I’ll admit that Sheryl and I have been on multiple dates over the last year or so, but I finally managed to pin her down and interview her for this week’s ‘A Date With Ains – Soulful chats about clarity, confidence and connection in life and business.’

Sheryl and I caught up over a creamy cappuccino at the rather swanky Joel Robuchon and chatted about how her career has evolved in synergy with her passions, how movement has literally transformed her life and what she loves about her home, Hong Kong. 

I can’t wait for you to read what this wonderful woman has to say about clarity, confidence and connection in relation to her life and business! READ ON.

 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF SHERYL! WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO HONG KONG AND HOW DID YOUR BUSINESS GET STARTED?

I originally moved to Hong Kong from the UK with my previous employer Marks and Spencer where I worked as a Human Resources Manager. What was supposed to be a 2 year stint in Hong Kong has actually turned into 20 years!

Living in Hong Kong has allowed me to try different professions and explore my many passions.After working for M&S for 19 years, I started my own Personal Training business. From there I actually discovered the power of movement and pursued the intensive 5Rythms Teacher Trainer program, dancing across the US and Europe.

Now, I love sharing and teaching this incredible and transformational movement practice with my clients and fellow dancers here in Hong Kong.

 

WHAT DOES ‘CLARITY’ MEAN TO YOU? WHEN YOU’RE LACKING CLARITY IN LIFE OR BUSINESS, HOW DO YOU GET ‘UNSTUCK’? WHAT PRACTICES OR STRATEGIES DO YOU USE?

It’s probably not surprising to reveal that I find clarity through dance.

I believe that when we’re stuck, we are all ‘up in our heads’ and we are ignoring our ‘inner knowing.’

I find that each rhythm is a teacher and when I’m moving and following the natural rhythms of the body, it helps to shift that feeling of ‘stuckness.’

 

I’D LOVE FOR YOU TO SHARE A TIME WHEN YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE HAS BEEN AT AN ALL TIME LOW AND WHAT YOU DID TO PICK YOURSELF UP AND GET BACK OUT THERE.

When I was a child I really had to push myself out of my comfort zone. My dad was in the Navy, which meant that moving homes and cities was the norm. Since following the work of Amy Cuddy, I’ve realised that I really had to ‘fake it until I made it,’ to help build my confidence as I grew up.

I also believe that surrounding yourself with like-minded people and genuine supporters always helps to boost your confidence and I try to do this regularly.

HOW DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR PURPOSE AND YOUR PASSION?

I’d say that I’m immersed in my purpose and passion…which isn’t always a good thing!

I’m always trying to find that balance but often life is just full on!

That’s why I so believe in my movement practice as it helps to remind me that I’m not my story and it literally gets me ‘out of myself.’

 

WHO AND/OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Gabrielle Roth, the founder of 5Rhythms.

I’m also inspired by the likes of Joseph Campbell, the fabulous Brene Brown and everyday HongKongers.

 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

I don’t think you can plan more than six months ahead.

But from an online perspective, I’m currently working on consolidating my newly acquired blogging skills and I also plan on re-launching my website.

Expanding my music catalogue for my 5Rhythms classes is an ongoing process and because my classes are increasing in popularity, I also have to look for a bigger studio! (It’s a nice problem to have!).

I also want to expand upon my Leadership Embodiment training and build up my consulting services so I can reach different audiences through movement.

 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN HONG KONG?

 Hong Kong is a world class city and I love it’s vibrancy and energy. I also love that Hong Kong is ever changing and expanding and with this comes new opportunities.

 

MY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR YOUNG WOMEN ABOUT TAKING THE LEAP AND FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS WOULD BE….

Follow your heart. You may have to do other work to pay the bills and put food on the table, but don’t let your passion go!

 

AND FINALLY DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE OR A DAILY MANTRA YOU USE TO KEEP YOU FEELING CLEAR, CONFIDENT AND CONNECTED WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS AND LIFE?

I particularly love this quote by Mary Oliver, “What are you going to do with this one wild and precious life?”

 

I love the fact that Sheryl uses movement to help her gain clarity when she is feeling stuck.  What other insights did you gain from Sheryl’s interview? Share in the comments below!

 

Professional Bio

Sheryl Feniger is the founder of Moving Steps Hong Kong and is a certified 5Rhythms instructor who is passionate about taking this transformational movement practice into the wider Hong Kong community. A former Human Resources Manager for Marks and Spencer, Sheryl is also a certified personal fitness trainer, pilates instructor and has a post-graduate diploma in Exercise & Nutrition Science (Liverpool University), and is a member Laban Certified Movement Analyst.

Sheryl whole-heartedly believes in the power of movement, especially the 5Rhythms practice as it offers people from all walks of life a brief ‘pause’ in their day, a weekly shot of the feel-good factor, or a tool for self-development.

You can find out more about Sheryl’s work over on her website.