Ruqya Khan tells us that, “I’m a SMILE Strategist who believes deeply in the power of gratitude and acceptance. In 2018 I founded my business, SMILETASTIC Lifestyle Coaching and appreciate being the Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) of the venture. I am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and a Corporate Trainer, leveraging my 23+ years of experience in the world of words to conduct workshops, webinars, Mastermind programs and 1:1 coaching sessions to help teams and executives improve their productivity, enhance communication skills and empower relationships. Recently, I won the 2022 Gold Winner, Best Wellness Coach with Coach Awards and in March this year I had the joy of presenting my S.M.I.L.E. at the World Happiness Fest in Miami.”
Tell us about your life before the venture/ leading up to your venture?
My journey into this arena of self mastery started in 2000. It was a simple decision to do more with my time and skillset. As a young mother of two I wanted to give to my children an awareness that women are capable of so much more than just ‘diapers and dishes’ By nature I have been resourceful and as I started on this intent to do more, the doors to writing professionally for the local newspaper opened to me. One thing led to another and I came to know of NLP, Neuro Linguistic Programming. I cruised through life with trust and flow. That has been key for me. NLP led me to TEDx and for TEDx I coined my S.M.I.L.E. Strategy. I use the S.M.I.L.E. as the foundation of my coaching, training and keynote speeches.
Tell us something about your organization. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
SMILETASTIC was born in 2018 – it helps teams and individuals be better versions of themselves. It harvests on the potential in a SMILE. As an observer of life I found it strange to see how often people complained and pushed blame on others for their inability to win. No one is ever given the perfect pieces to complete the jigsaw puzzle of their success but if we looked close enough we would realise that we are never given what we cannot use. A misfit piece is scope to learn, it is scope to set aside and use later or to share and impart knowledge to someone else who may need it. SMILETATIC works on those principles of self mastery and ownership. I work with young minds and leaders who are happy to walk that mile from chaos to clarity. Doubters and complainers are my clients – I love to light them up with trust in their journey and the big picture.
What has been the response of the consumers towards your venture?
My work has helped build better relationships with others and themselves. The people I work with have seen a spike in their confidence levels, productivity and sense of self worth. I won the 2022 Gold Award – Wellness Coach at Global Coach Awards. Earlier this year in March I presented my S.M.I.L.E. at the World Happiness Fest in Miami, USA. I’ve been felicitated for my work multiple times at the Women Economic Forum. I travelled and shared my S.M.I.L.E. in the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman, UAE & India. I am on a mission to give more to the world with a smile.
How has your life changed because of your venture?
I have so far travelled and shared my S.M.I.L.E. only in 10 countries – the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Egypt, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman, UAE & India. I am on a mission to give more to the world in a smile. There is lots of work that still is to be done. My venture gave me the opportunity to connect with people of different countries, backgrounds and cultures. They had different mindsets, dreams and upbringings but they all had the same little things in life that they valued. The more I share my message the more I am in awe of the beauty of life and humanity. We all think we are unique and different – that’s what makes us all the same.
What are you working on right now?
I’m in conversation with change makers and thought leaders in other parts of the world who are doing work around mindset and ownership. Together with them I plan to do a series of SMILE to move forward retreats around the world. While I cannot disclose very many details, all I can share is that this will be the coming together of regional and international genius for the audience and definitely be a reason to smile.
Give a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
Be kind to yourself. We are so quick to show love, respect and kindness to others – our family, friends, peers, etc however we are rigid with our rules for ourselves. Be the first person who smiles at you in the morning. Come with compassion for yourself. Stop pushing yourself so hard that imposter syndrome sets in. Celebrate the small wins and value who you are – be your own cheerleader!
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