Breaking the Rules of Coaching and Capitalism: A Conversation with Rae Dohar
If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by the coaching industry or wondered how to build a business that aligns with your values, this episode of The Anti-Professional Podcast is for you. I sat down with Rae Dohar, a non-binary coach, creative catalyst, and unapologetic advocate for nuanced perspectives in work and life. Together, we unpacked the problematic issues in the coaching industry, explored the intersection of capitalism and service work, and discussed how to create a more inclusive, empowering, and authentic space for entrepreneurs.
You can watch the full episode here, but if you’re more of a reader, I’ve distilled the key takeaways into this blog post. Let’s dive in.
1. The Problem with Capitalism in Coaching
Rae didn’t hold back when discussing how capitalism has co-opted the coaching industry. “Under the exploitative violence of capitalism, we are all encouraged to keep the problem going to line our own pockets,” they said.
The issue? Many coaches are incentivized to perpetuate their clients’ problems rather than solve them. This creates a cycle where clients keep coming back, but real transformation is rare. Rae challenged this model, advocating for a coaching practice rooted in integrity and collective abundance.
“If I were to be so profound as a coach and put myself out of business, that would only be an invitation for me to learn a new skill set and continue to serve,” Rae explained.
2. Reclaiming Coaching as a Timeless Practice
Coaching isn’t a modern invention. Rae pointed out that throughout history, communities have always had wisdom providers—storytellers, healers, and spiritual guides who offered insight and support.
“Coaching in the broadest sense has always existed,” Rae said. “It has been co-opted by capitalism to perpetuate people’s problems while promising to give them answers.”
The key, according to Rae, is to return to the roots of coaching: offering genuine support, fostering self-trust, and empowering clients to see possibilities rather than lack.
3. Money Mindset Without the Capitalist Baggage
We also delved into the murky waters of “money mindset” work. While Rae acknowledged the value of understanding abundance, they critiqued the way it’s often used to blame individuals for systemic issues.
“Money mindset in the purest sense is about understanding that there are always opportunities available to me,” Rae said. “But it’s not about building an ivory tower where I’m separate from The Human Experience.”
Rae emphasized that true abundance isn’t about hoarding wealth—it’s about cultivating an internal sense of enoughness and using resources to create a better world for everyone.
4. The Importance of Nuance and Critical Thinking
One of the most refreshing parts of our conversation was Rae’s commitment to nuance. In a world that loves binaries (good vs. bad, success vs. failure), Rae champions a more complex, layered approach.
“The most off-putting opinion of all is the nuanced one that doesn’t offer an easy answer,” Rae said. “But that’s where the real work happens.”
This commitment to critical thinking is what sets Rae apart. They don’t promise quick fixes or six-figure results. Instead, they invite clients to wrestle with complexity, embrace discomfort, and trust their own intuition.
5. Trusting Yourself in Business and Life
Rae’s approach to intuition is deeply practical. For them, intuition isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting yourself to navigate uncertainty.
“Trusting yourself isn’t about enacting perfectionism,” Rae explained. “It’s about knowing that even if you make a mistake, you’ll figure it out.”
This mindset has guided Rae through their own entrepreneurial journey, from running retreats in Southeast Asia to building a coaching practice that prioritizes integrity over profit.
6. The Future of Coaching: Beyond Capitalism
When I asked Rae about their vision for the future of coaching, they painted a picture of a world free from false binaries.
“I hope the future is one that dissolves perceived binaries for the sake of greater possibility,” Rae said. “It’s about creating a world where self-care and community care aren’t seen as opposites, but as interconnected practices.”
Rae envisions a coaching industry that prioritizes collective well-being over individual success—a radical shift from the current model.
How to Connect with Rae
If Rae’s insights resonated with you, here’s how you can learn more and connect with them:
Website: www.raedohar.com
Instagram: @raedohar
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Rae was a powerful reminder that coaching doesn’t have to be about perpetuating problems or chasing profit. It can be a space for genuine transformation, collective healing, and radical authenticity.
As Rae put it, “The purpose of abundance isn’t to graduate me from The Human Experience—it’s to allow me to thrive within it.”
What steps will you take to create a more authentic, values-driven business? Let me know in the comments—or better yet, share your thoughts on the YouTube video. Let’s keep the conversation going!
P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Anti-Professional Podcast for more insights on breaking the rules, building a business on your own terms, and embracing the messy, beautiful journey of entrepreneurship.
