How to Build a Business That Serves Your Life – An Interview with Coach Josh Kerpan
What if your successful business is the very thing keeping you stuck? In this interview, Josh Kerpan shares how KZN Solutions helps entrepreneurs escape the self-made prison of overwork, shift limiting beliefs, and build systems that create true freedom in business and life.
Josh Kerpan, Success Coach
Who is Josh Kerpan? Can you tell us a bit about your background and your journey into this field?
I grew up on a farm in Kenaston, SK, a place famous for the world's tallest snowman. At my core, I'm an entrepreneur. I get a real kick out of solving problems and creating value wherever I can.
My wife and I have built and run 7-figure businesses together, all while raising four kids, 12, 10, 8, and 5. Honestly, we run our family a lot like our businesses, but at the end of the day, our kids are our biggest legacy.
I don’t define myself by what I do or have done. I am simply a creator in love with life, seeking to get the most out of it for me and everyone around me.
What inspired you to start KZN Solutions, and what is the core mission of your business?
Our Mission is to empower people to pursue their God-given potential in business, family and life through mentorship and modelling.
Honestly, my inspiration came from messing up and learning the hard way. I built the life I used to dream about, but I still felt stuck. Turns out, I had some pretty limiting ideas about what success really meant. Looking back, having a coach or mentor would have saved me a lot of time and headaches, but I’ve always been the type to figure things out on my own. It wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful for every lesson. That journey gave me a deeper understanding of myself and how things work, and now I get to use that to help others in ways I never expected.
How does KZN Solutions differentiate itself from other businesses in your industry?
We’re not just about building better businesses – we’re about helping people become the best version of themselves. At the end of the day, business is just the vehicle; it’s about creating a life that’s happier and more fulfilling. We’ve been in our clients’ shoes, we speak their language, and what we bring to the table comes from real-world experience, not just textbooks.
What are some common challenges your clients face, and how does your business address these issues?
Our clients are stuck. They have often built something of significance. A business and life built around their strengths. The challenge with that is that it doesn't work without them involved, so they are stuck in the entrepreneurial trap. A business with demand and success on paper, but instead of creating freedom for the owner, it has them caged and unable to think outside of the confines of their self-made prison.
How do you ensure that you are always at the forefront of your field and delivering the best results to your clients?
We are continuously iterating. Life is a continuous cycle of planning, executing, and reviewing. The review process is key for us to recognise what is working for clients and where they are stuck so that we can create the solution. I am a creator, and I love to solve problems, so it's a mutually beneficial relationship! We have many channels of communication to ensure we are always closely aware of how our clients are progressing, so we can make changes as needed.
Can you share an example of a client success story and how you were able to help them achieve their goals?
When clients are working on a strategy to solve a challenge, it can take longer to see results. It's fun to watch a client who has one simple idea or belief holding them back, and the moment they become aware of it and start thinking differently, they get immediate results. Clients who quit their jobs to pursue their purpose because they now understand why they were feeling the fear to make that decision. The simplest but biggest wins are clients that are finally able to get away from their business to spend time with their spouse or family, all because of a simple shift in thinking and the implementation of a couple of simple systems. The results aren’t always that immediate, but often, within a few weeks in the program, clients are on the path to more freedom, and it’s incredible to observe.
What are the key services you offer at KZN Solutions, and which do you believe provide the most value to your clients?
Our main program is the centerpiece, but we’ve got a bunch of add-ons too. The program itself is all about turning on those lightbulbs – helping people become aware of how they think. The mastermind brings together elite entrepreneurs to brainstorm and tackle each other’s challenges. We also have the Empower Her series, a women’s-only mastermind led by my wife, Paula. And we’re rolling out KZN Fit, a new fitness and nutrition program. The goal? To help clients live their best life by supporting their mind, body, soul, business, and family.
How do you tailor your solutions to meet the unique needs of each client?
I always tell clients – we’ve got more tools than they’ll ever need. Whatever challenge they’re facing, we have something to help them find a solution. And if I don’t have the right tool yet, I’ll build it. Solving problems is what I love most. We’re not just a coaching company; we’re in the business of creating solutions.
What do you believe is the most important factor for success in your industry today?
The same as it is in every industry, past, present and future. Be aware of your beliefs about your business and industry, and recognise that they were once valid and may still be valid, but that they will likely need to be adjusted as things change. The biggest difference now is the pace of change across all industries. You have to be open-minded and willing to adapt to keep up.
My approach to business is simple: know your client and understand how you deliver unique value. People’s wants are always changing, so you have to keep adapting.
How do you stay connected with your clients after completing a project, and what is your approach to maintaining long-term relationships?
Our program is a 6-month commitment because it takes that long to make the changes necessary to create lasting change. But clients stay in the program indefinitely if they choose. We have built a community of elite entrepreneurs, and as it continues to grow, the value of being part of that community provides a tremendous ROI.
What advice would you give to someone looking to improve in the area your business specialises in?
The quality of your life comes down to the quality of the questions you ask yourself. You already have the answers inside – you just need to ask better questions. A good coach or mentor knows how to ask those questions, but what makes our program different is that we teach you how to ask yourself the right questions.
Sure, you can go it alone, but it’ll take a lot longer and probably be a tougher road. Working with a coach or mentor can help you move faster than you ever thought possible. Joining a mastermind group is like pouring fuel on the fire. If you’re ready for a real breakthrough, our programs are built to spark awareness, action, and results. Book a call, and let’s see if it’s the right fit for you.
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