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REDEFINING WELLNESS, PURPOSE

By Nokwanda Sibandze | 2025-02-03

Claudia Ginindza is more than just a wellness coach she’s a self-development visionary, podcast host, and advocate for balanced, meaningful living.

Her journey into wellness wasn’t a straightforward path; rather, it was born from personal struggles that pushed her to seek deeper understanding and change.

“I started this journey because I felt lost, burned out, and disconnected,” she said.
Through mindfulness, self-development and stoic philosophy, she not only transformed her own life but also found her calling: guiding others to do the same.

Today, through her coaching and podcast, Real Talk with Claudia, she inspires people to take charge of their personal growth and mental well-being. What wellness truly means for Claudia, wellness isn’t just about diet or exercise it’s a holistic approach to life. “Wellness is about balance mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

It’s about showing up for yourself daily, creating habits that support your growth, and embracing both discipline and self-compassion,” she said.

But achieving balance isn’t always easy. She said her battles with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and the pressure to always have it together.

“I overcame them by embracing self-awareness and creating non-negotiable habits like journaling, mindfulness, meditation, long walks and meaningful relationships,” she said.
These habits, she believes, form the foundation of a resilient, purpose-driven life.

The birth of real talk with Claudia
Driven by a desire to create a safe space for open and honest conversations, she launched Real Talk with Claudia, a podcast dedicated to personal growth, mental well-being and self-awareness.

“I wanted to create a community where African black people could navigate life’s challenges with resilience and purpose,” she says.

The podcast covers topics like mindset shifts, emotional intelligence, goal-setting, and self-development all aligned with her coaching philosophy of accountability and intentional living.

Starting a podcast, however, came with its own set of challenges. “Finding my niche and audience was tough, not to mention the financial and time constraints,” she said.

Balancing high-quality content with consistency is still a learning process, but she stays ahead by planning, networking with industry experts and reminding herself that ‘imperfect action beats waiting for perfection.’

She also faces technical hurdles, particularly when it comes to securing quality recording equipment and a professional studio.

To overcome this, she’s working on sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and event collaborations to ease financial pressure.

“It’s a journey, but I believe in the impact this platform can have,” she said.
As both a wellness coach and podcast host, Claudia has to practice what she preaches when it comes to self-care.

“I’ve learned to set boundaries, take rest seriously and prioritise my mental and physical well-being,” she says.

Learning to say “no” more often and reducing digital distractions have helped her maintain balance.

“I still feel guilty sometimes when I ignore calls or take a break, but I’ve learned that I can’t pour from an empty cup.” She draws inspiration from great thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and modern leaders such as Steven Bartlett, Mpoomy Ledwaba, and Oprah Winfrey.

“Their wisdom on resilience and purpose has shaped my approach to life and coaching.”
She also admires Ur GalZee for embodying a life of calmness and balance.

Debunking wellness myths
One of the biggest misconceptions about wellness coaching, Claudia says, is the belief that it’s about always feeling good or having all the answers. “True wellness isn’t about avoiding discomfort it’s about building the mental and emotional strength to handle life’s ups and downs,” she explains.

“As a coach, my job is not to give people solutions but to ask the right questions that help them find their own answers.”

For those struggling to start their wellness journey, she has simple advice: “Start small, but start now.
You don’t need to have it all figured out just commit to one habit that aligns with the life you want. Small steps create big change.”

Daily Rituals and Defining Success
When it comes to personal habits, Claudia swears by her morning mindfulness practice.
“Whether it’s journaling, meditation, or a gratitude exercise, it sets the tone for my day and keeps me grounded.” She also reads The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday every day, finding inspiration in its timeless wisdom. But how does she measure success? It’s not about numbers or external validation.

“Success is about impact, alignment, and fulfillment,” she says.
“It’s knowing that my work makes a difference and that I’m living in alignment with my values and purpose.”

If she could go back and give advice to her younger self, she would say: “Stop seeking external validation. Love the life you have, but spice it up with goals and ambition.

Embrace discomfort as part of growth, and trust that you are capable of creating a life you love.”
In today’s fast-paced world, Claudia reminds us that self-care isn’t selfish.

“Taking care of yourself allows you to show up fully for others,” she said.
Whether through her coaching or Real Talk with Claudia, she continues to inspire individuals to prioritise wellness, embrace self-awareness, and build lives they’re proud of one small habit at a time. By Nokwanda Sibandze

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