At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Irma Nejstgaard for an exclusive interview with us. Irma is a Holistic Wellness & Performance Coach and an Influencer. Let’s learn more about her background, journey and her advice for our community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Irma:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
Have you ever faced a year so overwhelming it felt like the universe was testing every part of you? That was my reality in 2024. Chronic pain, divorce, working tirelessly to sustain a business – all while being a mother to two children. Then came the words that took my breath away: stage 3 cancer.
I felt buried, as if life had stripped away everything, I thought I knew. But in that stillness, I discovered something profound: when seeds are buried in darkness, it’s not the end—it’s the beginning of growth. That moment gave rise to what I now call the Blooming Reality framework, a concept I’ll be sharing at the XII Wise Women’s Leadership Conference in 2025.
Through resilience, surrender, and clarity, I transformed my pain into purpose. Today, I guide others to find strength in their darkest moments and create lives they never thought possible.
‘HoloCoach’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it. What kind of problem are you solving?
‘HoloCoach’ was born from my belief that true health and well-being extend beyond just the physical – they encompass the mind, spirit, and emotional resilience. The name reflects a holistic approach to transformation.
I help individuals break free from stress, overcome limiting beliefs, and build resilience. Whether it’s finding balance in a chaotic world, unlocking untapped potential, or thriving through challenges, my work is about helping people align with their best selves and take meaningful, sustainable actions.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
Challenges Are Seeds: Darkness isn’t the end; it’s where growth begins. Challenges hold the potential for extraordinary transformation.
Lead With Heart: True leadership isn’t about titles or results; it’s about showing up authentically and inspiring others to grow.
Trust the Path: Surrendering control and trusting the universe allows doors to open you never knew existed.
What are the keys to success?
Success isn’t about working harder or achieving more – it’s about alignment and flow. Here are the keys I live by:
a) Clarity: Understand your “why” and let it guide your decisions.
b) Authenticity: Stay true to your values and lead with heart.
c) Small Steps: Consistency in small actions creates big transformations.
d) Trust: Believe that the universe is working for you.
e) Resilience: See challenges as opportunities for growth.
f) Community: Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
What advice would you give readers who feel stuck or unsure about their next steps?
Start by getting quiet and listening to your intuition. As I like to say: “Intuition is the whisper of the universe, guiding you to live authentically, love fearlessly, and create a life that bends reality.”
The answers you seek are often within, waiting for you to notice them. Take small, intentional actions that align with your values and trust the process. Embrace discomfort as a sign of growth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help – support is a catalyst for change.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
Stay curious, stay authentic, and don’t follow the crowd blindly. Build skills that excite you and seek out mentors who inspire and challenge you. Most importantly, don’t fear failure – it’s your greatest teacher.
Career success isn’t just about climbing the ladder; it’s about creating a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with who you truly are. Get comfortable with discomfort and let curiosity guide your journey.
What about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
What excites me most is seeing the ripple effect of transformation. Watching someone rediscover their worth, embrace bold actions, or take steps toward their dreams reminds me why I do what I do.
My journey has taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about creating spaces where people feel empowered to find their own. Every life I touch contributes to a legacy of courage, authenticity, and growth.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
I want readers to understand that challenges are not the end of the road – they are catalysts for transformation. The darkest moments often hold the greatest opportunities for growth.
Whether you’re building a business, driving innovation, or simply trying to find your next step, remember this: alignment is the key. Align your actions with your values and your vision. Trust your intuition, embrace the lessons in every setback, and lead with heart.
Success isn’t just about achievements; it’s about creating ripples of inspiration and change that extend far beyond yourself. Together, we can build a world fueled by authenticity, purpose, and shared growth.
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
