Tonbra Nwosuagwu: Encouraging more women to occupy leadership roles vital for fostering diversity

Tonbra Nwosuagwu is a transformational coach renowned for her dedication to elevating individuals. Also known as The Activator,Nwosuagwu enables individuals to cultivate personal power and embrace transformative perspectives.Her success in overcoming childhood adversity fuelsherrelentless pursuit of helping individuals to accept themselves and unlock their full potential, leading to her impactful initiatives such as the ‘Voyage to Growth Accountability Programme’ and the acclaimed Amazon book titledHow to be Unstoppable. She holds master’s degree in Process Engineering from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom (UK) and BSc in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Nwosuagwualso possesses over 13 years of experience as a programmemanagement consultant across diverse sectors. Her expertise extends to delivering leadership coaching to senior executives of top-tier organisations in the UK. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS, she speaks on helping women live confident lifethrough transformational coaching.

Share with us your background and how it influenced your career path in transformational coaching.
My journey began with a profound personal experience that shaped the trajectory of my career in transformational coaching. At the tender age of 18, I received a life-altering diagnosis of Psoriasis, an auto-immune condition. This affliction caused my body to be adorned with silvery plaques of excess skin, robbing me of my confidence and forcing me to constantly conceal myself from judgmental stares.Enduring a decade-long battle with Psoriasis ignited a moment of self-reflection – a realisation that became the driving force behind my passion for transformational coaching. Through my struggles, I discovered that our true worth surpasses mere appearances and transcends the ephemeral aspects of our physicality. I learned that the essence of who we are resides in the depths of our being, waiting to blossom and flourish if only given the chance.This pivotal chapter in my life nurtured within me a deep empathy and understanding for others, inspiring me to guide individuals on their own transformative journeys. I am fueled by the belief that every person has untapped potential and the capacity for remarkable growth. My own experience with Psoriasis became the catalyst for my dedication to empowering others, helping them embrace their authentic selves and manifesting their true potential.

As a transformational coach who loves to nurture and help others see life through a completely new lens that gives them personal power, how are you able to achieve this?
I am committed to guiding individuals towards a deep shift in their perception of life. I firmly believe that our belief systems serve as the very foundation upon which we construct our reality. They shape our thoughts, influence our emotions, and ultimately govern our actions. Recognising the immense impact of these beliefs, I approach my coaching practice with utmost intentionality, helping my clients navigate the intricate terrain of their deeply ingrained assumptions and perspectives. Through a supportive and nurturing environment, I encourage individuals to explore and question the narratives they have internalised over time. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, unravelling the layers of conditioning that have limited their personal power and potential. By fostering a safe space for introspection and growth, I empower my clients to dismantle self-limiting beliefs and cultivate new, empowering stories that align with their aspirations and values.In this transformative process, I facilitate a profound shift in thinking patterns, encouraging my clients to adopt a new lens through which they view themselves and the world around them.

You are also a training and management consultant. How have your experiences shaped you and your work?
As a training and management consultant, my journey has been shaped by experiences that have left an indelible mark on both my personal growth and professional work. I recall one particular memory from my childhood that holds a special place in my heart—being referred to as a teacher by my mum. This early recognition of my innate inclination towards teaching and helping others paved the way for my current role, where I derive immense satisfaction from assisting organisations in cultivating specialised skills they may be lacking.Understanding that the distinction between good and exceptional performance often hinges on an individual or team’s capacity to embrace new perspectives, fuels my drive. Witnessing the transformative power that arises when employees adopt a fresh mindset, instills in me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.I am deeply invested in facilitating agile adoptions, which foster agility and adaptability within organisations. By embracing agile methodologies, companies can enhance their ability to navigate dynamic market landscapes, seize emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable success.Beyond these areas, I am particularly passionate about cultivating core leadership competencies among female employees. Encouraging more women to occupy leadership roles is vital for fostering diversity and embracing innovative perspectives. Recognising that women’s involvement at the helm is crucial for shaping a progressive future, I take great pride in the work we undertake in this space. It is a privilege to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape by empowering women to unlock their leadership potential.

You run initiatives focused on personal growth and inner fulfilment. What has been the biggest impact for you?
Running initiatives centered around personal growth and inner fulfilment has had a significant impact on my own journey. The greatest transformation has occurred within me through the unwavering vision I hold for women—the vision of a woman who wholeheartedly embraces her inherent significance, leaving an indelible imprint on her generation and forging a lasting legacy for future generations.This compelling vision serves as the driving force behind every endeavour I undertake. It ignites a passion within me to guide others in constructing platforms that amplify their voices and enable them to make a meaningful impact in the world. Witnessing individuals tap into their unique potential and seeing the ripple effect of their contributions fills me with an unparalleled sense of purpose and joy.For me, it goes beyond simply helping others achieve personal growth. It is about empowering individuals, particularly women, to embody their fullest selves and embrace their innate power. By facilitating their journey towards self-discovery and self-realisation, I am privileged to witness the radical shifts and remarkable growth that unfold within them.Ultimately, the biggest impact for me lies in witnessing the transformation of individuals as they step into their authentic selves and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.

In the line of your work with women, what do you consider their major peculiarities?
From my experience, I have come to recognise certain distinctive aspects that women often grapple with. One significant peculiarity that stands out is the prevalence of fear, which tends to affect women more intensely than men. This fear can manifest in various aspects of their lives and hinder their pursuit of fulfilment.Society’s expectations play a role in this dynamic, as women are frequently bombarded with messages that suggest their happiness should be derived from conforming to specific societal norms.The prevailing narrative implies that a woman must only find happiness through marriage, motherhood, and a career.

However, the truth is that genuine fulfilment goes beyond these societal benchmarks.
Authentic fulfilment emerges when one aligns with their purpose and discovers a deeper sense of meaning. Unfortunately, women often find themselves masking their true desires or fears of being perceived as ungrateful or overly ambitious. These fears can prevent them from voicing their aspirations and seeking the fulfilment they genuinely yearn for.As a coach, I aim to create a safe and supportive space for women to explore their desires, challenge societal expectations, and overcome the fears holding them back. Encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, I empower women to recognise that their fulfilment lies in honouring their authentic selves and pursuing their passions and purpose, unencumbered by external judgments.By addressing these peculiarities head-on and providing the necessary guidance and support, women can find the courage to ask for more, challenge societal norms, and step into their power without fear of being labelled as “too much” or ungrateful. Together, we work towards dismantling limiting beliefs and fostering an environment where they can embrace their dreams and aspirations with confidence, paving the way for genuine fulfilment and empowerment.

What drives you for success?
The unwavering drive for success within me stems from the compelling image of those I serve, now and in the future. This indomitable vision fuels my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Whether it’s through my weekly podcasts titled “Created for More,” my informative FREE weekly newsletters, my transformative 12-week signature course for women called the Voyage to Growth Accountability Programme, or my not-for-profit organisation called, Angel Skin, dedicated to restoring dignity for individuals living with Psoriasis, I am unyielding in my motivation to consistently show up and give my best.

With your goal to impact, what challenges have you been confronted with and how are you able to surmount them?

One significant challenge that I continue to face is self-doubt. Contrary to popular belief, self-doubt does not simply dissipate as one starts to achieve their dreams or desires. It is constantly present, requiring continuous effort to navigate and overcome. With each new endeavour and every boundary-pushing venture, I find myself confronting a new layer of doubt. However, I have learned to navigate through these emotions, and persist with taking action towards my goals despite how I feel.

How can we get more women to become successful as you are; what tips do you have for younger women?
To empower more women to achieve success and rise to their fullest potential, I advise that they embrace their inherent worth. Recognise that you are more than enough, regardless of external achievements or possessions. You were born with inherent worth and are deserving of love and acceptance. Cultivate self-compassion and practice self-care to nurture your well-being and develop a strong sense of self-worth. You need to serve others with purpose. True fulfilment in life stems from serving others and making a positive impact. Identify a problem or cause that resonates with you and start small by offering a solution to that problem. By serving others, you will experience a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose. Your heart will be filled, and your soul will light up with the joy of making a difference. Also, build communities and amplify impact. Seek opportunities to expand your influence by building communities of like-minded individuals who share the same passion. By connecting with others and fostering a sense of unity, you can collaboratively address challenges and create a more meaningful impact in the lives of many.

There is need to continuously learn and grow. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and personal growth. Seek opportunities to acquire new knowledge, develop skills, and expand your horizons. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and never stop investing in your personal and professional development. The more you learn, the more equipped you become to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. It is good to seek mentors and role models: Surround yourself with mentors and role models who inspire and uplift you. Learn from their experiences, seek their guidance, and leverage their wisdom to navigate your own path. Engaging with supportive networks and seeking mentorship can provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and insights as you progress on your journey.

How are you able to combine your portfolios, being a family woman and still be at your best?
Combining multiple portfolios as a wife, mother and impactpreneur can be challenging, and the idea of always being at your best in every aspect is indeed overrated. It’s important to acknowledge that being exceptional in one area may mean compromising in another. That said, I have learned to prioritise two fundamental aspects – embracing the present. I place great importance on being fully present at the moment with my loved ones. When I am with my family, I make a conscious effort to give them my best self, even if it’s for a limited period of time. By cherishing and making every moment count, I can create meaningful connections and nurture my most prized relationships.

Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities requires setting clear priorities. I evaluate my commitments and obligations, identifying what truly matters to me and aligning my actions accordingly. By understanding my core values and goals, I can make informed decisions about where to allocate my time, energy, and resources. This helps me navigate my various portfolios with a sense of purpose and focus, ensuring that each aspect receives the attention it deserves.While it may not always be possible to excel in every domain simultaneously, finding harmony and satisfaction across different areas of life is a continuous process. It involves making deliberate choices, practising self-compassion, and recognising that perfection is not attainable. Instead, I strive for progress, growth, and meaningful connections in each facet of my life.

What is your life mantra?
Value does not change, perspective does. The essence of this mantra lies in the understanding that our self-worth should not be dependent on the opinions or judgments of others, however, by intentionally surrounding ourselves with individuals who appreciate us for who we are, we create an environment that nurtures our self-esteem, encourages our aspirations, and empowers us to reach our full potential. These positive and uplifting relationships provide a solid foundation for personal growth, resilience, and a strong sense of self.

Credit: Guardian.ng