Shirley Sampson is a strategy and accountability coach who empowers women to stop playing small and start shining in their own light. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience and a background in corporate program and project management, Shirley helps women define clear goals, push past perfectionism, and build confidence in their ability to succeed. Her own journey from corporate to entrepreneurship—shaped by resilience, courage, and the belief that progress always trumps perfection—has become the foundation of her coaching practice.
Humans of Fuzia is featuring Shirley because her story reflects the reality of self-doubt, transition, and perseverance that so many women face. Her voice is a reminder that we can rewrite our own narratives with audacity, clarity, and courage—a message that resonates with our 5 million–strong global community.
Q: Shirley, what inspired you to step away from corporate and start your own journey as an entrepreneur?
A: For years, I balanced corporate work with my side business. Having that safety net meant I never fully committed to my own venture. In 2000, I had to make a tough decision, and I chose to step fully into entrepreneurship. I loved the freedom—no micromanagement, no answering to anyone but myself. Success depended on the effort I put in, and I thrived in that. Initially, I worked in the apparel industry, but over time, I realized I was always giving advice and support to others. After completing a mentorship program at the NASDAQ Center, I knew coaching was where I was meant to be—leaning on my background in strategy and accountability, and yes, my ability to lovingly “nag” people into action.
Q: Who do you primarily work with now?
A: My clients are mostly women, ranging from their late 20s to early 70s. They’re often in transition—either starting to take their businesses seriously or moving into a new chapter of life. Many are brilliant women stuck in “perfection freeze,” waiting for everything to be flawless before moving forward. Others are used to diminishing themselves to make others comfortable. My work is about showing them that progress beats perfection every time, and that it’s okay—necessary, even—to shine.
Q: What transformations have you witnessed in your clients?
A: My greatest joy is when clients no longer need me. That means they’ve internalized the strategies and confidence to keep moving forward. I’ve seen clients publish books, launch podcasts, start foundations and ministries, or leave corporate jobs to pursue their own ventures. The best part is seeing them step into their brilliance, finally realizing that they are capable and worthy of success. I may be just a footnote in their stories, but helping them shine is the real reward.
Q: Many entrepreneurs struggle with imposter syndrome. How have you experienced or overcome it?
A: Imposter syndrome often shows up as the voices of our past—people who told us we weren’t good enough, who dismissed or belittled us. The worst part is, those voices start to sound like our own. I’ve certainly faced those moments of doubt: “Who am I to do this?” But life has taught me it’s too short to listen to that voice. Caring for my mom with dementia and supporting my dad through pancreatic cancer reminded me that we don’t have unlimited time. I now choose audacity—the audacity to believe I can, to accept I’m not for everyone, and to keep showing up for the people I am meant to help.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when starting out?
A: There are plenty of things I could have done differently—money I wasted, mistakes I made—but all of those experiences shaped who I am today. If I changed the past, I wouldn’t be the coach I am now, with the empathy and wisdom to guide others. So while I might tell my younger self to believe in herself more, I’m grateful for the lessons. My focus now isn’t on regret—it’s on moving forward with intention, making sure the future Shirley is living the life I want to write for myself.
Q: How do you personally define success?
A: Success for me isn’t about being the headline of the story—it’s about being the guide in the background. When my clients step into their power, launch the business they dreamed of, or simply start believing in themselves again—that’s success. On a personal level, it’s also about not giving in to fear or self-doubt. It’s about living boldly, loving deeply, and creating a life where I get to shine and help others do the same.
“Success isn’t about perfection—it’s about having the audacity to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.” – Shirley Sampson
Connect with Shirley Sampson:
Website– https://fathomandflourish.com/
LinkedIn–https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshirleysampson/
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