Ainka J. Fulani: A Holistic Approach to Personal and Organizational Wellness
Written by Heather Anderson
Ainka J. Fulani pivoted from the corporate world to wellness and coaching with BreakThrough Coaching, understanding firsthand the challenge of prioritizing personal well-being in our fast-paced lives. Her approach blends personal health with professional growth, aiding individuals and organizations in embracing joy, productivity, and balance. Her own shift underscores the transformative power of integrating wellness into our daily routines.
Ainka, can you give us a snapshot of what BreakThrough is all about today? Who do you primarily serve, and what unique services do you offer?
BreakThrough Coaching serves both organizations and individuals, focusing on enhancing efficiency and excellence. The work is about helping people and organizations get closer to their bliss, usually by problem-solving, process improvement, and supporting the creation of new habits.
For growing organizations, this often means creating structure while helping to define and develop their culture so they can excel as they expand. This includes determining if they need Human Resources professionals, looking at organizational design, and ensuring that clear job descriptions and effective job posting strategies are in place.
Individual clients come to me for a range of personal and professional reasons — from career management and transitions to improving health due to chronic or acute conditions. My approach is to look at the whole person, understanding how physical conditions, family dynamics, and professional aspirations intersect and then providing tools and insights that foster both personal growth and professional development.
When thinking about your typical clients, who are they, and what are the most common challenges or goals they come to you with?
I often say that I don't coach from a place of shame or guilt. My clients, who come from diverse backgrounds, typically face significant challenges, either in their personal health or professional lives. They might be dealing with acute health issues, like needing to manage their cholesterol or recover from injuries, aiming to build strength and establish healthier habits. Professionally, they seek support in managing their careers, whether it's navigating transitions, aiming for promotions, or improving workplace dynamics. My coaching approach is rooted in understanding and compassion, focusing on empowering individuals when they're ready to embrace change. This supportive environment helps them tackle their challenges head-on, fostering both physical well-being and professional growth.
Could you share an example of a career-related challenge you've helped address within an organizational context?
In the organizational realm, challenges vary widely, but a common theme includes navigating interpersonal dynamics and leadership transitions. For instance, I've assisted individuals who are dealing with toxic coworkers or complex office politics.
Another significant area of focus is aiding new managers or those expanding their teams. These leaders must shift their approach to motivate and manage effectively, recognizing that success as a team leader differs vastly from individual contributions.
Additionally, I've worked with middle managers on enhancing their ability to manage both upwards and downwards, developing executive presence for those stepping into higher leadership roles or aiming to join boards.
Career transitions also form a substantial part of my work, especially in the Bay Area, where I often guide technically skilled professionals, like engineers, looking to pivot into roles in management consulting or financial services, helping them translate and leverage their past experiences into new career paths.
Your transition from the corporate role to development coaching is intriguing. What was the catalyst for this change, and how has your background influenced your current practice?
Two things really catalyzed my shift: first, my own transformative experience with a personal coach, and second, the realization that to truly help someone, you need to address the whole person, not just their career ambitions. This understanding deepened during my time in academia, where the intertwined nature of our personal and professional lives became crystal clear. My varied background, spanning across different sectors, has given me the ability to deeply empathize and connect with my clients on multiple levels.
Could you share a personal experience that resonates with the challenges your clients face, especially in relation to your diverse professional background and personal life?
In my career, I've navigated a multitude of roles and industries, embodying many of the transitions my clients undergo. My journey has taken me from retail to financial services, then to becoming a business school student, and later moving into telecommunications. I've led HR in a tech company, worked as both a contractor and a W-2 employee, and managed teams of varying sizes, including overseeing enterprise projects for Fortune 500 companies. On a personal level, I've embraced various life roles—being a daughter, sister, wife, and mother, now navigating middle age and perimenopause.
A specific challenge I've personally addressed is managing diabetes, a journey that began within my own family. This experience deepened my commitment to physical wellness, challenging the notion that certain health conditions must be inevitable for Black Americans. My in-depth exploration into diabetes, particularly through my yoga therapist training, which included 800 hours over two years, revealed alarming statistics about diabetes and heart disease among Black women in the U.S. This realization spurred me to focus diligently on this area, driven by the personal relevance to my family and myself.
With your expertise in both physical wellness and organizational health, how do you blend these aspects in your coaching sessions?
That's a great question. In blending physical wellness with organizational health in my coaching, I guide clients to tune into their bodily sensations during emotional or intellectual reactions. For example, the onset of anger might raise one's body temperature or cause a prickling sensation on the neck. Recognizing these early physical cues before fully processing the emotion intellectually offers a chance to pause and recalibrate. This pause is crucial; it can prevent the creation of a "gulf" between individuals in both personal and professional settings.
By choosing to respond rather than react, we bridge gaps, drawing people closer—where the "magic" of positive outcomes unfolds. This approach underpins my coaching, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness in fostering healthier interactions and decision-making processes.
Could you share a transformational story or significant breakthrough moment experienced by one of your clients under your guidance?
In a memorable transformation, I guided a Kaiser employee through a holistic wellness journey as part of the Workfit program. She engaged in Pilates, yoga, and yoga therapy, alongside improving her sleep, diet, and setting boundaries in her personal relationships. This comprehensive approach led to a significant reduction in her blood pressure, astonishing both her and her doctor, who remained skeptical that such changes could result from yoga and Pilates alone.
Her progress was so remarkable that for months she didn't need her blood pressure medication, understanding though that maintaining her health was a lifelong commitment. We focused on day-to-day progress rather than overwhelming long-term expectations, emphasizing regular movement, meditation, and breathwork. Her success, met with joy and surprise by both her and her physician, underscored the power of dedicated effort and the right support.
What are your current key offerings at BreakThrough? Are there specific programs or workshops that our readers should know about?
Currently, I am excited to announce the development of innovative programs designed to address specific life stages and challenges, for which I am actively building waitlists:
Mothering Group for Elementary Age Children: Recognizing the gap in support as children grow, this group aims to provide a community for mothers navigating the unique challenges that arise once children enter elementary school.
Perimenopausal and Menopausal Support Group: Tailored for women experiencing the transition into menopause, this group focuses on offering support and sharing strategies around movement and nutrition that acknowledge the unique needs of women over 50.
Directed Job Search Group: A four to six-week program designed to connect individuals from various fields in a supportive environment. Participants will share resources, plans, and accountability, benefiting from collective motivation and my professional guidance.
Small Group Circuit Training: (3 people max) utilizing pilates yoga and weights - at our new Oakland location on Piedmont Avenue.
These initiatives are designed to meet the evolving needs of our community, providing targeted support and connection. If you're interested in any of these offerings, I encourage you to reach out to me at [email protected] and join the waitlist so you’re in the loop on launch.
For our readers who know someone who might benefit from your services, what type of individual or organization should they refer to BreakThrough?
For those considering referring individuals or organizations to BreakThrough, the ideal candidates are those who value efficiency, effectiveness, and excellence, but also understand the importance of learning and growth on their journey. Individuals who thrive with us are open to the concept of 'failing forward'—embracing setbacks as opportunities for development and progress.
Organizations that find a strong fit with our services include:
Nonprofit Organizations: These entities often align with our values due to their impactful missions and the significant difference they make in the world. Their commitment to social goals resonates with our approach to growth and improvement.
Large, Established Corporations (including Fortune 100 companies): Despite perceptions that such organizations might be too rigid or entrenched in traditional ways to embrace change, we've found meaningful opportunities to make a difference. These companies, with their long histories and significant influence, are ripe for transformational work that challenges the status quo and fosters a more inclusive and dynamic environment.
At BreakThrough, we are dedicated to supporting those who are not only aiming for success but are also committed to the journey and its lessons, whether they are individuals embarking on personal development or organizations striving to leave a lasting impact.
You've mentioned facilitating wellness pop-ups. Can you tell us more about these events? What do they involve, and in which cities are they available?
Sure, I'm glad you asked about the wellness pop-ups. They're really just about bringing people together to explore different aspects of wellness in a relaxed, supportive environment. Here’s a bit about what we do:
Movement Classes: We have a mix of movement classes, including things like Pilates and yoga. It's not about pushing to the extreme; it's more about finding what feels good for your body and mind, and just enjoying the movement.
Wellness Workshops: These workshops cover a range of topics. We might talk about how to manage stress, ways to live healthier, or even share tips for staying balanced. It's very much a two-way conversation, where everyone can share their experiences and learn from each other.
Spot Coaching Sessions: Sometimes, you just need someone to bounce ideas off or get a bit of advice on something specific. That's what the spot coaching sessions are for. They're short, focused, and meant to give you a little nudge in the right direction.
Breathwork Classes: Breathwork is another thing we offer. It's amazing how something as simple as breathing differently can have such a big impact on how you feel. We go through various techniques that can help with relaxation and mental clarity.
Right now, these pop-ups are happening in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we’ve also hosted sessions at destination retreats, like the one at Red Mountain Spa in Utah. It’s all about creating a space where people can come together, try something new, and maybe learn a thing or two about wellness along the way.
Given your diverse experience, how do you assist clients in navigating both personal and professional hurdles?
Clients often come to me focused on either a personal or professional challenge. They quickly find value in a holistic approach that doesn't force them to separate these interconnected parts of their lives. My coaching creates a supportive environment where the full spectrum of their experiences is acknowledged and addressed.
Holistic Coaching: I emphasize a comprehensive view, understanding that personal and professional lives are intertwined. This approach facilitates deeper insights and more sustainable solutions.
Authentic Conversations: Our discussions are genuine and cover anything that's on a client's mind. It's a space where clients can be themselves, fully and unapologetically.
So, someone could come to you with a career question but also take a moment to cry about their divorce?
Yes, exactly! That's a perfect example.
As you look to the future, what are your aspirations or upcoming projects for BreakThrough that you're particularly excited about?
I'm thrilled to share that we've just opened a new in-person office space on Piedmont Ave in Oakland, which is a big step forward for BreakThrough. This expansion is not just about a physical space; it's about deepening our roots in the community and enhancing our ability to serve our clients in more personalized ways.
Looking ahead, I'm eager to increase the number of collaborations with local professionals and organizations. There's so much potential for synergistic partnerships that can enrich the wellness ecosystem in our area.
Additionally, I'm exploring opportunities to share our message and methodologies on a global scale. Speaking engagements, both locally and internationally, are on the horizon, and I'm excited about the potential to impact a wider audience.
As a coach, entrepreneur, Pilates teacher, and mother, how do you balance these roles? And how does this balance influence your coaching philosophy?
Balancing my roles as a coach, entrepreneur, Pilates teacher, and mother is less about seeking perfect equilibrium and more about the art of volleying. I often share with my clients, and firmly believe myself, that true balance is a myth. Instead, we navigate our responsibilities and passions by prioritizing them dynamically. Some tasks take the forefront, while others wait in the wings. This approach requires flexibility, strong communication, and an understanding that focus shifts are not only necessary but beneficial.
This philosophy deeply influences my coaching. I encourage clients to embrace the fluidity of focusing intensely on different areas of their life at different times. This strategy promotes a more realistic and forgiving approach to personal and professional development, recognizing that perfection is unattainable and unnecessary for progress and fulfillment.
What are some big challenges you've faced in the coaching industry, and how have you overcome them?
When I first started my coaching practice in 2008, a significant challenge was the industry's insistence on separating the mind and body into distinct coaching categories. I was often told that I needed to choose one focus area. However, I steadfastly believed in the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. Persisting with this integrated approach, despite industry norms, was a challenge.
Over time, the broader wellness and coaching industries began to embrace this holistic perspective, as evidenced by organizations like NASM incorporating wellness and mindset coaching into their offerings. My persistence in servicing clients with this integrated approach eventually aligned with industry trends, illustrating the value of staying true to one's convictions and the potential to influence industry standards through steadfast dedication.
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You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Ainka inside of The Club for women Founders.