Kirsty Jane is the passionate creator and founder of the Empowerment Project, a platform dedicated to personal growth and empowerment. As an internationally certified Mindset and Results Coach, she has found her true calling in life, stemming from her early struggles with self-confidence. Kirsty offers one-on-one coaching, empowering individuals to become their own best coach. Her ultimate aspiration is to establish a mindset and confidence program that is taught in schools worldwide. This goal is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power of a growth mindset and self-confidence.
Kirsty Jane Rae, Empowerment Project
Who is Kirsty Jane?
If you had asked me that question 20 years ago or even 10 years ago, I would have given you a very different answer. Today, I am a woman of many roles – a devoted mother, a loving partner, a caring daughter, a supportive sister, and a loyal friend. Each of these roles has helped shape me and deepened my capacity for love and empathy.
Yet I am a spiritual being at my core, obsessed with personal growth and coaching others to become their best version. This doesn’t mean I am detached from reality or lost in the clouds. Rather, it means I strive to live with purpose, authenticity, and a sense of connection to something greater than myself, while passionately guiding others on their journey of growth.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
Throughout my childhood, I grappled with anxiety and low self-confidence, a struggle that continued into my adult life. I was caught in a constant internal tug-of-war, desiring more from life, yet always silenced by a voice of doubt.
Fast forward to 2018-19, I found myself in a very dark place. I was struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks so severe that some days I couldn't leave the house. This was a time in my life filled with multiple challenges and struggles that tested me in every way possible, and in ways I could never have imagined. The struggles were not mine alone, as the echoes of mental health battles resonated within my family. This tumultuous period eventually led to complete and utter burnout, and in 2020 I found myself in hospital for 5 days, where I was nil by mouth until discharged.
This challenging period served as the catalyst for my personal development journey, during which I realized that change wasn't just desirable, but a must. I began to seek out resources and tools to help me navigate through the darkness each day and was soon on a path of self-development and a life of purpose.
What kind of audience do you currently target your business to?
Young females aged 35-45, who are navigating the complexities of a demanding career and a growing family. They often find themselves at a crossroads between personal aspirations and family responsibilities. Striving to excel in all areas of life while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout and overwhelm requires a strategic approach to mindset and self-care.
Mindset coaching serves as a guiding light for these ambitious women, empowering them to embrace their full potential, set meaningful goals, and cultivate a mindset of abundance and resilience. By prioritizing their mental well-being and personal growth, these individuals can achieve harmony, success, and fulfillment on their unique journey toward self-actualization.
Through tailored strategies that address the specific challenges faced by professional women with young families, mindset coaching offers a transformative experience that not only enhances their professional performance but also nurtures their personal well-being, creating a life of purpose, balance, and prosperity.
What inspired you to create the Empowerment Project, and what is your future mission or goal?
For me, my family is my inspiration. Mental health is a subject that is deeply personal to me. It's a challenge that has echoed through generations of my family, a pattern that is all too common. Witnessing my mum’s severe struggles throughout her life was difficult, but seeing my daughter endure similar struggles was heart-wrenching.
Witnessing a loved one yearning for relief from their unbearable pain, coupled with the lack of adequate support for them and our family was profoundly distressing and at times unbearable. It should never reach a point where self-harm or attempted suicide becomes a consideration. I know that our story isn’t a one-off. There are many more just like this or worse.
My mission is ambitious and necessitates early intervention. Schools should be equipping our children with the tools to master their mindset and build confidence, not discouraging them with limiting beliefs like 'you'll never amount to anything' or 'you'll only ever be a shelf packer'.
Occasional programs scattered throughout these crucial years are insufficient. Mindset is more than just 'be happy' or 'try to be positive'. My ultimate goal is to implement a comprehensive mindset and confidence program in schools nationally and ultimately worldwide.
What partnerships or collaborations does the Empowerment Project plan to engage in to further its mission, and how do these alliances enhance your ability to empower others?
The Empowerment Project can engage in several strategic partnerships and collaborations to further its mission. For example,
Educational institutions: Collaborating with schools, colleges, and universities can provide a platform to reach a large number of individuals. These institutions can incorporate mindset and empowerment programs into their curriculum or run workshops, thereby enhancing the project's reach.
Non-profit organizations: Partnering with non-profits that align with the Empowerment Project's mission can help in pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and expanding the project's impact.
Influencers and celebrities: Partnering with influencers and celebrities can help spread the message of the Empowerment Project to a wider audience.
These partnerships and collaborations can significantly enhance the Empowerment Project's ability to empower others by expanding its reach, pooling resources, increasing visibility, and enhancing credibility. I feel these alliances would significantly enhance the Empowerment Project's ability to empower others by:
Non-profits often have extensive networks and resources that can be leveraged to expand the reach of the Empowerment Project. By sharing knowledge and resources, both organizations can enhance their impact. Additionally, non-profits can provide valuable insights into the communities' needs and challenges, enabling the Empowerment Project to tailor its programs more effectively.
Influencers and celebrities have large followings and can use their platforms to spread the message of the Empowerment Project. This can increase visibility and attract more supporters for the project. Moreover, influencers and celebrities can serve as role models for empowerment, inspiring their followers to take action.
What are your plans for the business?
My plans for the business are rooted in a grand vision. I aim to transform the way we approach education by integrating mindset mastery and confidence-building into the curriculum. Rather than sporadic programs, I envision a consistent, comprehensive program that is woven into the fabric of education worldwide.
This is not about promoting mere positivity; it's about equipping our children with the tools to navigate life's challenges and believe in their potential. The goal is to eradicate limiting beliefs like 'you'll never amount to anything' or 'you'll only ever be a shelf packer'.
I firmly believe that with early intervention, we can significantly reduce the chances of young people resorting to self-harm or suicide. By instilling the right mindset and confidence, our children can achieve anything they set their minds to. This is the future I am working towards for the business.
If you could tell your younger self something about life, what would it be and why?
Reflecting on the past, I would share these four key insights with my younger self:
Firstly, I would convey the importance of self-belief as her greatest asset, encouraging her to always shine brightly without allowing anyone to dim her light. I would stress that her value is not determined by external opinions but by her own self-awareness and perception.
Next, I would impart the understanding that life is a continuous journey of learning and growth, where mistakes serve as stepping stones toward achievement. I would emphasize that embracing mistakes is a sign of pushing boundaries and striving for success.
Moving on, I would stress the importance of seeking support during challenging times, highlighting that mental well-being is just as crucial as physical health.
Lastly, I would encourage her to embrace the present moment fully, appreciating each experience and cherishing every moment, as life's unpredictability reminds us to live fully in the now.
