In Conversation with: Oluchi Kolanisi

Who is Oluchi Kolanisi?

I am so many people in one, a personal transformation coach, businesswoman, inspirational speaker and most recently I became an author of, I, Before We. There are so many expressions that makes this whole person. At the core however, I am a student who loves teaching! Nothing gives me joy than absorbing new information.

What inspired you to write I, Before We: How to navigate relationships by putting you first?

My life journeys. Having to build myself from disadvantage to advantage. Learning that the most important advantage you can have in your life is healing yourself and then showing up in the world with inner peace. That self-love advantage gives you an edge like no other. So, in my book I teach people how to heal the parts of themselves that they do not particularly love. How to overcome traumas and difficult relationships and circumstances through self-anchoring. In order to show up in the world with more tenacity and pride. This is because, at the end of the day; you can only control your own self.

Which writers inspire you the most?

I enjoy non-fiction mostly. The writers that inspire me the most are people that tell stories that allow me to look at something different. Malcolm Gladwell, Zakes Mda, Rich Mkhondo, Toni Morrison, Chimamanda Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie just to name a few, because truly the list is long.

What do you want people to feel when they read the book?

I want people to feel inspired no matter who they are that there is hope for anyone who was ever considered a minority or “other”. That true happiness comes from within.

Where can people buy your book?

They can buy the book on Amazon.com as well as Takealot.com

Tell us more about your personal transformation coaching work, what does that involve?

I am passionate about getting people on the right track of their lives through personal transformation coaching which is a holistic coaching method for those who want to positively change or influence their lives as well as business and career coaching. It involves sessions where the coach and coachee work on resolving a situation stipulated by the coachee.

I hold a coaching certification from GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science is a business school in South Africa and an affiliate of the University of Pretoria) and I am currently working towards getting my international accreditation through ICF (International Coaching Federation). I enjoy seeing people transform their personal lives, careers, and businesses.

Who are the rocks in your life?

As I am a very spiritual person; I will say God and my ancestors. Also my mother, who has been my rock since birth. I also look towards other women who are walking similar paths, I have so many female inspirations to name from Thembi Seete, Naomi Campbell, Mariah Carey. These are women that have survived the adversities that came with their lives.

What advice would you offer to upcoming writers?

The one Nike gives to everyone every day: Just do it. We as creatives always give ourselves a hard time over our art. Trying to get it to be perfect. The art is in failing and making mistakes, that way you honor the flow of your evolution. As a writer, things are difficult when you are non-flowing. Resist the notion to be resistant, do it and have pride in the trying. There’s no destination, just a long road with twists and turns. Enjoy it and most importantly, have fun.

What are the top 5 songs in your playlist right now?

Anatii- Thix’onofefe

Miriam Makeba- Pata pata

A-Reece – The 5-year plan

Mariah Carey- With you

AKA- The world is yours

I listen to old music mostly!

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Deal with the cards that you are dealt.

How would you like to be remembered?

I don’t believe in being remembered. No matter how famous you are, by the second generation, most people would have forgotten you. I want to leave a legacy that trickles down from generation to generation through inspiring changed behavior one individual at time. Like, how my children’s children will probably never know Mariah Carey or Mariam Makeba, but would have been impacted by their lives because their stories inspired me to believe and assert myself in the direction of my dreams.

Social media

Facebook: Oluchi Writes

Twitter: @oluchiwrites

Instagram: @oluchiwrites

Youtube- Oluchi Writes