Dez’s coaching journey began over 20 years ago with a single conversation. A colleague encouraged her to consider becoming a life coach, noting her natural compassion and resourcefulness. Though initially hesitant, Dez decided to explore training, mainly to improve her listening skills. What started as a personal development journey quickly revealed itself as a calling, and she found herself excelling in the field.
Her passion for coaching grew into a mission to train others, leading to the creation of Radiant Coaches Academy. Today, her academy has certified over 1,100 coaches in 25 countries and 10 languages. The academy offers a holistic curriculum, integrating self-paced learning, live classes, and optional retreats to accommodate diverse learning styles. But what sets Radiant Coaches Academy apart is its emphasis on seeing clients as whole people, addressing every facet of their well-being—physical, emotional, and even spiritual.
Through her own experiences and her work with clients, Dez realized that true transformation comes from addressing not just immediate goals but the deeper connections between a person’s health, relationships, and mindset. This philosophy is the foundation of her coaching style and the programs she has developed.
Dez coined the term qualitarian while reflecting on her values and lifestyle. Although the idea originally focused on eating high-quality foods, it quickly evolved to encompass all areas of life. Being a qualitarian means making choices that prioritize quality—whether it’s about the friendships you nurture, the work you do, or even the products you buy.
A practical example of this mindset is how Dez approaches food. She recalls a time when she realized that her ex-husband would buy the cheapest bag of broken rice, while she preferred a higher-quality option, even if it cost slightly more. This moment became a metaphor for a broader approach to life—choosing what nourishes and uplifts rather than settling for what’s merely adequate. For Dez, being a qualitarian is not about indulgence but about making intentional choices that align with personal values and enhance overall well-being.
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One of the cornerstones of Dez’s coaching philosophy is simplicity. She emphasizes the importance of hydration, movement, and rest as the foundation of a healthy, balanced life. These basic yet often overlooked practices have profound effects on mental and physical well-being.
Dehydration is linked to irritability, lack of movement often contributes to mild depression, and insufficient sleep can lead to increased agitation. Addressing these three pillars allows individuals to create a strong baseline for personal growth and resilience. The key is to make these habits approachable—drinking high-quality water, incorporating at least eight minutes of movement a day, and prioritizing power naps when nighttime sleep is insufficient. Small, consistent habits like these can lead to significant improvements in overall wellness.
Dez is a strong advocate for somatic exercises—practices that connect the mind and body to release stored emotions and trauma. She explains that grief, stress, and emotional pain often manifest physically, and addressing these feelings through the body can be more effective than talk therapy alone.
One technique she recommends is stimulating the vagus nerve to calm the nervous system. Simple movements, such as tilting the head to one side and gently looking down, can relax the body and improve focus. Another practice she highlights is earthing, where individuals lie on the ground and connect with the earth’s energy. Inspired by Indigenous traditions, this method is particularly powerful for releasing grief.
When it comes to holistic coaching, Dez emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded approach. It’s not just about achieving one specific goal, like financial success—it’s about exploring how that goal influences other areas of life, from relationships to health to stress levels. This interconnected mindset ensures that all aspects of a person’s life are considered.
When selecting a coach, Dez suggests focusing on two key qualities: compatibility and credibility. Compatibility ensures the coach’s energy and approach align with the client’s needs, while credibility is built on solid training and recognized certifications, such as those from the International Coaching Federation.
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "Dez Stephens’ Expert Guide to Holistic Health and Choosing the Right Coach", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.