"My graduation story is one of growth, adaptability and a tale of 2 programs.
Growth because of what Marisa, Richele and the EPM course structure require you to do, and that is to step outside of your comfort zone, face the fears that materialize magically when you do so, and then still want to learn and absorb as much of the wisdom that is available, because you know in your core that this is what you were meant to do. I had no option but to push myself through my fear zone so that I could start learning and growing – and grow I certainly did.
I threw myself 100% into the process and tackled both the core and the overachiever tracks and started to sculpt and mold the course outline which I knew I needed, to make an impact and difference in the lives of my target audience. And initially that was anyone in their fifties who had lost their job due to circumstances outside their control.
But this was also where I hit a bit of a wall in that most people who I spoke with either through chatterboxing or via a survey were not responsive or prepared to open up about their situation. Now, I had expected that the responses may be restrained, as that was exactly how I had felt when I had been laid off. I know that I felt shame, humiliation and was also in denial for quite a while. But I believed that I could reach them by offering an anonymous survey format and then possibly follow that up with a 1-to-1 chat to talk through what the program could be in their situation. But alas, that did not work as I had expected, so I started looking at other ways that I could reach the number of people I needed to make my program viable.
After many attempts, I finally got into the hot seat on Monday’s with Marisa and asked Marisa to look at my mission statement. As is typical of Marisa, she immediately pointed out that my target audience is a tough one to reach because of the trauma and desperation involved. She suggested that I do a “5-degree pivot” to focus on people in their late forties or fifties who were stuck in their current roles and looking to pivot ... and this is where adaptability came to the fore!
I looked at and meditated on how this pivot would impact my current program concept (did I mention that I had grown through this process!) and decided to embrace this “pivot” even though I realized that this would not be a “5-degree pivot”, but rather an 80% redesign of the program! But I knew that if I was to help and serve others, I had to do this, and instead of feeling dejected and overwhelmed, I felt positive and eager to see where this re-design would lead me.
But this was also 3 weeks before MA and one week before marketing launch, and I knew that it would be tough to get to MA but embracing my newfound adaptability, I put my head down, and focused on creating a new lead magnet and changing all my marketing assets (which had already been done in preparation for completing milestone 11) to still have a go at getting to MA.
Besides all the focused effort I was not able to get to a point where I felt comfortable enough pushing out my new content without some form of validation first, especially since my mission statement had completely changed! So, I sat down with my team (my support and cheer squad) and we talked through the situation, and the consensus was that the program was too important to all of us to cut corners at such a late stage. This was a tough decision to make as it meant that MA was off the table in the EPM timeline (unless there was a miracle!) But I knew that the decision was the right one for me at this moment. And I’m happy about that.
So, my story is one of tremendous growth, extreme adaptability, with a touch of resilience and a lot of gratitude. This course has been the right program for me at a time when I needed something that gave me purpose, and I certainly have that in spades at the moment. I know that this program is going to change lives and I am “chomping at the bit” to make it happen.
Thank you Marisa for your vision, Richele for the insight and guidance, and the whole EPM community for being a tribe to me at a time when I needed that. I know that “re:Design Your Next Steps” will be launched in the next few weeks and I’m looking forward to see it being successful."
What is your biggest takeaway from EPM?
Experience products work. Marisa is a visionary. Xperiencify is the future for education and training.
How did EPM help you become successful?
The relevant content, Marisa's knowledge, the EPM coaches experience and the active community have made this a very actionable masterclass. Have no doubt that anyone can be successful going through the course.
How has EPM and your success impacted your life?
I'm inspired by my growth, confident in my ability to succeed, and focused on impacting and transforming people's lives.
What has been the biggest change in your business?
Change in target audience has changed the focus and content of the program
What is now possible for you because of your Experience Product?
Anything is now possible!