Heidi Marke
Heidi Marke is The Gentle Rebel Coach.
She tells us that, “I help highly driven, big hearted professionals get their life back by gently (with as little effort or disruption as possible) but firmly (most definitely), rebelling against the nonsense that to have the life you’ve worked so hard for you have to push through overwhelm and exhaustion. You don’t.
Having managed to embarrassingly and painfully burn out losing my once-loved and hard-worked-for career, confidence, health and financial stability – whilst prioritising my selfcare (yes, really!), I now quietly lead The Gentle Rebellion.
I’m host of the Overwhelm is Optional podcast and author of the book, Overwhelm is Optional. I am a Transformational Life Coach who works with love and integrity.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
With hindsight, I can see where my struggles began…
I made the mistake of believing that freedom, and satisfying work, can’t be found together.
And so, I tried giving up one for the other.
Neither way worked. Eventually, I found myself quitting my hard-worked-for career, losing my confidence and damaging my health.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
After burning out and losing my health, confidence and financial security, I rebuilt my life on the premise that satisfying work, and the freedom to be myself and look after myself, are non-negotiable.
How I did this became The Gentle Rebellion. Now I help others do the same.
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?
I believe we all have unique gifts and skills to share with the world. Having the courage to create a business based on honing these strengths into something – a product or service – that helps others and provides us with well paid, meaningful work is so worth it.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I don’t believe we have to have an equal number of men and women in every position. For me, it’s about people having the courage to aim for what works best for them. I want to see the best leaders in positions to provide the best opportunities for people to thrive, regardless of their gender.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Make finding the freedom to be more fully yourself your greatest adventure.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Find out what you’re good at and how you can use that to help people – then have the courage to market and sell that. Along the way you will gain far more than well paid, meaningful work!
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