01/06/2026
Sometimes the most intentional thing you can do is pause.
In 2023, we made the decision to step back and pause the academy. It wasn’t a decision we took lightly, but it felt like the right one for everyone involved.
At the time, Michelle, our co-founder, dear friend, mentor, and lead trainer, shared that she wanted to move away from running such a large operation. With more than 80 students enrolled across our programmes, the academy had grown significantly and required a huge amount of energy and coordination. Michelle also felt called to pursue other meaningful projects, including the development of a social enterprise that was close to her heart.
At the same time, Ilaria and I were feeling the pull towards personal aspirations and projects of our own. Much like when members of a band decide to explore different creative paths, it felt natural for each of us to create space for what was emerging in our lives.
There was another important reason behind our decision. We found ourselves increasingly questioning the direction of the coaching industry. Everywhere we looked, the conversation seemed to revolve around six-figure businesses, rapid growth, and promises of hitting financial milestones as quickly as possible. While there is nothing inherently wrong with business success, those messages never reflected why we entered this profession.
Our passion has always been about people, we came into coaching because we genuinely wanted to help others navigate change, discover their potential, and create meaningful transformation in their lives. As the industry became louder with messages that didn’t resonate with our values, we felt the need to reconnect with what truly mattered to us.
The pause gave us the opportunity to reflect on who we are, what we stand for, and the impact we want to make. It allowed us to return to the foundations of our work and to ensure that anything we built in the future would be aligned with our purpose rather than industry trends.
Sometimes stepping back isn’t about giving up. It’s about creating the space needed to move forward with greater clarity, conviction, and authenticity, that’s exactly what this chapter allowed us