thefoundersstory

Guiding Others to Their Greatest Potential: Zai Miztiq's Step Up Journey

Today, we are excited to present an inspiring interview with Zai Miztiq, the CEO of STEP UP Journey, a company dedicated to empowering individuals through public speaking, leadership, and personal development programs. In this conversation, Zai shares her remarkable journey from overcoming near paralysis to becoming a global figure of resilience and empowerment. Through STEP UP Journey, she continues to help others transform their challenges into purpose-driven success.

TFS: Welcome, Ms. Zai Miztiq, to The Founders Story. We are truly excited to have you here today and look forward to hearing more about your incredible journey and the work you are doing through STEP UP Journey.

Zai Miztiq: Thank you for having me! I am thrilled to be here and to share my story. It is always a joy to connect with others who are passionate about empowering people, and I am looking forward to our conversation today.

TFS: What inspired you to start a business, and how did the idea come to you?

Zai Miztiq: My journey really began with a strong desire to help others, particularly women, by sharing my own experiences of overcoming adversity. After a near-fatal accident where I was told I had only a 5% chance of walking again, I discovered the resilience and strength we all have within us. That realisation ignited my passion to inspire and uplift others, which is what led to the creation of Step Up Journey. Through it, we focus on authentic public speaking, leadership, and empowerment, helping people turn their struggles into a sense of purpose.

TFS: Your journey from facing near paralysis to becoming such an inspiring figure is truly remarkable. Could you share the mental and emotional changes you went through during your recovery?

Zai Miztiq: It took me about a year to shift from feeling like a victim to realising I could be a victor. Once I accepted what had happened, I started to see the accident as a second chance, a gift from God. That acceptance opened the door for me to start inspiring others—whether through speaking, travelling to over 38 countries, or empowering people, one step at a time. Funny how life sometimes gives you a push in the most unexpected ways!

TFS: Wow, that is a truly transformative experience! I am curious, what daily practices or habits did you find helpful in maintaining your hope and resilience during your healing journey? 

Zai Miztiq: Thank you. At first, I kept myself occupied by playing Gameboy and watching films. Then, I discovered inspirational videos, which sparked the idea for my own YouTube channel, Zai Miztiq. Now, I share insights and lessons from my journey with others.

TFS: In your book, Turn Your Passion into Profit, you discuss the idea of turning passion into success. How has this philosophy influenced your journey as a survivor and an entrepreneur?

Zai Miztiq: Financial literacy was a significant part of my journey. After the accident, when doctors told me I had only a 5% chance of walking again, I understood that without financial stability, I would have been relying on others. My drive for financial independence not only supported my recovery but also shaped my path as an entrepreneur. 

TFS: That is inspiring! You have taken on many roles, including public speaker, author, and mentor. Out of these, which one do you find most fulfilling, and what makes it so special for you? 

Zai Miztiq: I find equal joy in all of these roles. Whether I am speaking, writing, or mentoring, it is the heartfelt testimonials and transformations from those I work with that truly energise me. Each role has its own unique way of allowing me to uplift others.

We have even launched the Braille Edition of my book ‘Turn Your Passion into Profit’ to inspire the visually impaired and blind communities globally. This is part of our Courses for Your Causes initiative, which is a vital part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. I would love for organisations with a CSR goal to partner with us on this mission of educational empowerment. Together, we can boost your brand’s impact while supporting life-changing programs. After all, who does not want to make the world a little more inclusive and empowered?

TFS: Absolutely. That accident in 2005 changed everything for you. Once you realised you were set on defying the odds and walking again, what was the very first big decision you made? 

Zai Miztiq: I decided to flip the script and go from being a victim to a victor. Sure, the doctors had their predictions, but I felt I had a higher calling. I chose to live with purpose and show the world that I could beat the odds. It was time to give life a plot twist it never saw coming!

TFS: I truly admire your determination and spirit! Was there a particular moment when you realised that your journey could inspire and uplift others? 

Zai Miztiq: Thank you for your kind words. To answer your question, I spoke at an event once, and seeing how my story resonated with the audience was eye-opening. In that moment, I realised that my journey could genuinely help others face their own challenges. That was the turning point for me, and I fully embraced the role of being a beacon of hope. 

TFS: What inspired you to create the Sisterhood Mentorship Programme, and what specific gaps in women’s mentorship were you aiming to fill with this initiative?

Zai Miztiq: I started the Sisterhood Mentorship Programme to create a supportive space where women can truly grow, heal, and transform. We tackle the gaps in traditional mentorship by focusing on emotional well-being, resilience, spiritual growth, and building community—things that often get sidelined. It is like adding the secret ingredients to a recipe; without them, you miss out on the magic. 

TFS: What are some important lessons from your Gallup Strengths coaching that have influenced your personal journey, and how do you pass these insights on to others? 

Zai Miztiq: Recognising my strengths has really helped me tackle challenges more effectively. I love sharing this insight by encouraging others to embrace their unique talents, not only to get through tough times but also to flourish in all areas of life. 

TFS: That sounds great! You have written ‘5 Things I Love About Being A Woman.’ How have your personal experiences shaped your perspective on womanhood, and what impact do you hope your book will have on women around the world? 

Zai Miztiq: My journey has shown me that womanhood is an incredible blend of strength and complexity. With my book, I aim to inspire women everywhere to embrace their individuality, celebrate their strengths, and strut through life with confidence and pride. Who says we cannot shine while wearing our heels?

TFS: Absolutely! With confidence and a great pair of heels, you can conquer the world. Now, as someone who has transformed personal pain into a global movement, what words of wisdom would you share with those who are grappling with challenges that feel impossible to overcome? 

Zai Miztiq: Recognising your fears and understanding what is holding you back is crucial. Healing transformation is at the heart of it—it accounts for 80% of the battle. The first step is often the toughest, but once you take it, the way forward becomes a lot clearer.

TFS: What role has faith played in your recovery and success, and how do you integrate faith and spirituality into your work with others? 

Zai Miztiq:

Faith has played an enormous role in my journey. It keeps me grounded and fuels my purpose. I integrate faith and spirituality into my work by encouraging others to find strength within themselves and connect with a higher purpose. We must recognise that as one Earth community, ‘We are One Soul, crafted by One Hand, breathing His One Breath.’ This unity empowers us to rise above challenges and serve a greater calling together.

TFS: You have spoken on stages around the world. How do you get yourself mentally and emotionally ready to share your story, especially with audiences that might be a bit sceptical or resistant?

Zai Miztiq: I always take a moment to pray and meditate before I speak. I find that when I speak from the heart rather than the head, it creates a genuine connection that really resonates with people. This approach helps to break down resistance and fosters a heart-to-heart impact. I even share these insights with aspiring speakers and executive leaders through my Authentic Public Speaking coaching program. 

TFS: When it comes to turning a hobby into a business, how did you pinpoint which of your passions could actually make money? What practical steps did you take to turn that vision into reality?

Zai Miztiq: I realised my love for creativity and helping others could become my mission. By doing my research, networking, and taking consistent action, I built a business that lets me pursue my passion while making a difference for people around the world.

TFS: As a certified practitioner in psychotherapy and positive psychology, how do you weave these disciplines into your mentorship and training programs? 

Zai Miztiq: I incorporate these practices by guiding individuals to strengthen their emotional resilience, handle stress, and cultivate a positive mindset. My programs focus on holistic healing—mind, body, and spirit—ensuring lasting transformation.

TFS: What kind of legacy do you hope to create through your digital content and mentorship programs? How do you see the Step Up Journey influencing future generations? 

Zai Miztiq: My legacy is all about empowerment and resilience. I want future generations to understand that, regardless of their circumstances, they have the strength to rise up. The Step Up Journey is designed to provide people with the tools they need to change their lives and make a lasting impact on the world. 

TFS: I hope you do not mind if I ask a few more personal questions for our readers. Could you walk us through a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?

Zai Miztiq: Not at all. Each day is a lively blend of creativity, strategy, and connection. I kick things off with a moment of mindfulness to get my head in the game, then it is off to meetings with clients or my team. I also carve out time for content creation for my workshops and webinars, because who does not love a good brainstorm? And I always squeeze in some learning and reflection. My day is all about staying tuned in to my community’s needs while juggling my personal and professional growth. It is like trying to balance on a tightrope, but I have got my safety net ready! 

TFS: What keeps you motivated and driven on your entrepreneurial journey, particularly when the going gets tough? 

Zai Miztiq:

I keep myself grounded by reminding myself of my purpose, which is to help others discover strength in their vulnerabilities. When challenges pop up, I try to see them as chances for growth. I also find a lot of motivation in the amazing stories of resilience I hear from my clients. Each breakthrough, whether it is mine or theirs, reinforces the idea that we all have the potential to do extraordinary things when we embrace authenticity.

TFS: What would you say to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to kickstart their own business journey? 

Zai Miztiq: Stay connected to your purpose. Remember, entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. It is vital to grasp the deeper reason behind your desire to create something. Be ready for setbacks; let them be your teachers. Surround yourself with supporters who believe in your vision, and do not shy away from taking risks. Above all, concentrate on adding value and serving others—success will naturally follow.

TFS: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur for you? 

Zai Miztiq: The most rewarding part has been watching others transform their lives. Whether it is through my public speaking masterclasses, corporate training, or personal coaching, seeing someone embrace their potential and truly thrive is incredibly fulfilling. It is a privilege to be part of their journey towards empowerment, resilience, and purpose.

TFS: Finally, for those who want to connect with you or find out more about your work, who should they reach out to, and what is the best way to get in touch?

Zai Miztiq: Feel free to check out www.stepupjourney.com and follow me on social media @ZaiMiztiq. I love connecting with people across platforms, so do reach out if you are ready to start your own journey of transformation! 

TFS: What an enlightening conversation this has been! Your insights reveal a remarkable depth to your vision, and it is clear you are doing truly transformative work. Wishing you all the success in your journey ahead!

Zai Miztiq: Thank you! It was an absolute pleasure to chat with you and your readers. I loved sharing my journey and hope it sparks a bit of inspiration for anyone looking to step into their own light!

 

Let’s Step Up and bring out the resilient, confident, and compassionate human leader in you!  

– Zai Miztiq