Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Nealy.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, on the southside. While in elementary school and being a child of teachers, I developed a love for teaching and a desire to be a catalyst focused on change. While playing trumpet in the 8th grade, my band director told me, “Loud doesn’t make it right.” That idea is one that I stand on. We have seen people in our society got promoted because they were loud or did something sensational. Just because something or someone is loud doesn’t make it right or something that should be listened to or given any time, energy, or effort. We should focus on doing good and being the best versions of ourselves.
I started my business in 2012 with the idea to help people navigate this strange, challenging, fun world that we live in. There is nothing more beautiful than helping someone. My focus has been on removing blindspots. I’m sure you have heard the saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” I encourage them to take a closer look at the trees, where they are, and how those trees affect you and your life. I help people with the phrase, “Let’s take a step back.” That step back gives people the opportunity to take a more broad view at the opportunity in front of them instead of tripping over those opportunities.
As part of my foundation, I have learned to ask people what I call the most difficult question anyone could ask, “Who are you?”
The reason why that is a hard question is because we often answer that question with what we do, which is only part of who we are. I help my clients peel back the layers, find out where they are on their map then identify a path to help them accomplish their goals and objectives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, my journey hasn’t been smooth. The major struggle has been overcoming my fear of success. We all know how to fail because we have experienced it, but how many of us know how to succeed and be successful? Sometimes, obstacles appear to be bigger than my current bag of solutions. Having to dig deep and push through while others have given up and walked away has also been a struggle. The major thing that I have learned is that struggle is not always a bad thing; sometimes, it is a necessary part of being successful.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Transformative Steps is a life coaching organization where the focus is on helping people identify and remove roadblocks while providing them with steps and strategies to accomplish their goals. My clients are the types of people that have goals and desires to be better than they were yesterday. In some cases, that requires someone from the outside (me) who doesn’t have the sentimental connection to point in the right direction. My primary area of focus is with managers, entrepreneurs, and people looking to grow in their careers as. Well most recently, I have been coaching clients with their relationships.
The thing that sets me apart from other coaches is my ability to listen to what’s being said and what is not being said. Sometimes, what is not being said is more important than things that we do say. I am an individual that believes greatness is inside of each of us. The journey of uncovering it can be more challenging for some than it is for others. Some coaches focus on accountability, some focus on goal setting, while others focus on being a friend. My strategy is to encourage my clients to take an honest look at themselves, acknowledging their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Once we have established their goal, I partner with my client to develop a personalized strategy to help them achieve their definition of success.
When the world, friends, and family tell my clients that they can’t do something and after partnering with me, they start to move and see success, it makes me proud. It’s almost like a parent teaching their child how to walk and looking up 1 day, and their child has taken their 1st step. I have helped clients go struggling students to college scholars. I have helped managers take 2 steps on their next promotion. I have helped men and women have successful relationships. It is truly a joy to partner with people and seeing the blessing God put in them shine for the world to see.
Transformative Steps is a company that helps people change their life, one step at a time. As a certified life, performance, and mindset coach, I assist men, women, and young adults in navigating life’s transitions so that you can make sound decisions in the future. For more details, visit transformativesteps.com.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite memory as a child was my father buying me an Apple IIe that cost a lot of money. I investigated it, lifted the cover and removed components out of it… Once I put the components back and pressed the power button, the new computer did nothing. I had broken it. After working for several hours assembling and disassembling it, I was able to get it back working. This started me on the journey to become an IT Professional for over 30 years. I had taken a bad situation and found my passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.transformativesteps.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformativesteps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tsteps1988
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformative-steps
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/transformsteps
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAp9gP9b99b3O8PbrZkrZJQ
