The Rise of the “Expert” Coach

Why Integrity and Standards Matter More Than Ever in the Online Space

Let’s talk about the coaching industry for a sec—because whew, it’s a wild world out here.  

The Rise of the “Expert” Coach who sells education and mentorship on topics they have little-to-no experience. 

We live in an incredible time. Truly. The fact that anyone with a laptop and Wi-Fi can start a business is a beautiful thing. It means more women are stepping into their power, launching brands, building communities, and creating financial freedom for themselves and their families.

But with that open door comes a very real challenge: anyone can start a business. And anyone can call themselves a coach—even with little to no actual experience or expertise. That part? Not so beautiful.

If you’ve ever invested in a mentor who left you feeling underwhelmed or, worse, misled—you’re not alone. I hear it constantly. Clients come to me feeling jaded, burnt out, and second-guessing their intuition because they trusted someone who looked like they had it all together online… but didn’t walk the talk.

And honestly? It’s giving ick.

These kinds of coaching practices—where transformation is promised without lived experience to back it—are creating deep mistrust in the online space. It’s lowering the bar. It’s making buyers skeptical. And it’s causing genuine experts and heart-led mentors to work twice as hard to rebuild what’s been broken.

So what do we do about it?

Let’s break it down.

💸 As a Student: Know What (and Who) You’re Investing In

Before you hit “pay,” here are a few questions to really sit with:

1. What do I want to learn from this person?
Get clear on your goals. If you want support in scaling your business, make sure that’s their actual lane—not just a buzzword in their bio.

2. What will it take for me to get the most from this experience?
This is a big one. Even if you hire the best mentor in the world, you have to show up, implement, and take responsibility for your growth.

3. Is this person living the kind of life and running the kind of business I desire?
If their lifestyle, energy, or business model doesn’t align with your values, that’s a sign to dig deeper—or keep scrolling.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for receipts.
Reach out to past or current clients and ask about their experience. A mentor with real integrity will welcome that level of discernment—and probably encourage it.

👩🏽‍🏫 As a Mentor: Teach What You Actually Know

This is where I’m gonna be real with you. Some of y’all are out here teaching things you just learned last quarter. That’s not mentorship—that’s regurgitation.

Let me say it louder for the coaches in the back:

Hosting one retreat for 3 people doesn’t make you a retreat strategist.
(Yes, I said it. No, I’m not sorry.)

If you want to teach others how to host profitable, transformational retreats—amazing. Just make sure you’re speaking from a place of experience, not aspiration.

And if you’re still building your credibility? Own that. Transparency will get you further than pretending you’re ten steps ahead. If you’ve only hosted two retreats, say that. Share what you learned. Price your offer with honesty and clarity. People will respect you more for it.

Also: underpromise and overdeliver.
Don’t sell a $20K transformation when you haven’t walked someone through it yourself. Real mentorship is sacred. Treat it that way.

For Both Mentors and Students: Slowing Down Is Strategy

You don’t need a new launch every other week. You don’t have to always be selling, scaling, and sprinting. Some seasons are about building systems, hiring support, or simply catching your breath.

Your nervous system? It’s the foundation of your business.

If you’re operating in chaos, constantly in launch mode, and barely sleeping—you’re not running a business. You’re running from something.

There is nothing wrong with a season of refinement. In fact, it’s necessary if you want a business that lasts.

When your foundation is solid—when your offers are built from expertise, when your clients are cared for, when your systems are clean—you’ll be shocked at how sustainable, easeful, and profitable your business becomes.

Integrity Is the New Influence

Here’s the truth: high standards will always outlast hype.

So whether you’re a woman investing in her next mentor, or a leader stepping deeper into your own power—lead with integrity. Ask the hard questions. Say the unpopular truth. Honor the transformation you’re offering.

Because real success isn’t just about selling out your next launch.
It’s about building a reputation that people trust—and a legacy that lasts.

If you want to explore this topic further– DM me on Instagram @Retreats.w.jamij

If you found this post valuable, I recommend these resources:

Retreat on Repeat Academy (hybrid program) 

Learn how to plan a profitable retreat using my signature PLANR formula (blog)

The Ultimate Guide to Planning, Launching, and Selling Out a Profitable Retreat (downloadable guide)