The Wise Why

Hello and welcome to the Wise Why at its new time of midday. Today, I am joined by the fabulous, inspiring Donna Jones, who she has just told me I met two and a half years ago at a breakfast meeting for the Oxford Business Community Network. At that time, I really wanted to get Donna onto the podcast, but she wasn’t feeling confident. I’m so proud to be celebrating her bravery today. But as usual, the Wise Why is not about me; it’s about my guest.

So, Donna, please introduce yourself.

Yes. So I’m Donna Jones and I am a life coach. I’ve just started my business, Life Coaching with Donna, and it’s there to help inspire people to make the most out of themselves.

I’ve got to ask because I know your story, but the people in the audience don’t. They don’t know where you’ve come from or what you’ve been through. Firstly, what is a life coach? Secondly, what made you take that brave leap of faith and set up on your own?

Good question. Yes, so life coaching is about trying to find the positives and strengths within people and coaxing it out of them because it is in there. So, yeah, that’s pretty much it in a nutshell. But yes, I have a story, and I know you alluded to it in your description of the podcast as well.

I don’t want to trigger anyone with some of the things I’m going to say, but I just want people to find those glimmers of hope and inspiration and get that strength from within because it is within all of us. That’s why we got talking; at that time you were working for a homeless charity, and I was like, well, I’ve been homeless too. Then we talked a bit further and I explained that I’d been through a refuge. My choices were either to end up in some kind of accommodation or pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.

What’s inspiring is that I know I’ve done it; it was hard work but you’ve absolutely done a 360 and now you’re helping others. I wondered if you could touch lightly on your journey—no need for too much detail because I know it can be triggering for both you and the audience—but feel free to explain what you’re comfortable talking about.

Yeah, so I’ll start with my story. What’s your first memory as a child? Most people will think about a birthday party or a lovely gift they’ve received. My first memory is actually being shut outside the back door of our house in Manchester. I was in tears; I would have been about three and a half or four years old—very young—and all I remember is my dad saying, “You can’t come into the house until you stop crying.” That’s quite hard at that age because you feel like you’ve done something wrong when you haven’t; but at that time you just don’t know.

The next memory of mine is probably waking up and just hearing shouting—ornaments crashing down the stairs—and my dad completely enraged, kicking things into the garden before he went off to work. All I remember is sitting with my mum and my older sister who were both in tears.

My sister was 16 at that time and she put my mum and me on a train from Manchester to London to escape that environment. We went down to London to be with an older sister along with some other family later on. We were staying with my sister for a while, but obviously my mum needed social housing so the only way to do that was to become officially homeless—quotation marks intended.

We went into a hostel for about six weeks when I would have been around six years old by this time. We had this conversation recently about what we remember from that time; all I remember very childlike is eating Cocoa Pops for breakfast—that was my thing! I don’t know why I remember that but it’s one of those little things stuck in your mind.

I also remember strong smells—the kind of chemical smell mixed with a very strong curry smell—I don’t know why but those are just some memories that stick out.

We stayed in there for six weeks before eventually moving into a council flat in West London where we lived for about 20 years. By that point we had settled down somewhat but it was hard for my mum having to go through all this; hard for family members too seeing us go through such difficult situations.

Thank you for sharing that; it’s really interesting because when I first came back down from Scotland and started telling people about my own experiences—they were mortified! They apologized repeatedly while I constantly reassured them not to apologize since I didn’t ask for their help nor did I know how to articulate it back then.

It’s funny though because thank you so much for sharing your story; you’re right—it’s often those smells we associate with moments in our lives that linger longer than anything else does.

Even though I’m obsessed with tidiness—I don’t like mess—it’s because growing up I’d come home from work only to find the washing up still left on the side after I’d gone out again; then arguments would ensue over chores left undone.

So yes, cleanliness has become important for me too! And this is an interesting Wise Why moment because we’ve both experienced similar situations.

It’s fascinating how you mentioned needing to be technically “homeless” since getting out of hostels isn’t easy—I’d love to circle back here as you’ve helped people make that transition haven’t you?

Yes! That’s exactly right! My main aim in life is trying to help others find strength within themselves—I have friends and family who struggle with mental health issues—and it’s all about helping them find positive glimmers in life really.

So can you talk more about your journey? You’ve spent two decades living in West London before moving out here; tell us more about what led you here today as a life coach!

Alongside everything else going on during childhood—domestic abuse environments—I was bullied quite heavily throughout school as well which compounded everything else happening at home.

I think moving schools four times didn’t help either—the constant shifting made me shy around others who’d known each other longer—but eventually things settled down once I’d reached primary school number four where things improved until one girl took an instant dislike towards me leading into secondary school where rumors began circulating regarding me being gay—not great considering it was an all-girls school!

My relationship with my mum remained strong throughout these challenges though; she empowered me during tough times helping navigate everything whilst supporting one another through transitions from Manchester into Brentford until she sadly passed away due complications related emphysema back in 2006 when I was around 24 years old.

I’ve actually joined this group called Adults Bereaved As Children which has been incredibly helpful since we share similar experiences losing parents young—it helps explain why we are how we are today!

After losing her father too shortly thereafter—it’s safe say life threw plenty curveballs our way—but ultimately finding resilience within ourselves remains key!

Once settled into Oxfordshire post-parental loss—I decided wanted pursue career helping others directly after experiencing firsthand struggles faced living through homelessness myself whilst working previously as training coordinator within homeless charity setting prior launching business earlier last year!

It’s clear how deeply personal experiences shape our understanding towards empathy shown towards those facing hardships—we’re all one or two steps away from being homeless ourselves after all!

And now transitioning into becoming life coach—what’s involved behind taking leap into running own business?

It definitely wasn’t instantaneous! Friends encouraged me along way reminding me how amazing they found me—you need just go help others they said!

Over several months leading up June departure from charity role—I realized counseling wasn’t route wanted pursue rather focusing on moving forwards instead dwelling past traumas!

So once launched October last year—I felt excitement building knowing purpose lay ahead empowering individuals tapping potential hidden within themselves!

Starting any new venture comes challenges though—what’s surprised most transitioning from employed position launching business?

Definitely discovering need wear multiple hats juggling various responsibilities ranging finances marketing sales etc.!

But realization hit hard: “Hey—you’ve done this!” Encouragement springs forward pushing boundaries beyond comfort zones leads discovery true passions driving force behind success achieved thus far!

Exciting journey ahead isn’t it? What aspect do look forward outsourcing most?

Honestly? Website management/social media presence feels daunting sometimes! Plus overcoming camera shyness still remains hurdle—I attended workshop few months ago realizing importance visibility presence online promoting services provided!

And now looking back reflecting upon everything experienced thus far—how does feel doing your very first podcast today?

Surprisingly liberating! Initially nervous but engaged dance routine beforehand easing anxiety levels considerably—proving anyone can achieve whatever they set minds toward if willing put effort behind goals pursued!

Thank you immensely giving time share journey thus far—it’s been enlightening experience connecting souls navigating complexities together navigating twists turns life throws our ways!