Hey there, wonderful readers! Can you believe it’s already March? Time sure does fly! Anyways, like we promised in our last feature, we’ve got the ball rolling for this year’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Month’ line up. We are back with another exciting edition to the series, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce you to our March spotlight, Isabel Zai.
Isabel is a remarkable hypnotherapist who specializes in working with executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders to tackle the obstacles hindering their personal and business success. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to dive into her story! So, read on as she gets candid with us in this feature.
Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself
Hello, I’m Isabel Zai-Styles, a 48-year-old English-Swiss woman originally from the scenic West Sussex, England. Currently I find myself in the enchanting allure of Zurich, Switzerland, and I’m really enjoying it. As a child, I used to visit Switzerland every year for my summer holidays to spend time with family and friends. There was always a sense that I belonged to a place like this with its seamless access to breathtaking nature. 🙂 I love travelling, and after several years of living out of my suitcase between Australia and Asia, I decided to move here. I met my husband and stepson in Zurich. Embracing our shared interest in sailing, we’ve ventured into learning the art of navigating yachts. Meanwhile, we also find joy in sailing our inflatable dinghy, a Tiwal, on the mountain lakes and coastal waters.
Coming to my work-life, I’m a certified Hypnotherapist, as well as being certified, and trained in other mind-body therapies and practices. I support women and men as an ‘Executive’s Hypnotherapist’ and combine highly effective tools that give clients breakthroughs in as little as 1-4 sessions. I work with clients in my private Zurich practice, or out of their homes, as well as virtually over Zoom.
Tell us about your current business, what do you do?
As an ‘Executive’s Hypnotherapist,’ my focus revolves around assisting executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders in overcoming challenges that impact both their personal and professional performance. Whether it’s addressing stress, anxiety, ADHD, sleep issues, sexual performance concerns, imposter syndrome, or enhancing decision-making abilities, my goal is to facilitate a holistic transformation. I strongly believe that…
We all have the ability to connect deeply with our internal wisdom, but it’s difficult to fully harness this energy and use it to fuel our lives, especially when we have the tendency to search outside ourselves for answers.
I take a result orientated approach, aiding clients in resolving issues by turning challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion.
Tell us your story, how did you decide to become an ‘Executive’s Hypnotherapist’ in Switzerland?
It was 2008, aged 33, I worked for an investment bank in London, as a tech contractor sourcing specialist for the front office trading systems. Feeling the need for a new adventure amid the financial crisis, I sought opportunities abroad. Despite a job offer withdrawal in Hong Kong, I decided to venture to Australia, only to find visa limitations in Sydney. After a few weeks of travel, beach lounging, and time with friends, it became clear that a return to financial services, at least in the capacity I had known, was not on the cards.
This was an opportunity to create a lifestyle that was far more suited to my HSP (highly sensitive person) way of being. The fast-paced environments, difficult romantic relationships, and the thrilling London lifestyle had made an impression.
Then came the a-ha moment for me! Since an early age, I was fascinated with the mind-body connection, psychology, yoga, intuition, energy, and human potential. In the pursuit of my own healing, I explored diverse methods to transform my conditioning, habits, behaviors, and limiting beliefs. The goal was to enhance my day-to-day effectiveness and unlock my full human potential. As I lay on the beach in Sydney one afternoon, the realization struck—I wanted to share and teach others how to be more effective in their daily lives and better manage stress.
In 2009, my business began with a focus on executive stress management, expanding over time to address various stress-related issues. I underwent training in diverse mind-body therapies and practices rooted in both Eastern and Western traditions. My quest for knowledge led me to travel across four continents, dedicating several years to research and training. Recognizing the importance of time for clients, I sought tools that were not only quick and effective but also sustainable—aiming for a greater impact and the ability to change lives for the better.
What is a day like “in your heels?
Typically, I wake up at 5am, I love the stillness of the early mornings. My day starts with either yoga nidra or meditation, some journaling and if there is enough time, forest bathing or lake swimming. I get so much nourishment from nature, and it’s such a fantastic start to the day.
To accommodate client schedules, I begin appointments as early as 07:00. My practice, conveniently situated near Paradeplatz and I try to walk the 25 minutes each way from home. Catering to international clients, many sessions are conducted over Zoom. Locally, in-person sessions are preferred. My work is just as effective online as it is in person, and I feel very blessed to have this level of flexibility.
My day always involves some form of training and research. I feel that it is important to continuously update skills, as well as enhance my own capabilities. Every tool, method and practice offered in my service; I have used it and experienced it myself.
The afternoons include a power nap, yoga nidra or meditation.
I prioritize family time in the evenings, cherishing moments shared over dinner with my husband and stepson, whenever he’s staying with us. Cooking is my passion, and our dinner table often features Asian and Indian cuisine. I love experimenting with spices and flavors to create new culinary delights. To ensure I’m refreshed for early mornings, I aim to hit the bed around 10:00 PM or even earlier.
Would you like to give any specific advice to fellow entrepreneurs?
This is for all women (and men) in business:
- Self-care
There are several transitions in the day, doing these mindfully with appropriate activities can improve energy levels, overall wellbeing, and relationships. Small morning rituals go a long way in setting up your day in a good way. If you are pushed for time keep it simple, choose one or two self-care practices to start your day.
It is important to start the day giving to yourself, the first energy of the day.
- Incorporate regular breaks, even if just for 5 minutes. Engage in simple belly breathing, reconnect with your body, and take a moment to feel and check in emotionally. It’s a valuable practice to stay attuned to your emotional state throughout the day.
- Conscious eating means eating your food mindfully, chew well, and without gadgets. Focusing your full attention on what you are eating not only helps you stay full longer, it also gives you time to digest your thoughts.
- An evening ritual helps close off the day and prepare for sleep. This can look like, a cup of your favorite tea, a bath, reading a book, perhaps a walk. Choose something that calms your nervous system, and that can prepare you for deep rest.
- Allocate decompression time and embrace the philosophy of doing less
Make time to rest. Sometimes doing less means achieving more. When we constantly push, we do not give ourselves the time to reflect. Often in these reflective moments we get the greatest insights.
Clarity comes with stillness.
- Seek Support Swiftly
Identify energy-draining factors causing distress, especially those impacting basic functioning, daily activities, and overall success. Take prompt action to overcome these challenges, seeking solutions wherever feasible.
The amount of mental, emotional, and physical energy that goes into a problem cannot be underestimated. If you cannot resolve the problem yourself, hire an expert.
Would you like to have an initial interaction with Isabel to explore what’s the best approach to tackle your symptoms? You can book your FREE spot here: https://isabelzaistyles.as.me/Consultation
You can also connect with Isabel on her LinkedIn or browse her Website.
Are you a Woman Entrepreneur/ Leader/ Content creator? Get featured on My Swiss Story !
We are constantly looking for women with fascinating stories and experiences; those who are passionate enough to make a difference, those who have built successful businesses, those who have paved the path for others, and those who taken actions to overcome adversities.
Click here to apply.