Achieve Pure Brilliance With Dee Burrowes
Learn how to achieve pure brilliance, go beyond the 9-5 and live the life of your dreams with Dee Burrowes.
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Starting Out
Can you give us an intro, Dee?
I’m a strategic results-driven Professional Coach, NLP, Speaker, Author, Professor/Mental First Advocate who helps people gain more confidence in being more effective at bringing happiness into their lives and eradicate self-doubt, boost self-confidence and form good habits.
As a globetrotter, I attend conferences and host events abroad supporting charities in the Caribbean.I’m involved in the networking spectrum and represented the UK delegation in Argentina at the G20 summit.
My hobbies include cooking, travelling, baking, networking, yoga, reading and journaling on a beach when it permits. I am a native Jamaican, because of my larger than life personality and energy I feel the age gauge is always at 21 years old. Shhhhh.
Achieve Pure Brilliance
How did you get into coaching? Who/what inspired you?
I was fortunate to have had management roles where supporting, inspiring and motivating others came naturally. Even when I had the call centre jobs, inspiration and positivity somehow spewed from my lips aligned with the actions that later proved rewarding.
More times over, the department I belonged to was winning the best team of the year, most business for a particular period or customers were highly impressed with the level of services received as a result of my mentoring.
It was always in my DNA to lead effectively, at times I conclude it must be my star sign of a Leo or possibly it was a trait that got out of hand, plain and simple.
Familiarity breeds contempt they often say and my last role in corporate became monotonous to a fault. It later led to being bored, tedious and predictable as the passion was no longer there.
It reminds me of some personal relationships I’ve had and when the honeymoon period is over and reality hits, having second thoughts about one’s decision set in as the fulfilment and satisfaction is a distant memory. Perfect analogy how I found that proverbial puzzle to shaping what I do now.
It reached a point where I dreaded going to ‘work’ or where lacking motivation was my cup of tea. My background in the hospitality and finance industry moulded skills in communication, delegating more responsibly, talking less and listening more, building rapport and empathy that were transferrable and relevant in transitioning.
I was considered a social butterfly, with a larger than life personality and a confident people person. Nonetheless, when the flair of the job subsided I remained loyal to those characters.
The thing I liked most about my roles, especially the hospitality industry was helping people enjoy their vacation whilst staying at the hotel. I found it really interesting meeting individuals from all walks of life. From reading the books, to YouTube videos and literally at the last minute booked air tickets to Virginia, USA to attend a women’s conference and that was a pivotal point in sealing the deal into coaching.
To begin with, I trained to become a professional life coach, then a year later NLP which led up to being trained as a Mental Health First Aider.
I am at my best helping individuals become self-aware of their strengths and mindsets that will eliminate self-sabotaging.
It is often said charity begins at home. I grew up in a single family home and my mom was always around which meant a lot to me. She was a huge encourager despite any obstacles she faced in the past and I was her main priority.
She has a warrior energy that radiates in all that she does and her uplifting spirit has always made a difference during challenging times. She wears a smile on her face for most part and a brilliant cook and baker.
Feel free to talk about Achieve Pure Brilliance here. Who is it for? What information can people expect to find in your website? What services do you offer and how can people benefit from them?
“When brilliant minds, attitudes and talents come together to form one goal – expect a masterpiece.” – John Ruskin
Achieve Pure Brilliance is an effective way to excellence for individuals that have had self-doubt, felt burned out, fear of failure and constantly on the hamster wheel in both your personal and professional life.
Brilliance is dynamic and powerful when achieved as it gives the highest potential if nurtured within the right environment.
Ultimately it leads to a place of joy, increases confidence, exudes happiness and having an optimistic view on life. As a result, cultivating an attitude of gratitude once showing up will lead to you having brilliance. If you habitually have a negative mindset, your brilliance will not be achieved.
What you focus on expands, therefore embodying brilliance in your life with a conscious daily routine creates a platform to make a significant difference on your life’s journey.
It is intended for my personality to shine through from my website acting as a ‘right hand person’ without my presence. Crafting relatability, relevance and current strategically illustrating why I am the professional life coach that will give solutions to their pain point as clients.
It is a medium for sharing trials, challenges successes and breakthroughs.
The content shows authenticity in a quest to resonate, build credibility, be human, add value to the readers and as an online community sounding board.
Indicating programmes offering one to one coaching, group coaching, workshops, speaking availability on current challenges, relationship building and mindset accountability for a better life experience.
What was the journey like for you? What made you keep going?
I yearned for positive changes in my life when processes were not aligned. I was on a path of self-discovery whilst unravelling some interesting things about myself. The journey was very intensive to the point of rehashing things from the past and focused on that big leap of faith into my personal development. It entails quite a bit of inside job, working through obstacles to redefining my life-passion and purpose for lasting results.
The profound positive impact that this journey has affected both myself, family, clients and community keeps me going. The breakthroughs, the many light bulbs that got switched on and AHA moments. Imagine living the life you truly desire by reframing your mindset and leaving a legacy for others to benefit from as a result of your creation.
I am fascinated with self-development as looking at the bigger picture even during moments of wanting to throw the towel in. Many times, I have experienced just before the rapid change frustration sets in for most. I do keep them accountable, the changes very much evident in their lives in addition to my mentors and community supports my vision wholeheartedly.
What are the first and/or most important steps you took to get started?
1. Acknowledge my current situation and have a desire to want change from obstacles to opportunities
2. Sought support from a life coach
3. Adopt a winning mentality and mindset
4. Establish goals, vision and mission
5. Create a plan
6. Trained as a professional life coach
7. Surround yourself with the right individuals
8. Focus on the now
9. Get out of my comfort zone
10. Be honest with yourself
11. Outsourced to experts for various tasks.
Knowing what you do now, is there anything that you would’ve done differently?
Probably not. Though I would want to say ‘no’ more often without feeling guilty.
Each of the experiences, celebrations and challenges have no doubt brought me to where I am at this moment. The highs, lows and in-betweens have contributed to changes I had to make, the many people I’ve met, decisions and paths I set foot on.
If I had not taken the leap of faith to leaving my 9-5 however daunting it was, I wouldn’t have started my business.
As a result, many opportunities came about that surpassed the questionable moments.
If I had changed the trajectory by hampering actions, choices and decisions, I would have consciously derailed my path resulting in a different destination.
What was the highlight of your journey?
I have developed a more positive approach to life which is both infectious and noticeable. I have learned that everything, good or bad is always a life lesson which equips me for any situation. The renewed energy and enthusiasm is transformed from myself to helping others that has profoundly changed their lives.
I am more adaptable and flexible with my lifestyle choices and can travel as I desire to visit family and discover new places.
And what was the low point? What are some of the challenges and how did you manage these?
“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” — Marcus Aurelius
I have an arsenal of favourite quotes and this remains a favourite as it relates to other people’s opinion of who I am. Their thoughts and actions will not define me as a person however the mind wanders why others maliciously scrutinise with bad intent. Regardless of thought my self-worth is not defined by an approval rating system which is graded by anyone.
The journey is often filled with barriers, potholes, and setbacks. Having a positive attitude and a solid circle of influence allow me to cope with:
1. Work life balance
2. Inequality (gender, race and cultures)
3. Time Management and staying focus
4. Keeping up with the market
5. Immediate family does not support your vision
Emotional roller-coasters can be a repetitive concept which will never get you anywhere if unnecessary energy is placed on it. The rollercoaster will keep moving no matter if you are on it or not.
Similar to that of time, it doesn’t stop because you want it to. It is still ticking away.
Life can make you feel discouraged but despite such emotions, you need to keep reminding yourself there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Maintain optimism. Do fun activities that you do enjoy. And focus on the things that can make a difference positively instead of dwelling too much on the things you cannot change.
Did you ever consider giving up or going back to the 9-5? Why (not)?
Life does come around in full circle that will change your perspective quite a bit. Every story told is a testimony.
When you’re going through the motions like giving up, do not, because in moments like this, you are usually on the brink of a very powerful transformation. Sometimes, it is only when you’re at rock bottom that you will gain inspiration to not give in. It is natural when the cracks are evident to feel hopeless and frustrated. Remember that you’re not helpless.
Allow the emotions to flow but never dwell on them despite getting disheartened and exasperated with the state of the world and your environment. As such, it never crossed my mind to give up. Instead, I roll with the punches, build resilience and grow from the experiences.
I will be the last person to return to a 9-5.
There are a myriad of challenges that you will face, which possibly could be worse than what you’d face on your own.
Too often, we start to over analyse and put labels on not only colleagues but circumstances that do not foster team spirit. Therefore, I would have not returned to the 9-5 hustle.
The 9-5 is also not flexible enough for a proper work-life balance and at times, promotes a lack consistency among team members. Additionally, it doesn’t always provide fulfilment beyond the simple process of getting a pay cheque every four weeks.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to transition from full-time employment to becoming a full-time coach? What can they expect? What qualities / skills / certifications do they need to have?
1. Research the industry to be transitioned into and become familiar with trends, limitations and or any barriers to entry.
2. Is it required for an additional education in becoming proficient within the chosen field. Do you have the skills needed or does it require upgrading? Studying officially or being retrained either online or weekend you will be learning new knowledge.
3. Assess your interest and skills.
Credentials are developed exclusively by the coaching industry for up to six months of training for certification plus practice hours. Increasingly, there is an increase of formal training in the coaching industry and although the industry is not regulated there are options for certification.
This does capture generic proficiencies and industry certification to measure qualifications. Further skills can be enhanced by NLP, Tapping, Mental Health Therapy and or EFT.
Do you have upcoming events / activities / promotions (ex., webinars, workshops)? If yes, please include dates and places so we can promote on social media.
I will appear on a few podcasts, webinars and mentoring sessions in the coming weeks but yet to be given the links from the organisers. Will provide as soon as I can.
Personal story
Aside from running Achieve Pure Brilliance, what else are you working on? What else keeps you busy?
I have been utilising the current climate to improve on personal skills, revamp my current website, create new lesson plan content for hospitality courses and increasing knowledge on summits.
A few new collaborations are in the making and very much premature to be mentioned as well as co-founding organiser for an online international platform for women.
Can you give us a picture of what a typical day looks like for you?
Having a succinct morning routine makes a huge difference in how productive my day is and how I achieve daily tasks which give some level of organisation and system to the day.
Since there is not much commute to the office space or to meet clients, I do have additional hours to play around with.
I am normally an early riser and like clockwork, I get into my routine. Although time varies now, 6:30am I would wake most mornings but on the weekends I do have a lie in. Pray, meditate, journaling, listen to a motivational audio and set my intentions. I then get on the yoga mat for body movement with stretches, poses and a few fitness regimes.
I now check my diary for appointments with clients, webinar or courses online. It really depends on the time of the first webinar then I would make a day’s batch of fresh juicing.
During the day, I also practice stillness and not get over consumed online.
After breakfast, I usually have a long soak in the bath. However, if the first appointment is well early I settle for a shower until in the evening for one of my favourite ‘me time’ baths.
My days now are fairly flexible. However, I have observed that I can connect with so many other individuals online at the click of a button. On occasions, I would go for a walk in the nearby park to constantly keep the body moving and I would be blasting some reggae songs and dancing away to the beat.
I would make a few phone calls and return others as well and always check in on family and friends. I would also tap into online courses that tend to increase my knowledge base.
Most nights, I am in bed at 10pm however on Wednesday night I connect with a community of women based in the US.
We keep each other sane and accountable which is needed more so now. This session starts at 7pm EST therefore on Thursday I would not wake at 6:30am.
