Rena Zaharov is a leadership business coach who specializes in team building and helping organizations create compassionate work environments that support growth and contribution.  

* Can you tell our readers about your background?  

I grew up in Toronto and have lived here my entire life. Growing up I was the middle child of 3 kids, bossy in nature (I now call it leadership screaming through, lol), and always had a desire to help people. 

I had an experience when I was 10 years old that changed my life. I remember it like it was yesterday, a cold winter day, at a sandwich shop in downtown Toronto, there was a man who lived on the street, entered asking for something to eat, and was un-kindly asked to leave, I had asked my dad if we could give him our food and my dad agreed. We locked eyes, and his gratitude spoke a thousand words. I never forgot it and that moment inspired my career in social work for a decade of my adult life.  

For 10 years I worked in mental health and addictions and loved my career but decided to pivot in 2012 after giving birth to my second of three children.  

* What inspired you to start your business? 

To be honest a painful experience is what pushed me to go down the entrepreneurial path. I had been working in an agency for eight years at that time and applied for a job that came up that I was already doing and was overlooked for the position. The hurt from that experience pushed me to look into other avenues and I’ve never looked back. I now see it as divine intervention and a blessing in disguise. 

* Where is your business based? 

My business is home-based here in Toronto; however, I have clients and business partners all over the world as my coaching business is worked virtually! 

 * How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took? 

My entrepreneurial journey began in Network Marketing and to this day I am actively building in the field as well as coaching others to be successful. 

I started like many, not knowing what I was doing but took baby step after baby step and the key was connecting to a mentor who had done it before me that I could learn from. 

I remember it clearly; I had started my first home business in June of 2012 and a few months later there was a convention that I was highly encouraged to attend, and with some hesitation, I decided to go and caught the vision at that event.  

Learning from mentors and investing in my growth early on we’re the most impactful first steps.  

* What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business? 

In 2016 I dove right into video marketing, specifically live video. 

That was the catalyst that took me from where I was to replacing my salary and going on to build a successful online presence and audience. 

* What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 

My biggest challenges came when I made a switch 3 years in and changed direction in my business. This came with many lost relationships and a series of obstacles that would carry on for another two years and negatively affect my mindset and belief that I could be successful.  

The other major challenge has been overcoming my own mindset. It’s very difficult when rejection is a huge part of growth but was so necessary to get where I am today. 

My husband has always been a huge support and encouraged me to keep going even though I wanted to quit. He said one thing to me that changed everything and gave me the push I needed to start all over again. He said, “Rena, you’re a leader without a title, keep going” and I did! 

* How do you stay focused? 

That’s a great question and seeing as I’m multi-passionate and have 3 young kids it’s not always easy but one thing that has been instrumental has been a small shift but a powerful one - I wake up 30 minutes before my house and do 30 minutes of body movement while simultaneously listening to something that feeds my mindset. I find on the days I don’t do it - I’m less focused and far less productive. 

* How do you differentiate your business from the competition? 

Leadership is one of the most under-discussed conversations yet in my opinion one of the most important for long-term growth in business. 

I founded a movement called NURTURE 2 LEAD and it’s a unique leadership method designed to improve leadership in a massive way. 

* What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business? 

I capitalized on Facebook live video right when it was launched in 2016. It was instrumental in my growth. I lead with value-based marketing which attracted an amazing audience to me. I have now switched gears and have built a lot of success with email marketing and love that method as it’s timeless. 

* What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?  

Align your expectations accordingly! 

What I mean by that is, entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart and it takes effort, a thick skin, a strong mindset, and most importantly TIME to grow a business that is sustainable long term. I always share with my clients and students that we go to school for years with the hopes that we will get a job, we can’t think any less of starting a business from the ground up. It will take tons of work, commitment, and perseverance. I will never paint the process as easy, but it’s so worth it long term. Keep going. 

* What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is the messenger. That is where I communicate with the majority of my connections and I like the simplicity of sharing info, and media through that channel. 

To be honest, I don’t follow a specific blog! And my all-time fave book is THE GO-GIVER by Bob Burg. It changed how I looked at building a business and went from what’s in it for me, to what’s in it for THEM! The go-giver philosophy changed my life! 

* What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I love KAJABI!!!! It’s an all-in-one platform and it’s amazing for people who love simplicity.  

* Who is your business role model? Why? 

It’s hard to pick out one person, but I really appreciate Chalene Johnson. She is so real. She shares her experiences in a way that just resonates and through her authenticity, she has built her dream life. I think that’s super cool! 

* How do you balance work and life? 

I haven’t always been good at this. I tend to be obsessed with my work and that is common and typical of entrepreneurs. One thing that is a Non-negotiable is I turn off my phone, and all social media, and no business takes place on Friday nights into all day Saturday. That is my devoted time to my family, my spirituality, and my soul. It’s a time to observe my faith and rest. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. 

* What’s your favorite way to decompress? 

I love going for a massage. I have found that self-care is imperative for me, and I often will stop what I’m doing and book a 60-minute massage and it’s my way of giving back to me! I also love writing. Sharing my thoughts and expressing my experiences to help others. 

* What do you have planned for the next six months? 

LOTS!!! I’m actually working on creating a brand-new program for my audience. I can’t say much because it’s not in the works fully yet but it’s going to be all-around leadership and growth. 

* How can our readers connect with you?

A great place to start would be my website at www.renazaharov.com. There is lots of info there as well as a form to connect with me. Alternatively, email at renazaharov@gmail.com or social media direct message @renazaharov on all platforms.