A Conversation with Faye

In this conversation, Faye Waterman discusses the remarkable journey of Kate De Jong, a business coach, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and co-host of the 'Thriving Business' podcast. Kate is an expert in translating vision into thriving, profitable enterprises, and her personal story is both inspiring and enlightening.

Kate shares her early life in Western Australia, where she grew up in the Pilbara, and how her adventurous spirit led her to live abroad for much of her adult life. Despite being passionate about writing and languages, Kate initially followed her father’s advice to pursue a career in science and engineering, aiming for financial security. She spent nearly 15 years working as a process engineer, but the career ultimately drained her energy, leading to severe health issues.

Kate’s TEDx talk explores how choosing a career path to meet societal and family expectations can come at a significant personal cost. She reveals how her chronic fatigue and mystery illness were linked to the stress of a career that wasn’t aligned with her true passions. Despite doctors dismissing her illness as "all in her head," Kate sought alternative therapies that helped her recover both physically and mentally.

Through a combination of biofeedback therapy, life counseling, and deep reflection, Kate learned to reconnect with her "zone of genius"—the things that came naturally and easily to her, such as communication and writing. She recognized the importance of making career choices based on authenticity rather than external pressures, ultimately transitioning to a coaching career where she now helps others navigate similar challenges.

The conversation emphasises the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit, illustrating how living out of alignment with one's true self can manifest in physical and emotional suffering. Kate's story is a powerful reminder that true success comes from being authentic to oneself, and that it's never too late to pivot towards a more fulfilling path.

My Takeaways

The Importance of Authenticity:
Choosing a career that aligns with your true passions, rather than societal or family expectations, is essential for long-term success and well-being.

The Mind-Body Connection:
Stress from living out of alignment with your true self can manifest as physical and mental health issues, as seen in Kate’s experience with chronic fatigue.

Following Your Natural Strengths:
Kate learned that her "zone of genius" involved skills like communication and writing, which ultimately led her to a fulfilling career in coaching.

Exploring Alternative Therapies:
Kate found healing and recovery not only through conventional medicine but also through biofeedback therapy, life counseling, and other alternative methods.

The Dangers of Career Misalignment:
A career solely chosen for financial security or external approval can drain your energy and lead to burnout or health problems.

Overcoming Personal Challenges:
Kate’s journey from illness to wellness demonstrates resilience and the importance of listening to your body and mind when facing setbacks.

It’s Never Too Late to Pivot:
Even after spending years in a career that didn’t align with her passion, Kate reinvented herself as a business coach, proving it’s never too late to make a change.

Building a Thriving Business:
Kate’s work as a business coach involves helping others transform their vision into a profitable and sustainable business while staying true to their core values.

TEDx as a Platform for Change:
Kate’s TEDx talk emphasised the cost of living a life based on others’ expectations, urging others to take ownership of their career choices.

Prioritising Mental and Physical Health:
Kate’s story underscores the importance of prioritising mental health and well-being as part of the journey toward professional success and personal fulfillment.

These takeaways capture the essence of Kate's transformative journey and the key insights she shared during the conversation.

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