Mar 18, 2025
Birth of the Coaching Program
The birth of my coaching program is a tale of serendipity and intention. It all began in 2024 when I made a seemingly simple decision: to say yes to every "brain picking" request that came my way. Instead of finding refuge in structures and platforms, I carved out time in my day - pushing my 5:30 AM walk to 6:30 AM and adding an evening slot - to meet with members of our community.
These weren't just meetings; they were walking conversations where I mostly listened. Saying yes repeatedly isn't easy; it's far simpler to decline and retreat to the comfort of sleep or Netflix. But there's a certain madness, an intent behind this openness that proved invaluable.
As I lent my ear, I discovered a tapestry of concerns. Career and finance dominated the conversations, with some focusing on transitions into design or product management. A smaller but significant portion revolved around mental health, sleep, and overall wellbeing. Regardless of the topic, the feedback was consistent: gratitude for truly listening and holding space with authenticity.
These interactions were like fine wine - improving with time. Many wanted to continue our conversations but felt guilty about taking up more of my time. Apologies began to outnumber actual discussions.
As my endurance grew, walks evolved into runs, making talks more challenging. Office days became trickier to navigate. It was clear I needed a more structured approach. I decided to dedicate 300 hours a year to coaching from 2025, effectively trading my Netflix budget for this new endeavor.
This shift from informal chats to a structured program brought an interesting dynamic. By introducing a fee, albeit higher than other platforms, I removed the guilt factor. Now, participants could demand better services, knowing they were paying for valuable time and expertise. It also allowed me to approach each session with increased seriousness, ensuring a systematic approach and encouraging homework & accountability between sessions.
Throughout this journey, I've been testing product-solution fit and product-market fit in various ways. Eg: My walking slots served as one testing ground. The business model fit isn't my primary concern right now; instead, I'm focused on doing what we can with what we have, no excuses.
Ultimately, this coaching program aligns perfectly with PiFo's broader mission. When PiFo generates funds by making India more innovative, that's when I'll consider the business model validated. The intent is pure, creating a win-win-win scenario in multiple directions. I couldn't have designed a better proposition if I tried.
This organic evolution from casual conversations to a structured coaching program embodies the very essence of innovation and community-building that PiFo stands for. It's a testament to the power of saying yes, listening deeply, and adapting to meet the needs of those around us.
And we are sold out for 2025 🔥
