Latest / GEL & Tell / Ep 13 - Daniella Corder: From 0 to 85K Followers | Social Media, Sobriety & Building a Coaching Biz
Transcript
- Nora: Welcome back everyone to Gel and Tell episode 13. have such an exciting episode today because we are joined by the amazing, incredible G: Woo! Nora: Daniela, Daniela, welcome to the podcast. How are you feeling? Daniella: so excited to be here. Thank you so much for having me. I'm feeling good. when I saw you guys started the Jel and Tel podcast and I was like, shit, really hope that Nora, I mean, is she going to ask me to be on the podcast? really hope so. And like a few days later you did. And I'm like, yes, yes, yes, yes. ⁓ Nora: I'm that we had was quite synced, wasn't it? I was gonna mention and then you were like, dress? Yeah, I want it to actually... Daniella: I was like, finally! It's like a proposal, I'm like a hundred times yes! Nora: we're so excited that you're here. For the listeners, for those of you that don't know, Daniela is a and wellness coach based in South Africa, but she travels the world, which we'll get into as well. We've been supporting her with her business for quite a few years now, and more recently, obviously through And she's seen some very cool growth across the last couple of years, which we'll dive into. ⁓ But yeah, super, super excited to dive into the conversation. But Daniela, if I was to ask you, we're giving you 10 seconds to describe yourself. How would you go about describing what you do, who you are? Daniella: 10 seconds putting me on the spot nor I love it. Okay. So I would describe myself as resilient, supportive woman who loves to show up for others in a kind, compassionate way. I think. ⁓ did I say? I blacked out. G: Ooh, I love it! That was smooth! you practice that beforehand? ⁓ Daniella: No, no, this is why putting me on the spot works sometimes. So luckily it worked today. G: ⁓ I love it. it. Love it. long have you been a coach for, Daniela? I actually have no idea how long you've been in the industry. Daniella: Yeah, so I actually, did my personal training certification when I back in 2018. And then working in gyms ⁓ and then happened and then all of the gyms shut down. ⁓ So everything all very in person and really enjoyed kind working with my clients one on one and going to the gym and doing that. But then obviously when COVID happened, everything just completely. ⁓ flipped on its head. So an online training especially like zoom sessions with a client was just not really on the map. And then it was obviously with COVID. So then I was like, okay, cool. I've got a couple of clients who wanted to continue with this online thing. And then gradually over time, I've just transitioned fully, fully, fully online. And I found it to be so incredibly gratifying because I'm actually allowed to or able to show up for my clients better so that I can like... see how they're actually eating. Whereas with just personal training, you you see these clients for like three hours a week, maybe, but you have no idea what they're doing outside of those hours. Whereas with this online coaching, I've just been able to really support women better, which has been amazing. So yeah, I've been in the industry for now. My maths is not good, but eight years, I think. Yeah, since 2018. Nora: would love to know like walk us through like what got you into fitness like getting into the industry like is it like a personal journey that you had that made you fall in love with it like what was that journey Daniella: Yeah, well, firstly, I grew up on a farm, I was very, like, very active. was like outside climbing trees, like, you know, in the mud and that stuff. So I was always a really, really active child. And then at school, I just loved sport. I did every sport you can imagine, except water sports and more of a land mammal. So like hockey, tennis, squash, netball. Like all of things absolutely loved it. And I matriculated and then went to university and I don't know, like when I look back on it now, I'm like, I want to just like ⁓ myself. Cause I just never thought that I could take what I love ⁓ turn it into a job. So I studied absolutely nothing to do with fitness. It was all about like development, environmental studies. like EIA is water management ⁓ like G: Hmm. Daniella: I just fucking hated it. But, you know, it is one of those things that's like, this is what you have to do to, you know, get into like the works. But it was very kind of like old school mentality. And I just didn't connect the dots at the time. And I was always kind of training, you know, after, well, I've definitely got a bit of the first year spread when I went to university, but continued to train and just really, really always loved it. And I started my very first Instagram page. G: Yeah. Daniella: and just posting like high intensity workouts, because everything was very like high intensity, high intensity cardio and all of this. And I would post on there for fun. eventually in 2017, I was like, you know, I'm actually just going to, I cannot stop thinking about being like a proper personal trainer. I'm just going to do the course so I can like have this qualification and just. see what happens that. Absolutely it. Graduated with distinction, like top of my class for personal training. And I was like, Hey, okay, maybe maybe I can explore this world. And then the time, my partner at time, we started a company called the bamboo project selling like like bamboo straws and coconut cutlery, you know, just to kind of avoid like single use plastics. So would work with really big, like local companies and things like that and brand them and all sorts of things, but that was never my passion. So eventually I was just like, do you want to, do you want to carry on with this? And then I'll just, I'll just do this with the training and yeah. And then the rest is history. You know, I think I always had a passion for it, but I felt like for my own self confidence. G: Yeah. Daniella: And the way that I show up, want to be fully qualified. So yeah, that's a very long-winded answer to how I got into the industry. G: ⁓ I love it though. No, I think it's so inspiring. And I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of like, you must go to university, you must study like a proper degree and like follow this path. Who set this path and expectation that we had to like have a job that is what's more like palatable for other people. It's such a strange thing. But I mean, I, I felt that and now I'm in I can't even fathom the amount of student debt I'm in Daniella: Exactly. Yeah, yes. ⁓ G: But why did we all do that to ourselves? ⁓ Daniella: I think it's just like this societal pressure of like, this is what you do in this order and like, know, success is, has to look a certain way and like when your own happiness isn't taken into account, then like, is it for? ⁓ if you're not doing what you love, then I feel like almost like wasted. It's all just wasted, you know? I think it's so important. and you show up differently, just feel a lot happier, which is actually all what we want at the end of the day, right? Nora: Yeah, 100%. it takes up so much time in your day as well. Imagine how many hours in the day we work. If you don't do something that you genuinely love and are passionate about, looking back, we're 70, we'll be like, what was I doing? ⁓ I fulfillment in your work is so important. Daniella: Exactly. Thanks. Yeah, absolutely. And it's like, want to be able to like look back on my life and be like, wow, I really helped people. Not just like, you know, made money for someone else and like an office job that I had going to every day. Like having this really fulfilling work is just, it's a really beautiful experience. Yeah. Feeling very grateful. Nora: Hmm. G: I think a lot of people scared though, the idea of something different, because obviously we need to pay our bills and mortgages. And, you if you've got children to care after or people that you care for, you do need to be financially stable to do that. So ⁓ it is really difficult to make that shift and take risks, especially like in life and business. ⁓ Daniella: Yeah. G: I didn't know before fitness, by the way, and we won't talk about it for too long. But obviously, you've got an entrepreneurial spirit. Was there anything that you learned from your bamboo business that you took into your fitness business that maybe we wouldn't expect? Daniella: Yes. Wow, that's actually that's such a good question. think, like the similarities there is like, if you don't get it done, nothing's gonna fucking get done. there's no breathing down your neck saying this is due this on this day or whatever, like you are solely responsible for moving the needle and getting things I thought I was a massive procrastinator, but it turns out I was procrastinating in that business because I didn't, it wasn't my passion. But when it comes to this, I was like, okay, so it's, it's like easier work. So I think the main thing is like accountability and setting ⁓ goals and realistic kind of like deadlines for yourself that stuff that needs to get done. Otherwise nothing's going to get done, you but a thing for me and I'll never forget it. Like I, ⁓ I walked in my mom and my sister. This was like after I graduated, hadn't the business yet, but I walked in on them skinnering about me in the kitchen and they were like, no, no, no, she has to go work in an office. She needs to get that corporate experience and all this stuff. And I was like, fuck that. That is me. And I was I just, that's just not something that. like entices me in any way and I just thought you know what that's actually like the fuel that I needed to show you that I can do this you know by myself and yes it's scary and yes we need to take risks and take chances but I think with enough kind of self-belief and moving from more of like a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is going to really just make all the difference, you know? So yeah, I'm very grateful for walking on them skinnering about me. don't even think they'll remember it, to be honest, but I do. It was very like stuck there. ⁓ Nora: I love that. I also love the, you mentioned about the like skills of like working hard because it was your own business. Even the bamboo business, like you had no one to tell you what to do. And there's this quote that I, I love, I hope I'm going to get it right, but it's, stop complaining for the results you didn't get from the work you didn't do. There's so many people that keep Ooh, I wish I had that or they're lucky to do it. like, Daniella: Yes. Yes. ⁓ Nora: what they don't see the work that goes behind the scenes. And when you have your own business, you have no choice but to put in the work. And if you don't, you don't get the results and the business doesn't grow. And it's just so true. Like you have no one to push you. You are your own boss. So that's, yeah. Daniella: Yeah. It's been a hell of a year since working with you guys and like really holding me accountable with all of the things. honestly, Nora, I love that quote because it's like, especially you go onto social media, it's everyone's highlight reels. Like ⁓ this what I'm doing and this is what happened and this is what I've achieved. And it's like, but you're not seeing like. G: Yeah. Daniella: the hours, the tears, the blood and sweat and all of these things. yeah. And I have to say like working with, with Jill has been, I am going to punch you guys on this, in this podcast by the way, because it's been a changer. I felt like, you know, every coach needs a coach as well, whatever capacity that's in, whether it's fitness, business or like mindset. And I think like with, with Nora: You Daniella: Joining Jill, I'm like, you know, Nora messaged me on Mendesh, she's like, what's your number one priority for this week? I'm like, I'm going to try and do one chapter a day of my studies. And then I messaged her, was like, Nora, I just did two and a half chapters in one day. So having someone there for you is just really, really phenomenal. But yeah. Nora: just love working with you so much. I always usually catch up G after our calls and the energy that I get from them, which is why I thought perfect podcast guest, bring this ⁓ on the pod. ⁓ have such a positive to everything that you do, whether that's work, your life, travels, all of that. Yeah, you're such a positive f***. Daniella: Yeah. ⁓ no, thank you. Thank you. Nora: person to be around with and an influence. So I can see why like these women are being supported by you and they feel like they're part of this community that you've built as well. And it's what makes you a great coach is exactly how position yourself at the start of the podcast, kind, supportive, wanting to make a difference. So yeah, tell us a bit about, obviously social media has been ⁓ Daniella: Thank you. Nora: such a big thing for your recent business, the online coaching business that you've built you've built an audience specifically in the last year, I would say your audience ⁓ grown massively, which then ultimately brought more women in your community. were able to like help more of them through your coaching program. Walk us through that. How are you finding being on social media all the time? Like obviously, you now work with brands, which we'll get into, but let's approach the social first. How did you find it? having a business that relies on social media, having to show up all the time, like what's that like for you? Daniella: Honestly, it's been such an amazing journey because in the beginning, okay, well this is maybe back in like 2021, I was not posting anything about my life. I was just posting fitness content, nothing really like chatty, but everything always like train, train, train, train, train. And that was in the time when I was very much into my super hardcore hit. Nothing else mattered. so I think a lot of women maybe like they couldn't resonate with me or what I was about or like, ⁓ shit, like this chick's a little bit hardcore. Like I don't want to, you know, so I would ⁓ lucky to get maybe like three likes on a post. until I started kind of showing up more organically and, know, sharing my story. And I found it to be amazing with the growth that I did experience in my following. was like, wow, like there's so many people who who like what I have to say and can resonate with it. And these are so many more women that I can hopefully show up for and support. that has obviously come the haters and things like that. I feel like that's when get ⁓ some on there, you you've made it. mean, my partner, he's been on social media space for like over 15 years. He's like, well done. It's like a kind of like a feather in your cap. And I was like, but it sucks. I don't like memes. But ⁓ anyway, then. G: haha Daniella: It's been great because all of the clients that I get to work with are all from social media and all from Instagram. all from social So it's gone from almost like this platform that I use to share my experiences to also growing business. now I've been in like a little bit of a... ⁓ Truthfully, no, like I don't want to try and say it's all been sunshine and rainbows. But of the things that has come with, ⁓ know, a lot of more exposure is brands wanting to work with you. And I found that, yes, it's an extra revenue, like stream of income and everything. But I that like a lot of my content is because everything is busy. It's like you're posting a lot of stuff for other brands. And I've had to put really hard kind of boundaries in place because I'm like, guys, speaking about other brands and like their stuff, which isn't, you true to like why I started this Of course, I only post stuff that I in, but it's like my own business. Like I don't really punt my own business very much. And so I'm so grateful for the women who do still want to sign up with me and things like that. And I think it's a huge testaments kind of trying to show up as organically and as open as possible. So yeah, so more boundaries more kind of just spreading the love and the knowledge. ⁓ G: It's amazing because I think when I checked this morning and you're on 85,000 followers now, which is phenomenal because I remember when you maybe had like a couple of thousand a couple years ago and so it is if you think about you know room or a stadium or whatever Arsenal won the league and there would be 85,000 Daniella: Yeah. Yeah. Nora: You have to. G: thousand people, probably primarily women right, in a space who knew who you were. Like that is almost just not comprehensible is it? I can't get my head around how many, I just think it's absolutely incredible when you put it in a, I mean have you ever done one of those like AI generators to see what 85,000 people would look like? Have you ever done it? Like okay right I'll make you one and send it later and Daniella: Yeah. It's. Yeah. When we- No, no! Thank you! G: because it would just be like, it's a huge crowd. it's like, you know, like a Glastonbury sized festival stadium fell out. Like it is, it's so cool. And I think that that just such a reminder of your impact. It's like, it's not all about like ⁓ or anything like that. It's like that all of those women or people are and supported because of the message that you share in front of them. And I think that's really cool. ⁓ Nora: Thank you. Daniella: Thank you. Thanks, G. And it's like, it's such an interesting... you never really, you mean you just see a number, but when you actually put it into like a visual, like visually, you're like, shit, that's a fuck ton of people. And then, know, then you like, get into this head space where I was like, okay, cool. I was like sitting at about 5,000 and now all of a sudden I've jumped to 85. And then you see the number, you just used to see the number going up and up. And then all of a sudden people started dropping off and I was like, they hate me. G: So. Daniella: Oh no. I'm like, it's really like, this is not what it's about. Like the huge following and things like that. And the people who want to stick around and who resonate with what I have to share will stick around and it's not a shit ton of people. Nora: I love it. One thing that I was gonna add to that is watching you grow across the years, one thing that you have kept is your authenticity, like your stories are so you like, you, if someone would watch on the stories and then meet you in real life to go for a coffee, they would see the same person where I think we do see a lot of people out there with big followings that is not that's not necessarily the case. the other thing was you grow your following by not copying anyone. You and search have put so much time and effort into your content, the quality is there, the science backed information is there. You're so like matter of fact, like you say how it is. And I think the right people then come through because like you said, they want to be there. Daniella: Thank you. I really appreciate that. it's, And I think like it requires so much effort to not show up as you are. Like how many different masks do we need? You know, just easier to just be yourself. And ⁓ I really the, the, the comment on content because Serge, love the man, goodness gracious me he is a serious perfection it comes to like filming editing and like I really value his time and like he is like the brains behind looking so so polished. So yeah, I appreciate that. ⁓ G: How do you guys like, because know we spoke about this maybe like a year ago or so on like a webinar that we did. ⁓ you were sharing with the community kind of like your content creation process. And obviously with the way that the platforms change so much on social media, what's your current content creation process? You guys using AI at all? Like so many people are talking about Claude, like we'd love to know how you guys creating such amazing content right now in this climate. Daniella: Hmm. Yeah, sure. So basically we don't, I mean, I'll, it depends what the topic is, but I used to kind of just rock up and not really have a script. But now I do have a script because it's obviously like, it's just quicker. I like to use chat GPT as like an outline, you know, but then I will get like the idea, but then I will write it myself because it's like, There's you can eat detail when someone is just reading something that's off chat GPT, like a surgeon, I'll sit there and be like, really? You just read it straight off chat GPT. So find like, you know, the no amount of like AI can really get through who you are as a person and the way that you speak and come across. And so ⁓ if stumped for ideas and things like that, I'll be like, cool, let me know what. What's coming up for you. name is Kathy, Chatty Kathy. So ask Kathy. be like, okay, this is my topic. Like hit me up and then I'll just, you know, take some ideas, but then go into my notes and then rewrite my own thing. That's like the extent of the AI that I use. Cause yeah, I think it's, making it increasingly easy to just kind of bust out content if you just solely using AI and Chatty. just create it all for you, which is a fantastic tool, but I think you should never fall into the trap of just becoming complacent and allowing that to just you, which it's not. G: It doesn't have like personality, points of view, opinions, like it. mean, chat GPT is the biggest yes manual ever made. If you said, we were speaking to one of our clients today and she's fantastic dating and relationships coach. And she said, do not go to chat GPT for dating and relationships advice. Because if you told it, if you told it, you'd run your husband over with a car, would go, oh, and I really understand why you did that. you know. Daniella: Thank you. Thank It's so true, it's so true. like, ⁓ man, I can totally understand why you ran your husband over with a car. G: maybe like this is how we should hide the body and it's like, you know It's some reason it just always agrees and if you say you know Kathy like this maybe isn't quite aligned and I think this isn't correct. You're so right Daniela ⁓ Good catch, you Daniella: Yeah! Yes, yeah. Yes! was... ⁓ Nora: And then you're sitting there and you're like, well, why did you not tell me when I first asked you? Daniella: Yeah. Exactly. G: It does say DPD can make mistakes, always double check your information. ⁓ it is the biggest yes, mum. Daniella: Yeah. So crazy. actually, needed to create of like layovers for a piece of content and it was about the menstrual cycle. So I was like, okay, I want you to give me the menstrual cycle with the hormonal fluctuations. And then I want another two, just highlighting the follicular and then another one just highlighting the luteal. Like that's all. just could not get it right. Like the number of days in the month, it would go like one, two, three, seven, eight, nine, 15, 20, nine, 10, 11, 12. I was like, no, LuTi was wrong. And I was like, eventually after like three times, I was like, how are you not getting this? You are supposed to be smart. And she goes, sorry, babes, you're so right. You know what? I need to do better. I just like, I Yeah. Yeah. G: it's of where it's such a great tool and we've got access to so information and it can really make you efficient, but it cannot replace authentic quality content that people actually connect to because ⁓ you can't connect to a robot. So I think it's really, amazing to hear that you do actually write. Daniella: Yeah G: all of your content and you're not, you know, these people that say, ⁓ I agree my audience by a hundred K using Claude or chat GPT probably didn't, but it is good. Daniella: Yeah, is. Yeah, it is very click-baity for ⁓ have a list of like content ideas and I think we often that content needs to be like super long and like really like in depth. And like, no, it can be like 30 seconds. Nora: you're so good at your stories Like they're absolutely, they're funny, they're so you like positive. I just love like going through them. Even yesterday when I know what stood out to me, someone asked you what's the cost of your online coaching? We're like, first of all, not a cost. I was like, yeah, Daniela. Daniella: Bye. ⁓ I have so many people going, cost, what's the cost? What's the cost? And I'm just like, it's not a cost, it's an investment. the thing is when you tell people, no matter what the price is, whether it's high, low, in between, people are often very like, I don't know if I can afford that. But then I like the case of cool, how many times a week do you go out for dinner? How often do you online shop? for like instant gratification and things like that. Like how much money do you spend a month on those things? Which yes can add value in different ways, but it's not actually helping you to change your habits and things that are keeping you stuck. So it's like when you can put it into perspective for them and of like, what you'll pay for coaching is maybe like. Nora: again. Daniella: two or three dinners out a month. Like, know, and you're getting far more value out of it as well. So I think, yeah, when people use the word cost, just, it just irks me. It really irks me. ⁓ Nora: you It's so true though, think it's because they don't really see the value before they have that conversation to see if it would be for them. And then also they don't put together like, what am I actually currently spending and what could I gain from spending that on coaching instead? ⁓ But yeah, that's been out to me so much. I was like, go Daniela. Daniella: Yeah, ⁓ yeah. It's not the first time I've corrected people. like the person who asked the question, were like, sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. And I was like, no, no, I'm just, just showing you that vocabulary is very important when we talk about these things. And I think maybe what causes people to be a little bit hesitant is they maybe it as another expense. because they're not getting immediate results now as they would with something else that they would buy. You know what I mean? It's not this physical product. It's something that requires you to get uncomfortable and to show up and your lifestyle and your habits. And so it's like, I'm like now at this extra expense for something that I'm not getting immediately. like where's, it's about just like flipping the narrative and trying to shift your mindset towards like long-term. It's like, ⁓ cool, maybe want like. G: Hmm. Yeah. Daniella: a big old juicy dump truck right now. But it's like, what about like when you're older, when you're like in your eighties you, God forbid you don't fall down, but if you do, you yourself back up instead of breaking a hip, you know, and seeing like the long-term value in that. think, yeah, being intrinsically motivated, far outwears extrinsically motivated, you G: I wrote something the other day, And it was talking about muscle in general and how you can't rush the process and anyone that has muscle has worked hard for it and earned it. And I thought it was the way that they articulated it was essentially like, There's no instant gratification when it comes to building muscle. You can maybe quickly lose a bit of body fat, but you can't quickly build genuine muscle. And it shows resilience, determination, commitment, strong mindset. And like, I just thought it was the most like beautiful thing. So I was like, yeah, anyone that does build muscle is really committed to themselves and shows that they are, that they will stick to the boring thing over and over again. And I was just like, I do respect, respect anyone that has because it does take time, effort and work. And you can't you cannot put a price on that. Like you say, the longevity, the confidence, the strength, being the person that can pick up all the bags on the airplane and not even have to ask for help. Like, I just think it's the best thing ever. And it's just sad that so many people don't get to experience it because they wouldn't Daniella: Yeah. Yes! G: invest the time or the money into learning how to build muscle. ⁓ Daniella: and especially think like in a society where you can literally buy skinny, know, like to be able to show that you have put in the time and the effort and have done. ⁓ boring shit over and over and over and over again which is repeating your movements. Nora you'll also get this now with your bodybuilding routine you're doing too and it's like you you have to show up and you have to do the mundane boring stuff and in a world where we want like quick dopamine fixes and things that are different and like you know go to I mean I used to teach group classes back in the day like before COVID happened and I know for a fact like with group classes, they're amazing for getting you out off the couch. It's got that social element and things like that. But in terms of like getting results, you need that repetition in exercises. Like for me, I was like, OK, how can we make this super fun? Last week we did this, but now let's maybe change it up and do this. And it's like, that's not the recipe for yeah, sticking with the boring stuff in a world where you can just buy skinny is incredibly admirable. G: you Nora: 100 % I love that I was I had 50 minutes of Stairmaster cardio the other day right and I posted a story about it and the comments I got I know know it's disgusting right it's not great I mean I did have Daniella: Your story. I was like, god speed. ⁓ Nora: enjoy it but I did so many replies to that story being like like how can you do this like you know it's unbearable like I would never be and I was like no you can do this if you decide that you're real because like the thing is with anything that you do in life whether obviously the Stairmaster is not very enjoyable guys I'm not like you know Daniella: Yeah. You G: But also Nora, you could choose any cardio, but you choose the Stairmaster, so don't pretend you have to do the Stairmaster. You could go on a run for God's sake, you could be out in the beautiful Cypriot air running, but you chose to be on the Stairmaster. Daniella: Yup. Nora: We got anything right? Daniella: don't know how to show the forehead. Yes. Nora: I'm just on my stage after listening to Beyonce just vibing, you know? It's great. It is great. And I'm visualizing on stage, right? That's so, yeah. I'm like, the pain is worth it. Yeah. But I was, I got so many replies and then what I was singing to myself is like, you you can either. Daniella: Yes! ⁓ girl! Yeah, I love it! ⁓ and she's gonna activate my process. Nora: choose to show up and do the thing no matter how boring it is or you can choose to make excuses that the choice is yours really like no matter what you have going on in life you know obviously everyone has got things going on and i'm not saying you know that some people don't have it worse than others and like there's you know there's times in life that we go through things that might you know come in the way of us showing up for ourselves but doing even a bit of movement, matter what that is, it doesn't have to be weights. It doesn't have to be the stair master. It doesn't have to be running. It just has to be something to keep moving. I it should be a non-negotiable for anyone. It should be as non-negotiable as it is brushing your teeth, you know, it's just, it's so beneficial when it to longevity, health overall, like Daniella: Yeah. Nora: anyone can benefit from just moving more. it's like, you you can, you can respond to that story all you want and say, ⁓ I could never do this. But the reality is you can, you just choose not to. get up and go for a walk with you on two and not make excuses for it. Daniella: ⁓ my goodness, I have got so many things that I wanted to touch on here. Like first, yeah, okay, So firstly, I 100 % agree with you. Like there's, and I know this sounds so cheesy, but it's like, choose your heart. It's hard to stay as you are, it's hard to make a change. So like, where do you choose to stay stuck? You know? And like the body wasn't meant to... G: Do it. Go for it. Nora: Yeah. Daniella: be sedentary, like we're meant to get up and move and things like that. I have, you know, a couple of, when I started working with clients and I read the onboarding form and it's like, ⁓ I go to gym ⁓ times a week, but my daily steps are like 3000. And I'm like, just because you, went to the gym for an hour doesn't You know, You don't just get to like not move for the rest of the day, you know, and I think it's so important to like shift from this all or nothing mindset to like an all or something like something is better than nothing. We often think because it's not big and like this grandiose thing, it's not going to help in any way. And that couldn't be further from the truth. And that's why I always say to my clients like consistently average, consistently average because You know, if we are ⁓ ⁓ to, let's say, Thursday, we've restricted ourselves and we've just created this whole thing of where we're only eating like fucking lettuce leaves and cardboard. And by the time the weekend comes, your brain is already mentally checking out because it's the of the week. I'm tired. I've restricted myself. So now, now I'm going to just fuck it. I'm going to just have whatever I want to eat and You know, it's, it's, see this all the time with my clients is wanting to be perfect all the time. And it's better to just show up consistently average than like inconsistently perfectly. You know what I mean? And so it's like, you you have like the one donut or the one little packet of chips and then, well, I may as well just throw it all down the drain. It's like, no, like that's a cop out excuse. No offense. Because you have the choice and the free will to say, okay, cool for my next meal. And I'm not to hop on about the donut or the packet of chips for my next meal. I'm going to make sure it is ⁓ loaded with colorful and protein. And you just carry on. You carry on with life. it's a Monday or Friday. Like there shouldn't ⁓ be good days and bad days, like good meals and bad meals. So I very strongly about that. ⁓ G: I love it. I love this so much because I think this applies in business as well. ⁓ to let a bad day of business, a client leaves, sales call goes wrong, launch post didn't get any leads for you to go, ⁓ fuck it. Nothing works. I need to throw my entire strategy in the bin. ⁓ I need to change my inch. need to drop my prices. I'm going to stop posting. ⁓ Daniella: Yeah. Mm. Yeah. G: But you would never say that to your clients about their fitness journey. But for some reason, a lot of coaches, when it's their business, go, I'm going to press the fuck it button now. And I'm going to suddenly going to, I know I'm going to be a high rocks coach. ⁓ I'm I'm I am. I'm a high rocks, ⁓ and I it. So it's no at high rocks, but it's just the principle of like, you can't just throw your whole business in the bin because of a bad week. ⁓ And ⁓ I it's. Nora: you Daniella: Yeah! Nora: Yeah. Daniella: ex- exactly G: know, if you can apply that in fitness and in your mindset into life, like you can also apply that into business. And what I love so much, Daniela, is when you said consistently average, you do not have to be exceptional at marketing, at sales, at anything other than just keeping going and getting through the hard days. Daniella: Yeah, just have to show up and it's like we're so quick to kind of give up on ourselves. if something goes wrong, whether it is in fitness or nutrition or business, we're so incredibly hard on ourselves. And something that's come up as a beautiful reminder in my menopause course is to shift that narrative of if your best friend or your sister or someone came up to you and said this about themselves, how would you respond? You would never say the shit to your friend, your sister, that you said to yourself. Never, ever, ever, ever. they're like, of course that's always a practice too. I think just continually showing up, even if it is just like half a percent, you is better than nothing. So consistently average, always, always, ⁓ Nora: Yeah. I love that. Because we always say, well, I preach that business is simple, but it's not easy. And difficult part in business is not how much you have to juggle, it's the fact that you need to be consistent with how much you need to juggle. Because ⁓ how times have we seen this, you would be able to relate to this with like, Daniella: Yes. Nora: coaches lose clients and then they decide to go back and do some marketing and show up again on their content and get consistent. And I'm like, that's not what should be happening. The same with like Christmas or summer holidays, because in their mind, people won't buy, suddenly they put their foot up the gas and they stop posting. And I'm like, that's when you should be posting more. That's when you should be more consistent. It's not that hard. It's not really, you know, it's not. complicated is just doing the right things more and like doing consistently. Daniella: Yeah. G: do not think it's like the same thing as like people going, oh my God, I'm going to Ibiza in three weeks, I better start eating well. And then they're like, now I'm gonna start going to the gym and eating healthily because I've got my holiday in a couple of weeks. It's like, oh, got it. Whereas if you eat well all year and you're consistently average, could book a to Ibiza tomorrow and not be stressed equally in business. If you just stick with the plan, you never have to worry about. Nora: Yeah. Daniella: Yeah. Yeah. Nora: please. G: these big waves and the seasonal drops because of course no one's signing up over Christmas like it's Christmas. ⁓ Daniella: Yeah, But love that it's, it's, it's, well, what did you say, Nora? It's easy, but it's, but it's What is it? Simple. Yes. ⁓ Nora: It's simple, easy. It's simple, but it's not because you know, like the hats that we have to wear, they're quite a lot, but they're simple, right? You need to do your marketing shop consistently, you need to be good at sales. So like, you know, and sales is just a good conversation when you boil it down, like it's not, you know, there needs. I think so many people put pressure on sales to the point they either get the wrong people in or they get Daniella: Yeah. Yeah. Nora: they don't get them in because they stress too much about it. So it's one or the other. But then if you think about it as a nice conversation, then it just becomes so simple. And then you've got your deliveries, the three pillars of business really, isn't it? So, you know, and then the admin and the boring ops stuff. it does come to like three to four pillars that if you just show up for all four consistently, it doesn't have to be too much. you can have a great business that you can rely on and that you have fun with and, know, and with any business comes stress, like some, think you do consistently show up, it's good stress that you will always have things to worry about, but you deal them bit differently because you know, you're showing up the best way that you can. Daniella: Absolutely, and then even if like you loving what you're doing even the boring stuff like the admin can also be fun I mean Nora you'll understand that before we started working together. I was doing everything manually everything manually I Was probably a bit of a control freak cuz I like I want to know exactly what's going on and all of these things Nothing was automated until I started working Nora and Jill and I was just like, wow, got so much time on my hands now. Nora was why are you doing this to yourself? Like there's nothing is automated. Just like ⁓ sucker for So yeah. So thank you. ⁓ Nora: Wow, it was a lot of work. When you're so used to doing everything manually, it's such a... giving that up is so difficult. I think we've had a few conversations back then. I was like, Daniela, you need to let go. Just... G: ⁓ no. Daniella: I was very resistant at first. was like, I don't know, I'm quite happy though, the way that things are going. But like, I was like, oh shit, need to like check that invoice as completed and all that, anyway, whatever. Thank you for making my life amazing. Yeah. Nora: you G: You Nora: course, have long life. ⁓ such a, think, yeah, like even ⁓ stuff and boring stuff can be, you know, a bit enjoyable. We our tracking nowadays, don't we, G? Like we've got our go away. ⁓ G: Well, I, you know what, I was always a bit like, ⁓ I've got to complete my KPIs when I had a job. But when it's your own business and you're tracking like metrics, there's something so much more rewarding about moving needles and looking at the numbers because you're like, I'm building this. These numbers like correlate to like my life and my path and my goals. And like, it's just so much more meaningful that like, it baffles me that there are business owners that don't know their numbers. Because I'm like, Daniella: We'll Yeah. Yes. Yes. G: How can you sleep at night? ⁓ would just be like, what's my KPI? ⁓ Daniella: Yeah. I mean absolutely because then you can see like the fruits of your labor as well otherwise you just kind of I don't know white necklace pissing in the wind exactly love it absolutely ⁓ G: Pissing in the wind. Nora: If I was to ask you, Damiella, over the last few years of having your own business, coaching these incredible women, reflecting on the last few years, what has been the biggest lesson for you so far in business? Daniella: to in terms of like my the and the coaching aspect is to always just coach the woman in front of you never assume. they want a certain goal or a certain outcome. really, it's such a personal experience and like relationship that you build with these women. it's like, so showing up with entities so that they can feel that they can do the same and coach the women in front of you. in terms of business, like the biggest thing that I've learned is it is just about being consistent and showing up yourself ⁓ and having your ducks in a row, even though those ducks can be very boring and sometimes they aren't even ducks at all. Sometimes they're pigeons and it's like, it's gonna be ugly and it's gonna be But I think like, it's also gonna sound a little bit cheesy guys, I'm sorry, but like being able to kind of have that self belief and to like still show up on the really difficult days and ask for help. G: I'm not. Daniella: Ask for help and support like I'm not a tech savvy person at all, but Jill has changed the game for me. Nora: you ⁓ mentioned about like showing up the hardest days as well. Across the years, like, was there a period where you find, like you found particularly hard? Like, is there anything that stands out to you that you were like, ⁓ I wish I had done this different looking back? Daniella: Yeah, think like a particularly hard time for me just like in my own kind of mental emotional space was when I was drinking really but I was showing up online as this person who trains all the time and like eats really well, but like behind the scenes I was like... not to be dramatic, like slowly but surely kind of killing myself and showing up as this person who actually didn't have it all together at all. And I was showing this kind of like fake persona online. so then I really grappled with feeling like a fraud and like, how can I tell women to lead this really healthy lifestyle and live a certain way when like, you know, as soon as the camera is off, I'm ⁓ drinking to the point that I black out, know, multiple times a week. And it was just like, that for me was a really hard thing. And I was like, am I even good at this? am I, can I show up in this way that's like not actually at all who I am? So kind of out of that dark spell, it's like the best thing I ever did ever for myself, my business, my clients, my mental health was quit drinking. ⁓ G: Yeah. Daniella: think that's really where I saw my business really fly because I was able to kind of cut the ball chain off, you know, like this big dark secret. And I'm very open about it on socials things like that. And I'm grateful so many people have been so receptive to it as well, because it's gotten a lot of people to kind of question their own relationship with alcohol and if they want to kind of cut back and stuff like that. So that even though was such a dark time for me, it's also turned out to be the biggest blessing that really kind of just got things to kind of really take off after that so it was hectic. G: you for sharing that. That's so inspirational. ⁓ I'm sure a lot of people listening can relate to that. Because is, you you don't realize in something until you kind of too far gone off often. And with like, through something so sort of, you use the word hectic, I know in South Africa, everyone uses the word ⁓ hectic. Pretty hectic. through something like that whilst Daniella: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, it's very South African. Yeah. ⁓ G: running a business and having the responsibility of like holding space for other women. did you navigate like that? Because that's such a hard thing to do to give up drinking. Did you, you go to a support group or like, can you share like for anyone listening who might be considering that, like what the steps were to go down that path? Because it must be really, really hard. Daniella: No, absolutely. think I first just want to start off by saying like in terms of showing up as a coach when I was actively drinking very heavily, it was so weird the dialogue I would say to myself, I would be hungover, I would feel like shit, but I knew that I had a program to put together. And I'd like spun this weird little web in my mind that I was like, oh, when I drink, I get really creative. So I'm just going to sit here with like a bottle of whiskey and I'm going to... and my program. these workouts for women and like, yes, they were great, they were cool, but I was like, I just had this block that I couldn't do anything unless I had some like alcohol in my system. And like, I really am probably not doing myself any favors, but this is like back in 2021, I would sometimes hop onto like calls after having had a drink or two, because I felt like I really just needed to show up more personally. And I was like, fuck man, this is like, cannot, I cannot carry on this way. It's just like, relying, like there was my crutch, was like my everything, you know. So for me, like I'd, it was interesting because when I was in university, know, in university, everyone's like, going on, you're drinking, you're partying. And then like, as the years went on, my friend group, they kind of outgrew that, but I never really did. And then like the partying, art and being sociable, then turned into like drinking alone in the evenings, then turned into drinking in secret. And then that's when you know that that's like. And I heard this one, this one quote was like, if you think you have a problem with alcohol, chances are you do. And I was often always like, was like, shit, do I, do I have a problem with it? Or, and anyway, so then I, I had like grappled with the idea and I said to myself, I was like, okay, cool. This is going to be my last fucking bender. I'm gonna shoot the lights out and then tomorrow I'm going to stop. And, um, I did. went to a couple of in-person AA meetings and there's lots of different kind of things that you can do for support. I originally started just kind of going it alone and that didn't really help. I did tell my friends and family and I think everyone was kind of in denial. They were like, but you're like the party girl. You're the one in, last one out. My biggest kind flex was that I could out drink the biggest dude in the bar. Anyway, and then me personally, the AA, a fantastic community and system, but it just wasn't what worked for I found like really sharing my story, telling friends and family like, hey, this is like, I'm deadly serious about this. I would love to have like a little bit more compassion around the topic and things like that. Stopped for 10 months, thought I had it under control, drank again, did not have it under control. And now, yeah, now I'm a year and a half sober. So I'm really, really grateful. And having the support from my partner and friends and family is like, that's what's really kind of helped me stay on the course. So, yeah. G: Congratulations, that's really inspiring. yeah, think that's, yeah, thank you sharing that. It's really, yeah, it's really powerful. And I'm sure a lot of women that come to you, you know, are very inspired by like your openness and vulnerability that you, how you speak about it and yeah, and how you can support them as well. Nora: Yeah, it's too bad. No, it's not. Daniella: Thank you. Of course. Thank you. And thanks. I mean, I hope like at least just one person listening to this if it makes them, you know, like you can reach out to me. We chat. So if I'm just one person who maybe feels like they need a bit of support then, then yeah. But like said, going back to business, it's definitely been the best thing that I could have done because I'm actually excited, like naturally excited. And I've that, ⁓ shit, I don't actually need a drink in me to show up. Nora: No. Yeah. Daniella: as like as myself. I always thought that like that version of me wasn't yeah I don't know I just felt like I couldn't show up organically or authentically unless I'd like drank and I was like ⁓ that couldn't be further from the truth so grateful. Nora: think on that as well with being so vulnerable, I can imagine that's not easy on socials. Anyone who maybe isn't going through something similar, but is going through something else, seeing that vulnerability get them to relate to you, to then at some point want to be coached by you. And I think that's so like... Daniella: Bye. Nora: We see this all the time with the coaches that are more authentic and they do share their struggles and they do share, you know, because I think a lot of people see coaches and they're like, oh, they've got it all figured out, you know, because they're a coach, they know, you know, they're fine with food, they're related with food, always perfect. And they've always, you know, exercise and they've always been, you know, muscular, you know, look that way and X, Y, and Z. And I think there's all these assumptions about being a coach that are not necessarily true. You know, we all have a journey. Daniella: you Nora: And to become a coach, you to have a bigger purpose and you need to like, you know, almost have gone through something to be at the point where you you are in a position to help other people because you get them more like I think I've always said coaching is not about perfect training plan or the perfect nutrition plan. It's about being able to get someone ready to be by getting them to commit to that and understand the why behind it because that's what gets people conspiring. whether that's in fitness or business is understanding the why to get them there and the why being big enough to get there as well. Daniella: Absolutely, absolutely. And let me tell you, as coaches, we're not perfect. ways. ⁓ I think it's like the big thing is being able to have that like self-awareness and like your thinking patterns. If it's like, ⁓ I just had some chocolate, whatever, it doesn't matter because... Nora: Good. Yeah. Daniella: Yeah. And I think it's like, you sometimes need to like coach yourself through, through the process as well. And to, you know, just also like make it known that you're also just human and you don't get it right all the time. You know, I think that's, that's really important. Um, but I love what you said about having a why. Um, and something that I want to start kind of incorporating into my own coaching is to everyone who signs on needs to think about their mission statement. and really like write it down, have their core values that they can always come back to you and share it with me so that then, you know, because if you don't have a why, you're a game. Like G said, you're pissing in the wind. That's almost like your North Star, you know, keep you on track and like really get you to do like the, that like introspective work as well. Like, why am I doing this? Am I doing it for, you know, for other people to... G: Yes. Daniella: tell me how good I look or is it because this is something deeper than that, know? So yeah, I love it. Love it. G: No pissing in the wind around here, guys. We need a very clear target. We're accurate with that. ⁓ Daniella: We need to be actors without pissing. G: I'm Nora: It's such a beautiful conversation. You know, G: Yeah, all the pissing in. Nora: Should we bit of like fun like carol bowl questions, D? ⁓ G: Yeah, just before we wrap up, because I'm conscious that we've taken so much of your time, okay, right. Quick fire. Daniela, is your biggest fitness industry ick? Daniella: ⁓ OK. my god, this is supposed to be quick. Training ⁓ Yeah. Nora: Okay, love it. What's the most, obviously you mentioned haters earlier, what's the most unhinged DM or comment that you've ever gotten from someone that you were like, like why would someone like even? Daniella: I wasn't a DM but there was someone who was just like incessantly commenting on the same post like 50 times. You're like, you don't know what you're talking about. Who is this chick? Look at her stupid face. And I was like, okay. On you go. you can't unfold. But it was like unhinged. was like on same one. I was like, okay. Neverland? G: People are straight, straight. had one the other day. ⁓ ⁓ had been doing some ads and there's an ad and it was a video of me talking. And this man decided post gifs on ⁓ video me talking. ⁓ And he choosing different puppets. So I don't, always obviously calling me a muppet or something, right? But like he put 10. Daniella: What the fuck? G: on separate comments with different weird little puppets and was just spam hating puppet gifts. Oh little did he know it made my day. I, oh no, I was like, Nora, I've made it. I'm getting so many comments right now. But what a muppet. Daniella: F*** off! Like, that's you're to do! Oh my god! Yeah. Listen, he's just helping the algorithm. The algorithm is like, ⁓ yeah, this post is good. Let's push it out to more people. thanks. ⁓ G: you It's so funny that someone would sit for that long and tend to do do do do do do do do. Nora: ⁓ that people do on social media. I get keyboard warriors. I don't understand the concept. There was some, was watching a story yesterday of someone who has quite a big following and he was saying how like he has someone whenever he posts that specific person comments on every single post and he comments the date, ⁓ the timestamp in York. So he's like, good morning, sir. Daniella: That's my take. Yeah. You Nora: It's like 33, have a great day! Daniella: Got yourselves a Superbowl fan there? Cheeepers! Why? People are so weird. People can be so weird and strange online. Nora: It's like the most... yeah, it's such a weird concept how like... yeah. G: ⁓ so great. We digress from our quick fire. Okay, favourite food. Daniella: with. I'm supposed to be so quick at this. This is going to sound so lame, but guys, my partner's fries. They're so They're really delicious. G: Aww, no that's nice. Nora: That's so cute! G: So that's just stir fries, nice. Daniella: Yes, we call them surge fries. Sorry. I hate that I said that. ⁓ G: Brilliant. We're keeping that Okay, so if Instagram disappeared tomorrow, what you doing instead? Nora: What would you? Daniella: Probably back at the gym, train people in person. Duck it. I love this industry. Like I'm not changing industries. Definitely not. G: Bye. Nora: I guess maybe to wrap up, if someone who's watching episode is inspired from that you've said and wants to grow a business and start showing up socials and build their personal brand, do you think should be the number one thing they focus on? Daniella: Don't overthink it. know that probably also sounds really generic and cheesy, like in the space, there's everything is much like similar. You what I mean? But no one can, no one is you. Again, I know this sounds so cheesy, but it really is the truth. like speak from the heart. Don't try and copy what someone else is doing. Maybe take inspo, but like. Give your own opinion, tap into what it is that you truly believe and show up as yourself. And don't ever think it's none of us get it right the first time. I still don't get it right. just the matter is that you're showing up for yourself and the more you do it, the better it'll get. you'll get so many people who resonate. Like don't do what I did and not show up authentically and waste so many years of just like know being who you're not. So just believe in yourself and don't overthink it. Just do it. ⁓ do it. ⁓ G: Just do it. I love that. That's amazing. If listening wants to follow you, work with you, where can our lovely listeners find you, Daniela? Nora: . Daniella: Yeah, well, I'm most active on Instagram, so you can find me at at coach underscore courts, C O R D S. G: beautiful. And thank you. Thank you so much for joining us and for sharing and the giggles. It's amazing to have you as a guest on the podcast. So thank you. Daniella: Thank you so so so much and sorry one last thing before we go whatever happened to you didn't you guys you're supposed to have a little jingle G: remember it? Nora: you our jingle well and Giorgio only wanted to play on one episode. ⁓ G: No, because do you not remember? I couldn't find it and then I played the wrong thing and then I kept playing. Daniella: No, no, Bring the gentle. Nora: ⁓ yeah, once we tried to replay it on another episode and then Georgia played the random voice-over. Daniella: I G: voice note from my brother. like, hi gorgeous. No, not that. But ⁓ do need to record like an official jingle. Maybe we do that whilst we're away later this week, Nora. We could sing one. ba-ba-da-ba-ba-da. We'll do, go on. Daniella: HAHAHAHA Nora: Yeah, maybe. Daniella: Otherwise I was just going start singing for you. Jelena, Jelena, Jelena. ⁓ guys, thank you so, so, so much for having me on. I've absolutely loved chatting with you. ⁓ Nora: Okay. G: Darling, darling. Nora: Thank you so much for a great conversation. We appreciate you. are amazing and inspire so many women. So keep you and guys, ⁓ hope like this one and ⁓ we'll you on the next one. Daniella: Thanks. Yay, bye. G: Adios! Ciao!