Muadi B. Dibinga is a consultant and life coach. Before launching her company, she served as the first associate director of Citizens for Safety (Boston, MA), the first associate director for the Southern Center for Human Rights (Atlanta, GA), and the Development Manager for City Bar Fund. She was also an Adjunct Professor at New York University's Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising and Temple University's International Nonprofit Training and Leadership Program. Her current and past consulting clients include Partners in Health, Harvard University/Phillips Brooks House Association, Clinton Health Access Initiative, and TJX Companies. Inc. Muadi's work is fueled by her deep appreciation for the strength of the human spirit and a sincere desire to help people transform their lives. To learn more about her work visit www.muadidibingaunlimited.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I'm a first-generation Congolese-American born to two political refugees who emigrated to the United States in the mid-sixties.  I was the first child on either side of my family that was born in this country.  I grew up in Roxbury,  MA, went to college in Evanston, Illinois.  Before starting my consulting business, I worked exclusively in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on social justice, community organizing, and community-building work.  I entered the workforce as an administrative assistant when I was 21  and went on to hold more senior-level positions over the next 15 years.  I also worked as an Adjunct Professor at New York University and Temple University.  I launched my consulting business in 1999, providing strategic planning, organizational assessment, meeting facilitation, and event planning services to nonprofit organizations throughout the East Coast.  I officially added personal and executive coaching to my service offerings in 2010, and it's now the main focus of my work.

What inspired you to start your business?

Truthfully,  I had no intention of becoming a coach.  In fact, I didn't find out what a 'life coach' was until I found myself on the floor of my Brooklyn, NY apartment crying my eyes out because my 10-year 'relationship' (which really wasn't an actual relationship, but a 10-year drama-filled 'entanglement that caused me an insane amount of stress and grief) had finally come to a traumatic end.  I laid on my floor for three days, wondering what happened to my life.  I was 35, never married, had no children, and hated my life.  At the beginning of the fourth day of my meltdown, I told myself I had a choice:  Change my life or TAKE my life.  I decided to change it and began my search for any and every resource I could find that could help me end my suffering.  It took time, support from a few good friends, and a LOT of work. Eventually, the changes slowly began to take hold.  It got to the point that others started to notice the changes in me and ask me for advice.  I started sharing my resources.  Eventually, I began to creating healing frameworks and leading small workshops and coaching people (mostly women) informally.  Seeing the changes in others and knowing that I was able to support them in their healing inspired me to develop my coaching practice.  It's been almost 20 years since that fateful day in Brooklyn. I'm happy to say that, although it's far from perfect, I love my life AND what I do!

Where is your business based?

Most of my corporate clients are in Boston, MA and Washington, DC.  However, I do most of my coaching work virtually.

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

I really didn't know what I was doing when I started my business.  I began by holding small workshops in Boston, where I had somewhat of a following from my consulting work.   In the beginning, I did EVERYTHING myself including designing my own flyers, marketing, and outreach.  I had already had a website for my consulting work.  Over time I changed the format and content on my website and social media to gradually introduce my business.

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

Social media is the most effective tool that I have used to raise awareness for my business and build my client based. I primarily rely on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to reach new markets and stay in touch with current and past clients.  I'm a sole proprietor and use contract support as needed.  Social media is easy to use, relatively inexpensive (I do use sponsored ads from time-to-time), and convenient.

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

My biggest challenge was shifting my mindset and really stepping into my identity as a coach.  I was a hot MESS before I turned things around (with TONS of support).  I call myself a recovering 'drama queen' because I was a slave to my negative emotions and had an anger problem.  When I started coaching I was afraid that people who knew me 'back in the day' would judge or ridicule me for daring to think I could help others given my past.  Overcoming that mindset was not easy.  So I started taking workshops and classes from leaders in the field (such as Tony Robbins, Iyanla Vanzant, Michael Bernard Beckwith) and other teachers to learn how to make the shift. 

How do you stay focused?

Staying focused is NOT easy! I admit I have a short attention span.  I used to be a terrible procrastinator. The best advice I can offer for anyone who has challenges with focus is to develop a habit of planning and short and long-term goal setting.  I plan out my week (using the calendar function on my laptop).  I use my weekly plan to set daily goals.  I don't always get everything done, but having things written out with deadlines keeps me moving forward.  It also keeps me from getting side-tracked when the unexpected happens.  

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I honestly don't compete with other coaches.  I know that  I am not a fit for everybody.  I have a unique philosophy and approach that gets results for my clients.  Rather than focusing on competition, I focus my attention on honing my skills and working from an authentic place.  I trust the process and know that my 'tribe' will find me.

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

I once read that "Connections open doors, but relationships close deals."  That is a guiding principle in my business model.  I rely very heavily on word-of-mouth and referrals from previous clients to grow my business.  Social media helps get the word out, but people who have actually benefit from working with me have provided me with testimonials and leads that have helped me experience steady growth in my business.  In fact, I just wrapped up an 8-week coaching course for a group of 25 students for a nationally known arts organization.  The contract came as a result of a professional relationship that I developed with the program's director over 15 years ago!  Cultivate and nurture relationships with people you meet on your journey as an entrepreneur. They will serve you well!

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

My best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs is to READ.  Success leaves clues.  Some of our most successful entrepreneurs have written books and articles about how they build their businesses and brands. Find out who the leaders in your industry are and ready anything and everything you can about their successes and failures.  Reading the right books can save you five years of trial and error learning!

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

My favorite app is "Hootsuite".  It allows you to post to multiple social media platforms and one time and to schedule a series of posts in advance.  It saves so much time and has been a game-changer. 

'The Budgetnista Blog' is one of my favorite blogs.  The writer presents financial information in a simple and easy-to-understand language. I highly recommend it.   

My favorite book of ALL time is 'A New Earth' by Eckhart Tolle.  This book changed my life and got me on the path to my healing.  It helped me to understand the ego, how we get 'stuck' in our thinking, and provided a clear path to emotional freedom.  It transformed my life.

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

My favorite business tool is, without a doubt, my iPhone 11.  It's like having a creative studio in the palm of my hand.  The high definition camera and voice recording functions let me record, edit, and upload my video blogs and motivational messages with ease.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Oprah Winfrey has been my business role model (and my aunt in my head) for over 30 years.  I was a student in college in Illinois when she launched the Oprah Winfrey Show.  I have been following her ever since.  In fact, I discovered most of the spiritual teaches and life coaches that I follow today on her show.  I admire the way grew her empire and brand by being her authentic self and following her instincts.

How do you balance work and life?

I have to admit that maintaining work-life balance can be challenging for me because I love what I do so much that it does not feel like work. At the same time,  good mental health is critical to having a healthy life. To promote balance in my life, I make it a rule to only work Monday – Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  I don't make or receive calls or check my emails outside of that window.  I make exceptions when I'm planning an event or preparing for a speaking engagement. Most of the time I stick to my rule. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Most days, I wake up at 5:00 am to practice yoga, run for 3 miles, meditate, and write in my journal. My daily practice helps me decompress stay grounded.  I also binge-watch old-school murder mysteries on the weekends.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I'm excited to share that I am in the process of launching my first online course!  It's the first time I will create a course that can be accessed 'on-demand'.  I'm facing a lot of my own insecurities with this project - yes, even coaches have insecurities.  I love the feeling of stretching and challenging myself!

How can our readers connect with you?

I can be reached by email at muadi@muadidibinga.com.  You can also find me on Instagram (@mdibinga), FaceBook (Live by Design with Muadi), and Twitter (@ mdibinga).