Mindset

We’re officially halfway through 2025. If you needed a wake-up call to play bigger, this is it. Over the weekend, I had the privilege of being in a room filled with inspiring entrepreneurs, changemakers, and leaders – all brought together by the bold vision of Aspire For Her. Exactly five years ago, Aspire For Her was born mid-flight, with a courageous mission scribbled on a napkin: To add Ten Million Women to the workforce in India by 2030. Today, AFH is a thriving global community – lifting women into careers, leadership, and impact across industries and borders. In partnership with SEED & Payoneer, there is real growth opportunities to help women entrepreneurs succeed in international markets. As I listened to Madhura DasGupta Sinha, Founder & CEO of AFH, and the esteemed panel Pavithra Y Sundareshan, Andrew Collister, Juhi Santani, RDI share stories of intention, collaboration, shaping culture and astounding service, I felt a fire awaken in me. I began to scribble what I want to create in the next 6 months, 5 years, 10 years. It felt scary. It felt exhilarating. I felt energized. I felt aligned. I left the room not just inspired, but activated. A reminder to commit to play bigger and invite others to do the same. A big thank you to the entire team of Aspire For her, everyone who made this possible, and the wonderful venue in the heart of the city, Yutori Spaces. What about you? What’s one intention you are setting for the rest of 2025? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

No one tells you to think out of the box when you’re at the beach! Because there, you naturally do. The waves, the horizon, the endless sky, they remind you that there is always more beyond what you can see. Sometimes, getting out of the B❒X starts with simply stepping away… and allowing new possibilities to rise. But the beach isn’t the only place where I access my creative superpowers. For me, it’s running in the park, traveling somewhere new, being unhurried, or sending voice notes to people who I care about. What do you do to get out of your own thinking? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

Recently, I kicked off a session by inviting everyone to describe how they related to a sponge. And here’s what they shared: “When I’m being this, I realize I can learn from anybody, soaking up the gold that’s mine to receive.” “I’m reminded not to be too hard on myself.” “A sponge can absorb, but sometimes you have to squeeze out what’s there already to make space for more.” “Opening up… letting go of fear and being willing to receive.” These powerful reflections remind us of the ability we have to create our experiences. As a sponge, we choose to absorb new ideas, insights, and perspectives. But here’s the key: a sponge doesn’t just soak things up – it also releases when it’s squeezed. In the same way, I encourage you not only to take in what resonates with you but also to actively engage, question, and express your thoughts in your next meeting. There’s a unique power in bringing our highest and most open listening to a space – a presence that goes beyond just hearing words. Invitation for today: Share a comment if this resonates with you or share your reflections below. Are you ready to be a sponge – to absorb, engage, and release? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. So, if you’ve found a piece of your journey in these words and you want to know more about my journey, I invite you to join me further. Let’s continue the conversation. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com

Are you being CAUGHT WORTHY? Have you ever had an experience of spending time with someone, and it has changed your perspective or changed your life? You may not even remember exactly what they said but it’s had a tremendous impact on you. You caught their essence! During one of my early conversations with my coach, I was intrigued by his commitment to fitness and got curious about 75 Hard. I decided to do the research about this mental toughness challenge that is simple but not designed to be easy. What makes it hard? If you skip any of the tasks, you start over again! These are the tasks for the 75-day journey: Two 45-minute workouts (One of those workouts is outdoors, whatever the weather) Drink one gallon of water Read 10 pages of a physical book Take a progress photo No cheat meals No alcohol I decided to commit to this challenge and got the app. In 10 days, I failed! I had forgotten to take the progress picture! I started again. Within a week, I failed again. This time I couldn’t finish drinking a gallon of water by the end of the day! Once again, I created a radical commitment for my fitness and started Round 3. This time, I created a system to remind me to complete the tasks. It is Day 48 today and I am feeling mentally and physically strong. I am loving it. What have I learnt so far on this journey? Be Caught Worthy. The most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. Be Radically Committed to yourself. It starts with a decision. What follows is miracles. Fail Gloriously. Choose to embrace failure and learn from every experience. What do you catch from the leaders, teachers, and coaches around you? Remember, the most powerful way to live is to inspire or move someone to live better. So, if you’ve found a piece of your journey in these words and you want to know more about my 75-Hard Challenge, I invite you to join me further. Let’s continue the conversation. You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel and grab your free copy of “Dare to Be You” eBook here. Farah IsmailI am a courage catalyst, executive coach, facilitator, speaker and founder of Interact Consulting.  www.coachfarah.com