices, language, or energy just doesn't sit right with your core values. Trust that feeling.
Unrealistic Promises & Pressure Tactics: Anyone guaranteeing specific income figures in a specific timeframe, or using high-pressure tactics to get you to sign up immediately. Authentic coaches empower, they don’t pressure.
Lack of Genuine Connection or Empathy: You just don’t ‘click’, or you feel like a number rather than an individual they genuinely care about helping.
They Dismiss Your "Beautiful Chaos": If they don't acknowledge or seem to understand the realities of juggling motherhood with ambition, they're unlikely to provide strategies that actually workwork for your life.

Green Lights – Signs of a Powerful Partnership:

They Ask Insightful Questions: They’re curious! They ask questions that make you think, that spark clarity, & help you uncover your own answers. This is something I really strive for in my own coaching – moving beyond surface-level ‘whys’.
They Challenge Constructively: A great coach won’t just tell you what you want to hear. They’ll respectfully challenge your assumptions & push you beyond your comfort zone, but always from a place of support.
They Understand Work-Life Integration: They get that you’re not just building a business, you’re building a life. They champion strategies that support your wellbeing & help your business energise, not drain you.
They Offer Tailored Support: They listen to your specific needs & suggest approaches or adapt their methods accordingly. You feel like they’re creating a plan withwith you, not forfor you.
You Feel Seen, Heard, & Genuinely Capable: After speaking with them, you feel more energised, more hopeful, & more confident in your own abilities.
They've Walked a Similar Path (or supported many who have): They have genuine empathy for the entrepreneurial rollercoaster because they've experienced it or witnessed it up close countless times.

Questions to Ask a Potential Coach (Beyond the Obvious):

"How do you typically support clients who are also mothers, managing the unique demands of family life alongside their business?"
"What's your approach when a client isn't seeing the results they hoped for? How do you help them navigate that?"
"Can you share an anonymised example of how you've helped an entrepreneur similar to me (at my stage, with my kind of challenges) achieve a specific transformation?"
"What are your core values as a coach, & how do they show up in your coaching relationships?"
"What does personal responsibility mean to you in a coaching relationship, both for you as the coach & for me as the client?"

Trust your gut during these conversations. It rarely steers you wrong. As Roxie Nafousi says: “Energy doesn’t lie. Trust the vibes you get.”

Beyond the Price Tag: Why Transformational Business Coaching is an Investment, Not an Expense

I know, I know. Business coaching can feel like a big expense, especially when you’re already watching every penny. But I want to lovingly challenge you to reframe this.

Investing in the right transformational business coachright transformational business coach isn’t an expense; it’s one of the most powerful strategic investments you can make in your business’s accelerated growth, your leadership development, your mindset mastery, & frankly, your sanity.

Think about it:

Accelerated Growth: A great coach helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, & implement proven strategies faster than you could on your own.
Leadership Development: They help you step into your CEO shoes, build unshakeable confidence, & lead with vision & purpose. This improved focus is invaluable.
Mindset Mastery: They equip you with tools to overcome limiting beliefs, build resilience, & cultivate the mindset of a truly successful entrepreneur.
Sustainable Success (& Sanity!): They guide you in building a business that’s not only profitable but also sustainable, one that supports your wellbeing & allows you to thrive without burnout. This means prioritising your energy & ensuring your business fuels you.
Holistic Harmony: The right coach understands that your business is part of your life, not separate from it. They can help you create efficient systems, perhaps even leverage smart tools like AI to streamline processes, & build a business that truly integrates with your family life & personal aspirations, leading to greater autonomy & fulfillment.

There’s no guarantee of hitting specific income improvements, as every journey is unique. However, quality coaching offers clear benefits. By tapping into a mentor's wisdom to implement proven strategies, you are more likely to move forward and avoid costly mistakes. One satisfied client reduced her overwhelm & started taking weekends off to spend with her family - something no spreadsheet can capture.

When you find that coach who truly gets you & can provide that transformational support, the return on investment isn't just financial; it's in the quality of your life, the joy in your work, & the legacy you’re building. This is what a "rich life" really looks like.

Choosing a business coach is a significant decision, & it’s one that deserves your time, your intuition, & your discernment. It’s not about finding a magic wand, but about finding a true partner who will champion your vision, challenge you to grow, & provide the strategic guidance you need to build the business – & life – you dream of.

You’ve got this, lovely. The very fact that you’re seeking this level of support shows your ambition & your commitment to growth. Trust yourself in this process.

If you’re ready to scale sustainably, implement tailored strategies, attract premium clients, build smart, AI-enhanced systems, & master your mindset, then let’s connect & explore if Momentum 1:1 Coaching is the right fit for you.

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