Give It All Away and Stay Humble

By Ankush Jain

In a world that constantly preaches “protect your assets” and “guard your intellectual property,” the idea of giving everything away might sound like career suicide. Especially in coaching, where proprietary methods and polished frameworks are often marketed as the secret sauce to success. But what if that very mindset is what’s holding you back from true impact, and true fulfillment? In this article, Ankush Jain shares with The Coaches' Chronicle, the pivotal mindset shift that changed everything for him: the moment he stopped hoarding his knowledge and started leading with generosity, humility, and trust in something far greater than strategy.

The Scarcity Mindset

Early in my coaching career, I believed that success came from protecting what I knew. I had worked hard to learn it. I had paid thousands to be trained, mentored, and coached. I thought being valuable meant holding my intellectual property close and giving away only enough to entice clients to hire me.

I didn't see it at the time, but it came from scarcity. And fear.

That all changed when I began working with Steve Chandler in 2014, and was further transformed when I hired Steve Hardison in 2021.

One of the things I learned from both Steves was this: "There is no such thing as competition in coaching." It may sound like a crazy statement, but I invite you to explore the truth behind it for yourself.

Finding My Authentic Path

Operating in a Crowded Marketplace

I had been operating in a crowded marketplace instead of realising I was uniquely me. I was trying to win clients instead of awakening them.

Missing the Deeper Opportunity

I was trying to build a business, but I was missing the deeper opportunity: to serve without ego.

Sharing Freely

Over the years, I've built a coaching school, run men's retreats, and held a thriving private practice. Clients, including many coaches, come through my programs and have their lives and careers transformed.

But here's the thing: I've told every single one of them, "Take what you learn here and share it freely. Yes, you can credit where you learned it, but just go serve."

Creating "Competition" Is Good

Some people think this is poor business practice: "You're creating your own competition."

To that I say: "good."

If someone shares what they've learned from me and it helps someone else, we all win. If the ideas that came through me live on in others, that's not theft. That's legacy. And if someone goes out and builds a coaching business inspired by what we do in my school, brilliant. It means the work is rippling out.

Legacy Through Sharing

1

Giving Permission

I once gave full permission to a graduate of my school to share every idea she had learned in her book. I didn't ask for a cut. I was proud.

2

Reaching Further

That book will reach people I never could. And that's the point.

3

Teaching Business Differently

Now, don't get me wrong: I still teach my clients about business. But I teach it from a different perspective now.

4

Measuring True Success

A place where the real measure of success is how many lives are touched, not how much is trademarked.

And I know that I never run the same program twice, because I am not the same. Neither is any returning client.

Being Genuine Changes Everything

When coaches stop trying to sound impressive and start being genuine, everything changes. We become channels for truth, not owners of it. And when you stop chasing credit, your work often travels further.

We don't want to be known as the person who kept the best ideas hidden behind a paywall. We want to be known as someone who gave it all away and trusted that the right clients would find their way to us.

And they do.

The Magnetic Power of Open-Hearted Service

Serve With An Open Heart

Because when you serve with an open heart, people feel it. It stands out and it's magnetic. This is the essence of service based coaching.

Share More Than You Think You Should

So, to any coach reading this, wondering how to build their practice today: share more than you think you should. Give away your best stuff.

Teach What You're Scared To Share

Teach the thing you're scared someone will steal. And do it not to position yourself as an expert, but because you already know your value.

And if you forget, come back to this:

Remember Your Unique Value

You are one of one. There is only love, courage, and the willingness to give it all away.

About the Author, Ankush Jain

Ankush Jain is a transformative coach and industry leader on a mission to elevate the coaching profession. He believes that a rising tide lifts all boats and is dedicated to helping people create extraordinary lives through powerful inner work. Ankush is the founder of the AJC Coaching Career School, designed to be the world’s leading school for coaches who want to grow thriving, ethical practices. He also leads Powerful Men’s Immersions, life-changing programs culminating in a retreat in Sussex, England, where men from around the globe reconnect with their strength and authenticity. Through his work, Ankush helps clients improve relationships, communication, confidence, and more—unlocking possibilities they never thought achievable.

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by Erin B. Haag