Sarah Willoughby
Sarah Willoughby, originally from the UK, left her corporate Human Resources career behind and emigrated to Australia in 2009. After suffering years of loss, grief and trauma trying to complete her family, she needed to start a new life. Her personal growth and entrepreneurship journey began with learning meditation and mindfulness. Today she works as a Transformation Coach, Infertility Coach, Bestselling Author, Speaker and Reiki Practitioner, empowering women to heal, love themselves, achieve more and transform their lives. You can often find her writing in cafes by the beach and spending time in nature with her three incredible children who are her greatest teachers.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I grew up in the UK and prioritised my academic study, sport and music. Six years were spent at University completing a BA (Hons) Business Studies Degree and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources. Working for renowned global organisations and coaching managers to solve their people-related issues was mentally stimulating but left me unfulfilled. During this time I worked hard to fund my love of travel. Exploring the world and undertaking adrenaline-filled activities became a great passion that was fun and made me feel alive.
Slowly I awakened to my spiritual calling and began meditating, practicing mindfulness and learning reiki. My intuition and relationship with myself deepened and I began to move through life both personally and professionally with more ease and grace. I left the corporate world and set up my own business.
Dr Brene Brown inspires me and I love the wisdom she shares about embracing our vulnerability, compassion and courage so we can authentically connect with ourselves and others. I also respect Anita Moorjani and her messages that we are already enough; we are love.
One of my goals is to empower people worldwide to go on a journey to self-love so that they can connect with the peace that exists within and live their best life. My main vision is to break the silence and end the stigma and shame surrounding infertility and pregnancy loss. Too many people are feeling alone on this journey and are struggling behind closed doors. This is why I wrote Infertility Saved My Life: Healing PCOS from the Inside Out so people know that no matter how dark it feels, there is always hope.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
Transformation Coaching, Infertility Coaching and Reiki Healing (both distant and in person) all offer a safe space for us to heal and reconnect with who we really are rather than who we have been told we should be. Understanding what our unique skills and gifts are, and why we are here, is a truly transformative process that I love guiding my clients to explore. Once we are connected to ourselves and our intuitive guidance, we will always find the courage to follow our own truth and the right path for us, even when it feels hard.
I also share my life experience and wisdom through my writing and speaking engagements to inspire others to never give up and trust that, no matter what, all will be well.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
Melbourne experienced the longest and harshest lockdown globally and it took its toll on everyone’s mental health and well-being. At a time when we craved connection, we were disconnected from everyone we loved. With many of us having family overseas and international borders being shut, this hit us particularly hard. My business was closed to face-to-face clients for two years and I needed to pivot and work more online.
But despite these adversities, the pandemic also brought blessings and opportunities. Online speaking opportunities were in abundance. I also had more space to finish my book, Infertility Saved My Life: Healing PCOS from the Inside Out, and secure a book publishing contract with New York Publisher, Morgan James Publishing. Most importantly, my connection with my children deepened and my relationships with my global tribe strengthened.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Over the years I have received humbling feedback from many clients who have shared that working with me has been truly transformative. I am grateful for the many beautiful testimonials from clients and book reviews for Infertility Saved My Life.
These include “Sarah Willoughby is an amazing human being helping others to understand the beauty of their existence and how to best find joy, health and success in life.”
and
“Sarah masterfully interweaves her wisdom and phenomenal life story with tools and insights to rewire the brain from fear to love to facilitate healing and enhance mental and emotional well-being. Brilliant work!”
I have also received recognition from Thinkers360 in the following categories:
– Top 175 Women Thought Leaders You Should Follow in 2023
– 8th Placed Thought Leader for Health and Wellness
– Top 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders You Should Read in 2023 (Infertility
Saved My Life: Healing PCOS from the Inside Out).
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
Starting my own business means I can spend quality time with my children. I feel blessed to be able to serve and do what I love every single day. The ripple effect of empowering women globally to face their fears and live with more connection and authenticity is immeasurable.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
I have a great deal of gratitude for my supportive global network of colleagues and friends who believe in me and are also on their own mission to make a difference. My children are my biggest cheerleaders, and their unwavering love helps me through all my challenges.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
All the answers to every challenge you face lie deep inside. Get still often and nurture the relationship with yourself. Trust that the next steps will be revealed in divine timing. When you finally surrender to all that is meant to be, your life will unfold effortlessly. You are more powerful than you know and your purpose is greater than you could ever imagine. The world needs you, your gifts and the messages you are here to share. Shine brightly!
Here’s where to get in touch with her:
https://www.sarahwilloughby.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-willoughby-2019
https://www.facebook.com/SarahWilloughbyAustralia
https://www.instagram.com/sarahwilloughbyaustralia