Chido Sidanba, our ladyboss of the week, is a UK Based Business & Mindset Coach who coaches and empowers ambitious women to overcome limiting beliefs, turn their passion into an amazing business, and make an impact in the world. Chido coaches on Business Strategy, overcoming limiting beliefs and developing a money mind-set that will empower women to use the tools they have. Scroll down to read up our chat with her.
Hello! It’s great to have you on LLA, can you briefly describe yourself and your business?
Hi, I’m Chido Sidanba and I’m a Business & Mindset Coach and former accountant. I coach high performing corporate women to make an impact in the world and create amazing businesses. I coach them on Business Strategy, overcoming limiting beliefs and developing a money mind-set that will empower them to use the tools they have.
Can you share what inspired you to go into this particular business?
I love empowering women to be the best they can be and create businesses that reflect that. As women, we definitely can have the best of both worlds, a successful business and a family. We don’t have to choose one or the other. Both can co-exist.
When you launched your business, did you have prior knowledge on how you could run one? How did you make it work?
Before starting my journey as a Business Coach, I ran my own Bookkeeping practice, so I had an idea on how to run a successful business. However, when I started my coaching practice, I didn’t have a clear understanding of the coaching world. To combat this, I got a business coach to show me the ropes. Coaches also need coaches to succeed.
Why entrepreneurship and what’s the biggest misconception about entrepreneurship that you’ve heard?
I worked as an Accountant for almost 10 years, in a normal 9-5 setting. I got to a point where I wanted to have more control of my time and financial freedom. I wanted more out of my life, I wanted to make a DIFFERENCE not just a LIVING. As an entrepreneur now, I get to steer my own destiny. The main misconception people have about entrepreneurship is that it’s easier than a normal job. It’s definitely NOT. Having your own business requires you to go the extra mile. It demands your full attention, being accountable and stay committed.
What new innovation have you introduced to your business recently and how has that worked out?
I’ve created a course that will empower businesswomen to know and understand their business numbers. Most women in business ignore their numbers because they always say ‘I’m not a numbers girl’. However, that is the worst mistake any entrepreneur can do. You are responsible for the financial health of your business so you need to educate yourself on your business numbers. Have a business plan that you track, you need to know your sales revenue, your expenses and gross profit. So this course will educate and empower women to understand this. It will be launched in the new year.
As an entrepreneur, you must have encountered different kinds of people, what have you learnt most and what will you say has been the highlight of your journey so far?
Oh gosh! That’s a good question. I’ve learnt to believe in myself. In this entrepreneurial journey you will encounter people who will question your business, discourage or distract you from your destiny. You got to believe in yourself, believe in your abilities and know that you can achieve whatever you set your mind on. The highlight of my journey so far has been surrounding myself with likeminded people, I invested in my own business coach also. This means I always have likeminded encouragers around me.
What will you say is responsible for your success?
My faith in God. He is the source of my success.
In your opinion, would you say that there are any unique challenges that female entrepreneurs face? What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and what’s kept you going?
Yes absolutely! As female entrepreneurs it’s sometimes challenging to juggle motherhood and business. It’s definitely possible, but challenging. I’m a mum of 3 young children, and I struggled to actually start my business as I felt like I never had enough time in the day for myself, let alone a business! Ironically, what kept me going are my children, they became my motivation. I wanted them to see me succeed and show them that anything is possible.
What’s your five-year plan for your business?
On top of the 1 to 1 coaching and Group coaching programs. I would like to dominate world stages empowering women to be bold enough to pursue their destinies. I would like to impact 1million women by 2025 through my coaching programs and motivational speaking.
Can you share some strategic helpful tips for upcoming female entrepreneurs to be successful in this path?
First and foremost, believe in yourself, because if you don’t no one will. Next, have a niche that you want to operate in. So if you have a business idea, niche it down (because you can’t serve everyone). Ask yourself questions like, who do you want to serve, what does your ideal client look like, what’s your expertise, what are you passionate about… Have a business plan! This is where most women get it wrong. A business plan will keep you motivated and enable you to track your progress.
Bonus Question: If you were given 1 minute to talk to all women in Africa, what would you tell them?
Woman you don’t have to be stuck, you can break out and create your own destiny. You can create a successful business only if you believe in yourself.
The LLA Lady Boss Series is a weekly interview series that highlights the achievements and entrepreneurial journeys of African female entrepreneurs. The idea is to showcase the Leading Ladies who are transforming Africa and the African narrative through enterprise and business.
It is an off-shoot of Leading Ladies Africa, a non-profit that promotes leadership, inclusion and diversity for women of African descent.
If you know any kick-ass women of African Descent doing phenomenal things in enterprise, email lead@leadingladiesafrica.org, and she could possibly be featured.
