Sayen Gates

I attribute my success to the mentors and public figures who have shaped my personal evolution and professional path. Even though I have not worked with them personally, I have studied and admired their work from afar. Iyanla Vanzant has been a powerful influence for me. As a Black woman in the coaching space, seeing her boldly guide people back to themselves, helping them do their inner work with accountability and compassion, affirmed what was possible. She models what it looks like to hold space while still calling people higher. Steve Harvey has also had a meaningful impact on me. He reminds me of my father, grounded in faith, honest, practical, and unapologetically himself. His ability to blend spirituality with real-life wisdom inspires me to lead with both heart and truth. Outside of those mentors, I am currently pursuing my education at Everglades University, where I am studying alternative medicine, which expands my ability to serve clients more holistically.

During my second year in my medical assistant program, I didn’t have a car yet, so I would take the bus to school. One day, while waiting for my bus and studying my anatomy terms, a woman approached me and asked about my major and what I planned to do with my education. After I shared my goals, she gave me advice that has stayed with me ever since. She said, "Knowledge is a powerful thing. Once you have it, no one can take it away from you." That moment shifted something in me. I realized that education is more than a degree; it’s empowerment. Knowledge and lived experience open doors, create opportunities, and build confidence that cannot be stripped away.

I’ve carried that lesson with me for years. It reminds me that every person is a walking library, and every day is an opportunity to both gain wisdom and share it. Learning is not just something we do; it’s something we embody on the outside.

First, build a strong support system. Entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be unpredictable. Some days will bring profit and progress; other days may bring doubt and uncertainty. You will have moments where you question your abilities and other moments where you feel ready to conquer the world. Both are part of the journey. A grounded mindset and emotional resilience are essential. Second, understand your industry thoroughly. Know the licensing requirements, certifications, regulations, and ethical standards that apply to your field. Competence builds confidence. Most importantly, when you enter the room, know that you belong there. Do not shrink yourself or conform to fit expectations that don’t align with who you are. Your authenticity is not a liability; it is your advantage. The very thing that got you here, which is being fully yourself, is the gift that will continue to sustain you.

Several challenges await those coming into the coaching profession, with the biggest being overflow without unquie identity to separate them from the masses. Many people genuinely want to serve and support their communities; However, without developing a clear voice, strong ethics, and a unique approach, practitioners can easily fall into the background noise. When that happens, clients may struggle to find the intentional support they truly deserve. Clients deserve professionals who are not only willing to commit to their growth but also committed to continuing their education and to personal growth alongside their practice. Another major challenge is the lack of clearly defined and accessible pathways to proper education, certification, and regulation. While these challenges exist, they also present an opportunity for coaches to really take a close look at their practice and help them grow.

Service is at the core of who I am - it's one of those gifts that God has given me, and it's been in me since I was young. I've always had a serving spirit, so if at any point I could serve others, that was what I wanted to do. This goes back to my spiritual practice and my Christian faith. Whether I was working as a medical assistant talking to patients and making sure they were getting the best quality care, or now as a coach walking with my clients through their shadows, serving others is what drives me. I'm also deeply committed to causes that are personal to me. I serve on the board of the Showing Up Perspectives on Cancer nonprofit because I lost my aunt to stage 4 lung cancer. I march in the March of Dimes every year because my friend had a daughter born as a preemie, and I'm all about making sure that women get the care that they need. I participate in the NAMI walk for mental health and the Heart Association walk because I saved my friend's life when he had a stroke - he has a pacemaker now and says I'm his nurse. I just thought I was doing the right thing, but these experiences have shaped my commitment to serving others in every way I can.