SHAPING SUCCESS STORIES
Resident coach of Mindvalley and co-founder of Life Redesigned Co, Kar Fei Cheah talks about what it takes to be a life coach and what it means to make an impact in other people’s lives, writes Lily Ong
How did you end up in this career path?
During my schooling days in Ipoh, I was always a follower, not a leader. When I moved to KL to pursue my higher education, I lived with an older cousin who inspired me to change the negative way I perceived myself. In between my studies, I signed up with AISEC, an NGO that mobilises youths around the world for the future. While I was at AISEC, I met a life coach, who
saw potential in me and thus offered to coach me so I can grow. It made a huge difference in my life and I wanted to do the same for others too. So I signed up with the Asia Pacific Institute of Coaching from Australia for a certificate to supplement my psychology degree from university. How did your journey as a life coach take off?
To be honest, my first three years was a struggle. I started coaching at 21. A lot of people did not take me seriously because of my age. It all changed when I met Vishen Lakhiani from Mindvalley. He invited me to coach his team one day and after the session, he surprised me with a full- time job offer at his company. He said he believed in me and encouraged me to work for him, while pursuing my coaching business on the side. I soon became the resident coach for Mindvalley—aside from running my own coaching business Life Redesigned Co.
What motivates you to wake up every day to work?
Personally, my mission is to coach young professionals— those who feel lost in their lives and careers. Like me, a lot of young people have no access to coaching; I was lucky that someone took a chance on me. So I want to pay it forward and help youths become better versions of themselves.
In your observation, what are obstacles that stand in the way of your clients’ success?
I think the obstacles differ for business owners and for those who are employed. For young leaders and professionals, they often lack confidence because they feel like ‘imposters’ at work. I coach them to build genuine confidence from within, so they feel empowered to achieve their goals. As for entrepreneurs, they seek clarity in their lives. As business owners, they are naturally self-aware, but they live in their heads a lot. As a coach, I function as a sounding board for their fears, thoughts and ideas.
Who is your role model?
It would be Tony Robbins, he sets the benchmark as a life coach. He creates impact on a large scale—not just one-onone. He feeds the homeless with his foundation and influences government and politics!
Who would you credit for your success so far?
My boss Vishen helped me grow into my current potential. He taught me how important it is to stay laser-focused on a goal and be flexible in your approach on achieving these goals at the same time. I also look up to Eric Edmeades, who showed me that coaching is always about the client’s needs and never about your own. Eric also shared insights so I can adjust preset behaviour patterns that has held me back these years.
On a personal level, what’s your goals at the moment?
To become a better version of myself, every day.
“I want to help youths become better versions of themselves”