In the rapidly evolving landscape of personal development and mental health, a dynamic young entrepreneur is making significant waves in the Christian life coaching industry. Brianna Manning, the 25-year-old founder of Growing Testimony, is redefining what it means to overcome adversity and lead a purpose-driven life. With a unique blend of academic excellence, athletic prowess, and unwavering faith, Manning is revolutionizing the approach to holistic personal growth and spiritual wellness.
A Prodigy’s Path: From Early Achievement to Entrepreneurial Success
Brianna Manning’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and continuous self-improvement. Graduating high school at just 17, Manning set the stage for a life of remarkable achievements. Her collegiate career was marked by excellence both on and off the field, as she distinguished herself as a D2 athlete in soccer and track while simultaneously pursuing rigorous academic goals.
“My time as a student-athlete taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, time management, and the importance of balancing multiple priorities,” Manning reflects. “These skills have been crucial in my entrepreneurial journey and in helping my clients navigate their own complex lives.”
Manning’s academic pursuits were equally impressive, showcasing her commitment to intellectual growth and her passion for understanding the human mind. By age 21, she had earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, laying a solid foundation for her future work in mental health and personal development. Not content to rest on her laurels, Manning pushed further, completing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health with an outstanding 3.95 GPA by the age of 24.
“Education has always been a cornerstone of my personal growth,” Manning shares. “It’s not just about the degrees; it’s about gaining the knowledge and tools to make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. Each course, each research project, has contributed to my ability to serve my clients more effectively.”
Her academic journey was punctuated by several notable achievements that foreshadowed her future success:
– Membership in the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership potential.
– Recognition at the Western Psychology Association for her groundbreaking research on grit, a quality that would become central to her coaching philosophy.
– Spotlight features highlighting her undergraduate research and athletic achievements, demonstrating her ability to excel across multiple domains.
Growing Testimony: A Vision Born from Personal Experience
“I saw a critical need for a holistic approach to life coaching that doesn’t shy away from the spiritual aspects of growth,” Manning explains. “Growing Testimony is about nurturing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. It’s about helping individuals align their actions with their faith and values, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.”
Manning’s unique approach draws from her diverse background, creating a multifaceted perspective on personal growth and wellness that sets Growing Testimony apart in a crowded market:
1. Clinical Expertise: With five years of experience as a registered behavioral therapist, Manning brings a wealth of clinical knowledge to her coaching practice. This background allows her to incorporate evidence-based techniques into her faith-centered approach.
2. Athletic Mindset: Her history as a collegiate athlete informs her coaching on goal-setting, perseverance, and high-performance mindsets.
3. Spiritual Foundation: Manning’s strong faith serves as the bedrock of her coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth alongside personal and professional development.
4. Academic Rigor: Her extensive education in psychology and mental health provides a scientific underpinning to her coaching methods, ensuring that her approach is both faith-based and grounded in empirical research.
Overcoming Adversity: A Testimony of Resilience
Manning’s path to success has been marked by significant challenges, each of which has shaped her approach to coaching and her understanding of personal growth:
1. Age and Gender Bias: As a young, biracial female in a field often dominated by older, more established professionals, Manning has faced skepticism and discrimination. “I’ve often been looked down upon, as if I’m lying about my qualifications or don’t know what I’m talking about,” Manning reveals. “But these challenges have only fueled my determination to succeed and prove my worth through my work and results.”
2. Church Hurt: Perhaps one of the most poignant challenges Manning has faced is what she describes as “church hurt” – experiencing rejection from her faith community when she sought help during difficult times. This experience, rather than driving her away from her faith, inspired her to create a space where others could find the support and guidance she once sought.
4. Systemic Barriers: As a young entrepreneur of color, Manning has had to navigate systemic barriers in business and academia. These experiences have sharpened her resolve to create inclusive spaces and advocate for diversity in the personal development industry.
The Growing Testimony Difference: A Holistic Approach to Life Coaching
What truly sets Growing Testimony apart in the competitive field of life coaching is Manning’s unwavering commitment to authenticity and holistic growth. Her approach emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions with their faith and values, a principle she refers to as “pleasing God over man.”
“Too often, people feel trapped by societal expectations or systems that don’t accommodate unique thinkers,” Manning explains. “At Growing Testimony, we encourage clients to tap into their God-given potential and pursue their true calling, even if it goes against the grain. It’s about finding the courage to be authentically yourself while growing in your faith and personal development.”
Manning’s coaching philosophy is built on several key principles that form the foundation of Growing Testimony’s approach:
1. Confidence Building in Wellness and Sports Performance: Drawing from her athletic background, Manning helps clients develop the mental toughness and self-assurance needed to excel in their personal and professional lives.
2. Mental Health Awareness and Management: Leveraging her clinical expertise, Manning educates clients on mental health issues and provides strategies for maintaining emotional well-being.
3. Embracing Unique Identity and Gifts: Clients are encouraged to discover and celebrate their individual strengths and talents, viewing them as God-given tools for success.
4. Integrating Faith into Personal and Professional Development: Manning guides clients in aligning their career goals and personal aspirations with their spiritual beliefs, creating a harmonious and purpose-driven life.
5. Overcoming Adversity through Resilience and Grit: Drawing on her research and personal experiences, Manning teaches clients how to develop the mental fortitude needed to overcome life’s challenges.
6. Cultural Competence and Inclusivity: Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of her clients, Manning emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness in personal growth and faith-based coaching.
The Future of Growing Testimony: Expanding Horizons
While still in its early stages, Growing Testimony is poised for significant growth. Manning’s vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring:
1. Expanding Services: Manning plans to evolve Growing Testimony from a coaching service into a full-fledged counseling practice, offering a wider range of mental health and personal development services.
2. Building a Diverse Team: “My goal is to create a diverse team of professionals that can serve a wider range of clients, particularly focusing on the middle class and young adults,” she says. This commitment to diversity reflects Manning’s belief in the importance of representation in the mental health and coaching fields.
3. Educational Initiatives: Manning aims to develop workshops, seminars, and online courses that make Growing Testimony’s unique approach accessible to a broader audience.
4. Research and Publication: Continuing her academic pursuits, Manning plans to conduct and publish research on the intersection of faith, mental health, and personal development, further establishing Growing Testimony as a thought leader in the field.
5. Community Outreach: Recognizing the importance of giving back, Manning envisions partnerships with churches, schools, and community organizations to provide coaching and mental health resources to underserved populations.
“My journey is far from over,” Manning reflects. “Every day, I’m growing, learning, and becoming a better version of myself. And that’s what I want for every client who comes to Growing Testimony – the opportunity to grow, overcome, and become a living testimony of God’s grace and power.”
Impact and Recognition: Early Accolades and Future Potential
Despite her young age, Manning’s work has already begun to garner attention in academic and athletic circles:
– Her undergraduate research on grit was highlighted at Bellevue College, showcasing her early contributions to the field of positive psychology.
– Manning’s athletic achievements in the Northwest Athletic Conference were recognized, demonstrating her ability to excel in multiple arenas simultaneously.
– Her innovative approach to Christian life coaching has attracted attention from faith-based organizations and mental health professionals alike.
These early accolades are just the beginning, according to Manning. “I’m committed to continuing my education and expanding my skills to better serve my clients and community,” she affirms. “My goal is for Growing Testimony to become a recognized leader in faith-based personal development and mental health support.”
Words of Wisdom: Manning’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Manning offers some hard-earned advice that reflects her journey of overcoming adversity and achieving success:
1. Embrace Your Unique Perspective: “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Your unique experiences and viewpoints are your greatest assets. In a world that often values conformity, your distinctive voice can be your most powerful tool for creating change and inspiring others.”
2. Persevere Through Adversity: “Challenges will come, but they’re opportunities for growth. Use them to fuel your determination. Every obstacle you overcome adds to your resilience and makes you better equipped to help others facing similar struggles.”
3. Stay True to Your Values: “Success means nothing if you compromise who you are. Always prioritize your integrity and faith. In the long run, staying true to your core beliefs will attract the right opportunities and clients who resonate with your authentic self.”
4. Invest in Continuous Learning: “The world is always changing, and so are the needs of your clients. Stay curious and never stop educating yourself. Whether it’s through formal education, reading, attending conferences, or seeking mentorship, commit to lifelong learning as a cornerstone of your personal and professional growth.”
5. Build a Supportive Community: “Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Their support will be invaluable on your journey. Seek out mentors, join professional networks, and cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and collaboration opportunities.”
6. Balance Ambition with Self-Care: “As you pursue your goals, don’t neglect your own well-being. Practice what you preach by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, nurturing your mental and spiritual health, and taking time for self-reflection and personal growth.”
7. Embrace Technology and Innovation: “In today’s digital age, leverage technology to expand your reach and enhance your services. Be open to new ways of connecting with clients and delivering value, whether through online coaching, social media engagement, or innovative apps and tools.”
The Road Ahead: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation
As Brianna Manning and Growing Testimony continue to make waves in the Christian life coaching industry, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of a transformative journey. With her unique blend of academic knowledge, personal experience, and unwavering faith, Manning is poised to impact countless lives and redefine what it means to live a purpose-driven life in the modern world.
“My vision for Growing Testimony goes beyond individual coaching sessions,” Manning concludes. “I see it as a movement – a call to embrace personal growth, mental health, and faith as interconnected aspects of a fulfilling life. We’re not just helping individuals; we’re contributing to a larger conversation about holistic wellness and spiritual development in today’s complex world.”
For those seeking to embark on their own journey of growth and self-discovery, Growing Testimony offers a beacon of hope and guidance. As Manning continues to break barriers and challenge norms, she invites others to join her in creating a world where faith, mental health, and personal development go hand in hand, empowering individuals to overcome adversity and live out their fullest potential.
To learn more about Brianna Manning and Growing Testimony, and to begin your own journey of transformation, visit their official website or connect with them on social media:
Previous Press Coverage
Read more about Brianna’s story and achievements in these articles: