Khinhtay-yee Matete helps women to find clarity in their lives by reclaiming who they are, allowing them to confidently and authentically show up in their day-to-day life and live it in a way that makes them happy. Having made the move with her husband and two daughters from Australia to New Zealand, the transition provided her with the time and freedom to craft her unique online coaching program. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind Future Pace Coaching, her passion for helping others, the challenges she has faced along the way, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Becoming a mother initially felt like an excuse for the uncertainty about my identity and direction in life. Motherhood became my primary purpose, and although I loved being a new mum and raising my girls, gradually, the essence of who I truly am began to fade into the background.
Growing up as the “caretaker” for everyone around me, including my children, meant that I consistently put my own needs last. This pattern of people-pleasing, saying yes when I wanted to say no, lacking boundaries, and having poor communication skills led to a profound disconnect with myself. I felt unappreciated, unfulfilled, and stuck in a monotonous cycle where every day felt like a repeat of the last.
Interestingly, my husband was experiencing a similar restlessness. He was always motivated to explore more and was unwilling to settle for the status quo. His decision to create an online business was the catalyst for my self-discovery journey. Inspired by his initiative, I embarked on a path of personal growth that eventually led me to pursue a career in life coaching.
While studying part-time to become a life coach, I also worked full-time, driven by the vision of creating a business that I could eventually operate from anywhere in the world. I didn’t want to be confined by the limitations of a brick-and-mortar business forever, working for someone else, or being reliant on a fixed amount of leave and income.
At the time, we were living in Australia, but we always had a desire to split our time between Australia and New Zealand, where my husband is from. This aspiration fuelled my determination to establish a flexible, fulfilling career that would allow us to live life on our terms.
Through this journey of self-discovery and professional growth, I have reignited my passion for helping others, leading me to set up my own coaching business and create a life that aligns with my true self.
Now, empowered with a life coaching qualification, a wealth of knowledge, lived experience, and skills, my passion is dedicated to guiding other women towards a deeper connection with their authentic selves so that they can confidently embrace the future and thrive too.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Initially, before earning my coaching certification, I immersed myself in coaching as many people as possible to hone my skills and apply what I was learning. Whether in person or online, I seized every opportunity to practise and grow.
During this period, I was also juggling full-time study, a demanding team management role, and caring for two young children. The balancing act was overwhelming at times, but my passion for coaching kept me motivated and focused.
Realising the importance of prioritising and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I knew I needed to adjust my approach. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point, as it highlighted the necessity and benefits of shifting from face-to-face interactions to an online business model. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual communication, demonstrating that meaningful connections and effective coaching could be achieved remotely. This new way of working offered flexibility and the potential to reach a global audience.
Consequently, I transitioned to developing a group coaching program that I could conduct online. This change enabled me to reach a broader audience and serve more people, aligning with my goal of making a meaningful impact while maintaining a sustainable, balanced lifestyle.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The pivotal moment for my business came in 2021 when my husband, our two daughters, and I made the move from Australia to New Zealand.
My husband, being of Māori descent, had a strong connection to New Zealand, and although we had been living together in Australia since our early twenties, the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 sparked his desire to return to his homeland. At that time, I was uncertain about our next steps but was open to letting our daughters’ responses guide us. With our daughters aged 9 and 14 at the time, we asked them for their thoughts on relocating to New Zealand. Surprisingly, they were enthusiastic about the idea and expressed a desire to reconnect with their cultural roots. As a family, we embarked on planning our big bold relocation, successfully executing it the following year.
This transition represented a pivotal moment for my business, providing me with the necessary time and freedom to immerse myself in crafting my unique online group coaching program. Furthermore, the connections I’m making and the opportunities arising are paving the way for collaborative ventures and business expansion, so I am really excited about what the future holds.
