Showcase #3- Kiana Laurin, Founder & CEO of Kiana Laurin Coaching & BST Circle

In this interview on The Startup Showcase, host Colton Hower speaks with Kiana Laurin, founder of Kiana Laurin Coaching, about her journey as a business coach and serial entrepreneur. Kiana shares her background in strategic finance and economic development, explaining how she transitioned from a corporate job to starting her own coaching business. She talks about launching her coaching practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she had to evolve and rebrand her business to meet new challenges. Kiana describes her coaching style as bold, no-nonsense, and focused on authenticity and connection. She believes in being upfront and honest with her clients, challenging them to push themselves and step outside their comfort zones in order to grow. The first steps she takes with a new client include evaluating their needs and values, assessing their business, and identifying opportunities for growth. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and gaining a fresh perspective to see new possibilities. Kiana also opens up about her personal experiences with failure, discussing how she learned to embrace change and adapt her business approach over time. She reveals some of her own missteps along the way and highlights the importance of self-awareness and being flexible in the face of challenges. She encourages startup founders and young entrepreneurs to remember that it’s okay to evolve and let go of what they thought they had. In addition to her coaching business, Kiana is founder of BST Circle, a tasting experience and networking club in Pittsburgh. They mix & match eclectic people and passionate partners in the spirit of education, connection, and contribution. Kiana is also involved with F*ck Up Nights Pittsburgh, a group that encourages people to share their failures and learn from them. Kiana stresses that self-care is crucial in the entrepreneurial journey and advises entrepreneurs to prioritize their clients' needs while also taking care of themselves to avoid burnout. She encourages people to find resources, such as a coach, that can help them improve and shift their perspectives. Kiana’s message to entrepreneurs is clear: prioritize growth, embrace change, and remember that failure is a valuable learning opportunity.