Sharon Mercieca Dasgupta, a dedicated and passionate Mind Body coach, began her journey in 2004. Hailing originally from Australia, she moved to Malta in 1993 before finally settling in the UK in 1998. Sharon's career started in HR and Payroll, both in Malta and the UK, but she found it unfulfilling. Seeking a more meaningful path, she transitioned to part-time HR and Payroll roles while studying for a Level Three Personal Training award in the UK. This allowed her to gradually build a client base, ultimately leading her to leave HR and Payroll completely. Sharon vividly recalls the profound joy she felt during her first client training session, witnessing the positive transformation in her clients.
This experience ignited her passion for coaching, driving her commitment to helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals. As of this moment Sharon is excited to announce a rebrand of her business, which for many years operated under the strapline "Strong Mind Fit Body." In the coming week, she will introduce the new tagline, "Wellness with Compassion," reflecting her personal philosophy and teaching approach. Currently, Sharon also provides online coaching for those that cannot work with her face to face. She has also created an 11 day online programme, which can be found on her website, around our thoughts and language as they dictate our actions. For many the tools of 'exercise' and 'nutrition' work short term, but without addressing our mindset and our language we will only adhere to these short term, her lesson tackles these limiting beliefs to create new healthy behaviours/habits. Being dedicated to creating a more holistic approach to health for a wider audience, Sharon applied for the Barking Enterprise Centres Amplify Programme, to enhance her business knowledge and skill set.
Overcoming challenges with Amplify
The Amplify programme has been a pivotal experience for Sharon, helping her overcome several challenges and reigniting her passion for her work. Previously, Sharon felt hidden away, especially after having children, and realised the importance of networking and participating in community events. Getting out into the community reminded her of why she loved her work- as she did before her children were born when she actively led boot camps. This realisation prompted her to try new things without fear of failure, embracing the philosophy of learning and growing from every experience. Sharon also took on a personal trainer, focusing on mentoring and nurturing her new team member, showcasing the importance of building a strong foundation before expanding further.
The Amplify programme introduced her to new perspectives and tools that she had not considered before. Each mentor brought unique insights that enriched her approach to her business. One mentor highlighted the potential of AI, showing her how it could save time while maintaining authenticity in her communication. Another mentor emphasised the importance of developing an online community, something she had not explored before. This mentor's guidance opened new avenues for her, and she is eager to learn more in their upcoming session. Additionally, Sharon was encouraged to think about her future, potentially transitioning to a consulting role given her 20 years of experience. The mentors also provided valuable contacts, helping her navigate and connect with key individuals in her industry.
One of the most significant benefits of the Amplify program for Sharon has been the confidence it has given her. Self-employment can be isolating, but having mentors who understand her community and share her vision has made her feel supported and less alone. The synergy with the Barking Enterprise Centre, where the mentors have a deep understanding of the local community, has been particularly beneficial. This support system has validated her work and its place in the community, empowering her to continue growing her business with renewed confidence and a clearer direction.
Support and in person sessions
What Sharon enjoyed most about the Amplify programme was the invaluable support and the face-to-face interactions. She appreciated not feeling isolated and having a team that truly had her back. She loved the in-person sessions, finding them a refreshing change from the abundance of online interactions. She believes that being taught in a room full of people brings a unique energy and connection that is often missing in virtual environments. This preference for direct human contact aligns with her passion for community events and workshops, where she cherishes the opportunity to make eye contact and engage deeply with others. Sharon finds it disheartening to see people constantly buried in their phones, especially in bustling places like London, and values the personal connections that face-to-face interactions foster.
Advice for joining Amplify
Her key advice for anyone looking to join the Amplify programme is to plan and allocate time around the workshops. She found the slides and notes provided invaluable, along with the numerous action points she gathered. However, implementing all these insights takes time. Sharon emphasises the importance of taking things step-by-step, using tools like QuickBooks to streamline tasks and free up more time. Drawing from her experience, she advises others to "crawl before they walk," especially if they're new to the industry. This approach has been beneficial for both Sharon and her new personal trainer, allowing them to build confidence and expertise gradually. She believes in the power of supporting one another and taking the time to fully grasp new skills before expanding further. She encourages others to embrace this mindset, leveraging their experience while steadily integrating the lessons from the Amplify program.
Mind Body coaching in the future
In the coming years, Sharon sees herself becoming an expert in the mind-body connection, utilising tools like psychometric testing to assess clients' psychological readiness for change and their self-efficacy levels. She aims to be known in her community as the go-to person for comprehensive wellness support, working closely with local councils and organisations to promote a holistic approach to health. By focusing on the mental aspects of wellness, Sharon hopes to provide a deeper, more sustainable impact on her clients' lives, helping them achieve long-term success. Her vision is to create a supportive environment where individuals can learn to harness the power of their minds to achieve their wellness goals, ultimately becoming a respected figure in the field of Mind Body Coaching.
