Have you ever wanted to skip the grind and just get paid without the hassle? I sure did. When I first started out, I didn’t want clients. I just wanted to create a course, sit back, and watch the money roll in. But, as you might guess, things didn’t go exactly as planned.
In this episode of *Grit, Grace, & Inspiration*, hosted by the amazing Kevin Lowe, I share the story of how my entrepreneurial journey took a very different turn. From dreaming of passive income to realizing I had to get my hands dirty, we dive into the lessons I learned about building a business, working with clients, and navigating the unexpected twists along the way.
Kevin, whose own journey of losing his sight at 17 has shaped him into an incredible source of inspiration, helps unpack the realities of chasing big dreams. If you’ve ever thought about creating your own path, and maybe hoped for the easy way out, you’ll definitely want to tune in for this conversation!
Ina Coveney
When I first started my business, I didn’t want clients.
That sounds so silly to admit now, but it’s true. I didn’t want clients, and this wasn’t just at the beginning—I’m talking about a year into my business. I was like, “I don’t want clients. I don’t want to deal with people. I just want to create an online course, and people will pay me for it, and then I’ll become rich and famous. I’ll never have to work another day in my life.”
Those were the thoughts going through my mind.
I keep going back to all the things I believed when I started this entrepreneurial journey, and I know that many people still believe those things.
So, today is a Thursday, and my Thursday episodes are about you. These episodes are meant to give you exactly what you need to become a superhuman. And by the way, that term “superhuman” can mean whatever you want it to. It’s whatever the higher-level version of yourself looks like—whoever it is that you want to become. That’s your superhuman version. We’re all superhumans in the making.
In my podcast, I interview people who are undoubtedly superhumans in their own right. In the most recent episode, the first one of the superhumans I interviewed was Susie Moore, and we talked about how anger used to really hold her down, but now she’s the sunniest person you’ll ever meet.
Those interviews are amazing. They go out every Tuesday so you can hear from these bona fide superhumans. And then, on Thursdays, it’s just me—this little superhuman in the making.
Hi, my name is Ina Coveney. I’m a marketing strategist, coach, and podcaster. I’m the host of *The Superhumans Podcast*. Since we’ve just launched this podcast, I know there are people tuning in who’ve never met me before. I believe that there is so much power in storytelling, and that’s why I do interviews.
If you’re going to follow this podcast or follow me on Instagram (@ina), I think it’s important for you to know where I came from. You’ll understand how far I’ve come and why it’s such a big deal that I’m interviewing amazing people, even with a small audience.
There’s one person who interviewed me on their podcast, and when it was over, I thought, “I have met my match.” He really knew how to get my story out of me, and I ended up sharing things I’ve never shared with anyone before—like the fact that I didn’t want clients.
That’s not something I share everywhere, but a good interviewer can extract the right parts of your story. Kevin Lowe did just that. Kevin is the host of the *Grit and Inspiration* podcast, and his story is incredible. He woke up from a life-saving brain surgery at 17 years old only to find that his sight was gone.
This was back in 2003, and now, 20 years later, he has become a beacon of inspiration. In his words: “I walk by faith, not by sight. What happened to me, I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, but I can’t help but be grateful that God chose me to be the one to embark on this journey. Although I can’t touch the lives of everyone here on Earth to tell them it’s going to be okay, I can start with one person at a time.”
I met Kevin at a conference, and he’s an incredible soul. I’m honored to have been interviewed on his podcast, and I’m excited to introduce him to you. I’m going to put the link to his podcast below, so you can check it out. Without further ado, here’s my interview with Kevin Lowe.
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Kevin Lowe
Welcome to *Grit and Inspiration*! I’m your host, Kevin Lowe, and 20 years ago, I woke up from life-saving brain surgery only to find that I was left completely blind. Since that day, I’ve learned a lot about life, living, and about myself. And on this podcast, I want to share those insights with you.
If you’re still searching for your purpose or trying to understand why you’re here, today, consider this your stepping stone to get from where you are to where you want to be.
What’s happening, my friend? Welcome back to the podcast. How are you today? Hopefully, you’re feeling good, looking good, because I am all kinds of pumped up and excited for today.
I’ve got an extra dose of energy in the studio, and it comes by the name of Ina Coveney. Ina is an online coach, and the host of her own podcast, *The Podcast for Online Coaches and Solopreneurs*. She features stories, getting down and real about the journeys that have brought these entrepreneurs to where they are.
Even though I love her podcast, and I think you should check it out, today I wanted to hear her story. I wanted a little bit more of Ina Coveney in my life. So when I was ready to do this miniseries highlighting some of my favorite people in the podcast industry, Ina Coveney made the list. I wanted to discover her story. And oh my gosh, does she have a story indeed. You’re going to hear about her decision to leave a successful corporate career to embark on the Wild West of entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear about her childhood, growing up in Venezuela, and ultimately coming to America.
There are so many directions this conversation can go, and I tried to pack a lot into today’s interview. So here’s my biggest piece of advice: Ina is like a firecracker—she’s got energy radiating from her. So, buckle up because when she comes through your speakers, you better be ready. She’s coming in hot! And with that, let me introduce you to none other than my friend, the podcast host and superwoman, Ina Coveney.
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Ina Coveney
I was nine months pregnant when my boss called me into his office. At this point, this business that I have now—coaching and all of that—didn’t exist. The only thing I had was a side business making websites. I had been doing that for six years at that point, and I liked it, but I didn’t know if I wanted to grow it. I was just still in my corporate job, moving up the ladder, like everybody else, minding my own business.
Then, at nine months pregnant, my boss pulls me into his office. He starts asking me about a particular problem they were having at work. He’s picking my brain, asking, “What would you do about this?” And I told him, “I think you should do this, and this, and this.”
He said, “Okay, what would it take for me to just pull you from the job you have right now and focus on this 100% effective immediately?”
I was like, “That sounds great, but you know I have a full-time job. I have things on my plate that I need to do.” And he was like, “Just hire a contractor. Do whatever you need to do. But I need you on this now.”
So I figured it out. I hired a contractor to take over my job, and I hired another one to follow me around as I fixed this problem because I was about to pop, and everything I was doing could just be gone tomorrow since I needed to go on maternity leave. I offboarded my job in record time—24 hours—and started working on the new project.
Within two weeks, I was reporting to my boss, telling him everything was going great. He was impressed and said, “I really think this is your next big step.” He announced to the company that I would be reporting to the C-suite and would become the director of a new department that I would be growing.
It was exciting. He gave me the title, announced it to the company, and I was in the new org chart. Everything seemed great.
Two weeks later, I fixed the problem they had, and now it was time to start building the new department. But I was about to go on maternity leave, so we agreed that the contractor would maintain things in my absence, and we’d kick things into high gear when I returned.
Everything was great—except for one thing. I didn’t get a pay raise.
At the time, in 2017, the #MeToo movement was at its peak. I had been speaking with the company, at their request, about representing the women’s movement. We talked to the CEO, collected feedback from female employees who felt discriminated against, weren’t being paid fairly, and didn’t have the same titles as men doing the same job. So I went to my boss and said, “I didn’t get a pay raise. I really think that, given everything we’ve been discussing, you need to do this right.”
He tried to argue that since I was using the same skills as before, I didn’t really deserve a raise. I had to explain to him, “This is a new job with a new team, visibility to the entire company, and higher risk. It’s a promotion.”
He sighed and said, “Well, you’re going on maternity leave anyway, so what’s the point of giving you a raise now? We’d have to pay you more while you’re on leave for doing nothing.”
Ina Coveney
So, at the time, I was making a website for an employment lawyer. I talked to my client and asked, "Hey, this doesn’t sound right. Is it illegal, or does it just suck? What are my options here?" And he said, "Actually, it’s definitely illegal to withhold a raise because someone is going on maternity leave. You have grounds if you want to pursue this legally. But how far do you want to take this?"
My husband and my mother, seeing me nine months pregnant, were concerned. If you know anything about pregnancy, you know that your emotions and stress directly affect the baby. So, they were both like, "Can you please just have a healthy baby? Can we prioritize that right now and deal with this later when you come back? You can retroactively ask for the raise, but for now, focus on your health and the baby." And I thought, "You know what? They’re probably right. Let’s focus on what’s important." So I decided I’d deal with it when I returned from maternity leave.
Eight weeks into my leave, I get a call from my new boss. They had added a layer of management between me and the C-suite while I was away. She called and said, "You remember that promotion? We decided not to do that anymore. The male contractor you hired is doing such a great job, so we’re just going to let him keep the role. Would you mind going back to doing what you were doing before?"
And that was it—that was the pivotal moment. That’s when I realized these people had no idea what they had in front of them. If I stayed with this company, I’d always be at the whim of someone else’s opinion of me, and I couldn’t do that to myself anymore because I knew my value by then.
I went back to my husband, hired a business coach, and after some time, I quit my job, effective immediately after my maternity leave. I started working with my business coach on February 8, 2018, and I said, "Okay, let’s see how far I can take this." At that point, I didn’t plan on being a coach—I didn’t really know what coaching was. I just wanted to create an online course and become rich, like everyone else seemed to be doing. But during that first year, I learned so much about how to help people and create a market out of my services. Now, I’m a full-blown business coach, and I’ve been doing this for five years. I honestly don’t think I could go back to corporate, but if they had kept their word and done things right, I’d probably still be there today.
Kevin Lowe
Wow, Ina, you know what? Everything happens for a reason. It’s amazing to think about what might have been, but I can’t help but feel there was more for you beyond corporate life—more opportunities to touch lives and to grow into the person you are today.
Ina Coveney
You’re so right. And I can tell you, that moment was hard. It wasn’t like I instantly became Joan of Arc and stood tall, ready to fight. I was good at what I did in corporate, and it was sad to leave. I had invested my identity into my job. But at some point, I had to take matters into my own hands. I had to stand up for myself and realize it wasn’t worth it to stay in a place where I wasn’t valued, especially not while being away from my newborn baby. By that time, I had gained enough self-respect that I couldn’t let it happen anymore.
Kevin Lowe
That’s incredible. But I’d love for you to take me back a little further. I’m curious about your journey before corporate. What led you to that level, and what gave you the strength to stand up when so many people might not have?
Ina Coveney
First, thank you so much for the kind words. It hasn’t always been that way—I’ve definitely had my share of woe-is-me moments in life. But there are a couple of things that were completely out of my control and had nothing to do with my grit or determination. One of those things is privilege. I was privileged enough to be able to come to the United States from Venezuela at the exact right time, when things were starting to go sour in my country. My parents could afford to send me abroad, and things hadn’t deteriorated so much in Venezuela that it wasn’t possible. So, it wasn’t anything I did—it just happened because of where I was born and the family I was born into.
The second thing is longevity. By that, I mean I had been around long enough and experienced enough in my career to know what was right and what was wrong. If the same situation had happened to me back in 2006, a few years out of college, I wouldn’t have reacted the same way. I would’ve said, "Okay, what do you want me to do?" and just gone along with it. By 2017, though, I had been in corporate for 15 years. I had seen enough and led enough to know when it was time to throw in the towel and start building the life I really wanted for myself.
I hope people listening understand that it’s not just about hustle. If you haven’t created the life you want yet, it doesn’t mean it’s all on you. It might just be that you’re on your own path and journey. You’ll get there when the time is right, but it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.
Kevin Lowe
That’s powerful. But I want to dive a little deeper into your background. You’ve shared that you grew up feeling bullied at both school and home. How did that experience shape you and give you the independence you have today?
Ina Coveney
Sadly, being bullied was a huge part of my life. I always felt like I had no one to lean on, and I spent a lot of time trying to reinvent myself. I wanted to be independent, to not care what other people thought. But that was hard, because what other people thought ruled my life for so long. When I came to the U.S. as a junior in high school, it was the first time I truly made friends. In Venezuela, I’d have a different best friend every year. My friendships never lasted. I’d inevitably do something wrong, and they’d turn on me. To this day, I have only a few friends from my time in Venezuela, and I cherish them because they were able to look past everything.
When I came to the U.S., I realized I had the potential to have a good life with people who liked me. I wanted to stay in the U.S. so badly after that year, but my parents wanted me to come back home. I cried, begged my French teacher to host me for my senior year, but my parents wouldn’t let me stay. I credit them for being understanding, though. They agreed to send me to an American school in Venezuela so I could finish 12th grade and apply for colleges in the U.S. That’s how I ended up at UMass Amherst. Once I got that acceptance letter, I packed up my room six months before I even had to leave. I was so eager to become independent.
So, when I finally came to the U.S. for college, I was alone—2,500 miles away from home. I created my own life. As soon as I started making money through internships and jobs, I told my parents they didn’t have to pay for me anymore. I bought my own car right out of college. I wanted to be independent. That background, wanting to rely on myself, shaped how I handled challenges later in life.
Kevin Lowe
Wow. That’s a lot to unpack. And I had no idea you lived in Venezuela for that long. That adds so much depth to your story. It’s clear that your journey was anything but easy.
Ina Coveney
Yeah, it wasn’t easy. But those struggles helped me grow. People see where I am now and think I’ve always had it together. But I’ve been in the trenches, just like anyone else. I’ve been there, feeling lost, but I figured out how to make it. And I’m grateful for that.
Kevin Lowe
That’s truly incredible. You’ve overcome so much, and I think it’s important for people to hear that because it’s easy to look at someone successful and think, “They don’t know what it’s like to struggle.” But you do. You’ve been there, and you’ve made it. That deserves a round of applause.
Ina Coveney
Thank you so much, Kevin. But honestly, it wasn’t just me. So much lined up in my life that had nothing to do with my effort. I didn’t ask to be sent to the U.S. at the perfect time. But I did have to trust myself and take advantage of the opportunities in front of me. I’ve always trusted that if I set my mind to something, I could achieve it.
Kevin Lowe
That’s a great mindset, Ina. I’m curious, though—what would you wish for your children? What’s the one thing you want them to learn from your journey?
Ina Coveney
I want them to realize that no one is coming to save them. I know that sounds grim, but hear me out. Don’t put your faith in a corporation, your boss, or anyone else. You have more control over your life than you think. I want my kids to know that they have the power to shape their own lives.
Ina Coveney
I want my kids to know that they have the power to shape their own lives. All the time and energy people spend working at their corporate jobs or trying to start a side business—what if that energy were directed towards truly creating the life they want? I know the first thing people think is, “Well, I have all these restrictions. I can’t do what I want.”
But guess what? So do I. So does everyone. We all have constraints, but we also have choices. If your dream is to quit your job and do your own thing full-time, then map it out. Get help. Ask yourself, "What do I need to make this happen?" Is it just a dream, or is it a plan?
So, if I could teach anything to my kids, it’s to plan for what they want, rather than always compromising. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll always feel like you’re settling for something less. Dream big. Ask yourself, “By this time next year, what do I want to be doing?” If the answer is, “I want to quit my job and pursue my passion full-time,” then ask, “What does that take?”
Here’s something I used to teach back when I called myself a salary expert. I would tell people to calculate two numbers. Number one: How much money do you actually need to live? This is not the same as your current salary. I’m talking about the essentials—keeping your home, paying for food, utilities, and phone bills. What’s that number per month?
Once you know that, the second number is: If you were to quit your job right now, how much money do you have in savings? What’s your runway? How many months could you cover those expenses before you run out of money? That’s your window to make things happen.
Then you plan backward from there. Maybe you need to save up six months’ worth of living expenses, or a year’s worth, to give yourself enough time for your business to work. Be smart about it. But don’t compromise on your dreams—plan for them.
Kevin Lowe
That’s such powerful advice. And I think your perspective on planning is critical—dreaming big, but also making sure there’s a practical plan in place to make it happen.
Ina Coveney
Exactly. My husband hates it when I say this, but I’m not even married to the idea that my kids need to go to college. What I really want is for them to look at their lives critically and decide what they want. Then, wholeheartedly go for it. Because, like I said at the beginning, no one is coming to save them. Nobody is going to hand them their dream life. They have to create it themselves.
I tell them—and this is advice for everyone listening—if you want to quit your job or change your life, you need to plan for it. Calculate the numbers, figure out your runway, save what you need, and then make your move. It’s not about taking reckless action, but smart, strategic action toward what you want.
Kevin Lowe
I love that perspective, Ina. And I have to ask—you mentioned Moana earlier. What’s the connection there? How does that story inspire you?
Ina Coveney
(Laughs) Oh, I love Moana! I was watching it with my son the other day, and what really struck me is that Moana had no idea if she was going to succeed in her mission. She didn’t know if she’d save her island, but she knew one thing: if anyone was going to do it, it had to be her. She was willing to take the risk, even though she wasn’t sure how it would turn out.
That resonates with me because, in life, we all have uncertainty ahead of us. But if anyone is going to create the life you want, it has to be you. You have to believe that you’re doing all the right things and trust that you’ll figure it out. Moana faced so many challenges and wanted to quit multiple times, but she didn’t. She kept going.
So, with that uncertainty in front of you, you have two choices: you can push through and never give up, or you can give it a lukewarm try and go back to what’s comfortable. I choose to push through.
Kevin Lowe
That’s such a powerful analogy, and it perfectly fits everything you’ve shared today.
Ina Coveney
Thanks, Kevin. I know it’s not what everyone asked for, but it’s what I wish for myself, my kids, and everyone listening. If anyone can make it happen, it’s you. You’re already doing the right things, so just stick with it. Don’t quit too soon. Raise that statue to longevity and trust that you’re going to get to where you want to be.
Kevin Lowe
I love it. And in the spirit of Moana, I have to say: Ina, you’re shining like a wealthy woman’s necklace today!
Ina Coveney
(Laughs) I love that line! “I’m so shiny!”
Kevin Lowe
You truly are. Ina, thank you so much for being here. It has been an absolute honor to have you on the podcast today. I’ve loved you since the moment I met you at that conference, and having you here is a real gift.
Ina Coveney
Oh, Kevin, you’re so sweet! I was starstruck when I met you at Podfest, and I had to come over and say hello. It’s been amazing getting to know you, and I’m so honored to be on your podcast. Thank you for taking me down paths I didn’t expect. No one has ever asked me these questions before, and I’m so grateful for this conversation.
Kevin Lowe
Thank you, Ina. And to everyone listening, thank you for tuning in to *Grit and Inspiration*. This podcast exists because of you, and my hope with today’s episode is that you’re left smiling as much as I am. Ina has shown us that anything is possible, and sometimes, our dreams are the roadmaps we use to make them come true.
My name is Kevin Lowe. This is *Grit and Inspiration*. Get out there and take on the day.
Ina Coveney
Hey there, it’s Ina! After listening to this episode, you might have questions about how you can step up like a superhuman and create the life of your dreams. Feel free to DM me anytime on Instagram at @ina. The link is below. Or, even better, you can dive deeper at the Superhuman Academy. That’s where we take everything we talk about here on this podcast to the next level.
Head over to realsuperhumans.com—the link is also below—to get access to exclusive trainings, resources, courses, and support. I know you have everything it takes to become a superhuman, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t forget to hit follow or subscribe on your podcasting app so you never miss an episode. I’ll see you on the next one!
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