Robin Waite, Founder, Fearless Business
Tired of seeing Creatives being undervalued, Robin Waite wrote a book to help them. Now a full-time Coach, Robin helps people articulate their offering and get paid what they are worth. He talks to The Industry Leaders about his journey.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
I ran a marketing agency for 12 years, but by 2016, I'd got annoyed at how freelancers and creatives were treated. They were generally looked down upon and underpaid. So I wrote my first book, Online Business Startup, to start putting that right. It opened the door for interviews, speaking ops and my first coaching/consulting clients. In 2016 I made the switch into Coaching full time.
What kind of work does your role involve?
I coach consultants and freelancers on articulating their value so they can confidently charge more when someone asks them, "How much?" - I run both group and 1-to-1 coaching programmes.
What gets you excited about your industry?
The impact you can have as a coach, if you're good at it, is phenomenal. When clients can afford to save for a house, get an office, or their partner give up their job to work in the business full-time, you know it's life-changing.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
When I was deciding on my career change in 2016, my coach told me to JDI - Just Do It! I listened to him and followed through, and it was the best decision I ever made.
What, or who inspires you?
My Father is one of my main inspirations. He always encouraged my work as he saw how much I enjoyed it; he never judged me or told me to stop. He passed away in 2013.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
I jump onto platforms like ClubHouse regularly to network and listen to industry leaders talking about current topics. I'm also addicted to Audible I listen to at least 40-50 books a year.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
A prospective client cancelled their consultation several times, my gut instinct encouraged me to see it through. When we met, my client shared that she had been in chemo for breast cancer and wanted to start a business to get her out of corporate. We had a wonderful conversation and actually concluded that she needed to focus on her health and get better first.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Go straight back to work. Albeit, I'd probably open up a co-working space and full-on studio to run more workshops. And invest in some of my client's businesses.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
Take our dog for a walk.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
That coaches would be more accountable. Unfortunately, there are lots of terrible coaches out there who don't have a track record. Certifications only go so far, but they don't prevent poor business practices.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
The Fearless Business Podcast obviously ;-)
I'm a massive fan of John Lee Dumas' podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, and The Go-Giver by Bob Burg is still one of my favourite books.
How should people connect with you?
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