From tech consulting to yoga… really?
This past year, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, “Really, you only teach yoga?” But back in my corporate days as a digital consultant and project manager, no one ever asked, “Seriously, is that really all you do?” Let me tell you; being a yoga teacher isn’t just about leading group practices. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a whole lot more happening behind the mat, and you’d be surprised!
Photo credit: Rahel Zuber (2024)
Team of one
Meet the team: me, myself and I… And we are busier than you think! As a former digital consultant and project manager, I’ve found that the skills I acquired in the corporate world are still in play—just in a different setting. There’s an entire business behind the scenes that looks a lot like what happens in any other industry, just at a different scale. Without a team… or any automation (yet 😉). Yet, just like in the corporate world, running a yoga business requires:
Strategic Planning & Business Development: writing proposals, contracts, and crafting long-term visions for sustainable growth.
Marketing & Social Media Management: keeping my website up to date, curating engaging content, and ensuring my messaging aligns with my values and offerings.
Accounting & Legal Responsibilities: managing finances, navigating taxes, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Community Building: engaging with practitioners but also studio owners and teachers, creating meaningful connections and nurturing a supportive space for practice and transformation.
And much more: ensuring every detail is thoughtfully prepared.
The power of networking… even in yoga
There are many things I could mention, but I think I’ll save them for future blog posts. Yet, if I had to mention one of the most crucial aspects? Networking.
During my first internship at UBS in 2007, someone told us, “Networking is key.” Back then, I didn’t fully grasp what it meant. I thought hard work alone would be enough to succeed, just like at school. But over the years, I’ve seen it firsthand: similarly to the corporate world, opportunities don’t happen in isolation. They come through people. No matter the industry you evolve in, connections open doors. And yoga is no exception.
Connections open doors: many of my teaching opportunities, corporate yoga clients, workshops and retreats have come through personal introductions and word-of-mouth. Relationships matter.
Visibility matters, too: you could be the best at what you do, but if no one knows about you, how can they find you? Engaging with studios, other teachers, companies and communities has been just as important as refining my teaching skills.
Collaboration over competition: in consulting, we thrived on teamwork. In yoga, it’s the same. Connecting with fellow teachers, studio owners, wellness professionals, and even corporate leaders, has led to new ideas, workshops and events I never would have created alone.
No, networking isn’t about collecting contacts. It’s about building relationships that help you grow. Whether in yoga, consulting or any other field, the people around you shape your journey more than you think.
And so?
This journey from consulting to yoga has been anything but linear. It’s been a constant process of learning, adapting and growing. Not just as a teacher but as an entrepreneur. And honestly? I’m just at the begining and still figuring things out.
What I do know is that yoga, like any other profession, isn’t just about mastering a craft; it’s about building something sustainable, creating impact, and staying open to change. Whether that means refining my offerings, exploring new collaborations or finding ways to bring yoga into more workplaces, I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Let’s talk!
If you’re navigating a career transition, building something on your own or simply need coaching to start with the business side of yoga, contact me. Let’s see how I can help you confidently quickstart this new chapter.
