For Cindy Gannon, the journey from a thriving career as a cancer research scientist to becoming a life coach was not just a career shift, but a profound personal transformation. When a life-altering medical diagnosis disrupted her trajectory, she found herself at a crossroads, grappling with the loss of her professional identity and battling deep depression. Determined to regain control, Gannon sought guidance from a life coach and immersed herself in personal development, studying self-help literature, cognitive behavioural therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming. Through this journey, she realized her purpose is rooted in her passion for helping others. Now, as a certified life coach, Gannon equips women with the tools to overcome fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs. In this interview, she shares her story, insights on female entrepreneurship, and the life-changing impact of coaching. She discovered that true fulfillment comes from resilience, self-belief, and the willingness to embrace change.

At what point in your career did you become a life coach?

I have always been passionate about personal growth and self-help, using these tools to navigate my challenges. For years, I thrived as a cancer research scientist in the biopharmaceutical industry—until six years ago, when everything changed. I developed a form of narcolepsy, which doctors eventually diagnosed as an underlying symptom of multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis forced me to leave my career, and I lost my ability to drive safely for long distances.

After your diagnosis with MS, how did you move forward?

About a year after my diagnosis and job loss, I turned to a life coach and immersed myself in self-help books, cognitive behavioural therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming. I learned that my thoughts were creating my emotions, which in turn were dictating my actions— or inaction. Understanding this changed everything. Within two years, I reclaimed my productivity and happiness, stabilized my condition, and was ultimately off all medications for MS.

What inspired you to become a life coach?

I decided to channel this realization into a new purpose—helping other women transform their lives. I went back to school, became a certified life coach, and continued investing in my growth through ongoing life, business, entrepreneurship, and sales coaching. Today, I help women overcome their obstacles and step into the lives they truly desire.

In your experience, what holds female entrepreneurs back?

Fear and self-doubt. Many women get caught in the endless cycle of preparation—taking courses, creating content, refining their marketing strategies—without ever putting themselves out there. They convince themselves that they need the perfect website, business plan, or strategy before they can begin. While these tasks may feel productive, they often serve as a way to avoid the real challenge: selling themselves and acting.

How does self-doubt impact female entrepreneurs?

The fear of rejection and failure primarily drives this hesitation. Many women feel they must know everything before making a move, but entrepreneurship is a process of continuous learning and adaptation. Confidence comes from experience, not just preparation. Fear and self- doubt dominate, leading to action paralysis preventing business growth. The key is recognizing these limiting beliefs, pushing past them, and acting despite uncertainty.

Women often face many challenges; what type of supports do you provide?

I focus on the mental wellness of female entrepreneurs, helping them shift their mindset so they can break free from self-sabotaging thought patterns. One of the core principles of my coaching is understanding circumstances and that they are neutral. It’s our thoughts and interpretations of these circumstances that create emotions, which in turn drive our actions—or lack thereof. These actions ultimately shape our results.

Can you discuss your coaching process?

I work with women to identify the thoughts influencing their emotions and actions. If they’re not achieving the desired results, we analyze the underlying beliefs holding them back and replace them with empowering ones. From there, we develop clear goals and actionable steps to help them progress. The beauty of coaching is that I see my clients not as they are now, but as the successful entrepreneurs they can become.

What can a client expect when they begin working with you?

Transformation. From the very first session, clients experience a shift in perspective. They start to see new possibilities, free from the mental barriers holding them back. My coaching provides a safe and supportive space where they feel fully believed in—without judgment or reservation. That unwavering support opens the mind to infinite possibilities for the future.

Maureen Simpson | Staff Writer