Meet Anya Shakh | Coach & Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anya Shakh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I experienced what was possible in my life when I got outstanding coaching. I saw how everything I thought I knew was not as it seemed. The types of relationships and situations I experienced in my life were not ‘just how it was’ but a direct reflection of who I believed myself to be (which at the time was lacking in self-worth and self-belief). As the coaching process continued, I began seeing new possibilities and experiences open up to me. I was changing or rather I was removing all the layers of “not me” (as I say to my clients). The more I unlearned old patterns, the more layers shed. What was left was the me I had been yearning to be all along. The anxiety, self-sabotage, and confusion were like dirt and rain coving the window and the more I healed, the clearer the window became. The clearer the window became, the more I saw that the deeply fulfilling and satisfying love I yearned for was right on the other side. I knew that by going through this and unlocking the peace and self-worth I craved, I had to give this to others as a coach.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work as a coach is closely linked to my podcast, Ancient Intelligence where I explore the foundational ancient dynamics at play between men and women. My belief is that modern feminism doesn’t help women (and it definitely doesn’t help men). While media and culture want us divided, I know that we are meant to be together so everything I do is in support of our collective union.

Within my 1:1 private coaching practice, I mostly coach men. Men that are ‘successful’ by every measure of society, but still feel like something is missing whether it’s the partner of their dreams or fulfillment in what they do. For the first time in their lives, my clients awaken to their magnificence and begin to live life from that place. Suddenly, they begin magnetizing the people and things into their lives they never thought possible. I help them find the “three P’s” as I like to call it; potency, power, and peace.

I love this purpose I have in my life and one of the challenges I have struggled with in the past is being misunderstood. I realize now that it’s all okay and it just comes with the territory no matter what (especially when doing something that goes against what’s popular in the moment). I stand strong in my beliefs and ultimately everything I do is based on the question: what is the most harmony that can be experienced between men and women? That’s what I’m here for.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas has grown exponentially and it’s such a fun place to be. I love the outdoors and cultural hotspots so I would mix activities between those two things.

One of the mornings I would go hiking at Cedar Ridge preserve in Duncanville, a beautiful trail with lots of coverage on hot days. After that I’d grab breakfast at Ascension Coffee in Crescent St, this is one the best chains in Dallas in my opinion and this location is great for people watching. Strolling through Highland Park Village would be a great afternoon activity where we’d end up at Honor bar enjoying happy hour then go to Monkey bar after that.

The next day we’d walk the Katy trail and then we would head to NorthPark Mall, it’s one of my favorite places even though it’s not as close to downtown. One of the best kept secrets is the Biblical museum nearby, I love to go there because they have wonderful eclectic art that you can’t find anywhere else. Later that afternoon I’d drive us back to downtown and spend some time in the State Thomas neighborhood. It feels like NYC with its wide sidewalks and beautiful buildings, such a great vibe.

I’d make sure to go to the Design district where there are great galleries and coffee shops to check out. The Virgin hotel is a great spot nearby to have a drink and hang out. One of the best gyms is Self Made Training in that neighborhood, a wonderful place to work out with a trainer. Nearby there is one of my favorite coffee shops that turns into a Whisky and Jazz bar at night, Triumphs.

One last thing to throw in is Goldie’s in Walnut Hill, one of the best new restaurants to have opened in Dallas recently, a must visit, but you’ll need to make a reservation as they book up fast.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I found one of my old notebooks from 2020 and in it I wrote, “One day I will be mentored by Connor Beaton,” and this year, it finally came true. Connor Beaton has inspired me for many, many years. At first from afar and more recently I had the honor and privilege of being mentored by him in his group program ‘How to Work with Men.’ I learned so much from him and continue to be inspired by his dedication to his mission, his vision, and also his family.

He is the founder of ManTalks, a movement that helps men expand and deepen their sense of self-leadership. I first saw the Ted Talk he did and I instantly noticed his calm, mature, and grounded masculinity. He’s helped me see that you can be successful without being a “clickbait persona,” in that he is measured, thoughtful, and always expresses a balanced point of view. I resonate with that as the truth is always somewhere in the middle no matter how loud the far extremes seem to be.

Over the last few months I have learned so much about the kind of coach I want to be, how to help men thrive, and how to stay dedicated to the movement I’m creating with Ancient Intelligence. Connor’s story and path in life is something I always come back to as inspiration and I am beyond grateful for the role he’s played in my life so far. Huge shoutout to him and check out ManTalks today!

Website: https://anyashakh.com

Instagram: @anyashakh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anski.shakhmeyster/

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