CAROLINE DESMARAIS

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG)

INTERVIEW WITH: CAROLINE DESMARAIS (CD)

Caroline is an Executive Life Coach and entrepreneur based in London, UK. She is the Founder of Inspired Global and the Co-Founder of Mothersphere and The Thriving Group. With a background in law, philosophy and technology, Caroline has had an extensive career as a Media Executive and has hosted shows both on television and online. She is an avid supporter of women’s rights and an advocate of mental health awareness and plant-based eating.

PGMAG: Good to have you on today's interview!

CD: Thank you for having me, it’s a pleasure to speak with you.

PGMAG: Our research shows a woman of many talents and skills. A woman who is passionate about helping others to succeed. As an Executive Life Coach, how do you help people to become more productive?

CD: Essentially, I tell people all the time that they are the CEO of their own life. No one else has that role. You are all CEOs. How are you running your life? We understand taking a strategic approach when leading a company,

with measurable goals and timelines. It is no different when you are running your life. Start by asking yourself the big questions. What is your mission, or purpose in life? What is your vision of how you will fulfill this purpose? What are your core values? There are no wrong answers, and your answers will evolve throughout your life. The virtue is in bringing this type of thinking into your conscious awareness. You will automatically start attracting more opportunities to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true. Then take an honest look at your life, in all areas. There is an exercise called "The Wheel of Life", where you evaluate each area, from family to career, social life, health and finances and you rate the areas from one to ten. Number one is the least satisfactory and ten is ideal.

This usually shows people that their life is going well in certain areas, and this is encouraging. Identify an area you wish to improve on. What steps can you take in the immediate future in order to move your satisfaction rating up a notch. For example, you may want to improve your health and wellbeing and would aim to go from a six to a seven in the next two weeks. You would identify tangible steps to take. This exercise breaks down your achievements into bite size, attainable goals. Productivity is all about consistency. If you are consistently making small adjustments in your life and are moving in the direction of your ideal life vision you will feel enormous fulfilment.

PGMAG: Would you agree that coaching is needed more in the current climate (COVID-19)?

CD: The past few months during the pandemic has allowed people to take a step back from their day to day, busy and hectic lives and they have generally had time for some introspection as life slowed down. Having a coach during the current climate is very beneficial because it serves as a check in point. It reminds you that you are doing well despite the uncertainty and challenges we have all faced. Coaching also allows you to adapt and set goals that are relevant to your current environment. For example, if you have always wanted to start a business this may have been the perfect time to work out a strategic plan to do so. Personally, I stepped up my wellness goals during the pandemic, making sure that I was meditating daily and exercising regularly.

It is no different when you are running your life. Start by asking yourself the big questions. What is your mission, or purpose in life? What is your vision of how you will fulfill this purpose? What are your core values? There are no wrong answers, and your answers will evolve throughout your life.

When you are in the same environment day in and day out (at home that is!) it is easy to measure your mood and see how you react to certain situations. Meditation and exercise regulate me, making my day flow easily and calmly despite juggling working from home and taking care of my children.

PGMAG: Who would be your ideal client?

CD: All clients are ideal because we are all on different parts of our journey. Some people will be very motivated to make a change while others may be stuck in their ways. Ultimately, change is the nature of life. We

are constantly evolving. Some people have built a resistance to change and it's a matter of helping them identify their purpose, encourage them to keep dreaming and reminding them that they are worthy of happiness, health, love and success. We are all worthy of living a fulfilling life. Essentially, a willingness to learn and the open-mindedness to try something new are both qualities of an ideal client.

PGMAG: Please tell us briefly about your organisations (Inspired Global, Mothersphere and The Thriving Group). CD: I have Founded three companies that are all very dear to my heart:

Inspired Global, a HighPerformance Coaching company that enables people to strategically improve the quality of their lives and the profitability of their businesses through Executive and Life Coaching. https:// carolinedesmarais.com/ inspired-global/

The Thriving Group, a personal development company for children and teenagers which includes coaching and teaching essential life skills to empower

Ultimately, change is the nature of life. We are constantly evolving. Some people have built a resistance to change and it's a matter of helping them identify their purpose, encourage them to keep dreaming and reminding them that they are worthy of happiness, health, love and success.

future generations. https:// thethrivinggroup.com/

And Mothersphere, a platform and a community of mothers, experts and organisations that are focused on inspiring mothers to fulfil their purpose, prioritize wellbeing and create social change. https:// mothersphere.com/

I am incredibly passionate about the work I am doing in all three companies, with executives, mothers and children respectively. I am working with incredibly talented Co-Founders on both Mothersphere and The Thriving group. And I am surrounded by a great team of people that genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and seeing them succeed.

PGMAG: What are the three books that changed your life?

CD: The three books that changed my life are:

1. Meditation by Ekhart Easwaran

This was gifted to me on my eighteenth birthday from my grandfather and taught me the gift of meditation which I am now certified to teach my clients. Meditation allowed me to connect with my intuition

I am incredibly passionate about the work I am doing in all three companies, with executives, mothers and children respectively. I am working with incredibly talented Co-Founders on both Mothersphere and The Thriving group.

and live a purpose driven life.

2. The Magic by Shonda Byrne

This book is a 28-day comprehensive Gratitude exercise. It is absolutely transformative. Gratitude has the power to transform your perspective, make you feel more satisfied with your life and helps to fulfil your desires. As they say, “Gratitude is the currency of the Universe”.

3. A New Earth by Ekhart Tolle

This book explains the importance of living in the present. It teaches us to practice conscious awareness, leading to a peace life, and dissipating the ego and negative thought patterns and emotions. When you are fully present you are free, and ready for endless opportunities. By being present, we are making the world a better place.

PGMAG: What is your message for a struggling executive?

CD: First of all, get a coach. It is so beneficial to have someone who you can check in with, run ideas by, explore all your options with and come up with a game plan. Coaching is self lead so if you only wish to speak about your work, career plan, workplace satisfaction, that is great. If you then chose to explore other elements of your life such as your wellbeing and work life balance that is enormously beneficial as well. When you are at your best, that is when you will be most successful as an executive. And it is important to feel good when you are working countless hours in your career. If you would rather not get a coach, then you can self-coach.

1. Decide what the main problem/area is that you are wanting to address.

2. Follow your intuition. All the answers are within you. A good coach just knows how to get you to verbalize and act on your intuitive solutions.

3. Set a timeline for your goals

and check in with yourself and measure your progress at regular intervals.

4. Don't get discouraged if you don't meet all your goals within your ideal timeline. The key is persistence and renewed motivation.

5. Speak to a colleague, friend or mentor about your goals. It will help you get excited when you are sharing your ideal vision with others.

PGMAG: What would you say to your younger self?

CD: Simple. Don’t worry so much about what other people think. In fact, don’t worry at all about what other people think. You’re a good person, with pure intentions and nothing else matters. Get in touch with your intuition, listen to your creative inspiration and follow your dreams. Focus on doing what makes you happy. I have a law degree but had a very strong inclination not to practice law. Everyone has their unique path. Honour yours.

PGMAG: What makes you laugh?

CD: My children! They are so incredible, and it has been a great experience to work

Don’t worry so much about what other people think. In fact, don’t worry at all about what other people think. You’re a good person, with pure intentions and nothing else matters. Get in touch with your intuition, listen to your creative inspiration and follow your dreams. Focus on doing what makes you happy.

from home and be able to spend quality time with them. I have a 5-year-old daughter and a 1-year old son. My son is speaking a lot, repeating everything we say, and he comes out with the most heartwarming and hilarious things! Just this evening I was attempting to put his pajamas on and he didn’t want to get changed. When I approached him he raised his hand to prevent me from coming closer and exclaimed, “Hold it right there, you’re under arrest!”. He was so serious, but I couldn’t stop laughing. I love watching them both make sense of the world around them. PGMAG: Wow! Thank you once again for your time. It has been a pleasure having you as a guest on this interview session. Please share your links with our readers.

CD: Thank you! I love what you are doing with Powerhouse Global. You are working on projects that will benefit so many people, congratulations. Please connect with me on the following sites:

Instagram: Caroline Desmarais Instagram

LinkedIn: Caroline Desmarais LinkedIn

Facebook: Caroline Desmarais Facebook

Twitter: Caroline Desmarais Twitter