Dawn Gaden is the CEO of Mind Body Counseling & Coaching and the creator of the global coaching program, The Image Shift – Igniting Your Positive Self Image. She is powerfully transforming women’s lives around the world. Dawn has been mentored by speaking icons Bob Proctor and Wayne Dyer and has spoken internationally on stages and podcasts to over 10,000 people. As a Licensed Counselor and yoga teacher, she brings the unique method of intenSati to help you align the energy of your heart, body, and mind and activate the power of your thoughts, emotions, and actions to create the life you love.
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 a blue-collar family, initially raised in an industrial area just outside of Detroit. I was raised with the message that life is hard, you can’t take your money with you so spend it while you can. When I was in 3rd grade, my parents moved us to the country (me and 3 siblings). I remember a night playing outside, lying in the tall grass under the night sky. Looking up and seeing the brilliant stars glowing and I thought “anything is possible!” And from then on I knew I could do anything I set my mind to. Even when I struggled in school, I knew I wanted to attend college, graduate school and become a professional with my own business.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
I have been a counselor for over 23 years and a coach for 13. I continue to study with the best in personal development and help bring what I learn to my clients so that they can love their life and live with passion, joy, and purpose. I have recently expanded my private 1:1 coaching to a group coaching program. In The Image Shift, I help heart-centered professionals consciously create a life of happiness, abundance, and ease by shifting into a positive self-image. I help people wake up, get off autopilot, and break free from the trance of unworthiness. As we journey through the energy centers of the body (the chakras) we align energetically our thoughts, words, and actions so that we live consciously, creating the life we choose.
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?
Personally, the pandemic gave me more time with my family, and helped me prioritize and focus on what matters most to me in business and personal. With a flood of calls for mental health services, it was during the pandemic that I chose to expand more into my coaching expertise and create my 7 month coaching program. I knew this was part of my business plan and desire, the pandemic moved things along a bit quicker.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
I began speaking on a wider scale in order to reach the audience that is looking for my coaching program. I have spoken now internationally in person as well as virtual and continue to speak to audiences and share my work, especially my intenSati practice that really helps people take the quantum leap in their life. I have also co- authored 3 books, currently on the 4th, sharing my journey of entrepreneurship, cancer and parenting.
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
I am truly doing what I love to do. My clients continue to validate the work that I do with their successes in their life. I have the opportunity to meet other professionals with heart-centered businesses with their goal to make positive change in the world. Being an author was not really an idea for me, but as I said before, “anything is possible“! And as I have been told by others “when you want something, you make it happen“. My first international speaking event was in Northern Ireland, at Crom Castle, what a dream come true. I am truly grateful to serve and help others love their life as well.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
My biggest support is my husband, always by my side, excited for my next adventure or speaking event, cheering me on for all the ideas I pass by him! With 4 boys, ages 23, 21, and twins that are 17, and having an entrepreneurial mind as well, we love to share ideas and cheer each other on with our passions!
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.
Of course! I believe each and everyone one of us has a purpose. Within each of us is a flame – it’s our desire, our unique talents and genius. We are each only in charge of our own flame, and we must fan the flame, step into our power and choose to be our best to make lasting positive change. And it starts with each of us first. Once we discover our own truth, passion and value who we are, then we can make big waves in the world.
