The Forward Academy
About Me
My name is Imani or as I say lovingly known as, Coach Faith.
There’s a silver lining between the two: one is my name and the other is the essence of who I AM. My mother didn’t know the magnitude of this name assignment at my birth but I am truly grateful for her vision and obedience. Faith is central to who I am and how I show up in the world and in my work. As the scripture says “taste and see that the Lord is good”; let me summon your coaching palette with my journey.
When I formally began my journey as a coach, I was at a crossroads at work and in my relationship. Any takers out there for when the adversary attacks, it comes for your whole life? Let’s just say it was just the beginning. It had been less than a month since we lost the matriarch of my now husband’s family. We were anticipating and planning her 90th birthday and we didn’t get to see that come to fruition here on earth. October 18th, I emailed my coach “Coach, I believe this is the time. This was the weekend we were supposed to celebrate Nana’s birthday. I will pray on it. Sending your way to see what the spirit tells you”. Ten days later I purchased my flight and was off to Atlanta for an immersive training institute. At that time, it was the riskiest, most independent investment I had made into myself. I was traveling solo, perceptively leaving behind my boyfriend and the family to mourn, briefly escaping the toxicity at work, seeking answers and purpose. I am beyond grateful that I followed the nudge in my spirit to commit to this growth in my personal and professional life. It has provided me the opportunity to impart wisdom and insight into you. Yes, you!
After resigning from a role that I knew would be an impasse despite being a part of a great team and witnessing incremental progress at the organization, I took the time to reflect on those I left behind. For me, those left behind were the women of color there and beyond who are the overlooked, undervalued and underpaid treasures in the world of work. I went through a brief stint of regret and questioning. On April 3rd in the wee hours of the night “God was trying to tell me something” (*cue Color Purple*). I couldn’t sleep and I inclined my ear to hear what needed to be done. I was led to journey a group of women through pivotal points in their careers and their lives. That is the birthing of The Forward Academy.
Faith profits nothing without action (James 2:14). It is one thing to be a visionary (raises hand) and another to press forward toward the mark (Philippians 3:14). Can I get an Amen somebody for the alignment of the number 14, my favorite number? I am big on humor; love it or leave it.
In candor, there are a number of career service outlets out there that are equipped to give you the technical skills for your pitch, revising your resume, interview and salary negotiation preparation. Sisters, what I have learned is that if your posture isn’t right (spirit, mind, body and emotions), you are bound to walk into closed doors, blame yourself for perceivable missed opportunities or (the one that isn’t always called out), carry a thread of unfinished business to your next assignment. This is what we will be addressing in The Forward Academy and much more.
This faith-centered coaching academy is for the willing and the committed. We don’t aim to be the answer for everyone but we aim to answer the call for those who are ready. If you are ready to journey with a community of women who are working towards that alignment in their lives, this is the academy for you .“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Let’s move forward together. Faith Overrides Reasoning When Adonai Righteously Directs. Be well and be blessed!
Forward in Faith,
Imani “Faith” Missouri
Coach Faith