Tacarra Ganiu, a dynamic wellness specialist and seasoned HR professional with 19 years of Fortune 100 experience, is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She empowers busy professionals to find balance through personalized coaching and mindfulness practices, fostering success in their careers and personal lives. Tacarra's passion lies in guiding individuals toward holistic well-being, blending corporate insight with wellness expertise to inspire transformative growth.
Tacarra Ganiu, NBC-HWC, Total Wellbeing Coach
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
My name is Tacarra, and I'm a Strategic HR Business Partner Lead for a top health insurance company and a nationally board-certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) on a mission to empower high-achieving female executives to optimize their well-being. With over 19 years of diverse corporate experience working for leading Fortune 100 companies, a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Health Management, and a Master's in Business from The Ohio State University, as well as numerous professional certifications, including SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Executive Coaching Certified Professional (ECCP), and Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), I bring a unique blend of expertise to the table. In my free time, I enjoy adventure vacations with my family, nature walks with my Maltipoo Sophie Momma, indulging in good pizza, and attending rejuvenating spa and meditation retreats.
Can you share more about your journey from a corporate HR professional to a wellness coach, and what inspired this significant career shift?
My journey was inspired by my background in traditional HR and a growing passion for holistic well-being. After several years working in various HR functions, I noticed a recurring theme – high-achieving professionals, especially female executives, struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of their roles. This realization fueled my determination to make a difference in their lives.
I saw firsthand how the stress of these positions could take a significant toll, leading to burnout, poor physical and mental health, and even strained personal relationships. As an HR professional, I felt a strong calling to do more than just address the symptoms. I wanted to get to the root of the problem and empower my clients to build sustainable, fulfilling lives, free from the negative effects of stress.
That led me to pursue additional training and certification as a wellness coach. I wanted to offer a more comprehensive approach that addressed not only the professional obstacles but also my clients' personal and holistic needs.
What are some common challenges high-achieving female executives face in stressful workplaces, and how does your personal experience in the corporate world help you address these challenges?
Drawing from my own experiences navigating the corporate landscape, high expectations, long hours, and the pressure to constantly perform at the highest level can easily lead to burnout if not properly addressed.
In my coaching sessions, I focus on getting to know each client individually. I take the time to understand their unique goals, stressors, and pain points and then develop a customized wellness plan to help them achieve better balance and fulfillment. This might include incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or breathwork, and practical strategies for time management, boundary-setting, and self-care.
How do mindfulness and self-care practices play a role in your coaching approach, and what specific techniques do you find most effective for your clients?
Mindfulness and self-care are the cornerstones of my coaching approach. To be our best selves, we must cultivate deep self-awareness and self-compassion. I strongly emphasize introducing and integrating mindfulness practices into my clients' wellness plans. Some of the most effective techniques I've found include:
Breath-focused meditation: Learning to anchor oneself in the present moment through conscious, deep breathing can have a profound calming effect and help manage stress.
Body scan meditation: Systematically tuning in to the sensations in different parts of the body can increase body awareness and foster self-acceptance.
Loving-kindness meditation: Directing compassionate thoughts and well-wishes towards oneself and others can boost emotional well-being.
Journaling: Writing about thoughts, feelings, and experiences can provide valuable insight and emotional release.
I also encourage my clients to personalize their self-care journey by exploring practices that resonate with them. Whether it's yoga, nature walks, creative expression, or quality time with loved ones, the key is to help them find what truly nourishes their mind, body, and spirit. This personalized approach ensures that self-care becomes a non-negotiable part of their routine, tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about Corporate America, it would be the persistent stigma around mental health and self-care. Too often, these critical aspects of well-being are still seen as a sign of weakness or a luxury rather than essential components of professional success. I'm committed to continuing to challenge this narrative and to advocate for a more holistic, compassionate approach to supporting high-achieving professionals within corporate environments.
Visit my website for more information!
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