Sasha Laghonh, Founder, Sasha Talks

Sasha Laghonh, is the Founder of Sasha Talks, an educational and entertainment platform that explores human development in the context of performance management. As a Speaker, Author and Host, she partners alongside global clients to capitalize upon their talent. She also authors books and educational content focusing on business, self-development and spirituality. Learn more by visiting Sashatalks.com.

Firstly, can you give us a little bit of background about your business journey?

I come from a business background which provided a window to learning how to run different parts of an organization. Given there are many parts to a whole, I've honored commitments that overall stressed partnerships alongside leadership and management. Sasha Talks was an opportunity to integrate my multiple skill sets into one avenue that can help individuals and businesses seeking to capitalize upon their growth challenges and hidden opportunities in the market.

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 has played a critical role in my professional longevity because there's a good percentage of life and business that's outside our control. Learning how to flow through unpredictable market conditions, foreign business landscapes and personality types can test one's threshold in daily performance. It comes down to getting to know yourself well, on one's personal time and when co-existing with the world. It provides an opportunity to learn about ourselves in terms of strengths and opportunities for growth. Self belief can't be bought. It needs to be cultivated within us through daily practice because it will impacts our self esteem and confidence in terms of how we approach life.

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?

I believe such tests occur everyday in just how we approach our life when making micro and macro decisions in our path. It comes down to how well we embrace these opportunities to practice our decision making skills. One's self belief can be tested when deciding how to work, whom to engage, knowing when to walk away, deciding whether an investment is worth one's bandwidth; etc. There is no one monumental standard occurrence that can test everyone's self belief because everyone's journey is different. Everyone has different mental, emotional, intellectual and physical thresholds for managing life. When I am tested, it has to do with whether I will remain true to myself. When one is grounded well, the answer is easy to address.

How do you cultivate and maintain a mindset of self-belief amidst the inevitable ups and downs of life?

Everyone has a different path to nurturing their self-belief. For me it's a combination of surrounding myself with people aligned with a higher power and positive purpose. Then it builds upon my personal faith and connection with spirituality. I'm human, therefore I remind people that I'm a work in progress. These aforementioned elements are enough to help me refine my rough edges while at the same time I'm able to strengthen my relationship with life.

Are there any specific strategies or practices you follow to boost your self-confidence when facing uncertainties or setbacks in your business?

For me it comes down to faith and reminding myself why I embarked upon my professional missions in the first place. I've lived through different seasons of gains and losses when it comes to investments of all kinds that I'm not easily startled by life's curve balls. Experience in life is the best teacher. I do not rely on seeking guidance from people in general. No one is going to be vested in your well being as much as yourself. If you're making the decisions, then you need to live with the consequences that follow 'and' be at peace with it. If the person isn't at peace with it, then they're lying to themselves, or posturing with the hopes those setbacks will resolve on their own. When we ignore life or result in living in denial of our decisions, it will come back and slap us at a very inconvenient time. Do your best when life is calling your attention.

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?

As humans, we're going to run into some self criticism at times. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by some very steadfast personalities that share similar goals as myself. They're able to frame reality in ways which makes it easier to digest what transpires in my path. Self doubt isn't an issue. The self critique can be healthy when working on self-development as long as the critique doesn't paralyze one from actively engaging in life.

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?

This comes down to performing inner work through self-development. People often make more of an effort in understanding other people and life around them, yet they fail to recognize the importance of investing time in getting to know themselves. While there are external tools from books and classes available, they don't serve as a substitute for one truly working on self-development. The goal is to tap into one's self awareness through immersing themselves in different aspects of life through making decisions. It all begins from within us.

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?

I've been surrounded by all types of reactions and thoughts at sea! I've always known my life mission from a young age that the resistance hasn't deterred me from who I am and how I operate in life. It goes back to seeking alignment with the right people and environments that will nurture one's growth. This is coming from someone who has encountered people plagiarizing my work, defacing my character to elevate their self interests, faking associations with me without meeting nor knowing me, recreational junkies wanting to defame me for social gain, people making up their own facts about my work and existence, acquaintances taking credit for my success who have nothing to do with me, dealing with harassment for being a woman in select male dominant environments; etc. I know myself. I know my facts. I've successfully sued third parties for them to prove to me what these alleged facts are in court. At least I've capitalized upon those inconveniences to date. This is why ... I'm not too easily moved by people complaining about small hurdles and negativity in their path Know which battles to fight and move on. Other peoples' negativity shouldn't deter a true business leader who's on mission. I recall collaborating with a generous speaker a few years ago, he mentioned having haters lets us know that people know we exist. Haters aren't wasting their time hating on dead beats.

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?

Unlimited Power by Tony Robbins.

Finally, what are some practical tips or exercises you can recommend for entrepreneurs to strengthen their self-belief and mindset on a regular basis?

Practice, practice, practice! Spend time with yourself alone, reflect upon your latest life endeavors. Fix what you don't like about your life. Continue refining what is going well for you. Don't wait for life to start falling apart to care.

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us here! Where should people follow you to find out more about your work?

People are welcome to reach out at Sashatalks.com