TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Ayeesha Kanji

Founder and Principal Consultant, Chestnuts Coaching and Consulting

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A Holistic Approach to Transformation

 

Based in Toronto, Canada, Ayeesha Kanji is the founder and principal consultant of Chestnuts Coaching and Consulting, a firm established in 2024 with a mission to help individuals and organizations thrive through holistic transformation and development. Drawing on over a decade of experience in coaching, human resources, and adult education, Ayeesha brings an uncommon blend of realism, empathy, and strategy to her practice. Her experiences in Toronto, New York and international experience have shaped her ability to connect across cultures and career stages, from university students and emerging professionals to corporate teams and senior executives.

 

Realism, Compassion, and Growth

 

What distinguishes Ayeesha from other coaches is her deeply human approach. She prioritizes realistic goal setting and recognizes that life’s unpredictability can impact professional and personal progress. “A lot of coaches say, ‘You can do this in three days,’ but life happens,” she often explains. For Ayeesha, success isn’t measured in rigid timelines, but in sustainable growth. She guides clients to manage their energy, time, and stress intentionally, integrating self-awareness and emotional well-being into the process. Her clients learn not only how to advance their careers, but also how to track their growth, by reflecting on what they learn along the way. Currently in training as a Being Profile Accredited Practitioner, she embraces the ontological approach.

 

Ayeesha also emphasizes happiness and wellness as integral components of professional fulfillment. “Yes, we all have to pay bills,” she says, “but are you actually happy?” Her holistic model and training incorporate wellness practices, self-reflection, and compassion-based coaching to ensure that her clients’ success aligns with their overall well-being.

 

The Essence of Holistic Transformation

 

Ayeesha’s signature offering, Holistic Transformation Coaching, stems from the belief that professional and personal growth are inseparable. She helps clients recognize that productivity, focus, and satisfaction are directly tied to physical health, emotional resilience, and life alignment. Her sister company, Umsra, where she is co-founder, focuses on health and wellness coaching with Ayeesha guiding professionals toward clarity and alignment. Her approach resonates with high-achievers and executives alike who may be successful on paper, yet feel depleted.

 

Experience, Education, and Purpose

 

Ayeesha holds a Master of Arts degree in business and workplace education from New York University, a certificate in adult training from George Brown College, and an HR management undergraduate degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. Her collaborations have included programming with the University of Padua, the University of Central Asia, and NYU Wasserman Career Center.

 

To Ayeesha, transformation isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about meaningful evolution. Through Chestnuts Coaching and Consulting, she empowers individuals and teams to align their work with their well-being, creating a foundation for growth that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling.

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Ayeesha Kanji
Founder and Principal Consultant
Chestnuts Coaching and Consulting
Website: https://ayeeshak.com   |    www.umsra.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayeeshaskanji/?originalSubdomain=ca