Naiyer Qureshi, Certified Neuro Coach, Naiyer Qureshi Neuro Coaching
I'm a certified Neuro Coach based in London, the UK. Drawing on over 20 years in the retail sector. I work with ambitious entrepreneurs, busy professionals, and business leaders. People who value personal development know they're capable of achieving so much more and want to put strategies and structures in place to take their achievements to the next level.
I studied and completed The Coaching Academy's Coach Training Programme, the world's leading training provider. In addition, my study of neuroscience coaching and leadership from, The Optimind Institute underpins everything I do.
My specialisms included neuro spirituality, neuro health, neuro relationships, and neuro entrepreneurship. I'm delighted to be working as a mentor for The Link, an initiative in the UAE that provides an active community platform where career women can find support to advance professionally.
Its mission is to "empower women through learning and developmental initiatives, nurturing female talent and strengthening their leadership capacity." I also mentored with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, having passed their selection process.
My early career as a pharmacy technician instilled in me the importance of taking a rigorous scientific approach, with close attention to detail, accuracy, and results-based methodology.
I am delighted to be a part of Brainz Magazine as an Executive Contributor. Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I am also a contributor on THRIVE GLOBAL, Arianna Huffington's media platform.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
LinkedIn as I have met people from all over the world and gained many perspectives as a result. Friendships have developed and opportunities to coach and mentor. I can share my insights, learn, and show my personality to a like-minded community.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I'm a Certified Neuro Coach and Leadership Coach. I help overachievers who are overwhelmed by their ever-expanding goals to implement brain-based strategies. Sessions can take place virtually or face to face. I also have an interest in mindfulness, and I am undertaking training so that I can further impact the effectiveness of success for my clients.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I love infusing neuroscience into my coaching sessions to give my clients the edge, empowering them to operate from their higher brain region, their CEO brain. A better understanding of their own thought patterns and brain health will impact everything they think feel and do. I focus on reducing stress, increasing concentration, creativity, and productivity, and cultivating resilience.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Breathe, sleep, and try again.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
It is a huge privilege to coach a person. To hear and see a profound change in them because of our work together is hugely rewarding. When I am told, 'I have your voice in my ear motivating me', I feel a sense of achievement for the both of us. Understanding my brain has impacted my life, which motivates me to share my neuroscience nuggets with everyone to benefit.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I am proud of my tenacity and resilience. My family has had to deal with some difficult times, and I put myself forward to help them through it, which was very difficult for me because I did not work for nearly four years. However, I found the strength to motivate myself and gain my neuroscience coaching certification, which I utilise to help my clients build their resilience and belief in themselves.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Over a coffee and cake! Stimulating conversation with a like-minded individual is very enriching. During the pandemic, virtual networking was a great way to network too.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Patience and a sincere desire to really understand the person in front of me. I am very conscientious and have a strong work ethic, and this is the result of three mentors in my life who taught me the importance of leading by example. Also, a sense of humour is vital.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
Nothing is set in stone; flexibility, agility, and an open mind are essential.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Andrew Huberman PhD - love his enthusiastic neuroscience podcasts.
Steve Sosebee, president and founder at PCRF - an empathetic human being.
Barbara McGrath, MD at Brightwater - an inspiring, supportive, and all-around fabulous woman.
Shonte Jovan Taylor and Dr Ryeal Simms - my neuro professors.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I love working out and going for long walks by the waterfront, where I can watch the planes land and take off. Reading has been my passion since I was a little girl; I have books everywhere covering a wide range of topics to get lost in. I am also mentoring a few individuals, which is a joy for me, I have benefitted from great mentors, and I wish to give back to others.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
Overall, it was not too much of a problem as I have mainly coached online, and this continued during the pandemic. However, I have had moments where I needed to take out as I found the isolation overwhelming. I would take walks and just allow myself to notice my feelings and realise how much was in my control. My understanding of my emotional brain was crucial to managing this overwhelm; by increasing activities that helped build my resilience, I was able to regulate my emotions.
I was able to better understand my clients and the challenges they were facing in both their personal and professional lives during this time and as we opened up again as a society, which then brought other elements to the surface.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have had three different mentors over the years, all taught me different things which I have implemented within my retail roles and my coaching style - be humble, be curious, be open to learning and lead by example. I have mentored with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, a fabulous lady in Nigeria. I am now mentoring with The Link, an organisation in Dubai, for a second time.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Do your research. Clients will ask about your training credentials. Choose your trainer wisely and understand what you expect to succeed. Patience and resilience, along with a passion for learning and growing. It takes take time to grow your client list, word of mouth referrals are worth their weight in gold along with testimonials. There are no shortcuts; effort is required!
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Lack of belief in themselves and overwhelm. Audit the people in your life; not everyone is in alignment and wants your success as they are judging your progress through their lens. Challenge your beliefs, do not give in to them. Intrinsic values can help to keep you focussed and motivated.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"What other people think of you is none of your business." - Anthony Hopkins.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Those whose leaders understand that showing compassion, empathy, and a degree of understanding for their teams, is not a fluffy concept but a necessity after these recent years. When shown and witnessed, these elements cultivate a calmer brain for all and a more bonded and united workplace.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Peace of mind is a sign of success. Of course, material things come and go. However, that sense of calm and peace with oneself is priceless. So, don't sweat the small stuff, have compassion for yourself, learn from the failings and keep going, include daily bouts of humour, eat chocolate, read and most importantly, prioritise your sleep.
People are amazing, and it's important to have all age groups amongst your connections. Conversations spark so many insights, be your sincere self, and the other person will feel safe in your company. So many clients have come on board because of an open and honest conversation. Remember how curious and fearless you were as a child- reignite that now, as an adult, it's liberating!