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Episode 68. Client Spotlight: Building a Coaching Business on Top of a Career + Other Creative Projects with Betty Xie

Today, we have one of my clients, Betty Xie, to share how she developed her unique thought leadership and is now making waves as a career coach for creatives. 

Betty is a filmmaker and a coach for creatives. She supports creatives to grow their career, practice, and income without the pressure or stress to meet other people’s expectations.

You can find Betty on Instagram at @bettyxcoach to learn more about her 1:1 coaching program, or you can visit her website.

In This Episode:

How Betty is becoming known for her work and the value she brings to the coaching space and creative industry

Cheryl:

We have Betty, who is a filmmaker and coach for creatives.

Specifically Betty supports creatives to grow their career, practice and income without the pressure or stress to meet other people’s expectations. That’s a lot of good stuff.

Betty is also one of our clients. And I have seen Betty literally start her coaching business from scratch and has done amazing things, even on top of a lot of other amazing things, to be quite honest. Right. 

And there’s a lot of things I really want to dive into with Betty today, especially when it comes to her unique thought leadership.

That being said, without further ado, Betty, could you please tell us a bit more about who you are and what you do?

Betty:

Hi Cheryl, such a pleasure to come on this podcast. 

I’m Betty. And as Cheryl mentioned, I am a creative myself. I make films, I fundraise for small nonprofits. And I’m also a coach. 

I coach creatives to build careers to grow their career, practice and income by fully embracing who they are. Like Cheryl mentioned, I started this business journey roughly seven, eight months ago.

Cheryl:

Amazing! Seven or eight months is actually such a short span of time, given how much you’ve created in just such a short span of time. So pretty, pretty cool. And I think we’re gonna dive a lot more into that in a bit. 

But first, I really want to kick off the episode, talking about your unique perspectives and thoughts in your field, both as a creative, as a coach, and so on and so forth, the many different hats that you wear. 

And that’s really the specific reason why I really wanted to invite you onto the show to tell us more about that. Because I’ve seen so many interesting and refreshing ideas, concepts and content that you share on your Instagram.

So I thought it would be really cool to have you on the show and tell us more about that.

But before we do that, first, I really want to have you share with us your definition of the word unique thought leadership or thought leadership in general. So would you mind sharing what your interpretation of that word is?

Betty:

Yeah, for sure. So for me what leadership really means is leading with your thoughts, and the first step to lead with your thoughts is trusting that your thoughts have value and impact.

And I think that’s why I was so drawn to your coaching program initially. Because what you do with coaches is that you really dig deep with different coaches to see what thoughts they already have, and what lived experience that they already have, and what they can bring to their coaching practice. And uncovering some of those fundamental beliefs that define what we already represent, and what we bring to the table.

Cheryl:

I really like that you used the word “represents”. Yeah, I really resonate with that. Yeah, I love that word. 

Let’s use that word again. So if you had to use five to ten sentences to describe what you represent, what is your stance on different topics within your areas of expertise, or your industry.

What do you represent and you know, why do you do what you do?

Betty:

Well, I represent it’s very rooted from my own lived experience as well as the experiences that I’ve seen other creatives go through. 

I come from the arts and creative industry. And as a filmmaker, I’ve gone through different journeys of burnt out, hustling, and working a lot and barely making an income. So what I represent is I really see opportunities for creators to build thriving careers, and not worry about the noises that they face in their career.

And by noises, they’re really a couple of things. One is the noise of “Nah, I’m not talented enough.”. We often hear that in a creative field.

Second comes from family or societal pressure of making it. There’s a very long standing bias against careers in the arts, about whether it’s not stable enough, it doesn’t make a lot of money. As an Asian person I often hear that it’s not a doctor or lawyer field.

And the first thing is really, and this one is key, is the comparison with our peers, whether it’s industry, in the industry or not in the industry. When we look towards people of similar age, we see they have, for example, people who are in tech or in law or doctors, they make much more of a “stable” career on the surface. I’m not assuming that they don’t have their own struggle.

Or we look at other people who are in the creative industry who are supposedly very talented or a force of nature. And we feel bad about ourselves that why haven’t we made it to the extent that we want it yet. 

So those couple of things informed my fundamental beliefs, and by extension, my thought leadership, that I really believe that creators are able to carve their own path, build their own creative career, do their own thing, make their art and make money without worrying about those things.

The process of becoming a coach for creatives and working with Cheryl

Cheryl:

So that actually makes me really curious. So you mentioned three common voices. So I’m actually really curious to know, for you, Betty, was there a particular voice or maybe all three that were really, really loud for you, during your journey thus far?

Maybe you can share some of your lived experiences or stories of how you were able to navigate that. And how you develop your current thought leadership in your space.

Betty:

Yeah, I definitely have experienced all kinds of different voices that I’ve mentioned. I came from a relatively artistic family. So I had a lot of knowledge about the arts.

But I was also a first generation immigrant to Canada. So I really needed to navigate a whole different environment and then stay on my own.

And with the love of arts, that’s why I went into a creative industry. And I always remember what conversation that I had, when I went to the arts.

At the time, I had no idea how much the starting salary was for us. I was telling a friend, oh, I just got this job at this amazing film festival. It pays me, I don’t even remember, a couple thousand for a couple months.

And then the other friend said to me, at that time, did you know that the starting salary as a management consultant is $57k a year?

That moment always has imprinted in me because from that moment I have got to hustle really hard to be able to be on the same page with people in other industries.

So from that point a be pointed me towards a path of like no return, I would like to say. At an early stage of my career, I was really doing basically everything. Whatever people say you need to do to make it, such as networking, developing different skill sets. I remember wanting to become everything that I can possibly be in the filmmaking realm. And working a lot. I was working three jobs at the highest point of my career.

Then with probably everyone’s expectation, I crashed and burned and experienced a lot of burnouts. At one point, I thought about completely quitting the industry and went in a totally different direction and took on a master’s degree in something different, even though related, more on the business and design thinking side.

When I realized when I was trying to reinvent myself or start a quick thing, there was really a core reason for why I wanted to be a creative and what makes me naturally a creative.

And so, deleting our own career is not the answer. But rather, fighting that internal clarity, and defining our own success. And knowing the shrinks and limits that we have is the key to being able to push off all these noises, and develop something that we truly love and thrive on.

Cheryl:

That conversation about the salary really, really resonated with me. Because it reminded me of younger Cheryl Lau, who would go on the internet and look for salaries of different professions. And then see, oh, this looks pretty good. Maybe I can consider those routes, right? Or this one is not as high as this other one, maybe it’s not reputable, right? And making decisions based on that prestige and salary.

It’s just amazing to hear from you. I think the reason why I really admire your story is because despite the salary difference, you were so committed to your real, core values.

You really believe in the arts and the path you’re going towards. So instead of not even trying at all, you actually made the effort, despite the noise around you. I really love that. And of course, you might have had some detours here and there, but you’re coming back full circle.

So I really love that. I really love that example that you shared.

Now, of all of those experiences under your belt, you know, maybe some pivots here and there, some detours here and there. How did you really develop the messages that you now share in your Instagram?

So if I had to be super specific here, how did you develop your content strategy? How did you develop your thought leadership for your content? And for your coaching business? How did you get to the messages that you’re now building your brand upon?

Betty:

I think in the process of working with Cheryl, one thing that I really like and also became my biggest takeaway for building the content and strategy, is to keep going and keep being more honest with my own lived experiences and my thoughts.

As part of your program, or your part of your coaching, we do a lot of self coaching. And, really, there’s a lot of thoughts that come out on an ongoing basis. I don’t know whether people will realize, and especially when you do a brain dump, it’s like, I don’t even know. Wow, I believe in that.

So it’s been actually a really fun self observing journey, and it increased my awareness because I still work in creative. In conversations that I have with people, in work situations that I get into, it increases my awareness that this thought is coming up to me.

And by kind of going through the self coaching process, I realized, if I’m stuck on certain things, other people who are creatives as well probably can benefit from thinking about the same questions.

This, in some ways, makes the content strategy easier, because it’s really turning inward and finding those gems and sharing them back out to people.

Cheryl:

The next question that naturally segues from what you just shared is, what is one thought that you observe from yourself coaching that you’re like, ouch, or oh, I can’t believe it’s still coming up. Could you share one of those thoughts with us?

Betty:

I can definitely share. And I think it’s one that comes up a lot for other creatives too.

So I will give an example right now. I’ve a short animated series, launching in the whole process of making the series. And also, any other films that I’ve made. I keep having this thought come up, what if my work is not good enough.

And by extension, the fundamental belief behind this thought is, what if I’m not talented enough? I’m not just that world shattering, impressive filmmaker that the world needs. So that’s what comes up a lot. 

What’s interesting is actually I think the frequency of that for coming up has been lower as I grow in my career and build my confidence. I think this fundamentally also affects a lot of other creators, but they manifest in different forms. Sometimes it could look like what if I’m not enough? What if my talents are not enough?

But fundamentally, it goes back to “I’m not enough. My talent, I’m not naturally talented enough.” because so often in the arts or creative field, that becomes that pain point. Thinking I didn’t come to the world bringing enough talent.

Cheryl:

That’s one pesky thought, one really pesky thought.

And I know that since we’ve been working together, we’ve talked a lot about how you’ve navigated that thought, and how you’re now creating content and messages and a lot of incredible value that centered around that thought. Because of how that thought has at some points really affected us from showing up as our best selves and all the areas of our lives, especially creatively.

Would you mind sharing a bit more for anyone here, listening to this may have a similar thought, regardless of whether they are in a creative field or not. But I’m pretty sure everyone here has that thought in some way, shape, or form.

What would be one piece of advice that you might have for the person listening to this?

Betty:

I’m a coach that really advocates for people to be compassionate and kind to themselves. So when I say transforming our thoughts, I usually don’t advocate for them to go from “I’m not talented enough” to “I’m super talented”. I just don’t think that that’s realistic.

But what has helped me in transforming the thought of “I’m not enough” or “I’m not talented enough”, is this – Just think you have enough talent. Not “I’ve great talent, great aptitude”, just “I have enough of what I need to do, in order to take the action that I need.”.

And a good parallel of this. For those who are my clients, or my audience, they would know that I do a little bit of watercolor painting, and I share it on my channel. A good parallel of this, I encourage people to think about, is painting. When you do any kind of painting we often go into thinking, my palette doesn’t have this amazing, cool color that these other artists have. Doesn’t have to cobalt turquoise, some obscure, really specific shades.

I mean, I sometimes go into that rabbit hole too. And I might buy a whole bunch of things. But if you think about the fundamentals of a palette, you really just need the three basic colors – red, yellow and blue.

And if you have those three colors, you can make a thousand, millions different shades, all shades come from those three colors.

So bringing that parallel to talent, we just need what you already have, the shades that you already have to make a thousand different beautiful possibilities.

Cheryl:

Mike drop. When I first heard Betty come up with that metaphor. I was like that is it. That was beautiful, and also immensely powerful.

And fun facts for anyone who doesn’t currently follow Betty on Instagram, red, yellow, and blue, just so happens to be her brand colors as well. What a coincidence.

Fun fact number two is that Betty already had those colors before she even realized that this metaphor beautifully represents what she’s all about.

That was such a lightbulb moment when she shared that with me for the first time on one of our coaching calls.

How Betty developed her unique thought leadership

Cheryl: 

That being said, now I really want to maybe touch a little bit on, while you’re developing, in the process of understanding what are the messengers that you want to be known for?

What is your unique thought leadership? And the process of that? Could you share a bit more about how our work together facilitated you to create that?

Betty:

Yeah, so I remember coming to you last summer. And it’s interesting, when I look back to the problems that I had coming to you as a coachee. Those problems no longer feel as valid, looking back, because at the time, I was literally starting out.

And I remember, there were two things that I told you, I really need to work on.

One is I tend to be a person that gets overwhelmed. When I think about business. I know all the practices because I did a master’s degree in business design. But I can see myself doing a million different things all at once. That was the first thing.

The second thing was at a time, I was really not willing to tell other people in my network that I’m doing or starting this coaching, because I didn’t know how to mix my identity between filmmaker and a coach for creative.

So those two things have really evolved for me because we worked together. I really appreciate that your approach was that you didn’t try to talk me into doing something that I didn’t feel safe with.

You just said you have two options, you can start and don’t tell your network. And even better, you can share however you want and be creative.

And what you did, I think, and with other people, my peers as well in the coaching program, is taking one step at a time, not in an overwhelming way, but in a way that was true to each of our own pace.

And then layer on top of it, and always remind us that everything we do compounds. So I really appreciate that approach. And that really resonated with me specifically with the two problems that I was coming to you with.

Sure enough, as I started getting clients, I built my confidence, some of these original problems were not problems anymore. There were old challenges that emerged, and we continue to tackle them. So that’s the fun process.

Cheryl:

Yeah, your problems just get bigger and bigger and better, in a good way.

Now I am actually quite curious to know. So to relay off of the topic of, you know, our work together, why did you decide to join my program in the first place? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Betty:

Yeah, I don’t know whether I ever told you why. I saw your profile, because I also worked with Crystal, who was also on this podcast before. She’s an awesome nutritionist and dietitian, she coaches people to stop yo-yo dieting.

When I saw your profile what struck me was that, oh, this person does multiple things in her career, a PhD, and a coach. And the message that I really got drawn into was this idea of your thought leadership, you already have your thought leadership, you don’t need to pretend to be someone else, or have marketing speak, to show up on Instagram.

Then of course, the messaging about working your side hustle on part-time hours, were also very attractive to me.

Lastly, the fact that your clients have diverse profiles, not just other business coaches, but you also had like service-based entrepreneurs, and coaches of all kinds. So all that combined really made your profile unique, standing out from other business coaches that I’ve seen.

Cheryl:

Thank you, Betty, for sharing that. I really appreciate you sharing that and I’m so glad we are here because you made a decision to check out my profile.

But side story, so you mentioned just now about how my philosophy is to not necessarily follow the marketing speak, but rather lean into who you already are.

Fun story, which I have not yet shared on the podcast. So very, very recently, as in two days ago, I had a conversation with a person who is quite an established professional speaker and corporate trainer, that kind of profile.

They shared with me something very interesting. So they said, “Oh, Cheryl, I know you’re active on Instagram. But I have a piece of advice for you. I don’t think you should use the word “theory” to describe your method. Instead, maybe you should consider the word framework, or success blueprints.”

And it was so interesting, because at that moment, I knew that that’s why my work matters. That’s why all of us, you, me, all my other clients, our work and messages matter so much. Because if we have to change ourselves to fit a certain expectation, then is that even a business or brand worth building? If we’re trying so hard to impress people instead of expressing who we genuinely are?

So I’m super happy that you mentioned that particular point that resonated with you because it resonates with me also.

Attracting a diverse clientele

Cheryl:

Now I want to talk a little bit about reflecting on our work together thus far, what would you say have been your biggest wins since starting your coaching business?

It’s not been that long, I think seven or eight months. It’s actually a really quick time period.

What are some of your wins that you would like to share? And what do you think contributed to those wins?

Betty:

I think when we measure business success, it’s often by numbers. And indeed, I’ve signed five clients since I started and doubled my investment for the group coaching program, which is amazing.

But more than numbers, I think that I’m really proud and joyful that I’m now confident in this business. And I’ve coached people (which is what we set out to do, and why I wanted this to happen) to land on amazing results in their lives.

And I will say what’s been beautiful is that my clients come from a very diverse profile of people. They really represent the different shapes of creative career that I’ve talked a little bit about on my own Instagram. They come to me with very different reasons and want very different results.

The best part and my biggest reason is that when I came into the coaching space and became a coach for creatives, I wanted to enable people to develop all those different shades of color in their palette, not just like one predictable result in their career.

Cheryl:

I love that. You touched on the word diversity. I actually want to know, Betty, from your perspective, why do you think you’re able to attract such a diverse clientele so far?

Also diverse audiences as well as the different creative skill sets they might have, the career problems they might be navigating, their cultural background? Why do you think diversity comes naturally to you as you’re building this brand and business?

Betty:

That’s a really great question. One that I should probably reflect on more.

Right off the bat, I think that this term “creative” really speaks to people. I think everybody has a creative mind, and everyone has an inner child. There’s a soft spot of creativity in everyone’s mind.

When I show up and talk about a creative career, it applies to not only people who identified themselves as a working creative, working in the arts, but also applies to people who have a creative project, or have a creative itch, that they feel like they never scratched. That’s one thing.

And in general, I think the stuff that we talked about today and stuff about my thought leadership, your thought leadership, they just generally apply to people’s career practice. And I think that’s why I’ve been able to attract all different kinds of good people into my audience.

Cheryl:

Hmm, that makes a lot of sense. So to summarize, what you just shared. So basically, from what I understand is that, because you’re not putting such a defined box on who you work with, how you can help people, you’re able to really attract people from all walks of life, and you let them decide whether your message is for them.

Because of the way you show up also in the content you create. And I think it’s just really easy to tell as an audience member or follower of yours, I can tell that diversity, representation and inclusion is something that you really do care about.

I also remember if I’m not wrong, there’s a sentence on your website that says something about you really stand and value diversity, if I remember correctly.

So yeah, I can really feel that from you in your content, and also how you show up, as well. And I think your clientele and the audience that you attract really reflects that as well.

Betty’s favorite ways of creating and creative expressions

Cheryl:

So you also mentioned different modes of creativity. Those were not your exact words. But I actually wanted to just segue into a curious question, which is, Betty, what are your favorite ways of creating or creative expression?

Betty:

Hmm, wow. No pressure, Betty.

I will answer this question in two layers. One is the creative process. And then the second is in terms of the context of our career, both of which have come up for myself and my clients.

My favorite way of creative expressions in our career is what I recently talked about on my Instagram, that we can use the same creative brain that we use to make our art and apply it to our career and create options. 

I often say that as creatives, we are natural. For creators, we naturally have that creative edge to be resourceful, problem solve, and are imaginative. But when it comes to our careers, because of all the external noises, we get really stuck on, I can only do this, I don’t know what to do to succeed.

Can we embody our creative expressions to think that there are actually ten different ways to advance your career? Which ways can help me or fulfill my needs the best? So that’s one layer.

Coming down to creative expression in terms of process and I often talk about this with my clients. Can we create for the sake of creating and embodying that mindset, and for the sake of joy, and the process itself, without expecting there to be a result?

It may sound counterintuitive for a career coach to say this. But this is why I’m focusing on coaching creatives. Because what I see often is that as we grow in our career, we go into the creative process, we have so much pressure. For example, if I’m painting today, can I make this painting, then go on Etsy and sell it for 100 bucks? That’s usually a chain of thoughts I see for people who have some success in their career.

But I think deep down, everybody knows that kind of creative process is not sustainable. Really check back to initially, why did you want to create? And for me as well, every time those thoughts come up. Why am I making a film? It’s probably not because I want to make money. I make films because I love it. That was the original intention. 

How can I embody that joy and passion, every time I show up to the creative process? This is my favorite mantra and mode of creation.

Cheryl:

My favorite takeaway that you just shared was how, when you are creating with expectation that there will be some sort of return, it just kills the creation process, even for those of you listening to this, and you’re building a coaching or online service based business, and you’re using your content as “marketing”.

My take on this, I’ll just keep it really short is that if you’re really operating from a place of service, and wanting to give value genuinely and wholeheartedly, by expecting a return on your content, you’re kind of making it about you, right, and what you’re gonna get out of your content.

And if that’s the case, are you really creating content with the intention of giving value to your audience? Some food for thought for today.

But you also mentioned film. So speaking of film, Today is January 28 2022. As of recording this, you have a very fun thing coming out very, very soon. I don’t know how much details you’re allowed to share. But if you can just tell us a bit more about what’s coming out soon, that will be awesome.

Betty:

So this recording, it’s very timely, because in about exactly half an hour, I have a short animated series called “Uprooted: The Plantemic” going on CBC Gem, which is a streaming platform available for Canadian audiences or people in Canada.

And we are hopeful that we will eventually be available to a worldwide audience. It’s a show series about plants and how house plants survive, live and breathe during the pandemic.

Actually, the creative process is a really good story because I started this idea, or had this idea randomly during the pandemic. Because at the beginning of the pandemic, I couldn’t go out to make any life action or documentary films, which is the tradition that I came from.

And when I had this idea, I had no expectation that it would go anywhere, because I have no clue how to make an animation. So it’s been a really fun and happy journey. And it’s going to see the world today.

Cheryl:

I wish I was in Canada right now. So I can somehow access it. But when you first announced it on your Instagram, I was like plantemic!

So for anyone who might not be clear, it’s actually p l a n t-e-m-i-c like pandemic, but plant-emic. Which I was like, oh my gosh, what is this?

And for those of you who may not have followed Betty before, she was recently, you know that this series was actually featured on I believe the Financial Post really recently, which is so so, so cool.

And I just love how you share that, you know, when you first wanted to pursue this idea, you know, it was really purely for the creative process and the pure intention to create, and hey, look where you’re at. Now, look, it’s literally going to premiere on CBC Gem. But yeah, CBC is a pretty well known thing in Canada. So super, super, super cool.

So actually, you know, that transitions very nicely into my next question. So I think a lot of people who may follow you will see you, buddy wearing many hats in your life professionally, personally, etc. Right. 

And I think it might be likely I will assume that there might be a misconception about you. Betty’s a superhuman, of course, she can do it all, but I can’t. Right? And they might list a few different circumstances that make them think that they’re not capable of creating happiness and success in different areas of their lives.

Wearing different hats, making time for multiple areas of life on top of building a coaching business, being mediocre AND still make money happily

Cheryl: 

So my question to you is Betty, have you ever felt like or observed, you know, maybe or do you ever feel like people might look at you and think, Oh, you’re just a superhuman and things, you know, those kinds of like, I would say, limiting beliefs, right?

I’m not sure if that lands for you or if you’ve had experiences with that. But could you share more on that?

Betty:

Yeah, actually, that question really resonates with me. Because growing up, I definitely was that A+ student who is really well trained by my Asian values.

Sometimes I also become keenly aware of what energy I need and what message I’m putting out there, because now that I’m a coach, I think I have more responsibility for my message and what I represent.

And when you’re talking about that, a funny incident that happened was that a couple months ago, I was on a different podcast talking about this coaching. And on that podcast, I was talking about how discipline is overrated for creators.

After the podcast, a friend reached out to me and was like “I would never expect you, of all people, to say that. Because from my perspective, you do so many things.” She didn’t say that explicitly. But she assumed I’m a very disciplined person.

And that incident really left an impression on me that yes, it’s like exactly what you said. Maybe other people will look at me and say, yeah, she’s just a force of nature, it’s Betty, or she does this many things.

This is why it’s even more important, especially in the recent work that you and I do, for me to come out and say, no, my belief is that you can be medium talent or mediocre in what you do, and still build that career that you love and want.

Because what other people don’t see and maybe sometimes I do admit that I do all these things, is that I constantly battle with those thoughts. And that’s why I am so against that comparison game. 

Because if you put yourself out there, and I mean, this is just mathematics. If you put yourself on a bell curve, there’s always a way to zoom in that bell curve even more and look at that one percentile to even bring it down.

So do we really want to put our energy and time into that? I’m aware that it can be the message, or thing that I represent that she’s just natural, but I really want to come out and say, no, here’s all the things why we can collectively do it.

Cheryl:

I must say that takes a lot from a person. I think it takes a lot for someone to say that, to really admit that. Because a lot of times growing up, I’m sure a lot of us have built up the ego that we have to give a certain impression. Like yeah, of course, this is easy for me, I’m doing it all and giving the impression of XYZ, right?

So to have you come out and say that, you can be mediocre, and still make money and make it happily, which is something that I know you share a lot with your audience. That is powerful. 

I think a lot of people irregardless of whether you are creative or not, or entrepreneur or not. And you’re listening to this, you need to hear this, I’m pretty sure. I’m really glad that you shared that.

That actually ties in with another thing I want to ask you.

So, huh, I forgot my question. I don’t know if we’re gonna edit this out. But give me one second to recollect my question. I had a question.

Betty:

Trust the creative process Cheryl, it’ll come back.

Cheryl:

Okay, so we will not edit this out then. Huh, what’s my question? Yeah.

Oh, you know what? Random thought, as you were sharing, the bell curve and comparisons, and also your message that you represent. I don’t know who else can relate to this. I’m sure many people can.

When Betty, you first brought up the term on our coaching call of mediocre or mediocrity as an artist, I was like, ouch, ouch. And I’m not even an artist, or creative. I don’t identify as one, professionally.

But that concept that you shared with me blew my mind. Because it reminded me of how back when you were applying to a college, university, if you were average, you weren’t going to get into the best university. 

So I think a lot of us have been taught from a young age that if you’re mediocre, or “average”, you’re not going to make it. So that’s why ever since we’ve been talking a lot about what you want to be known for? What are the messages that you want to share in your business?

You’ve been sharing with me, and we’ve been co-creating this together. All the amazing sentences that come out of your mouth every single time.

But anyway, it seems like I do not remember the question I want to ask but no worries.

For those who are watching this on the IGTV replay, you will see that in Betty’s background, there’s a plant and you’ll see that in my Zoom, you’ll see a plant also.

Fun questions: Watercolor painting and films!

Cheryl: 

So, fun question, Betty, what are some of your hobbies or interests outside of your work?

Betty:

Since the pandemic, my biggest hobby has been watercolor painting. You can see a painting in the middle and a background, if you’re watching on IGTV, that’s my own painting of a Toronto streetcar. Very iconic.

I have no expectation of this becoming anything other than I just really have joy in painting. And doing watercolor is a humble reminder of how sometimes you just need to make a mess of things.

Of course with that painting example or parallel that I gave earlier, you’re able to create a lot of beautiful things with very little. That’s what I love about that hobby.

And outside of that, I mean, I am a filmmaker. I also love films. So I’m just like a nerd watching content. Most of the time. I like reading, watching stuff, and sometimes watching really obscure films.

Yes, that’s what I do. Yeah.

Cheryl:

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. To start rounding out this episode, since we’re kind of on a wholesome, joyous vibe right now, I would like to know from you, Betty, within the scope of your coaching business, what has been the most wholesome part about it?

Whether it’s a particular experience for a client, a message you might have received? Could you share one very wholesome moment you’ve experienced since starting your business?

Betty:

There’s so many moments during the coaching calls that are wholesome and inspiring.

And for all of you listening, I assume for a lot of you coaches know that those moments are just so moving. 

And one of the moments I would share is that I got a message from one of my former coachee, two, three months after we worked together. She told me how in a recent project that she worked on, even though the project was very stressful, what grounded her in a stressful experience was the work that we did together. That for me, was like a million dollar email. It reminded me why I do this.

There were also a lot of wholesome moments. One thing that I like to do from time to time, if you follow me, I call this series a gentle signal. As I mentioned before, I love reading, and I love watching films. 

And I’ve always kind of had this fantasy that maybe one day, as a film critic, because that’s my formal training, I would like to share about the films I love and why I love them. 

So that’s why I started a series on my IG. So from time to time, I would pick a movie and we would talk about a specific moment. Most recently I talked about Devil Wears Prada. So if you are interested, you should go follow and I will talk about the career messagings in there and dissect the fun things.

And for me, I don’t even know whether people are watching. But it brings me joy to bring my film background and coach background and just like being able to share that content. And that was something that I’d never would’ve imagined I would do in a business right and so fun. And that was wholesome.

Cheryl:

Thank you so much for sharing that Betty, I love the examples that you just shared.

As you were sharing about the email you got from your past client, I was like, oh, you should paint that email, like literally take out the email and paint it and put it on your wall. That’d be so much fun.

The other thought I had as you were sharing about your Instagram content. That reminds me of my favorite post of yours. It’s still my favorite post today. It was actually one of your earlier ones. It was the archetypes of creative careers. I love that post.

So for anyone who’s listening to this right now, please go find Betty’s Instagram and scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll and go find that post. I love it. I thought it was brilliant.

But yeah, I also think it’s just incredible how you know, it’s only been seven-ish months, and you’ve been able to not only create incredible things via your Instagram.

Like it is mind blowing that through this app that we were kind of led to believe that is not a good thing. Social media is bad for our mental health. And yes, we use it in unhealthy ways or consume it in ways that might not be serving us.

But we can also create immense value and moments of joy, which is what you’re doing for your people and those who follow us. I love that.

And in addition to that you’re impacting, deeply impacting, I should say, your clients as well. That just goes to show the quality of your work and also the amount of care that you actually put into your coaching with your clients.

So yeah, awesome, awesome. Awesome.

To finally officially round out this episode, where can people find you? And how can people work with you?

Betty:

It’s been such a fun chat. To find me, you can find me on Instagram @bettyxcoach, and also on my website, which is www.xiebetty.com/coaching. 

I’m often on IG. Feel free to chat with me, whether it’s about your career questions, or just follow my fun posts, if you love creative stuff, or films, content, or coffee, which is one thing that I often post about.

Cheryl:

Alrighty, thank you, Betty, so much for being here. This was such a fun conversation.

Have fun at your premiere, and I think half an hour you said. Yeah, seems like it’d be a fun day ahead for you.

Thank you so much for being here. And thank you for sharing all of your nuggets of wisdom.

To everyone else who’s watching this or listening to this on the podcast. Thank you so much for being here, and I’ll see you in the next one. 

Bye, everyone.

Betty:

Thank you so much, Cheryl. It was so fun to be on this podcast!

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