It’s only the second month of the year, and already, life is moving at full speed.

With new resolutions in place, we’re all striving to be the best versions of ourselves, whether that’s in our careers, fitness, or relationships.

But personal development isn’t just about setting goals; it’s about having the right support system to keep you on track. Enter Keshan Pillay, a certified Life Coach, Negative Emotional Therapy practitioner, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming expert who has been helping South Africans unlock their full potential.

Wellness, health, lifestyle — Keshan Pillay, Image: Supplied

“My goal is to help you re-imagine your life,” Pillay shares. “With extensive experience in Life Coaching and a vast history of client success, my individualized positivity approach will help you attain your goals.” His method isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about long-term transformation.

“As a professionally trained and experienced life coach, I have the tools and understanding to help you create the life you imagine and gain a renewed sense of self. Committing to a goal-oriented lifestyle is just that a commitment, and it’s a big one that requires dedication. My commitment is to provide you with accountability, understanding, and support.”

Keshan Pillay has also authored a book and launched a self-titled app, where he will host masterclasses and share motivational and inspirational content.

The platform will also offer networking opportunities and feature masterclasses from prominent celebrities and high-profile individuals.

In an exclusive conversation with GQ South Africa, Keshan Pillay sat down to unpack his journey into life coaching, the art of personal reinvention, and why having an accountability partner might be the missing link in your self-improvement journey.

GQ: Can you share with us the moment or experience that led you to pursue a career as a life transformational coach?

KP: Certainly. The turning point for me was when I encountered a profound personal crisis that forced me to reevaluate my life. I realized that despite external success, I lacked inner fulfillment and direction.

Through intensive self-reflection and guidance from mentors, I discovered my passion for helping others navigate their own transformative journeys.

This experience ignited a deep desire to become a life transformational coach and support others in achieving meaningful change in their lives.

GQ: Your coaching philosophy emphasizes commitment and dedication. How do you instill these values in your clients during their coaching sessions?

KP: Commitment and dedication are fundamental to achieving any significant transformation. I emphasize these values by setting clear, achievable goals with my clients and creating a structured plan to reach them.

Wellness, health, lifestyle — Keshan Pillay, Image: Supplied

During sessions, I consistently remind clients of their "why"—the deeper reason behind their goals—which helps sustain their motivation.

Additionally, I model commitment and dedication by being fully present and engaged in our sessions, demonstrating the level of commitment I expect from them.

GQ: What role does accountability play in achieving personal and professional goals, and how do you help your clients stay accountable?

KP: Accountability is crucial for progress. It keeps clients on track and ensures they are consistently taking steps toward their goals.

I help my clients stay accountable by setting regular check-ins, establishing milestones, and using various tools to track their progress.

I also encourage them to reflect on their achievements and setbacks, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over their journey.

Moreover, I create a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their challenges and successes.

GQ: What does a typical coaching session look like, and how do you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of each client?

KP: A typical coaching session begins with a check-in to review the client's progress since our last meeting.

We then delve into the specific goals or challenges they want to address. The session is highly interactive, with open dialogue, reflective questioning, and practical exercises.

I tailor my services by understanding each client's unique background, goals, and challenges. This personalized approach ensures that the strategies and tools I provide are relevant and effective for their individual needs.

GQ: Balancing your own personal growth with helping others can be challenging. How do you ensure you maintain your own well-being and growth while coaching others?

KP: Maintaining my well-being and growth is essential to being an effective coach. I prioritize self-care through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and continuing education in my field. I also set boundaries to ensure I have time for my personal life and interests.

Engaging in peer supervision and seeking mentorship helps me stay grounded and continuously improve my skills. By taking care of myself, I can better support my clients and model the importance of self-care and personal growth.

GQ: Can you tell us about a particularly transformative moment in your own life that influenced your career and coaching methods?

KP: One particularly transformative moment was when I attended a personal development retreat that profoundly changed my perspective.

Wellness, health, lifestyle — Keshan Pillay, Image: Supplied

I experienced a breakthrough in understanding my limiting beliefs and how they were holding me back. This experience not only transformed my own life but also deeply influenced my coaching methods.

I incorporated many of the techniques and insights I gained into my practice, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, belief systems, and emotional intelligence in achieving lasting transformation.

GQ: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a life transformational coach, and how have you overcome them?

KP: One of the biggest challenges has been helping clients overcome deeply ingrained limiting beliefs and resistance to change. I’ve overcome this by continuously educating myself on various coaching techniques and psychological principles.

I also ensure to build strong, trusting relationships with my clients, which is critical for addressing these deep-seated issues. Another challenge is managing my own expectations and avoiding burnout. I've learned to set realistic goals for both myself and my clients and to celebrate small victories along the way.

GQ: Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations for your coaching practice, and how do you plan to continue evolving as a coach?

KP: Looking ahead, I aspire to expand my coaching practice to reach a wider audience, possibly through online courses and group coaching sessions. I aim to develop resources such as books and workshops to share my methods and insights with a broader community.

To continue evolving as a coach, I plan to stay updated with the latest research in psychology and personal development, seek feedback from clients, and engage in ongoing professional development. My ultimate goal is to empower more individuals to achieve profound and lasting transformations in their lives.

Written By Takudzwa Nyambi