Sahara Rose De Vore, Founder and CEO, The Travel Coach Network
Sahara Rose De Vore is the Founder and CEO of The Travel Coach Network
Firstly, can you give us a little bit of background about your business journey?
After university, I packed a backpack and bought a one-way ticket to Ireland. I had just graduated with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management and was underwhelmed by the lack of career options that existed for people who are passionate about travel and wanted to travel more on their own terms. I knew that sitting in a cubicle everyday was not going to make me happy so I decided to take a leap and start backpacking the globe on my own. Throughout my decade-long journey, I had gained a unique perspective on the travel industry. I had saw the rise in travel technology and social media and had thousands of conversations with travellers on why they traveled on a deeper and more personal level. This opened my mind to wanting to empower people to use travel as a source for therapy, transformation, and wellbeing so I became a Wellness Travel Coach. Shortly after starting that business, I founded The Travel Coach Network which has grown into a global community of travel coaches around the world who get certified through our ICF accredited Travel Coach Certification Program.
What role has self-belief played in your journey as a business leader? How has it influenced your decision-making and overall success?
Self-belief is key. If you don't believe in yourself, who will? I had always believed in what I could do, whether that was to travel the world solo or to start a business. Did I always know exactly how I was going to do that? Not always. But, I knew that I would figure it out. I believed that I was capable of achieving whatever it is that I wanted to accomplish. I know that the journey will be long for both but it was going to be a fulfilling one. Self-belief has influenced my decision-making and overall success as the owner of The Travel Coach Network because the travel industry is a stubborn one that has been set in its ways for a long time. To introduce a new concept isn't easy. I believed that I could pave a path for other travel coaches around the world, and I did.
Can you share a specific moment or challenge in your journey where your self-belief was tested? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from that experience?
It's not easy to pave a new path in an industry like the travel industry. Ways of doing things have been set-in-stone for decades. I am challenged daily to share my authentic and unique approach to how travel is viewed, used, marketed, and sold but by staying true to my beliefs and continuing to do industry research helps me to stay consistent every single day.
How do you cultivate and maintain a mindset of self-belief amidst the inevitable ups and downs of life?
If you believe in what you are doing or creating, that is all that you need to keep on going. Every day will provide you with ups and downs of life but as long has you are confident in your vision and stay consistent, you will ultimately get to where you are going.
Are there any specific strategies or practices you follow to boost your self-confidence when facing uncertainties or setbacks in your business?
I love to take time to myself when I am feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes the most clarity comes when you disconnect and spend time with yourself in nature. I also love to read about other entrepreneurs and the hardships that they had faced and what lessons they learned. It shows that we are not alone in our feelings and that everything is teaching us a lesson. It's just how we choose to receive and implement that lesson that dictates how we move forward.
How do you handle self-doubt or negative self-talk that may arise as a business leader? Do you have any specific techniques for reframing negative thoughts?
I remind myself of all that I have accomplished thus far and that where I am on my business path is exactly where I need to be.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who struggle with self-belief? How can they start building a stronger sense of confidence and belief in themselves?
I would tell them to find something that they truly believe in and to seek mentorship. Mentorship has been key to my success. It's always nice to have someone who has had the mistakes and successes that are lay in your future and to hear their words of advice. If you aren't waking up to work on something that you are passionate about and that you truly believe in, your struggles will be even harder to overcome.
Have you ever encountered external skepticism or negativity regarding your business ideas or decisions? How do you stay grounded in your self-belief despite external influences?
Yes of course! When I began my travel coaching business 5 years ago, the term "travel coaching" wasn't very present. I would have people trying to tell me that I meant to say "travel agent" and that travel coaching "isn't a thing". I learned from that negativity that I needed to clarify even more exactly what travel coaching is and what sets it apart from other travel roles. From that moment on, I can't recall receiving the negativity or skepticism like I used to or I just process it differently now.
Are there any books, podcasts, or people you'd recommend checking out for anyone who wants to change to a more self-confident and belief-rich mindset?
The Travel Coach Network Podcast is filled with incredible guests who have faced and overcame adversity in business and life. They will inspire you to follow your dreams, create the life that you want, and have the confidence to build the business that you desire. https://thetravelcoachnetwork.mykajabi.com/travel-coach-network-podcast
Finally, what are some practical tips or exercises you can recommend for entrepreneurs to strengthen their self-belief and mindset on a regular basis?
Journaling about your abilities, accomplishments, and your goals can help to remind yourself of how far you have come, what you are capable of, and just how amazing your life is. Showing gratitude is also a great way to limit your scarcity-mindset and to boost your self-belief.
