Karla – Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to
answer the following ‘quick questions’ about your business and your philosophy
on health, life, fitness and ‘living your passion’!
It’s really inspiring to hear from someone who has
made such an impact on so many people, as well as being a Professional athlete
– a wealth of knowledge and experience in the health, nutrition and wellness
industry!
What exciting news that you have just released your brand new healthy snacks recipe e-book; '10 nourishing snacks'.
Tell us a little bit about what your
business is about? (e.g why you started it, what you do, how you do it….).
My Health
Coaching business (www.karlagilbert.com.au) came about as a natural progression from
professional athlete for 10 years (Ironwoman), to focussing on helping others
to achieve their best life through health and wellbeing. I began blogging my
healthy recipes and health tips on Ironmum Karla (www.ironmumkarla.com.au) and its here that the passion really grew. I am a level III and IV fitness trainer but
prefer to view the person as a whole which is why I turned my attention to
Lifestyle, Food and Wellness Coaching. There really is no point in
setting someone a fitness program if they are not doing the other things right
at home in regards to their nutrition, or have emotional eating habits or
issues that are stepping in the way of leading a healthy life. This could
be stress, sleep issues, relationship issues, lacking energy or simply not knowing
how to cook or plan meals.
How did you get to where you are
right now? (Business and/or life).
When you
are doing what you love, the world presents itself – I firmly believe that.
Sure, my profile as an Ironwoman has certainly helped but this was in itself
something that took a lot of dedication and persistence. I have also studied
business marketing so, all these areas have seamlessly joined to where I am
now.
How would you define ‘good health’?
Good health
to me is when the ‘whole you’ is flowing together. With each client I have I
ask them to fill out a ‘currents of life’ graphic which is a play on words with
the ocean but it clearly shows if any area of your life is requiring some
attention or perhaps another area is requiring some balance. You may be eating
well or exercising like a crazy person but in the end this will lead to a crash
and have repercussions
What comes to mind when you think
about ‘living with PASSION and PURPOSE’? And how do you do this in your days?
Hmm, I
don’t think you should have to tell yourself this each day or else it is coming
from a forceful angle… Find what you love doing and work towards helping others
without worrying about what money you may be paid or what someone will
say. This can all be worked out
later. If you are doing something you
love, others will feel and be attracted to this. Set the example and others will follow.
What does a day in the life of you
look like?
Phew ok, I
begin every 2nd day at 5am (I alternate with my husband) and set off
for an early morning stand up paddle board session. I still compete internationally in this sport
and am a Naish SUP ambassador. Then it
is straight back home at 7am to be greeted with cuddles from my two girls (5,8)
and to prepare breakfast, school lunches and get the day on the go.
After drop
off I’m straight into emails or seeing clients, duties at home or grocery
shopping. I have a 7 week program that is delivered via e-course (www.karlagilbert.com.au/e-course) which is all set up, automatically
but I offer a fitness and food diary assessments as part of this which I love
doing. Each month I present healthy
cooking workshops for young girls and adults around the Gold Coast so this is
another fun part of my job!
I also try
and get to the gym every 2nd day for strength work during the day so
yes, I’m on the go.
This fills
up my day easily, then it’s off for school pickups before after school
activities begin. I am usually on the
computer again after dinner for a small amount of time before reading a book
and zoning out at around 9.30pm.
What is most important and valuable
to you?
My family
and our health. Enough said!
What is your biggest
obstacle/hurdle/challenge that you have been through and how did you over-come
this?
There has
been many but I viewed each one as a learning experience and that everything
happens for a reason. If you try and remain positive through something and not
get too bogged down then it makes it a heck of a lot easier! Self-pity does no
one any good.
What’s next on the cards for you
(and your business)?
I am on the
finishing stages of a healthy snack recipe book that will be offered free to my
cherished email subscribers. There are a
few exciting projects in the pipeline but a bit too early to talk about them
yet..sorry!
9What has been your biggest
achievement so far?
I used to
say winning my 5 world titles but that is nothing compared to having my 2
healthy, beautiful girls
What is the best advice you could give to
women wanting to live their BEST life?
Ha, well
that is a very broad statement and could mean so many different things.. If you
can honestly face yourself in the mirror each day and be happy with where you’re
at and doing then you’re living your best life.
Egos aside, and doing something that really is true to you is the most
important factor in long term happiness. Be bold, be willing to step outside
the square and be confident in your own journey. Own it baby!
THANK YOU so very much – keep doing the amazing work
that you are, you are definitely inspiring a lot of people out there!!
Ash Chatfield (The Well Life Project).
Thanks Ashlee for the lovely interview. I have just sharing on facebook, all the best for you and your dreams! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Karla,
ReplyDeletei would like some information, on your next cooking workshop, for myself & daughter. alex
Hi Alex, I only have a couple more to go - before the next dates roll out. Here is the link http://www.karlagilbert.com.au/free-cooking-workshops/
Delete