Today we have Kevin Martinez, Coach of the month for September.
About Kevin Martinez
When I turned 29, I had it all: good health, a high-paying job, friends, stability, and independence. They say success is the key to happiness, right? Well, it turns out, it is not.
I was an alcoholic. I was doing hard drugs. I had lots of casual sex that didn’t mean anything. I wasted many hours scrolling on the phone, looking for the next hook-up.
I was self-destructive, put myself in dangerous situations, cut off sleep, and partied a lot. I lived in a constant state of stress and anxiety. I was disconnected, isolated, and depressed. I couldn’t find peace within. I felt overwhelmed and lost. My 9 to 6 job as a software engineer didn’t bring me any satisfaction and fulfillment. My life was a prison. I had no purpose and I didn’t know who I was.
After my last relapse with alcohol, I became determined to improve my life and quit alcohol for good. Everything I learned about personal development, spirituality, energy healing, visualization, mindset, and the power of self-love, allowed me to transform my life completely and become my true self.
After witnessing and experiencing massive improvements in all areas of my life, I became very passionate about coaching and helping people. My journey and story can help other gay men who are struggling with their lives right now, feeling dissatisfied, lost, and disconnected.
Life is about purpose, passion, meaning, feeling, and living as your most authentic self. My journey towards transformation started alone but it doesn’t have to be like that for you. By working with me, I can help you shortcut all the pain and frustration I went through so you can start living an abundant life on your terms and aligned with your pure essence.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I was born in Costa Rica but currently live in Berlin, having relocated five years ago. Initially, I had an IT job, but through significant life transformation, I discovered my passion for coaching. I’ve now been running my coaching business for a year, focusing on supporting gay men with topics like identity, purpose, authenticity, and overcoming addictions to help them lead meaningful, passionate lives.
2. You mentioned that you moved to Berlin and that’s where you found your passion for coaching. What got you into coaching?
A: My journey began when I relocated to Munich in 2019, where I faced health challenges that left me feeling unwell and stressed. After losing my best friend Santiago, I was devastated and sought medical help, leading to an HIV diagnosis. This was a turning point; I realized I needed to transform my life. I worked closely with a life coach for six months, gaining insights into my struggles with alcohol, unhealthy relationships, and my true identity. I recognized my desire to help others, especially gay men facing similar challenges, to live authentically and find joy in sobriety.
3. When did you start coaching others, whether it was paid or unpaid?
A: I began testing my coaching approach last year in June, but I will officially launch my first group coaching program in November this year with four other gay men. For my second cohort next year, I plan to start in February, offering 25% of my initial price. My first round will be a beta test, providing weekly videos and group coaching calls over 12 weeks, refining my program based on feedback.
4. As a new coach, did you experience any fear or feelings of insecurity?
A: Yes, initially I faced massive imposter syndrome. However, I realized I’ve been naturally coaching people my whole life. Many have confided in me at social events, seeking guidance, and I’ve always been able to help them. Though insecurities surfaced as I stepped into this new role, I recognized that they were part of my growth process. I reminded myself that my journey has equipped me with empathy and skills to guide others, and I embraced my identity as a coach.
5. Did you ever feel tempted to return to your IT career due to challenges in coaching?
A: There was a moment in December when I questioned whether I should return to IT. However, I understood that staying in a job that didn’t fulfill me was not worth the cost, as it had led to my struggles with addiction and depression. I realized I wanted to leave a legacy and contribute positively to the world, particularly for gay men facing trauma and addiction. Despite challenges, I committed to building my coaching business and showing up consistently.
6. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen within yourself?
A: The most significant change has been my attitude. I’m now approaching my work with love and understanding. I’ve shifted from a negative mindset to one that empowers me, allowing me to command my body and energy effectively. I’ve developed productive routines, allocating time in the mornings for my book and coaching, while ensuring I listen to my body to avoid burnout. This balance enables me to be consistent and productive without losing sight of my well-being.
7. You mentioned affirmations and routines that you work on. Often, we have negative self-talk. How do you overcome or silence that voice?
A: I practice mindfulness. When I hear a voice of judgment, I don’t go into the story. I take a deep breath, touch my hands, and do a finger movement to stay present in my body. If a story comes up in my head, I focus on my body and use mantras like “I love you, I forgive you, thank you, and I’m sorry.” I use breathing, mindfulness, and remind myself that the voice of judgment is a small part of me from childhood. Now, I choose who I am and manifest that daily, giving myself love, forgiveness, and compassion.
8. What advice would you give to someone stepping into coaching now?
A: There’s a place for everyone if it’s in your heart and soul. Do it no matter what, and you’ll find opportunities. If you focus on insecurities, you’ll find excuses not to show up fully. When you say yes and show up consistently, the universe will help you, whether it’s through partnerships or clients. Be mindful, create a routine, and take care of yourself. The game is long, so it’s important to allocate time for rest. When you’re your most authentic self, people will be drawn to you because of who you are.
9: Do you have mentors who have guided you through the coaching process?
A: Yes, I’ve been working with Coach Foundation coaches. They helped me with imposter syndrome and started my business. Instead of figuring things out on my own, I wanted to work with people who already know what they’re doing and avoid wasting time. Coaching has been life-changing, and I now understand the value of being fully authentic with my coaches. They support me and fuel my work, which allows me to show up even better for my clients.
10: How has the Coach Foundation’s Accelerator program helped you?
A: The website they helped me build is on point, from messaging to design. The modules in the Accelerator program are easy to follow, with clear explanations and videos. I’ve learned techniques for being more impactful, like preparing for podcasts and doing joint ventures (JVs) for interviews. The program has helped me understand my niche better and how to reach a broader audience.
11: What result do you hope your clients achieve through your coaching program?
A: Creating a high-ticket program was transformative for me. Charging by the hour isn’t scalable, so now I offer a foundational program that helps clients make major transformations. I also plan to create more specialized programs, like ones focused on overcoming alcoholism or spirituality in the gay community. My program is built to address clients’ pain points and help them feel heard and supported.
12: What is the most pivotal part of your coaching program?
A: Self-love. It has been a massive transformation in my life. When I was at my lowest, I was punishing myself for not being perfect, which led to destructive behaviors. Now, I have compassion for myself, and I teach my clients to do the same. Self-love and forgiveness are at the core of everything I do.
13: How do you coach someone who feels condemned or struggles with self-forgiveness?
A: I start by helping clients understand that they are the creator of their own lives. Everything they say, think, and do becomes their reality. When you don’t believe you’re worthy of love, everything around you can destroy you. Forgiveness sets you free. I teach my clients to release expectations and let go of the past. I also guide them through daily practices, like meditation, to stay grounded in self-love and clarity.
14: How long did it take you to create your 12-week high-ticket program?
A: It took me about six months to finalize the program. I had a lot of content, so I had to trim it down to what was essential for foundational transformation. I also dealt with COVID during this time, but overall, it was a six-month process of understanding my niche, my identity, and what my clients needed.
15: How do you plan to get feedback from your upcoming group coaching program in November?
A: The group coaching will be a mid-ticket program. I’ll provide lessons each week and hold a Q&A session. I plan to adjust and refine the content based on feedback from the first four modules. It’s essential to run a beta test to identify blind spots. This first run will be free, and I’ll use the results and testimonials to improve the program for future iterations.
16: What are your future plans after your November group coaching program?
A: After refining the program and getting feedback, I plan to charge 25% of the cost for the second version, which I aim to launch in February. I also plan to stay connected to the community in Berlin, particularly in conscious sober spaces and tantra groups. These spaces are full of people who are looking for more growth and connection, which aligns well with my coaching approach.
17: What’s the key to helping people move towards self-love if it feels alien to them?
A: It’s important to recognize the cost of not giving yourself love. When you don’t love yourself, your day, your energy, and everything around you suffer. The key is starting small, focusing on the belief that you’re worthy of love, and developing a strong self-care practice, like meditation or mindfulness, to reinforce that mindset.
