How does an Asian Canadian accountant (CPA, CA) go from owning and selling a successful Australian-style meat pie business to becoming a life coach?
Ever since I started blogging, I’ve connected with many likeminded folks. It’s amazing how many of us there are out there in this world, from all walks of life, sharing similar values and beliefs. When you search for a sense of community, putting yourself out there, the universe does seem a lot smaller. It’s like that saying, “You’re unique, just like everyone else.“
Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Megan Tong, a Life Coach based in Toronto. She’s a fellow Asian Canadian mama who started her career as a CPA. Then, she realized she hated it, went through a phase of blaming her parents for her unhappiness.
However, she rose up, changed her mindset and took control of her life; she started a side hustle with her best friend, grew the business into a success and sold it.
Now, she’s a Life Coach, taking her clients to the next levels of performance and helping them transform their lives through one-on-one coaching.
From business advice, motherhood, Asian parents, Megan’s passion, dedication and lively energy shines throughout the interview.
Hope you enjoy it!
“But if I wanted to create a life I loved, I saw that I was going to have to make my own choices. Now, if I end up hating what I do, I have only myself to blame.”
1. What inspired you to become a life coach?
“I started my working life as a CPA, then transitioned to creating an Australian-style meat pie company, then decided to help people with their money.
One day I was telling my best friend that what I thought would make the difference with my money coaching clients was actually helping them transform their mindset around money.
And the mindset coaching was also the part I liked best anyways.
And then she asked me: “So why don’t you just become a life coach?”
And then finally I thought: “YES. Why don’t I do that?”
I realized that I had actually considered it before, but I had had the thought “There are so many life coaches out there already. The world doesn’t need another life coach”.
But really, I mean there are so many accountants out there. That didn’t stop me from becoming a CPA. There are so many restaurants out there. That didn’t stop me from opening a restaurant.
So I decided to go for it, and I can now honestly say that I feel like I’m finally coming home to who I am. Life coaching is something that I am both great at, AND absolutely love doing.”
2. You had a side hustle selling Australian-style meat pies called Kanga and it was a huge success. What do you think are the most important factors in having a successful business?
“#1: Start.
#2: Work relentlessly on your mindset. Whether that’s through a program, seeking coaching, journaling, whatever works for you. Our minds are by default, negative. So if you’re interested in success, you’ll need to start purposely training it to sustain the belief in your dream and your ability to create it.
For people starting a business: the biggest mistake I see is they overthink it, and tell themselves they need to do more courses, figure out exactly how to proceed with all the right steps, design the perfect website, and get professional photography of their product.
Just know: you don’t need any of these things to start. All you need is a product and a paying customer.”
3. Being a working mom, what would be some tips you would give to other moms who are trying to “do it all”?
“Our culture tells us that mothers should be martyrs. Ask yourself if you want to take that on.
If you decide that Yes, you want to do it all, then go for it! Just know that you decided to do that, and don’t resent other people for ‘making you do it’.
For people like me who are not into martyring themselves: act accordingly.
Have hobbies if you want. Delegate the chores if you want. Meditate if you want. Exercise if you want. Make your kids a cheese sandwich for dinner if you want.
When I martyr myself, I resent the people I’m supposedly helping. And then the people might have clean plates and a three-tier birthday cake, but they have a miserable Megan. So is that really my vision of life?
I say No.
So I don’t martyr myself.
And when I do the things, I choose to do them, I don’t do them because I have to.”
4. Asian parents often encourage their kids to become doctors, lawyers or accountants. For those who are conflicted with pursuing their passion versus doing something that pays the bills, what advice would you give?
“When I was 25, I did a personal development program called the Landmark Forum. At the time, I was a CPA, but I hated practicing accounting. Over the three days of the course, I had the realization that I was actually blaming my parents for my career choice, and for being unhappy in my job.
When I finally saw that I was blaming my parents, I was finally able to let it go.
I realized that the reason I was blaming my parents, was so that I wouldn’t have to blame myself.
At the end of the day, all my parents had ever wanted was for me to be happy. They felt that a stable job would make me happy, and I love them for that!
But if I wanted to create a life I loved, I saw that I was going to have to make my own choices. Now, if I end up hating what I do, I have only myself to blame.
And that is scary. I get that.
But it is necessary to being truly alive.
So, this is my advice: if you have no idea what you want to do, then why not become a doctor, lawyer, or accountant?
But if you do know, or have a good idea, then just go right ahead, take responsibility for your choices, and pursue your passion now.”
5. What’s next for Megan Tong?
“Taking myself and my clients to the next levels of performance, through one-on-one coaching.”
You can connect with Megan:
Email: coachmegantong@gmail.com
Follow her Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachmegantong
