Special Feature: “The Soul of Coaching” with Emily Anne Brant | ep211
Have you ever stopped to wonder if the goals you’re chasing are truly yours?
This week, I’m sharing something special with you—a conversation I had with Emily Anne Brant on her podcast, The Soul’s Way. We dove deep into what decolonized coaching means, how it’s transformed the way I work, and why dreaming freely is one of the most powerful acts of resistance we can embrace.
Are You Dreaming Inside a Box?
When I first started coaching, I noticed something that didn’t sit right with me. So many of my clients—unique, brilliant, and diverse—shared the same kinds of dreams: going back to school, getting an MBA, or finding a long-term partner.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with these goals, but I couldn’t help but wonder why the same ones kept coming up. And then it hit me: these weren’t necessarily their dreams. These were dreams shaped by what society, families, or past experiences told them was possible.
They were safe dreams. Practical dreams. Goals that fit neatly inside a box. But they weren’t always the dreams that truly lit up their hearts.
That realization changed everything for me. I knew my work needed to go deeper. I wanted to help my clients reconnect with the kinds of dreams that felt expansive, bold, and completely their own.
Before we dive in, just a quick reminder that applications for the Wholehearted Life Coaching Certification close December 15th
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🌱 Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your coaching practice! Apply now to join our upcoming cohort and start making a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve. Click here to learn more and submit your application today!
Decolonized Coaching and Reclaiming Imagination
In this episode, I talk about how decolonized coaching helps us break free from that box. It’s about reclaiming our ability to dream futures that look nothing like the ones we’ve been handed.
adrienne maree brown says it beautifully:
Imagination is one of the spoils of colonization, which in many ways is claiming who gets to imagine the future for a given geography.
Dreaming boldly is an act of resistance. It’s how we create lives and futures that feel authentic and free. When we dare to reclaim our imagination, we’re not just transforming our own lives—we’re helping create a better world for everyone.
Why We Need to Dream Bigger
I’ve noticed that when life gets hard, dreaming is often the first thing we let go of. But these challenging times are when we need to dream the most.
In the face of fear, oppression, or uncertainty, dreaming audaciously is how we hold on to hope, joy, and possibility. This is why I created the Wholehearted Life Coaching Certification—to help others dream boldly and turn those dreams into reality.
Let’s Reflect
Here’s something you can try today:
Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with dreaming using these prompts:
To dream means...
People who dream freely are...
In my household/growing up, dreaming was...
When I think of dreaming boldly, I...
What comes up for you?
Listen to the Episode
If you’ve ever felt like your dreams were stuck inside a box, I’d love for you to join me for this special episode. On The Soul’s Way, I share how my journey led me to decolonized coaching and why it’s so close to my heart.
Let’s keep dreaming big, love. Together, we can create a future unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.
If you're interested in becoming a coach, I want to remind you that applications for our February 2025 cohort of the Wholehearted Coaching Certification are open until December 15.
Check out wholeheartedcertification.com for more information.
And if you’re looking to work with a certified Wholehearted Coach, our directory is a great resource to connect with one.
Want to dive deeper through more journal prompts?
If you want to be in the know and get each Mindset Monday straight to your inbox complete with journal prompts to take you even further, get on my email list.
About your host, Shirin Eskandani
Hi, love! I’m Shirin.
Coach, speaker, writer, and life alchemist.
I teach you how to listen to your intuition again, tune out all the BS, and let your heart lead the way.
Because once you strengthen your inner GPS, decisions become easier, boundaries become clearer, and belly laughs become a daily thing.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME:
I’m a certified life coach (accredited through the International Coach Federation)
My husband and I met on Instagram and we live in Brooklyn, NY with our plant babies
I have a masters degree in Music and was a professional opera singer for twelve years. I worked all over the world singing on stage at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera (more on that later…).
I believe in the woo just as much as I do the work (internal and external). No amount of crystals and affirmations will make up for a lack of a healthy mindset and aligned action.
I love all the Real Housewives franchises. Don’t make me choose one… seriously, don’t.