"I am founding a company"

My Journey to Becoming a Lighthouse: From Marketing Guru to Soulful Coach

I never expected a breakdown to be the breakthrough I needed.

For over two decades, I, Mike, was deep in the Marketing world. With a degree in Tourism and experience in various roles, my journey taught me one profound lesson early on: customer centricity is paramount. But, as I climbed the corporate ladder to become the Swiss CMO of a global insurer, a nagging emptiness overshadowed my professional triumphs.

1. Before the program, I was pushed by the universe through various Kensho moments:
 With a comfortable bank balance but an uncomfortable soul, I felt increasingly isolated amidst colleagues seemingly driven by status and money. Our strategy? Aimed more at pleasing board members than serving customers or employees. I openly disagreed. I resisted. But in a room full of yes-men, my voice became a lone echo and from one moment to the other, I was isolated and the crazy marketing guy.

The Breaking Point: 8 December 2022. A breakdown. A forced pause. A diagnosed heavy depression.

I wasn’t living authentically. I felt like a puppet, selling my soul for job security, shares, and a place at the table with people I had grown to disdain. I spent more time doing things that I rejected than with my family who needed me.

Listen to yourself, my inner voice whispered, this is not your path.

2. The Authentic Awakening
 When my CEO dismissed my concerns with an ultimatum – “Love it or leave it” – he offered me executive coaching as a lifeline. I took it, skeptical but desperate for change. My coach, wise and unflinchingly honest, challenged me to step back and view my situation from a new perspective.

She said, “Mike, it’s corporate politics – this means game over.” Her blunt diagnosis was a bitter pill, but it propelled me to seek deeper healing.

I found myself in South America, immersed in the wisdom of shamans and the transformative power of plant medicine ceremonies. Here, amidst ancient traditions and profound introspection, I began to reacquaint myself with Mike – not the CMO, not the marketer, but the human being, the soul.

Be true to who you are, a newfound clarity whispered. I called the CEO from a hammock chair and said that I want an exit plan and not come back. 

3. Becoming the Lighthouse - during the Mindvalley/Evercoach program
 Returning home, the universe seemed to conspire in favor of my new journey. A Mindvalley Evercoach CBC ad popped up on my Facebook timeline. Without a second thought, I invested $5,000 in myself – a leap of faith that felt as natural as breathing.

These past four months have been a metamorphosis. I’ve connected with incredible souls, like Moneel Trivedi, with whom I co-host the 'Bald & Bold' podcast, and Hema Turabee, a brilliant mind and business partner in the making. And so many other lovely people who I met at the Supercoach Event in Tallinn or in various coaching labs. These aren’t mere colleagues; they are kindred spirits, individuals I am proud to call family.

As my garden leave ticks towards its end in October 2023, a new chapter is set to begin. I am founding a company, rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and heart-centered practices.

I am ready to utilize my skills not just to sell products, but to empower others, put a light on people who need to get heard, foster genuine connections, and be a guiding light for those lost in the dark corridors of their own professional journeys – just as I once was.

Conclusion after the program:
 My journey, with its highs and lows, has led me to a truth I now hold dear: 
 Your unique light is needed. We must listen deeply to our own souls, honor our authentic selves without compromise, and become lighthouses for others, guiding them toward their own truth and purpose.

Now it’s not just time for me to shine, but to help ignite the brilliance in others as well.

Thank you for this amazing journey.