Stop waiting ten years for permission to lead. Tariq Ali went from “should I enroll?” to a thriving executive coaching practice by doing the inner work first. His message: outcomes are feedback, not identity—and that one shift changes how leaders grow, lead, and rest.On this week’s episode of the WHAT? Not Why podcast with Coach Academy Founder Nathalie Blais, Tariq shares how he built a full roster of CEOs and founders by leading with values, curiosity, and courage. Together, they explore what it means to redefine success, find the optimal level of pressure, and create psychological safety for real growth.They dig into why values must outrank outcomes, how judgment-free coaching space lets leaders tell the truth, and why coaching yourself out of a job is the ultimate measure of success. Tariq also explains the difference professional training made, how clarity of who you serve plus authentic storytelling builds trust, and why joy—not grind—is the real metric of leadership.Together, they explore• From “should I enroll?” to thriving executive coach• How coaching others starts with being coached yourself• Values → intentions → outcomes: flipping the performance model• Finding “optimal pressure” for sustainable performance• Safe space and trust as the foundation for transformation• Certification as a starting point, not a checkbox• Reframing fear as feedback, not an enemy• Building a coaching business rooted in belief, not burnout• Showing up online as your real self—no mask requiredThis episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about executive coaching, psychological safety, and leading with integrity. Tune in for a practical and inspiring conversation about the craft of coaching and the courage to grow.Chapters (Condensed)00:00 Introduction & full-circle story with Kelly04:00 From fear to full roster: doing the inner work first09:00 The promotion call that redefined success14:00 Values over outcomes: performance without pressure20:00 Coaching in schools and the future of influence25:00 Coaching yourself out of a job34:00 Building safety, trust, and truth in leadership41:00 Fear as a teacher, not a threat50:00 Showing up real on LinkedIn56:00 Building a joyful, sustainable coaching practice1:04:00 The big question: What else is out there in the universe?Where to Find Tariq AliWebsite: tarikali.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alitarikWhere to Find Coach AcademyWebsite: canadacoachacademy.comNathalie on Instagram: @nathalieblais.ceoNathalie on LinkedIn: @nathalieblaisCoach Academy LinkedIn: @coachacademygroup#ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #ValuesDriven #PsychologicalSafety #FounderLife #HighPerformance #HabitChange #CoachingCraft #Certification #ProfessionalCoach #Mindset #FearWork #OptimalPressure #LinkedInWriting #SignatureStyle #CoachingBusiness #Education #LanguageOfInfluence #CoachAcademy #TorontoCoach #IntegrityInAction