What comes to your mind when you think about a life coach? Maybe a person who has all the answers? For Adele Kamel Whitley, the solution is found in authenticity, education, and development—both for herself and her clients. Adele, the founder of Buy Yourself and a Life Transformation Coach, has a journey that embodies self-discovery, defying societal norms, and motivating others to embrace their authenticity. She not only leads individuals to achieve their objectives; she assists them in rediscovering their true selves, liberated from societal influences and inner uncertainties.
Adele’s efforts go beyond just providing guidance; they focus on enabling deep personal transformation. With her distinctive method, she enables individuals to remove layers of expectation and fully accept their true selves. During her path of overcoming social conventions Adele found herself isolated from established roles and this process led to the discovery of her authentic voice which now serves as an inspiration to many.
Her coaching philosophy is grounded in a core belief: “You cannot sell anything to anyone before you Buy Yourself.” This idea reflects the subtle yet powerful truth that how we show up in the world influences every interaction—whether it’s a job interview, a meaningful conversation, or a social gathering. The essence lies not in crafting a version others might expect but in embracing one’s authentic self with confidence.
Adele’s approach focuses on helping individuals recognize their inherent value and align with their genuine strengths. By fostering self-awareness and encouraging authentic connections, she creates a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Through Buy Yourself, she empowers clients to engage with the world wholeheartedly—rooted in self-belief and a clear understanding of who they truly are.
Let’s learn how Adele’s approach empowers individuals to live their truth.
Who is Adele Kamel Whitley?
Adele’s story isn’t easily categorized or confined to a single phase of her life. It is a journey of evolution, an ongoing process that has shaped not just her career but her entire approach to personal growth. Born into an entrepreneurial family in Lebanon, Adele was surrounded by the values of business and success. “My family has always been involved in business,” she shares. “I grew up with that mindset, but even from an early age, I always felt different.”
Despite excelling academically, Adele never felt entirely at ease with the traditional educational and career paths that were expected of her. “I never really liked school, even though I was a top student,” she admits. “I kept questioning why I had to follow the traditional path of education when I could just do what I wanted if I knew what that was.” This internal conflict set the stage for her future, where she would grapple with the tension between personal desires and societal expectations.
She did, however, follow the prescribed route to some extent, earning a degree and entering the corporate world. But her time in the banking industry was short-lived—she lasted only seven months before she realized that the corporate environment was not where she truly belonged. “I felt like I didn’t belong,” she reflects. “I couldn’t ignore the feeling that there was more for me, something beyond the nine-to-five grind.”
Adele’s next move was to open a restaurant, following her passion for food. It was during this time that she experienced a sense of freedom, yet a lingering question remained: Shouldn’t I be using my degree? “I thought, ‘I have a degree, shouldn’t I be using it?'” This feeling of being caught between following her passion and meeting external expectations lingered for several years. It was this inner conflict that led her to discover her true calling as a coach and to eventually create Buy Yourself, a philosophy designed to help individuals connect with their authentic selves.
The Birth of ‘Buy Yourself’
Adele’s experience as a sales coach was where the concept of “Buy Yourself” was born. During her time coaching sales professionals, she noticed a crucial gap that many people overlooked: it wasn’t the lack of skills or knowledge that was preventing them from succeeding—it was a lack of self-belief. For Adele, the key to success in selling lies in first believing in what you’re offering. “It wasn’t about the product. It was about their lack of conviction in themselves.”
This realization sparked the core idea behind her transformative approach to coaching. She came to understand that in order for people to succeed—whether in business, relationships, or personal goals—they needed to first believe in their own worth. “You can’t convince someone else to buy into your idea if you haven’t already bought into yourself,” she notes.
This philosophy soon extended beyond sales into all areas of life. Adele’s personal experience mirrored this concept when she found herself living a life that appeared perfect from the outside: a successful career, a beautiful home, and financial stability. Yet inside, she felt an emptiness. “I had the house, the career, the marriage, the money, but inside, I felt empty,” she admits. “I wasn’t truly living as myself.”
It was a values exercise that helped her realize how out of alignment her life had become. “That was a turning point for me,” she says. “Once I became aware of that, it was impossible to ignore. I knew I had to change.” This moment of clarity marked the beginning of Adele’s personal transformation and the launch of her coaching philosophy that encourages people to align with their values and live authentically.
A Two-Way Journey of Learning and Growth
One of the most profound aspects of Adele’s coaching philosophy is her belief that coaching is not just about helping clients—it’s about mutual growth. “Every time I work with a new client, I learn something new,” she says. “Everyone is unique, and every coaching session is a journey for both the client and me.”
For Adele, coaching is a process of continuous self-reflection. She believes that in order to help clients reach their fullest potential, she must first be in tune with her own growth. “Coaching is like holding up a mirror—not just for my clients, but for myself, too,” she notes. This introspective approach is reflected in her commitment to ongoing learning. She practices what she preaches, working with two coaches—one for business and one for life—ensuring that she remains grounded in her own personal development.
“I always say, ‘Never trust a coach who doesn’t have a coach!'” she emphasizes. “If you’re not continually growing yourself, how can you guide others to do the same?” This dedication to her own evolution ensures that Adele can provide the most effective coaching for her clients, staying ahead of trends and continuously adapting her approach.
The Challenge of Balancing Empathy and Accountability
Adele’s ability to balance empathy with accountability is one of the things that sets her apart as a coach. She acknowledges that it can be difficult, especially when the lessons she’s teaching her clients are often lessons she needs to learn herself. “Sometimes, the things I’m coaching my clients on are the exact lessons I need to learn myself,” she admits. “It’s humbling because, as a coach, you’re there for your clients—but you’re also human.”
Despite the challenges, she has learned how to navigate this delicate balance. “I’ve realized that I can’t take on my clients’ stress as my own,” she says. “If I become emotionally involved, I lose the ability to help them objectively.” This self-awareness allows Adele to maintain a sense of emotional distance while still offering support and encouragement. “My role is to stand outside the situation and help them see what they can’t see on their own,” she explains.
This ability to stay objective while providing emotional support is what allows her to create a safe space for her clients to open up. “Trust starts from the very first conversation,” she shares. “In every interaction, you’re either building trust or breaking it. I show up as myself, not as some ‘perfect coach’ with all the answers.” By being authentic and vulnerable herself, Adele encourages her clients to do the same, fostering an environment of openness and growth.
Advice for Aspiring Life Coaches
For those looking to embark on their own coaching journey, Adele offers a few key pieces of advice. First and foremost, she urges aspiring coaches to get their own coach. “Get a coach. Just like starting any business, coaching is a journey, and having a mentor makes all the difference,” she says. Her second piece of advice is to trust in the value of their own experiences. “If you feel called to be a life coach, there’s a reason for that,” she says. “Look at your own life—where have you helped others? What experiences have shaped you? Use that as your foundation.”
Finally, Adele encourages new coaches to embrace their unique voice and style. “Stop looking at what everyone else is doing. Find your own voice, your own style,” she advises. “Coaching isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real and helping others do the same.”
The Legacy of a Transformation Coach
Adele’s journey witnesses the power of authenticity and self-belief. Her transformation from a corporate employee to a sought-after life coach is not just a career shift—it is the embodiment of the very philosophy she teaches others. Through Buy Yourself, she has helped countless individuals step into their power, embrace their authenticity, and live lives of alignment and purpose.
Her work continues to inspire people to live their truth and find fulfillment on their own terms, reminding us all that the most important investment we can make is in ourselves. Through her guidance, Adele has proven that true success is not measured by external achievements, but by how deeply we connect with our inner selves and the lives we create as a result.
