We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtni Clay Aka Coach Court and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtni Clay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey to entrepreneurship was gradual. It actually started in HR consulting, I wrote employee handbooks, policies, and advised small businesses on ER/LR issues. While it was valuable work, it didn’t light me up. One night, sitting in my kitchen, I asked myself: “What do I really enjoy?” The gym came to mind. I’d trained friends for fun before, but I also knew many people struggled to stay consistent. That’s when the lightbulb went off; I realized it wasn’t about the workouts, it was about the mindset.

I literally thought, “You’ve got to attack the Fing mind first!” My background as a Master Resilience Trainer in the Army reinforced this truth: if you can get the mind on board, you can do anything. This is how it all started…I got laser focused on what I enjoyed and what lit my soul on fire. That clarity set me on the path I’m on now, helping women transform their mindset so they can transform their lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My “art” is resilience. Some people paint, some write music, my canvas is the human mind. What sets me apart is that I don’t just teach resilience, I’ve lived it. I’ve walked through divorce, burnout, career pivots, and moments where I questioned my worth. I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom, and I also know what it takes to rise. That lived experience, paired with over 15 years in HR leadership and my training as a Master Resilience Trainer in the Army, allows me to blend science, strategy, and soul in a way that creates real transformation.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were nights I sat in silence, numb, wondering how I’d move forward. The turning point came when I realized resilience isn’t about pushing through, it’s about feeling the hard emotions, giving yourself grace, and then choosing to rise anyway. The biggest lessons I’ve learned: your mindset will either be your prison or your passport, and challenges are not roadblocks, they’re invitations to grow.

What I want the world to know about my brand is simple: resilience is not about bouncing back, it’s about rising. Through my coaching, programs, and speaking, I help women transform breakdowns into breakthroughs and move from survival mode to living with intention, confidence, and momentum

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whew! Week long? Let’s start with an extended weekend (thursday- Monday).

Day 1: We’d start with a hike up Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak to catch the sunrise. After earning breakfast (LOL) , we’d head to Hash Kitchen Scottsdale. The rest of the day we would explore Old Town Scottsdale—galleries, boutiques and the Scottdale Waterfront.

Day 2: Wine Wagon! This is a unique AZ winery shuttle experience from start to finish we will enjoy a full day of exploring the Verde Valley’s wine country through a luxe, hop-on, hop-off bus ride with of course WINE and FOOD!

Day 3: A true Scottsdale pool day at The WET Deck at W Scottsdale. Luxe cabanas, bottle service, and a lively atmosphere. Dinner that night would be at Thea4 for an upscale dining experience and an incredible view.

Day 3: A spa day is a must. The Fairmount Scottsdale Princess is a world-class spa with amazing amenities.

Day 4: Slow morning with breakfast at The Henry and prep for the flight back!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m deeply grateful for the people who poured into me. First, my friends and family…especially my sons—have been my biggest “why”. They’ve seen me at my lowest and cheered for me as I rebuilt. One of the things that truly makes me proud is how my first son watched me build my 20-year military career from enlisted to an Officer and now my youngest is watching me build my business. They have all been my constant support system, reminding me of my strength and power when I questioned it…and I trust me, I questioned it several times. I am also thankful for alot of writers and speakers who continuously fuel my spirit, women like Oprah, Mel Robbins, Tamron Hall,

Website: https://www.iamcoachcourt.com

Instagram: coachcourt83

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claypoole/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachcourt83

Other: Tik Tok- CoachCourtni

Image Credits
photo credits: IG- growmoremg and IG- quiannamarie

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