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

Hi Mati, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
I think a lot of people can relate to wanting to control outcomes and their environment..it’s human nature. But the consistent theme across all of my experiences, from corporate to nonprofit to tech and now running my own business, has been surrender. Surrendering to change, and learning to flow with transitions instead of resisting them, because transitions are inevitable.

Entrepreneurship has a way of holding up a mirror. It shows you your habits, your fears, what drains you, and what energizes you. It asks you: What really aligns with who you are at your core? I’ve gone through transitions I wanted—and others I thought I didn’t. But all of them taught me that while things may ebb and flow, my habits and mindset need to stay grounded.

That’s where resilience comes in. It’s not just about bouncing back it’s about being steady through the waves. Knowing that when one chapter ends, another begins. And that if I keep showing up, I’ll be okay. Better, even.

I wish I had learned this earlier in my career. But now? You’ll often hear me say this: I’m falling in love with the transitions of life. Because that’s where growth happens.. and I’m here for all of it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely! The business is ETL LLC which is a business coaching, marketing, and consulting firm that supports entrepreneurs and leaders in building meaningful, sustainable businesses while staying connected to who they are.

The path here has been layered. I started in career coaching, helping people figure out what was next and how to position themselves with confidence. That evolved into recruitment and sales, where I learned how to tell powerful stories, connect people to opportunities, and exceed revenue targets. Eventually, I led talent attraction and development; building teams, redesigning systems, and shaping experiences across the candidate and employee journey.

Each of those roles taught me something different. Together, they shaped the foundation of ETL: a business built on both strategy and care. I’ve been blessed to work with incredible people and teams and what keeps me going is the feedback. When a client says, “I feel seen,”* or “This finally makes sense,”—that’s what matters.

Getting here hasn’t been one big breakthrough, it’s been a series of little steps (some intentional and some not so intentional). It’s a day-by-day process of learning, growing, and showing up. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that we can get so caught up pouring into the business that we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. That’s a big part of how I work now. I always try to make sure the person behind the business is being supported, too. But no, it hasn’t been easy. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced doubt, imposter syndrome, pivots, and burnout. I’ve learned to build in seasons and to trust that clarity comes with action. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to do it all at once but you do have to start.

One client I worked with came to me for help with marketing, but as we talked, it became clear that the real block was mindset. So we adjusted. We created a plan that included space for strategy *and* space to work through the beliefs holding her back. That’s the part I’m most proud of. The work is never just about numbers or visuals… it’s about people. And I care deeply about the people I work with.

What I want the world to know about ETL is that we’re not here to give you a one-size-fits-all blueprint. We’re here to meet you where you are, help you get clear, and walk alongside you as you build. It’s not just about getting things done, it’s about building something that actually feels good to you. I believe that when people are deeply aligned and properly supported, they create powerful ripple effects, in their industries, in their families, and in the world. And if I can play even a small part in helping someone bring their vision to life? That’s the kind of work I’ll keep showing up for.

FYI – people always ask what ETL means and it means “Equip To Leap”, cliché (maybe) but also the essence of the work I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite places to eat and be merry are the Katy Trail Ice House, The Village (if they are having some activities), at the Village is Over-under (best lemon pepper wings ever and Sandy Pickle). One of the nights, grab food and an awesome comedy show at TKs Comedy (be sure to say hi to TK, he is great!), Depending on the weather, since it is getting warm now, laying out at Waterproof rooftop pool and getting dinner at Sky Blossom!
I could go on forever on recommendations but these are the ones that come to mind. I am big on experiences so I am always looking for a festival (I just went to Taste Addison last week), the Mardi Gras festival at the Village – experiences like that for me are the way to go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love that y’all included this part. There are a few people who come to mind, but the ones who stand out the most are my sisters, Linda and Mankah.

They’ve believed in the work I do and supported me through thick and thin. They challenge me, encourage me, and have always reminded me of what’s possible. My eldest sister, Linda, used to joke and call me “Future CEO.” I wonder if she knew she was speaking life into my future, giving me the confidence to see myself doing the things that were once just ideas on my heart.

Another person who has played a huge role in my journey is Isabel Alfonsín-Vittoria, an incredible mentor and mental health professional doing powerful work in her community. I met Isabel 7 years ago, and she quickly became like a mentor-sister to me. She pulled out what she saw in me and made sure I never forgot it. Her belief in me gave me fuel during the moments I needed it most.

There are so many others I could name, but without these three strong women, I might not be writing this today.

Website: https://www.etlcollective.com

Instagram: @etl.business

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

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