Heidi Simos’ career journey is one marked by resilience, transformation, and a deep-seated passion for helping others find and live their best life. As a Career Ownership Coach® with The Entrepreneur’s Source® (TES), Heidi’s story is an inspiration for those considering a similar path. Her experiences, from navigating the corporate world, to finding fulfillment in franchising, offer invaluable lessons for prospective TES coaches.
From Corporate Struggles to Franchise Success
Upon entering the corporate world, it quickly became clear that this environment was not a fit for Heidi. A slew of difficult bosses and toxic work environments left her looking for more. The corporate ladder, with its inherent politics and backstabbing, only fueled her desire for a career where she could thrive without compromising her values.
Heidi’s career reached a turning point when she transitioned into the franchise world, joining the franchisor side of a national learning center brand. Heidi found joy in a mission that resonated with her: helping kids find confidence and academic success. “I love the positivity of the franchise world. Everyone wants to see you succeed. It is an encouraging and supportive environment,” she says. This experience not only honed her skills but also laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
A Successful Franchise Journey and Staying True to Herself
Along with a business partner, Heidi became a franchisee with the national learning center brand. Together, they achieved remarkable success, expanding into multi-unit franchise ownership. However, as with many partnerships, the dynamics were not ideal, thus leading Heidi to exit the partnership. Back in the corporate world, she joined a for-profit university, but soon found herself amidst another toxic environment due to the institution’s involvement in a financial scandal.
Her unwavering integrity led to a conflict with her boss over employee safety issues. Standing up for her employees meant she soon found herself on the chopping block the next round of layoffs. This experience became a catalyst for Heidi to reinvent herself once again.
Rediscovering Happiness with TES
Reflecting on her career, Heidi realized her happiest moments were in the franchising world. A career source center referred her to a TES Career Ownership Coach®, and she discovered a new path. “I thought this was too good to be true!” recalls Heidi, “To be able to help people, coach them, and educate them in life changing ways really excited me. I knew this was for me.” Finding alignment with TES’s mission, Heidi became a Career Ownership Coach® in 2015 and has never looked back.
“I love the systems and robust support of TES. I find the leadership to be innovative and dynamic. This company genuinely cares about its people and works hard to grow and make changes, when necessary,” Heidi notes. TES’s supportive approach and proven systems have been a perfect fit for her. “TES is different. The fact that they are not franchise brokers stood out to me. I didn’t want to be a salesperson, selling people franchises. I want to do what is best for the clients. They are not just numbers to TES.”
Building a Coaching Legacy
Heidi’s approach to coaching is built on relationships and tailored to each client. “My coaching is my own. Every client is a little bit different, and I have a ton of tools at my disposal to find what will best help my clients on their individual journey,” she explains. The freedom to be creative, leveraging a franchisee’s individual strengths, within a proven system is a hallmark of TES.
One of her notable client stories involves a highly analytical individual prone to “analysis paralysis.” Heidi’s honest and supportive coaching helped her break free from her cyclical thinking, leading her to success as a business owner. Another client had the habit of coming and going, taking his own time to embrace the journey. Heidi’s patience and understanding allowed him to find his own path, eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. Both examples highlight what is at the core of Heidi’s approach to coaching and relationship building. “I love talking to people and helping them achieve their Income, Lifestyle, Wealth, and Equity (ILWE®) goals. It is what brings me joy,” explains Heidi.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Starting any new business is not without its challenges and becoming a TES coach is no different. “Switching from brick-and-mortar business ownership to a virtual one was an adjustment. All my career I had been a leader. I supervised and trained. I had employees. The daily operations of the business could run without me, but as a coach it was all up to me,” Heidi shares. “On the flip side, I don’t worry about employee issues or maintenance and upkeep of multiple facilities. There is a lot of newfound freedom in that.”
As a collaborative person by nature, Heidi found the initial solitude of her new business daunting but reaching out to the TES network and hiring a supportive coach assistant, Debra Koehler, made a significant difference. “Debra’s background in business has been a tremendous asset, managing front-end tasks and allowing me to focus on coaching and relationship building,” explains Heidi. And collaborating with another like-minded individual focused on the business aligns with Heidi’s natural inclination for teamwork and has strengthened her coaching business immensely.
This is just one example of how Heidi has found freedom to be herself within a proven franchise system. She also creates a monthly newsletter and hosts online seminars, webinars, and workshops. Partnering with different organizations has been a few ways Heidi has brought her love of connecting with people into her business in creative ways.
A Life Transformed
Heidi’s journey with TES has not only transformed her career but also her personal life. “I have flexibility and independence that I haven’t had before. I can take time off and not worry what my boss thinks or if someone is going to stab me in the back while I’m gone.” The freedom to enjoy her time and travel, such as spending a couple of weeks in Italy or taking care of sick family members, underscores the profound changes in her life. “I don’t dread Mondays anymore!” says Heidi, who now feels fully in control of her destiny.
Advice for Aspiring TES Coaches
For those considering becoming a TES coach, Heidi offers valuable advice as a seasoned coach: “Don’t take anything personally. People have a lot going on in their lives, and it isn’t always about you. Don’t be hard on yourself, honing your coaching skills takes time and will come with practice. Diversification is important, don’t rely on just one source for clients. And finally, take time to give back. It feels great!”
Heidi’s journey to and as a Career Ownership Coach® with TES is a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and the right support system. Her story is not just about personal success but about the profound impact one can have by guiding others to find their own path. Heidi’s experiences and insights serve as an inspiration that it is possible to stay true to yourself and find success as a business owner.
Ready to start your discovery and become a Career Ownership Coach®? Learn more today!
