Is it possible to build and maintain a successful coaching business as a reluctant leader with ADHD and a busy family life?

In this episode of The Real Founder Podcast, entrepreneur and coach Ruth Kudzi shares how she went from working as a deputy head teacher to running not one, but two seven-figure businesses, all while redefining success on her own terms.

From overcoming self-doubt and personal adversity to building Optimus Coach Academy into one of the UK’s leading coach training providers, Ruth offers practical lessons for founders looking to create a sustainable, purpose-driven business.

Meet the Guest: Ruth Kudzi, Founder of Optimus Coach Academy

Ruth Kudzi is the founder of Optimus Coach Academy, an accredited coach training business that has trained more than 1,000 coaches and generated millions in revenue since launching. 

With degrees in psychology and education, Ruth is also an International Coaching Federation Master Certified Coach. Her combination of leadership, coaching expertise and honest entrepreneurial experience makes this episode essential listening for founders, coaches and business owners alike.

Here’s what we learned from her episode:

1. Build a business that fits you

Ruth’s entrepreneurial journey began while balancing a demanding leadership role in education with raising a young family. She became a founder to gain the freedom to spend more time with her children while doing meaningful work, instead of being a founder simply for the title.

Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can be a vehicle for designing a life aligned with your values and priorities.

“We can push ourselves and do something that we love.” – Ruth Kudzi.

2. Focus on people, not process

One of the standout lessons from Ruth’s story is her focus on people over process. Optimus Coach Academy boasts exceptional completion rates because every student receives personalised support, realistic expectations and flexibility when life gets in the way.

For founders, it’s a powerful example that customer success is one of the strongest drivers of long-term business growth.

3. Don’t outsource all decisions

Ruth admits that early in her business journey she spent too much time looking to books, experts and mentors for the right answer, often ignoring her own instincts.

Her advice is to learn from others but avoid outsourcing your own judgement. Her story proves that founders who build resilient businesses trust their own experience alongside external advice.

4. Good leadership starts with self-care

Ruth explains why founder wellbeing isn’t a luxury, it’s a responsibility. From setting clear boundaries and protecting routines to encouraging healthy working practices within her own team, she believes sustainable businesses are built by sustainable leaders.

Ruth Kudzi’s journey proves that commercial success and personal fulfilment can co-exist in the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re building a coaching business, leading a team or simply looking for a healthier approach to entrepreneurship, this episode offers practical, honest advice from someone who has built success without losing sight of what matters to them.

Listen to the full episode of The Real Founder Podcast below to hear Ruth Kudzi’s inspiring story and discover how purpose-led leadership, resilience and sustainable growth can help you build a business that works for both you and your customers.