Kay McCready is an Emotional Resilience Coach, Trauma Practitioner, 9D Breathwork Facilitator, Founder of Kay McCready Coaching and Co Founder of BEAT Global Academy Ltd.
She tells us that, “I am an accomplished Emotional Resilience Expert, Trauma Practitioner, 9D Breathwork Facilitator, holistic therapist and an award-winning Speaker. I am the innovative founder of Kay McCready Coaching, dedicated to empowering individuals who have faced life’s challenges, endured trauma, and navigated adversity. I empower people to feel safe, connected and liberated. Additionally, I am the co-founder of BEAT Global Academy Ltd. The academy, under the ethos “Believe, Empower, Act, Thrive” (BEAT), believes in the power of small steps to foster massive positive change, inspiring action towards mindset mastery and healthy longevity.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your Entrepreneur journey/venture/initiative.
Early Challenges
Growing up, my home life was fraught with tension, often feeling more like a battleground than a refuge. As a child, I found myself frequently stepping into the role of mediator, attempting to diffuse arguments and keep the peace among family members. This environment turned me into a people pleaser, constantly working to maintain harmony. School was a struggle, with difficulties in focusing and frequent distractions. Despite these challenges, sports and dance became my sanctuaries, spaces where I could truly be myself and escape the chaos.
A Career of Resilience
Entering the police force, I quickly discovered that being the only woman on my shift came with its own set of deep-seated challenges. The workplace was dominated by masculine norms and power dynamics, which often resulted in me facing intense bullying and scepticism towards female officers. My early years were marked by having to prove my competence and authority repeatedly. Despite these hurdles, I focused on building a reputation for reliability and professionalism, eventually gaining the recognition and respect of my peers through numerous awards and commendations.
Personal Tragedy and Recovery
The darkest time in my life was losing my son, Cameron, to cancer at the age of four. This immense personal loss, during a period of professional struggle, plunged me into severe depression and nearly led to suicide. Realizing I needed to take control of my wellbeing, I started with changes to my diet and exercise, and expanded my social circle to include supportive and understanding friends. I also engaged deeply with spiritual practices and trained as a trauma recovery practitioner, which helped me heal and later assist others in their healing journeys.
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!”
My mission evolved from a personal journey marked by a decade-long struggle with depression and a lack of supportive resources. Through this journey, I discovered and honed various methods to regulate my nervous system, shift my mindset, and adopt a lifestyle conducive to healthy living. These strategies—rooted in emotional resilience, mindset mastery, and holistic wellness—weren’t merely theoretical. They were developed out of necessity and proven through real-life application, forming a tested and effective toolkit that I personally used to heal and thrive.
Now, through my coaching practice, I am dedicated to sharing these robust techniques. I provide comprehensive support that encompasses emotional resilience, mindset shifts, and principles of healthy living, all designed to help individuals not only manage but thrive beyond their traumas. This work is about transforming lives by empowering others with the knowledge and tools that were pivotal in my own recovery, making healing and thriving accessible to everyone.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
At BEAT Global Academy, my current role is driven by a profound personal journey and a passion for holistic well-being. After enduring a decade-long struggle with depression and a lack of supportive resources, I discovered effective methods to regulate my nervous system, shift my mindset, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. This experience has fuelled my commitment to empowering others with the knowledge and tools that were pivotal in my own recovery.
BEAT Global Academy is dedicated to transforming lives by integrating mental and physical health with personal growth. Our mission is to create a supportive community that guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery and well-being. We offer a comprehensive online platform specifically designed for entrepreneurs and busy professionals who often feel overwhelmed and isolated in the business world. Our platform provides mindset mastery, emotional resilience, nutrition, and overall health resources. Through expert-led content and personalized resources, we aim to make healing and thriving accessible to everyone. By fostering a community focused on holistic well-being, we strive to enhance emotional resilience, prioritize health, and achieve lasting social impact worldwide
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I am delighted to share some notable achievements that underscore both my personal contributions and our collective efforts at BEAT Global Academy. Personally, as Kay McCready, I am honoured to have won the Global Rising Star Speaker Award 2024 at the Women Thrive Summit. Being selected from 52 incredible speakers, particularly as a first-time speaker, is a profound recognition of my ability to inspire and resonate with audiences on an international level.
Additionally, BEAT Global Academy has been nominated for the finals at the North East Start-up Awards. This nomination highlights the impact and effectiveness of our work, emphasizing our commitment to fostering a supportive and transformative environment for entrepreneurs. These accomplishments are not merely a reflection of individual success but signify our broader vision at BEAT Global Academy to set a new standard for how entrepreneurs engage with their personal and professional development. Together, these accolades strengthen our mission to empower entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable success and well-being and create social impact across the globe.
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?
To all the young women entrepreneurs out there, imagine a world where your leadership is not just accepted but celebrated. Here’s the change I want to see: a business landscape where the unique leadership skills of women are recognized as key drivers of success and innovation.
I envision a world where women are not only present in leadership roles but are acknowledged for their outstanding approach to leadership. Women often lead with empathy and inclusivity, prioritizing collaboration over competition and valuing people over profits. These traits are crucial in today’s global market and should be the gold standard for leadership.
My hope is to see more young women stepping confidently into entrepreneurial roles, knowing they possess exactly what is needed to make a significant impact. I want to see a world where women’s leadership qualities are not just appreciated but sought after, where their ability to understand, unite, and inspire is recognized as a powerful advantage.
Let’s work towards a future where every young woman entrepreneur can lead boldly, without barriers, and be celebrated for the unique strengths she brings to the table. This is the change I’m passionate about, and together, I believe we can make it happen.
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?
In today’s world, there is an abundance of awe-inspiring, brilliant, and amazing female thought leaders who are reshaping industries and driving positive change. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some extraordinary women leaders who prioritize genuine connections and inclusivity above all else. They’re rewriting the rules of leadership by placing a premium on kindness and cooperation, valuing people over profits and favoring collaboration over competition.
These visionary leaders understand that success isn’t solely measured by financial gain but by creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. They champion fairness, advocate for equal opportunities, and foster a sense of belonging for all.
By amplifying voices that have historically been marginalized, they’re paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. Their commitment to building meaningful connections and fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration is essential in creating a world where everyone can thrive.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
To all the visionary young leaders out there, as you step into your role and begin to shape the world, remember this: building a life true to your deepest values isn’t just fulfilling—it’s transformative. Grow your voice and your confidence. Share your journey openly, because in your story, others see the realm of possibilities for themselves.
Surround yourself with positivity and inspiration. Connect with mentors and peers who are not only where you aspire to be but are also eager to support you in getting there. These relationships are invaluable; they lift you higher and push you beyond your current limits.
To build your resilience through well-being, take responsibility for your health by embracing techniques like breathwork, movement, and sound to regulate your nervous system. Additionally, incorporate regular exercise and a nutritious diet that supports your energy levels. These practices are not just therapeutic—they’re fun and can significantly enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being. By integrating these activities into your daily routine, you establish a resilient foundation that sustains you through both the highs and lows of your entrepreneurial journey.
It’s crucial to recognize that managing stress and maintaining emotional equilibrium are foundational to your success. Adopting these wellness practices not only helps keep you balanced and focused but also empowers you to take charge of your health and happiness. They provide the physical and mental stamina needed to navigate the complexities of leadership.
You deserve a life brimming with happiness, purpose, abundance, and fulfilment. Achieving this life will demand vision and time. It will test your belief, require unwavering purpose, and ask for your utmost consistency and ambition. Yes, it will be challenging. Yes, it will necessitate change and a relentless commitment to never give up on yourself. But embrace these challenges with open arms, for the journey will be exhilarating, and the rewards, immeasurable.
This path you choose is the gateway to limitless personal freedom. As you navigate this journey, remember to stand firm in your power and shine brightly. Let your resilience be built on a foundation of well-being, not burnout. Cultivate emotional resilience not just as a shield, but as a source of strength that propels you forward. Embrace well-being practices that nurture your mind, body, and spirit, ensuring you remain robust and ready to face whatever comes your way.
Lead with heart, lead with vision, and most importantly, lead in a way that resonates with who you truly are. This is your time to redefine leadership, to show that emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration are not just soft skills—they are superpowers.
Stand tall, shine bright, and never forget: your journey to leadership is about becoming the best version of yourself, inspiring others to do the same, and creating a legacy that echoes across generations. Let’s change the world together—one act of authentic, resilient leadership at a time.
