Eloho Efemuai is a personal brand strategist, transformation coach, broadcaster, author, creative entrepreneur and worship leader. She runs Heartsong Live Radio in Edinburgh. She is the host of Arise with Eloho, a breakfast show inspiring people to start their day right and the also co-host of Wordzone. Her desire is to empower and transform the lives of the people she encounters who struggle with lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Her passion is to help them break from stereotypes to become the person that God designed them to be. At the heart of everything she does is to support, help, inspire, empower and add value to others. In this interview with GERALDINE AKUTU, she talks about coaching, women empowerment and other sundry issues.
Can you share how you stumbled into coaching and devote yourself to empowering women?
My journey into coaching grew out of my love for music, community, and creating spaces for people to shine. Before broadcasting, I was a singer, songwriter and worship leader, organising concerts and events that brought people together. Along the way, I kept meeting women with incredible gifts who were hiding in the background. I recognised myself in them because I had also experienced seasons of feeling unseen, overlooked, and unsure of how to take up space. Through conversations, mentoring, and hosting events, I realised I was already coaching. I was helping women define their value, step into visibility, and tell their stories with confidence. Eventually, I formalised it, became a certified coach, and fully committed to equipping women to thrive personally, professionally, and in leadership.
Why the focus on women and how has your experiences shaped your coaching style?
I focus on women because I am that woman. I know what it is like to work hard, be competent, and still feel invisible in certain rooms. I have had to navigate cultural expectations, self-doubt, and stereotypes about what leadership should look like. I even wrote a book “You’Re Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea.” My coaching style is shaped by empathy, strategy, and lived experience. I combine practical tools with emotional support because it is not just about building a brand or career, it is about building the woman behind it.
What is the secret to becoming a successful coach?
For me, the secret lies in authenticity, empathy, and results. You cannot coach people effectively if you have not done the work on yourself. That does not mean you have to be perfect, but it does mean you need self-awareness and the humility to keep learning. A successful coach listens deeply, asks the right questions, and creates a safe space where people feel seen and heard. You also have to be genuinely invested in the transformation of your clients, not just in delivering a programme. It is also about knowing when to challenge and when to encourage. Sometimes you need to hold a mirror up so they can see what is possible, even if it makes them uncomfortable. Other times, you need to stand beside them until they believe it for themselves. And you cannot underestimate the power of consistency showing up again and again, not just when it is convenient. Consistency builds trust.
As a certified coach, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotyoes, especially in situations where traditional male approaches are the norm?
I have learnt to show up authentically instead of trying to fit into an existing mould. In male-dominated spaces, I focus on results, relationships, and resilience. Leading with collaboration rather than competition often shifts the dynamic and opens the door for different leadership styles to be respected. I am intentional about mentoring other women so they are not just in the room but contributing confidently.
What do you consider to be key issues holding girls and young women back that is making them not to maximise their full potentials?
One major barrier is lack of confidence. Many young women have the skills but do not believe they have the right to take up space. This often comes from societal conditioning, where they are taught to be agreeable, not assertive, and to downplay their achievements. Imposter syndrome is another huge challenge; the constant feeling that they are not good enough or do not truly deserve their place, even when they have the qualifications and the results to prove otherwise. That lack of self-belief can stop them from even trying. Another issue is limited access to networks and opportunities. Success is rarely just about talent; it is also about who knows your name in the right rooms. Many young women do not have the mentors, sponsors, or role models who can open those doors for them. There is also the challenge of comparison culture. Social media has amplified the pressure to look like you have it all together, and that can paralyse progress. Instead of building steadily, some get stuck waiting until things are perfect before starting, which means they never start. We also cannot ignore practical barriers such as financial constraints, lack of resources, or environments that still hold onto outdated gender stereotypes. Tackling these requires intentional investment in training, visibility, and community support.
How do you manage your role as a brand strategist, coach, radio broadcaster, worship leader effectively without one suffering?
Managing my role as a brand strategist, coach, radio broadcaster, and worship leader is not about perfect balance, it is about alignment. Everything I do flows from the same mission to inspire, empower, and give others a platform to shine. I am intentional about planning, boundaries, and working in seasons. I also have a small but mighty team and community who help me keep things running while I make space for rest.
How would you describe the impact of your work on the lives of women?
The greatest joy for me is seeing women who once hid in the background now speaking confidently about their work, leading teams, running businesses, and making decisions that once felt out of reach. I have seen women step into boardrooms and pitch ideas with authority after we worked together on their confidence and clarity. I have watched them build personal brands that open doors to media features, collaborations, and leadership roles they had never imagined. But beyond professional achievements, I see impact in their personal lives. Some have told me they now set healthier boundaries, make time for self-care, and have stronger relationships because they know their value. Others have become mentors themselves, multiplying the work by pouring into the next generation. For me, the true measure of impact is not just in their individual success stories but in the ripple effect. When a woman rises, she often lifts her family, her community, and sometimes even her industry with her. That is why I do what I do because empowered women really do change the world.
How can we get more women taking up leadership roles and become effective leaders?
More women can take up leadership roles when we address both visibility and preparation. Many women are already qualified but not seen. Mentorship, sponsorship, and strategic networking are essential because someone needs to speak your name in rooms you have not entered yet. We also need to normalise women leading in their own style instead of adopting a masculine template. Confidence, clarity of value, and community support are crucial.
What is your message to younger women trying to navigate through life and looking to make positive impact in the society?
To younger women navigating life and seeking to make a positive impact, I say do not wait until you feel ready. Clarity often comes from taking action. Start small, be willing to learn along the way, and surround yourself with people who speak life into you. Your voice matters, your story matters, and your contribution is needed. The world is not waiting for a perfect version of you, it is waiting for the real you.
What are your visions for your empowerment initiative?
My vision is to see the empowerment initiative grow into a global movement that connects women across cultures and generations. I want to see more women confidently stepping into leadership, launching businesses, influencing policy, and creating change in their communities. I am building spaces both physical and digital where women are equipped with the tools, networks, and visibility they need to thrive and leave a legacy.
