A positive mindset is more than just optimism; it’s a powerful tool that shapes how we perceive, react to, and overcome challenges. It involves adopting a constructive approach to life, believing in one’s ability to grow, and seeing opportunities even in difficult situations. This mindset shift can lead to profound personal and professional transformation, opening doors to new possibilities and achievements. Ochuko Ebiuwhe embodies this philosophy as a mindset coach, dedicating herself to fostering the right mindset among Africans to unlock their full potential.
Ebiuwhe believes that a shift in perspective can pave the way for personal and professional growth, empowering individuals to achieve more than they ever thought possible. With a solid academic background—including a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Educational Management and a mini-MBA—Ochuko is well-equipped to guide others on this transformative journey.
Her upbringing was a unique blend of joy and discipline, shaped by her principled parents. Growing up in a vibrant household with her siblings and various relatives who came to live with them, she cherishes the many happy moments that enriched her early life. Looking back, Ochuko credits her current path to the profound influence of her father’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This philosophy continues to guide her decisions today, as she shared with The Benchmark.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Ochuko participated in “Teacher Groups,” where she observed many individuals struggling with burnout and uncertainty. Amidst this period of reflection and the emotional toll of the “End SARS” protests, she considered a career change. A pivotal moment came when she attended a boot camp led by Coach Bankole Williams, a renowned Nigerian coach, where she learned about the power of the mind and the importance of service.
As a trained Mental Health Counselor, Ochuko noticed a recurring pattern of negative thinking that often led to unfulfilled potential. This realisation inspired her to become a Mindset Coach, focusing on fostering the right mindset for personal and professional development. She believes that our thoughts, actions, and feelings shape our minds—and that cultivating a positive attitude can transform how we respond to life’s challenges. Below is our interview with Ochuko:
What was growing up like for you, and what childhood event helped to shape your personality?
I have fun memories of my childhood. My parents were disciplined. My dad would always say, ‘Be diligent at what you do and be so good at it that your credibility can’t be questioned, no matter how insignificant you think that thing is.’ He believed in hard work, honesty, generosity, education, and God’s guidance. He’d always say the Bible and the Dictionary are your guides.
These have significantly shaped who I am becoming today because, looking back, most of the leadership roles I’ve been in, I didn’t apply for or contest for them; they just happened naturally over time. There was an instance during my university days when I was forced to take on a leadership role. My dad’s push for excellence and hard work contributed significantly to this.
What does it mean to be a mindset coach?
Being a Mindset Coach means helping people recognise that the human mind is an individual’s powerhouse. The human mind is like the engine of a car. No matter how beautiful a car is, if the engine isn’t fully functional, the car won’t function properly. It may not even move. As a mindset coach, I help individuals develop the right mindset for their lives and careers. Individuals can only go as far as their minds can conceive. Just as the height of a building depends on how solid its foundation is, the quality of our lives depends on the depth and type of mindset.
Things impact people differently. People respond and interact with situations and others differently. The mindset shapes all of these. For instance, how does one process emotions like fear, anger, etc., walk through them and eventually develop the right attitude? So, as a mindset coach, I first have to understand how the person’s mind works through our interactions and some tests, and then I need to know how to move towards helping them develop and retain the right mindset.
Being a Mindset Coach means helping people realise they can be more, do more, and reach for more with the right mindset. Taking responsibility for one’s life means inwardly connecting with the mind.
What is the hardest part of being a mindset coach?
The hardest part is that most clients don’t know they need Mindset sessions. The mind is unlike the body, where you can see a physical injury or the effect of damage.
They are unaware that their mindsets affect their level of productivity, confidence during job interviews, interactions with others, responses or reactions to situations, boundaries or lack thereof, or general well-being in their personal and professional lives.
Another challenge is that most people must be aware of their mindset. Another is getting people to open up about issues that may be personal to them.
You are in a niche profession. Are there other mindset coaches like you here, and do you have a body that regulates your operations?
Many other mindset coaches and foundations set guidelines for accredited coaches or those on their way to accreditation.
Did you take any certification courses to become a mindset coach?
Yes, I’ve taken many courses, and I’m currently working on being accredited by an international coaching organisation. I’ll announce my accreditation as soon as it’s complete.
What is Africans’ perception of having a mindset coach, and how has that impacted your operations compared to your counterparts in Western countries?
Most Africans shy away from it. As I said earlier, most need to be aware of the crucial role of mindset in their outcomes. You know, it’s easier to blame external factors than look inward. The few Africans I first worked with were outside of Africa. They’re in Canada and the USA. My counterparts in the West are most likely to work with people who are mostly already aware of the roles they need to fill. That awareness goes a long way.
Tell us about the community you recently launched.
As a mindset coach, I understand that our approach to one aspect of life often mirrors how we handle everything. The mind governs this correlation—the core of our being. When we excel in our personal lives, that excellence naturally extends to our professional endeavours. It all begins with a conscious or unconscious decision to strive for greatness.
In my work with professionals, I’ve identified key areas where we can enhance Personal and Professional Development. While some may seem minor, they hold immense significance. For instance, building confidence for interview preparation, salary negotiation, and transitioning into new roles is vital. Equally vital are establishing healthy boundaries, honing communication skills, adeptly navigating challenging conversations, and mastering the art of networking. Furthermore, engaging in reflective exercises to uncover personal purpose, fostering life-changing values, and developing crucial skills play pivotal roles in this transformative journey.
I am pleased to announce the launch of an engaging community that fosters Personal and Professional Development for all interested individuals. This community offers continuous access through a quarterly subscription fee. Our comprehensive program covers essential aspects such as skills, values, conversations, strategies, and knowledge necessary for personal and professional growth.
Moreover, our platform is a valuable resource for members, providing regular updates on job openings, scholarship opportunities, thoughtfully curated book and movie reviews, and expert guest coaches. It caters to those eager to invest in personal and professional development. Still, guidance may be needed on where to begin or how to navigate the process effectively.
Join our thriving community and embark on an enriching journey of self-improvement and career advancement. Let us help you unlock your true potential and achieve your goals. Register Here.
