Jo Bell
Jo Bell is a Holistic Success Coach and runs her own business helping people to understand who they are and learn how to thrive!
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your Entrepreneur journey/venture/initiative.
I am the youngest of 3 children and grew up in Glasgow. I was always perceived as the ‘thickie’ of the family but very sporty. I was very much a tomboy, climbing trees and spending most of my time outdoors -never a hair and makeup girl! This led me to starting my career as a Physical Education Teacher whilst playing Ice Hockey for my country. It soon became apparent that I had a knack for developing people and quickly moved up the ranks and into the Corporate world, managing and directing teams within the sport, physical activity & health profession. This came to an abrupt end when I realised my values and moral compass were being compromised by the organisation I worked for. I was not willing to be a ‘yes man’ so I was pushed. Phew! It was the best thing that could have happened to me. That is when my journey into entrepreneurship began!
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!”
I had been coaching people for years within my corporate roles but I never had enough time to do anything more. Suddenly working for myself gave me the time and motivation to create my signature 3 month programme “Bring Your Own Shit” which transforms people from a place of doubt, loss and direction into a place where they are their genuine, successful selves. This would never have happened if my values hadn’t been compromised in my corporate Director role – that gave me my motivation to dive in!
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
As a holistic success coach my mission is to help people understand who they really are. My first question to them is “Who are you?” Not an easy question to answer and very few manage it! We have all our different roles and hats we wear, but we tend to forget who we are, as life takes over. I get people back to who they are and help them thrive in all areas of their lives, whether that is in business, career path, personal life, relationships. It all comes together for them and they grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
SO many success stories with my clients! Many of whom have ditched their 30 year careers and started their own business. But, I am particularly proud of our Community Interest Company, In Your Power C.I.C, that we have created so we can help more individuals thrive and become empowered. Many people don’t know what help or support they need and sometimes go down the wrong path. We are like a ‘one-stop-shop’ where people come and we work out together what they really need to gain clarity and take the next steps on their journey.
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 just want to see more women standing in their own power and thriving. The ripple effect this has around them is phenomenal. Just be you, the best version of you that you can be. Happiness will follow when you are true to yourself.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
I think there is still a long way to go but we need to remember to lead in our own styles, as women, and not try to copy any male counterparts. We lead with integrity and with authenticity. We don’t need to copy others
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
Don’t let anyone tell you your idea sucks! They don’t know what is in your head. If it feels right, you will find a way to bring it to life and you will find the right people to be your champions. Go for it! We never fail, we just learn and come back better.