S4 E2 In conversation with Susi Astengo: Need is the mother of invention

The 'Inspire your Life' Podcast with Arthi Rabikrisson

In this episode, Arthi is joined by Susi Astengo, Founder of CoachMatching. Susi gives us insight into her personal life and how key life changes necessitated her pivoting her career towards starting her own business. Sixteen years later, through navigating being a single mum (to a son she loves dearly and is so proud of), undergoing a major health situation, to new country dynamics to operate a business in, Susi has built a highly-respected (and been accoladed for) Coaching and Leadership development practice and coaching platform.

Susi shares that throughout all the challenges her superpower has been to be able to reinvent the business through continuous improvement and keeping abreast of emerging trends, while maintaining high standards in coaching practice.

Susi shares key lessons about how she manages the balance of being in the business and working on the business.

Her 3 tips for all entrepreneurs: to know your target market, stay connected, & don't be afraid to fail.

Some wise words from Susi:

“just put one foot in front of the other, just do the next step”

Listen to the full episode for so much more insights and ideas offered by my wonderful guest!

About Susi Astengo:

Over 30 years’ experience with UK, South African & Multinational Companies from many sectors including Banking & Finance, FMCG, Telco’s, Production & Manufacturing, Retail, Education, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas and Fintech. Susi is a seasoned professional, with a proven ability to create simplicity from complexity & quickly understand key issues & work with her clients to identify the most appropriate & effective solutions. Susi is an effective communicator in both small or large groups and is able to modify the message to best suit the audience's needs. She is an energetic speaker, is adaptable, can react well in the moment and is able to blend humour & serious messages for maximum impact.

She has developed a network of global & local partners & thought leaders in industry related fields such as Mentoring, Neuroscience/leadership, Talent Management, Change Management & Adult Learning & Ai. Susi has chosen to focus on Coaching and Mentoring as a means for transformation at both an individual, team and organisational level and her vision is to democratize coaching. In 2024 she was “highly commended woman in Tech” at the Africa Tech Awards. In 2016 she won the Business woman of the Year award in the established entrepreneur category.

She is also a cancer survivor and the proud single mother of a 20 year old son, currently studying at Stellenbosch University.

Connect with Susi here:

• Website
• Linkedin

Do rate, write a review and share with others.

Share too, your own insights from your journey based on themes from the episode - what has worked or hasn't for you. We can all learn from each other.

Connect with host Arthi here:

- LinkedIn
- Website
- Twitter
- YouTube
- Facebook
- IG
- Forbes Coaches Council
- Forbes Councils
- Support the show

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1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. About the Inspire Your Life Podcast (00:00:24)

3. About Susi Astengo (00:01:11)

4. Welcome! (00:02:56)

5. Getting To Know Susi (00:03:22)

6. The Birth Of Coach Matching (00:06:00)

7. Susi As A Mother (00:07:47)

8. Courageous Or Stubborn? (00:09:50)

9. New Business Challenges (00:14:14)

10. Imposter Syndrome (00:17:25)

11. Susi's Key Lessons (00:18:50)

12. Taking The Time To Reflect (00:22:33)

13. Susi's Top Three Tips (00:24:22)

14. What Is Next? (00:27:32)

15. The 4 Cs (00:32:00)

16. What Inspires Susi? (00:33:02)

17. Thank you Listeners! (00:34:26)