An Interview with Rui da Silva, Founder and Head Coach
Rui da Silva, known professionally as Kootshi, is the founder and head coach of Balanced Rebel, a holistic health coaching company. With over two decades of experience as a regional director for satellite companies worldwide, Rui has developed a deep understanding of the pressures faced by professional executives. He is an expert in stress management, fatigue, sleep, and recovery, with a proven track record of transforming lives globally. His approach focuses on helping individuals overcome burnout, manage stress, and achieve a balance between their professional and personal lives. Balanced Rebel offers personalized coaching programs designed to empower clients to reclaim control of their lives and improve their overall well-being.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
Balanced Rebel is a holistic longevity coaching company that focuses on helping individuals prioritize rest and achieve work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world. The company’s purpose is to challenge the prevailing culture of constant hustle and productivity that often leads to burnout and fatigue.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
My journey into coaching and entrepreneurship was inspired by my personal experiences as a senior executive in the satellite industry. During my time in this high-pressure role, I faced several challenges that ultimately led me to reevaluate my life and career path:
- Constant travel: The demands of my job required frequent international trips, which took a toll on my work-life balance.
- High-stakes contracts: Managing multi-million-dollar deals added significant stress to my daily life.
- Energy imbalance: The intense work environment left me struggling to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
- Mid-life reflection: As I entered my early 40s, I began to question whether this was the lifestyle I wanted to continue pursuing.
These factors combined to create a sense of imbalance in my life, prompting me to seek a change. I realized that my experiences and challenges were not unique to me but were common among many professionals in high-pressure careers. This realization, coupled with my desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives, motivated me to transition into coaching and entrepreneurship.
By founding Balanced Rebel, I aimed to help other busy professionals avoid the burnout and stress I had experienced, offering them tools and strategies to reclaim control of their lives and energy levels. My personal journey through these challenges became the foundation for my coaching philosophy, allowing me to empathize with and effectively guide clients facing similar struggles.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
When I embarked on my journey as a coach and entrepreneur, I faced significant emotional and mental challenges. One of the biggest hurdles I encountered was dealing with my inner critical voice. I constantly battled thoughts telling me I wasn’t enough or that I wasn’t doing enough. Overcoming this negative self-talk became a crucial part of my personal growth.
Additionally, I had to confront the financial realities of my career change. Transitioning from my role as a senior executive to starting my own coaching business meant I had to accept a temporary step back financially. This wasn’t easy, but I knew it was necessary for my long-term goals and happiness.
I had to adjust my mindset and become comfortable with a different expenditure profile. This meant reevaluating my spending habits and priorities. While it was challenging at times, I viewed it as an investment in my future and personal fulfillment.
Ultimately, these challenges—both emotional and financial—became valuable lessons that I now use to help my clients navigate their own life transitions and personal growth journeys.
What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
As a male professional, I believe women’s leadership today is a powerful and essential force in the workplace. I’ve witnessed firsthand how women leaders bring unique perspectives, empathy, and collaborative approaches that enhance team dynamics and drive innovation. I admire their resilience in overcoming persistent barriers and biases.
In my experience, organizations with strong female leadership tend to be more inclusive, adaptable, and successful. I’m encouraged by the progress made in recent years, but I also recognize that there’s still work to be done to achieve true gender parity in leadership roles. I’m committed to supporting and advocating for women’s advancement in the workplace, as I believe it benefits everyone and leads to stronger, more competitive organizations.
What message or advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
As a male coach who has worked with many women leaders, I’ve observed that managing stress is a crucial skill for success. My advice to future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs would be:
- Prioritize self-care and stress management. I’ve seen how women often juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to burnout if not managed properly. I recommend developing a personal stress-reduction strategy that works for you, whether it’s meditation, exercise, or regular breaks.
- Build a strong support network. I’ve noticed that women who thrive in leadership roles often have mentors and peers they can turn to for advice and encouragement. This network is invaluable for managing the unique stresses women face in the workplace.
- Trust your instincts and leadership style. I’ve observed that women sometimes feel pressure to adopt traditionally masculine leadership traits. However, the most effective women leaders embrace their authentic selves, leveraging their natural strengths in empathy and collaboration to excel in their roles.
Website & Social Media
? www.balancedrebel.com
? Instagram: @i.koach
