From Bankruptcy to MAXIMized Practitioner: Interview with Sarah Connors, ND [Ep #176]

  On this episode of the podcast I’m bringing on one of my students, Sarah Connors to talk about what life was like after bankruptcy and how she’s grown into the amazing, successful maximized practitioner she is now. Stay tuned. 

ANDREA: Hey guys! Andrea here. Today is an extra special episode, I wanted to start highlighting some of my favorite students inside the maximized practitioner program. And Sarah Connors has graciously decided that she wanted to tell her story. And I think her story, especially where she started from as a new graduate, dealing with bankruptcy, overcoming a lot of fear and shame around that. To grow into this amazing maximized practitioner who’s just taking control of her business was absolutely something that I wanted to share with all of you. Because so often we get into these situations; we get into debt. I’ve shared that I was twenty thousand dollars in debt for the first 5 years of my business. And depending on how you have been raised, depending on how your relationship with money, that can really start to weigh on your ability to let go. To grow, to show up because you feel like there’s this anchor weighing you down.  And bankruptcy is another one of those four letter words that people don’t want to talk about. They don’t want to share it, they’re afraid that they need to claim it. If this is just part of your journey, is just part of your journey and that’s what’s part of Sarah’s journey. And that’s why I thought it’d be so great to have her come on and talk about how she resolved a lot of that fear and how she really changed her mind set about everything; about herself, about her identity, about her worth and where she is now. So without further ado, let’s jump with the interview with Sarah. 

Hey Sarah! Thank you so much for coming on to the podcast. This has been a long time coming. You have been probably one of my most loyal and dedicated students inside the maximized practitioner program. And I love showing off my people and you definitely deserve some major accolades. So before we jump into the interview today, why don’t you give everyone a bit of a background on what your journey had been like since your graduation, and kind of what’s brought you on where you are now. 

SARAH: Sure, so I’m a naturopathic doctor in Persil that is how I operate in my business. And I currently run a Saratoga family naturopathic. And where that actually comes from; I’m actually technically an indigenous naturopathic doctor in Persil. And that’s something even just saying that I have gotten more comfortable with the last probably 6-10 months and I would say is where I started to own that piece as I just haven’t put myself out there in a big visible way. Up until probably 6-12 months where that shifting point started to happen to me. I graduated from the King College of Naturopathic Medicine, just like Andrea did and I graduated 7 years ago. 7 years of practice has started in October of this year for me and like all of you it’s been one of the craziest years of practice on record but funny enough for me and I hope for a lot of you. It’s actually been probably one of the best at the same time. Because it’s really allowed me to shift and to change. And coming out of school, I was like a lot of you who are just graduating and just figuring out what do I do now. And that’s actually when I connected with Andrea was around that time. I’m pretty sure it was a year and a half out, maybe two at the most that we started to work together. And it’s just been a really big roller coaster of a ride from graduating till now. I was in one clinic that didn’t work out, I actually and this is something I share very openly now. It took me a number of years to get to that point but I am the kind of type that works in the crazy situation I ended up in. It wasn’t because of mismanagement or anything like that. Because I’m still practicing now and I’m growing now. Sometimes, life has a very different plan for you. So if you guys feel especially if you’re a first-timer and feel overwhelmed and all those other crazy feelings. Like ‘how can I possibly make this work?’ you can do this if I can come back from ‘that’ and grow and start to really become the practice that I envisioned for myself way back I left school then you guys can do it too. I hope that’s the kind of message you take from Andrea and I chatting together today.

ANDREA: And even when that you were having those financial troubles you still knew that seeking out help and seeking out guidance was something that you needed to do. And there’s a ton of people that don’t have a history as you do with their finances. They don’t have any debt and you still have that issue around making the investments. And seeking out help even though finances are quoted and quote ok. So I’d love to talk about where your mindset was at in that first year of being hit with something that society deems to be the worst thing that could ever happen to you. And I’m not saying that is what it is for you—and what debt, bankruptcy, and all these negative four-letter word connotations with them. And I don’t really feel like it slowed you down in certain ways. To describe what that first year was like where you had to make that decision to file for bankruptcy. But you were like ‘I still need help, I still want to make this business work.’ 

SARAH: Yeah, I can definitely say like it wasn’t primrose past plans, want to try and give that impression. It was tough, there was definitely a lot of pieces of making that decision that was hard. There is mindset work, I had to do to come to terms of the fact that I wasn’t a failure because of the bankruptcy. So it took me a good year after my bankruptcy it cost me a little bit longer to be able to just talk about it like it is. It’s just the thing that happens, it’s just part of the past and it doesn’t have to dictate my future. And that wasn’t something that I came up to overnight guys. There are definitely tears and upset and feeling lost and overwhelmed. All of those things happened, 100% they did. But I’m really fortunate that I’ve known for a long time that this is what I’m meant to do. And when I sat down and said ‘ok I have a choice here, I can go and find a regular job and get a career and all that comes off as an option.’ It’s always an option but there is something that told me that this is where I’m meant to be for even when I was homeschooled that was my driving force for me in school too was I knew that this is what I’m meant to do. So that meant that I had to look at what was all my options in terms of how could I make this work? How could I move forward? 

ANDREA: And let’s also talk about how in those beginning stages you’re trying to get the business to go. You’re trying to assert your independence, and I know that because your parents had to help with the bankruptcy as well. There was a lot of emotional growth that needed to happen between you and your support system. And how was that for that time period were number 1, you had to say ‘ok I need to claim bankruptcy, or this is not going to work out.’ And then being very much tied with your parents with regards to financial decisions. How was that for you from a mindset perspective? Having it’s one thing to know about debt internally just on your own, but when your parents or your support system knows—there’s that other level of vulnerability that comes with that and how was that process for you and how did you forgive yourself for that? Because that was a struggle, that was the source of a lot of the tears. And I remember that from the very beginning. 

SARAH: Yeah, absolutely. Exactly like you said, Andrea. A lot of frank conversations I had to be had, some very difficult conversations in my case with my parents. Because currently, I don’t have a partner in my life, so it’s just me. I take care of myself, I do everything for myself, I run the business completely myself. And then hook in with other supports like you and there are coaches that help me to get to that next level. Because I basically—it was a lot of hard conversations that basically were about what I had to do and decide what was it that I wanted for myself, what is it that I wanted for my life and had to have that conversation with them. Because in this case they were much tied into that process, and then we had to find a way forward and it was actually the first time we had that ‘I’m an independent adult, I’m not their child anymore.’ And that was a bit of grieving and letting go process for them. That they weren’t fully not that they were my parents because they’re always my parents. Realizing that I had to stop really into this on my own, and really own it, and move through it, and deal with it. And figuring those pieces moving forward. 

ANDREA: Now we did start working together from the very beginning but I’m going to say that I don’t think I’ve seen the growth in you as much as I did in the past year too. So I’d love to touch on you; you still invested in the coaching programs, you were still learning the things but I would say you certainly weren’t executing things as quickly as executing on things now. So what was it like for those first three or four years despite—and the reason I’m asking this is that a lot of people invest in programs, they think that’s going to be the answer; they don’t implement, they don’t take action and they keep thinking ‘oh well coaching will burn me, program will burn me, I can’t make any more investments.’ And I would love for you to reflect on, again, still going through a lot of these things but what were the blockers and the obstacles for you that you still needed to overcome despite having all the resources that you need back when you were still just not as involved as you are now. 

SARAH: I think one of the biggest things that I realized in the last year to year and a half it’s actually the last year would be that I didn’t realize on a conscious level anyway how much fear was ruling my life. When you’re a new practitioner you only have two and a half years of experience working on your own. You don’t have your mentor, your teachers watching over you and guiding you through these turbulent waters of our first figures of practice to have that situation where the first clinic really went sideways. Declaring the bankruptcy and just feeling like ‘I had to shrink’ I had to protect myself and I think I was afraid of being seen and being seen fully and either being judged for it. Or this idea of fear in my head that there were further repercussions that came for me as a result for the situation that I had been in. Even though most of it is not in my own creation, I definitely had a hand in it. Absolutely, because it’s not helpful to not take responsibility for our lives and our choices. So I’m not saying that it was just a ‘just happened’ but I also know that it wasn’t just. And I can see that with better clarity now that I have time and I’ve really done a lot of that internal work. So it’s a really good demonstration and I hope that you guys can take from that. A lot of the time it’s not really the strategy, as much as you need those strategies you need those pieces if you’re struggling it’s also how you think. It’s your mindset because when that’s not in focus, and you don’t have those pieces together no amount of strategy, because I had it. I had figured out ways to invest in maximized practitioner programs, additional programs both with Andrea and with some other coaches and I was just extremely slow to act. And a lot of those pieces really didn’t get implemented fully before the last year. 

ANDREA: So what was a typical day like for you when you were living in that fear? When you were afraid to take action, how do you remember the emotions you were feeling during those days? What was getting accomplished? How do you describe that before you started to take calls off the maximized practitioner teachings, we did the next level program together? We even did the elite implementer level with you which I think again was the perfect timing for when you’re really ready to execute. But prior to all of that what was a typical day like? 

SARAH: the way that I would sum it up from this perspective is that I just wanted to figure out how I could serve and not be too big. I was definitely not working and connecting with people and quote on quote doing all of the things. But then I wouldn’t go live on Facebook, I wouldn’t do those things that really put a spotlight on me and made me really visible. Because it was that fear piece that was keeping me from really stepping into those pieces because I just wanted to standard the radar, I think it was what it was. Do the things I need to do to help my patients and get them well and obviously need to grow my practice because I need to do otherwise, I’m still financially bound. But I think there was always a bit of a sealing mentality of just ‘if I don’t do too much of this, then I’m ok.’ If not too many people see me, then I’m ok. That was the bit of a mantra that I got stuck there for a while. 

ANDREA: And like most practitioners, I remember you coming into the program feeling very overwhelmed, having this massive to-do list that was just basically drowning you. And how was it navigating that—before you started implementing, how did that feel? Just always being in this hamster wheel of ‘I want to do all these things’ and then the fear stopping you from doing it. So how did that feel? How was that serving you? 

SARAH: Oh gosh, yeah it’s a good point actually. It’s funny how you tend to let go of these things as your process for sure. Because I would be stuck and overwhelmed a lot. I would have all these ideas of things that I could do and wanted to do to grow both my practice and myself but the overwhelm would definitely stop me in a lot of ways and the overwhelm and the fear would keep this melded together to form. That’s just ended up stopping me from actually taking action on the things I knew I needed to take action on. 

ANDREA: And since then, I’m not going to take full credit but you’ve worked with Jim Forton and that’s where this mindset work is coming from. From the business owner perspective, from the maximized practitioner perspective, how would you say that being a part of that community has made an impact on where your business is at now? 

SARAH: I don’t know where I could be from where I am now without the maximized practitioner program and community, to be honest. Because I’ve basically been involved since pretty much day 1, I think. 

ANDREA: Yeah you’ve been one of my most loyal students for sure. 

SARAH: Like most of us, we can get in and out of things in terms of how active we are. But even just knowing we always had the community to fall back on. That when I got to that next piece that I knew I need to tackle, that I could connect with you, connect with the community, and feel like I had the support and additional resources that I needed. As you said, I did work with Jim Forton this past spring. I did his transformational coaching program and that really opened a lot of doors for me in terms of taking big steps forward in terms of my mindsets. So I would say especially for you guys who are newer and kind of figure out what you need to do. Absolutely use all of the things that Andrea’s teaching you, they’re absolutely helpful and will get you where you need to go. But if what you’re struggling with like me is actually executing on things and going through with things, then also take a look at it. Maybe there are some mindset pieces that are deeper than what you’ve already addressed. And you need to start to uncover those things. Because I can tell you that it ended up having a domino effect not only in my business but also for my health and a lot of other things. Because of the program that Andrea and the elite team help me finally lawn after for way too long. Saratoga weight solution and I felt like a fraud trying to teach that program that was something that held me back because I wasn’t achieving my ideal weight goals. And one of the pieces that really held me back personally was the mindset piece. And when I got that in line, I’m now at the point where any of you who actually get to know me, actually know I don’t brag. Andrea can attest to that. 

ANDREA: Very humble, very quiet. Yes. 

SARAH: But I’m almost at the point now within the year that I’ve let go of 40 pounds that don’t serve me, personally. And I’m seeing the shifts in my patients too, my patients that have been hitting ceilings in terms of weight, in terms of all those things. Patients that have been stuck at certain numbers like diabetes, they’re moving past these hurdles a lot faster because I worked for myself first and then got the help I needed from Andrea with the team. To actually implement all those clicky pieces that I don’t want to do. 

ANDREA: Yes, so let’s talk about that and it’s exactly why we created the elite level membership is because you guys just don’t need courses necessarily if you don’t have the time to execute on the courses and that was where I was just ‘I’m not going to do one on one coaching with anyone anymore, we’re just going to offer the mentorship but you get my team to help with the delegation.’ And so we took that high fat, low carb program and completely rebranded it so it was a unique methodology for you so you have your branded logo, we launched it in a three month period, you crushed and the one thing that stood out for me the most was when you approached about upgrading to that elite level membership. The financial conversation was not even there, and back in the day it would have been hemming and hawing or ‘oh I don’t know and I have to look at my bank account and etc.’ you’re just like I can make this work. And that was when I knew what a different person you were showing up to your business. And that has continued to ripple further and further. In fact, I just saw you do your own launch all by yourself putting it all out there again and when I see that happen I am just so over the moon, proud of you and other students where I’m just like ‘wow, look at them.’ All of those blockers, all of those negative conversations, that hemming and hawing it’s not happening anymore. Like you’re just ‘I’m going to find a way to make this work. And so what are the other big wins that you can think of that happened in the past year because you had the resources, because you are in our community because you did the mindset work because our team helped you created those programs. And we don’t do the launching, we don’t support the community. We just helped you get all those pieces together. What are some of the big wins in the past year that you could reflect on and be like ‘I did that.’

SARAH: I would definitely say the program was probably the one that jumps to mind immediately. One, because I just finished launching it by myself and it was hugely forward for me in terms of getting more comfortable with actually charging my worth. And the piece for a lot of us as naturopaths, we come into this because we wanted to serve, which 100% is valid and I still feel that’s my purpose is to serve my patients and to serve my people. But you also deserve to have financial stability. 

ANDREA: Yeah, and that serving doesn’t mean that you assume people can afford your value. 

SARAH: Yeah. So I can tell you a year ago I would have been petrified to charge what I charge for the program. And now I did it because I didn’t really feel a hard or a second thought. Whereas a year ago, that would’ve been like ‘oh my gosh who’s going to actually pay this?’ who’s going to actually have the financial ability to invest in this with me. Because I didn’t have a good concept of my worth at that point. And I’ve really done a lot of work to own that. I’m currently working on getting the podcast to get, that’s another piece that Andrea and the team have helped me and I’m recording episodes right now and we’ll be launching in the New Year for sure. Right now, is just a little too busy to get that altogether because, still busy until the New Year time for practice and stuff like that. So I’m sure a lot of you guys can attest to that too. 

ANDREA: And let’s talk about that podcast piece as well, that’s coming full circle into what you brought up which you never talked about before. You always said, ‘I am indigenous, I want to support my indigenous community but you never owned it. And now that you’re owning it, you are owning it in your podcast, you’re owning it in the artworks that were putting as your podcast. You are really stepping into your authentic identity and you’re not hiding anymore. And that’s another so brave, and courageous and amazing I saw with you in the past year. I think when we’re even creating the podcast artwork and then name there’s still some hesitancy and you’re like ‘I’m going to hold this fear with me and I’m going to put it out there, and this is what I need to do, this is where my calling.’ And it really reignited this huge spark in you which was so great. And I would love for you to just talk about how that feels. This whole thing you’ve been saying ‘I was afraid to put a spotlight on me, I was hiding, I was doing the bare minimum just to get by.’ But now you’re really stepping on to the stage and how does that feel?

SARAH: It feels really great and there’s still fear there.

ANDREA: Yeah, girl there’s going to be fear the whole time. 

SARAH: So if you guys are thinking ‘oh I just have to get a year, 5,6,7,10 whatever number you had in your head because I had that number as well. When I finish school I was like ‘oh when I get to like 5 plus years in practice I definitely like I’ve got this figure it out.’ And talking to some of my mentors who have been in practice for 30 years. You can just look at that fallacy now really helped you, honestly. But I would say it’s amazing and I feel like I’m really finally stepping into who I’m meant to be. Because even though I’ve supported my communities, I actually work up North, when I say north I mean Simcoe Muskoka County that’s where I grew up. So I actually go back there and work with our indigenous community specifically. And I guess part of it too even though I grew up that way, I was raised with our indigenous teachings that have always been part of what I am. That’s always a priority for me and how I can get back, but because I don’t look particularly indigenous, I think that was something I was even aware of it. That I feel like I could step forward and have a voice within the community just as much as everybody else. I honestly think it was also partly the big shift around a focus on ‘Black Lives Matter’ and really bringing more attention to people of color and indigenous people. All those conversations, I realized I have something to contribute through that conversation and the real purpose of the podcast it’s called ‘Two-eyed Seeing’. If you guys are interested it’ll be dropping in the New Year. That’s what really my goal is to bring more indigenous voices to the forefront and recognize the contributions that our indigenous communities have to the world that we live in both from a health perspective and cultural perspective and just how life is like.

ANDREA: And if people wanted to reach out to you and perhaps maybe contribute to your podcast or just ask questions. Ask like how your journey has been, what are some of the best ways for them to reach out? 

SARAH:

SARAH: Probably the easiest way to reach me is through my website, so it’s at www.sarahconnersnd.com if you guys message me through there then I see the messages of course reaching out to me on Facebook and Instagram is always a good way too. Because I’ve been getting a lot more familiar with those platforms I’m getting more comfortable with them now. Getting them a few months ago and you guys have all heard Andrea say how important social media is especially right now. And those are probably the easiest way to reach out to me. 

ANDREA: Amazing. Well, thank you so much for coming on and sharing your story and being so transparent about your journey and for being such a loyal member of the maximized practitioner program. I mean you are the example of that transformation from underprepared practitioner to now being that maximized practitioner who’s doing all of the right things. And I just want to thank you so much for being a part of our community and is now sharing it with the podcast listeners. 

SARAH: Well I also want to thank you, Andrea, because of the fact that you decided to step up and do that all those years ago. And that we all have access to the help that you’re offering right now. So thank you for what you do too. 

ANDREA: Thanks, Sarah. So that was really powerful and I was just grateful to her for being so transparent and sharing. You know, some of those things that you might be afraid to say, as she said. Had we done this recording 4 years or 5 years ago she would not have brought it up, but she’s in a different place now. And if her journey resonates with you in any way, do reach out to her and she will totally support you and talk to you freely about what she went through. But if you also resonated with being a part of our community, being in the maximized practitioner program, delegating your to-do list, and getting rid of that anxiety, and becoming an elite level member where my team is there to help you, I’m there to mentor you. Reach out on Instagram at andreamaximnd, you can also go to our website maximizebusiness.ca and book a game plan call then you and I get 30 min of just ‘us’ time to chat about what are the holes are in your business and help fill in those gaps as quickly as we can. It has been amazing how many elite members we’ve had just as you’re alone and how quickly we’ve been able to execute on all of those dream projects that you’ve been putting off. Because quite frankly you just don’t have the time. And that’s why I said I don’t have the time for a one on one coaching anymore because you don’t need the coaching; you need the execution, the implementation and the action. And that’s why our team steps up and does a lot of that clicky work for you can feel accomplished without having to feel like you need ten views to get there. So please don’t hesitate to reach out, even if you just want to ask some questions, inquire about what it’s like. Book that game plan call or definitely dm me at andreamaximnd, I’m always here to support you guys. I cannot wait to see what 2021 brings. I’m Andrea Maxim and I’m out.