Lauren White is a fitness enthusiast, celebrity personal trainer, coach, and motivational speaker. Innermost sat down with Lauren to find out how she got started in the motivational speaking world, her work with the Amy Winehouse Foundation, how she uses reflection to guide her through hard times, and why she has decided to go full force with life coaching in 2021.
Tell our readers a little bit more about yourself and your background.
My name's Lauren. I'm a motivational speaker, life coach and influencer. I grew up in a Jewish family in Hertfordshire. I studied business at university, and have dabbled in modelling, hospitality and other stuff in the side. I’ve made the decision to go full force into the coaching world in 2021 because I noticed that a lot of people have been struggling mentally this last year, more so than ever before perhaps.
What spurred you into motivational speaking and what do you love most about it?
At the age of 18 I battled addiction, mental health, eating disorders and other things. One day I decided to go get help and get sober. Because of that experience, I got asked to work for the Amy Winehouse Foundation and The Princes Trust. I go into schools and deliver talks; that’s when I found my love of speaking. Honesty and truth are what gets me going. I'm passionate about helping others, helping people get out of the darkness and into the light like I did. It’s all about mindset and perspective.
How did 2020 change the way you were able to deliver talks?
I started to do more IGTVs and Instagram lives with well-known people. I also did a few talks on Zoom for businesses. I’m working with a company to create videos on anxiety, stress, mental well-being also in 2021. Because of the global health crisis, people are more aware of their mental health and physical health and are becoming more honest about their struggles which I think is so important. I’ve found my passion.
Did delivering talks feel daunting at first?
I did at the beginning. I got thrown into the deep end. But once I started to do it, receive great feedback and help others, I knew that this was my purpose.
What motivates you when times get hard?
The realisation that problems will happen. Your life can switch from a good day to a bad day, and not everything will go our way. What motivates me is having the mindset that I don’t have to like it to accept it, but acceptance is often the answer. Everything I’ve been through has made me who I am today, and I’ll keep going through things which will make me stronger as a person. It's all a journey, and that's something I tell people all the time.
Proudest moment of your career?
I think moving to Hong Kong to work and speak out there. I spoke for the Mind Mental Health Conference which was amazing. I also did a talk with Mitch Winehouse at a school.
Despite being a highlight, were there any challenges you faced?
Hong Kong is a very hard city and a lot people that are from there are very closed off with their emotions. Their mentality is to just get on with it. But I feel it’s getting better and people becoming more aware especially after this year. Hong Kong was never going to be my end city - it’s quite transient.
What advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago if you could?
Never ever talk down on yourself. See life as a bigger picture because our head tells us that if one thing bad happens, then that’s it. Life is a rollercoaster. We just have to realise that there will be ups and downs. It’s not about what we go through, it’s about how we deal with it that counts!
What have you been most grateful for this year?
Just being alive! Being able to enjoy the small things. This year has been a test for us all and it makes you realise that none of the external, superficial things matter. I used to really care about money, cars, materials, who my friends were if they had some sort of benefit to me. Now, after doing this life transformation, I’ve started to learn more about my inner worth and love towards people who I have a true connection with. I believe happiness comes from the inside. As long as we're happy and healthy, that’s what’s most important.
Biggest lesson learnt from the events of 2020?
I think I’ve done a lot of work around this thank God, but the biggest lesson learnt would be to stay in the now. Trust the process and love yourself no matter what the outcome.
How do you “stay in the now”?
I practice mindfulness is all areas of my life. I revert back to my head and thought process a lot. I try to just enjoy what’s going on in the moment, rather than thinking about tomorrow. When I do worry, I just remind myself that I need to accept what’s going on and I cannot control the situation.
Do you think reflecting on your successes is an important way to practice gratitude? How do you do this?
I think looking back and seeing all the amazing things you have done is a huge win. Always celebrate your wins, but also know that no matter what, you are good enough. I have journaled for years which helps. I’ve always had this mindset around trusting the process.
Biggest challenge this year?
A few things. My mum’s breast cancer diagnosis. A flare up in my colitis. And the uncertainty of having a job. This year has been a hard year for sure. I had to accept that things haven’t been that great. But the journey will still go on!
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
The power of hindsight. For every struggle you’ve been through, you came out the other side and you are here today. So, remind yourself that every time something bad happens.
What are you hoping to achieve in 2021?
I'm hoping to really push my life coaching and motivational speaking. I had to take a step back the last few months for family reasons, my own personal reasons, and the pandemic. I'm hoping that once things settle down, I can go full force with that.
What’s the end goal?
The goal is to start my own coaching business 1-1 and groups with young people on mental health and addiction. But mainly with people who are like me and have been exposed to living a life of external validation and have struggled trying to be a perfectionist. I also want to do more talks and then write a book.
To learn more about Lauren White, follow her on Instagram.
