The Power of Being Coachable

A Lesson from 10 Years of WPGA

This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the Whole Pet Grooming Academy, a milestone that fills me with gratitude, pride, and reflection. Thirteen years ago, WPGA was just a vision, one that has since grown, evolved, and transformed into something greater than I ever imagined. Let me be very clear: this didn’t happen in a vacuum. It happened because I was willing to be coachable.

Let me share this with you that this journey was possible because I opened myself to learning and embraced guidance. Every community I have been a business owner in, I made every effort to know all the local businesses. I developed deep connections with people that are still in my life today. Other things I have done:

• Built strong relationships with local businesses and community leaders

• Actively engaged with the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors, contributing to community development
• Maintained personal relationships with the Department of Education and Department of Labor to strengthen the credibility of the school at the highest levels

• I have made poor decisions, but they have taught me what to seek and how to prevent repeating the same errors.

Being coachable is not just for business owners. It applies to everyone, at work, in life, and beyond. There are trained professionals suited for guiding people in these areas, but the willingness to learn has to come from within.  

(And I mean not just mastering the art of grooming a dog, you need more than just the technique.)

The Transformation of WPGA

When I first launched WPGA, I did not rely or lean on online communities for guidance and insight (social media was just starting out and the groups were just in the evolving phase),  fortunately, I avoided relying on these readily available resources and still do today. I didn't just stick to the pet industry. I sought business coaches outside of it, ones who have helped me shape. I became a serial scholar in business, absorbing everything I could from experts in finance, leadership, marketing, and resilience. (I am still one today) The harder the challenge, the better. I tend to not attend weekend seminars; instead, I pursue rich, vibrant content from higher education sources and seek guidance from those who have been in my position and can lead me forward. I have outgrown mentors and transitioned to others, this is all part of the journey. 

Let me ask you this, when was the last time you left a one-hour seminar and it changed you so much that you implemented it immediately? My guess is never. Why? Because one hour of professional development is meant to build on your existing knowledge, not introduce an entirely new concept.

Think of it like learning to drive. A one-hour lesson might introduce parallel parking, but it won’t make you a confident, experienced driver. You need more practice, more guidance, and more lessons to truly master the skill. The same applies to business, career growth, and personal development.

What I know is that business fundamentals are universal. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a pet grooming salon, a boarding kennel, a clothing boutique or a tech startup; the core principles of success remain the same. The difference between those who thrive and those who don’t isn’t the industry, it’s the mindset. And that mindset starts with being coachable.

Lessons Learned

1. Learn from Those Who’ve Been There – You cannot reach the next level by yourself. No one can guide you to a place they’ve never been. Seeking mentorship from those who have already overcome the challenges you’re facing is the fastest way to grow.  Want to learn more on this, I wrote a blog post on this last year.  Read more here

2. Take Risks, But Be Strategic – WPGA became what it is today because I was willing to take risks. Not blind risks, but calculated ones. I listened, learned, and then leaped. Risk-taking without guidance is recklessness; risk-taking with coaching is strategy.

3. Resilience Over Defeat – If there’s one thing I’ve learned from mentoring military veterans and building the WPGA, it’s this: You cannot let failure define you. You own your mistakes, turn them into growth opportunities, and move forward. Defeat is a choice, and I refuse to accept it.

4. Eliminate Negativity – One of the most critical lessons in business and life is to remove negativity from your world. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better, not those who drag you down. If you want to grow, you need to be in an environment that fosters that growth. Want more on this- Read about Work Culture Here

5. Passion is Your Driving Force – If what you’re doing is truly your passion, then it’s worth every ounce of effort and energy. Stay the course, even when it’s hard. No one can take you down if you are determined to succeed.

My Final Thoughts Are Growth Requires Humility

Being coachable requires humility. It means accepting that you don’t know everything. It means setting aside ego and truly listening to those who have already succeeded. If you want to break through your current limitations, the first step is admitting that you don’t have all the answers, but someone out there does.

As we commemorate a decade of WPGA, I take a moment to appreciate the mentors, coaches, and business leaders who have been instrumental in shaping this academy. Equally important is the dedicated and resilient team that contributes to its success every day. I embody resilience and openness to learning, never allowing setbacks to define me. This is why we stand here today, stronger than ever. We are resilient, we are open to learning, and we will never let setbacks define us.

So my challenge to you is this: Are you coachable? Are you willing to learn, adapt, and take the advice of those who have already walked the path you’re on? If not, you’re standing in your own way. I would love to see your comments!   

Growth isn’t about what you know, it’s about your willingness to learn. And that’s the secret to success, in any industry.

Lastly, if you are in a dark place, wondering how to move forward, or just need someone to listen, I have a free advisory session waiting for you. Take the leap to being coachable, no strings attached. What do you really have to lose?

Here’s to another decade of learning, leading, and growing. Cheers to 10 years of WPGA!