Darren Jamieson: Welcome to The Engaging Marketeer podcast, where we dive into the journeys of business professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who have carved unique paths to success. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Hardeep Mann, a wellness coach dedicated to helping people overcome personal and mental challenges through a philosophy he calls Progress Not Perfection.
Hardeep’s approach is all about sustainable change—taking small, meaningful steps toward personal development rather than making drastic, unsustainable shifts. His journey into wellness coaching has been shaped by his own life experiences, particularly his struggles with childhood trauma, imposter syndrome, and societal pressures. Today, we’re going to explore all of that—his personal evolution, his professional mission, and his thoughts on how we can all strive for progress over perfection.
We also happen to share a lot in common. We’re the same age, grew up watching the same TV shows, and both the youngest of four kids. So, let’s dive in and get to know Hardeep a little better.
Darren: So, Hardeep, one of the things I saw on your website that really resonated with me was your description of a volatile relationship with your dad.
Hardeep Mann: Oh, right, straight in there, Darren! No easing in, just under the hood from the get-go! Let me take a sip of my lemon and ginger tea before we get into that.
Darren: Of course! But it seems like that relationship was a key motivator for you. Can you tell me more about it?
Hardeep: Yeah, absolutely. There’s a lot to unpack with that. So, I grew up in a strict, traditional Sikh Punjabi household. My dad was the epitome of old-school discipline—very rigid, very controlling. If you’ve ever seen the stereotypical, authoritative immigrant father on TV, that was him.
We weren’t allowed to do what other kids did. No cinema, no sleepovers, no casual socializing. And the punishments? Let’s just say they weren’t light. If I wasn’t home by a certain time, I knew I’d be met with accusations and anger. Looking back now, I realize my dad was dealing with a lot—probably paranoia, unresolved trauma, and just the weight of being an immigrant in the UK during the ‘70s and ‘80s. But at the time, as a kid, it just felt like oppression.
Darren: I get that. My dad was a real figure of fear. He boxed in the Merchant Navy, so he was physically imposing as well. And I think we were too similar, which caused a lot of friction. I remember once pulling up in an Aston Martin, and instead of any pride or excitement, all he said was, “What the hell are you wasting your money on that for?” No ‘well done,’ no acknowledgment. Just criticism.
Hardeep: That resonates. My dad went back to India when he knew he was nearing the end. I remember taking him to the airport, feeling torn between seeing him suffer and wondering if he was still manipulating me. He did call from India later, expressing regrets, which helped bring some closure. It took me years—decades—to understand him with compassion. It doesn’t excuse what he did, but I get it now.
I had to shift my perspective. My dad grew up in a completely different world from the one I was navigating. His struggles with identity, belonging, and societal expectations all played a role in how he parented. He thought he was preparing me for the real world, but instead, he left me carrying a lot of emotional baggage.
Darren: One thing that experience did for me was make me very aware of how I parent my own kids. I made a conscious effort to break that cycle, to not repeat those patterns. Did that happen for you?
Hardeep: Actually, it led me down a different path. I decided not to have kids. For years, I was terrified I’d turn out like him. It wasn’t until my 30s and 40s, after years of yoga, meditation, and therapy, that I realized I wasn’t doomed to repeat his mistakes. But by then, the window had passed.
That being said, I still feel like I have a parenting role—just in a different way. Through coaching, I get to mentor people, help them work through their struggles, and guide them toward healthier mindsets. It’s not traditional fatherhood, but it’s still meaningful.
Darren: You mentioned earlier that drinking played a role in your journey. How did that affect you?
Hardeep: It wasn’t like I was hiding bottles under the bed or anything like that. But alcohol was a distraction, a crutch. I used it to avoid sitting with my own thoughts, to numb out discomfort. And for a while, it worked—until it didn’t.
Giving it up wasn’t just about the physical habit, it was about reclaiming my mind. Once I stopped drinking, I had to actually deal with my emotions, my traumas. That’s when real healing started.
Darren: Do you find that a lot of the people you work with struggle with the same thing?
Hardeep: Absolutely. And not just with alcohol—it could be food, workaholism, social media addiction. Anything that allows them to escape reality for a bit. But at some point, you have to face what’s underneath it all.
Darren: Your whole philosophy is progress, not perfection. Where did that come from?
Hardeep: Society, media, and culture tell us we need to be perfect. Have the perfect body, the perfect career, the perfect mindset. But it’s completely unrealistic.
Change doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a gradual, ongoing process
If someone tries to overhaul their diet overnight, they might last a few weeks before falling back into old habits. But if they make small, sustainable changes—like swapping one unhealthy meal for a healthier option each week—those changes add up over time. That’s real progress.
Darren: Let’s talk about how you grew your business. How did you find your first clients?
Hardeep: I started marketing formally in April. Initially, I just posted on LinkedIn—no outreach, just sharing insights. I got some engagement but no real traction. Then, my partner Kerry said, “You hate sitting behind a computer. Why don’t you focus on in-person networking?” That changed everything.
I started attending business fairs, wellness expos, and networking events. The moment I started having real conversations with people, things took off.
Darren: You’ve come a long way, Hardeep. From struggling with imposter syndrome and self-doubt to building a thriving coaching business. What advice would you give to someone who’s stuck in a cycle of perfectionism and self-doubt?
Hardeep: I’d say, start where you are. Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Just take the first step, however small it is. And remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.
Darren: That’s a great note to end on. Hardeep, where can people find you if they want to work with you?
Hardeep: My website, hmann.coach. There’s an inquiry form, my phone number, and a link to book a free 30-minute consultation.
Darren: Brilliant. Thanks for being on the podcast, Hardeep.
Hardeep: Cheers, Darren. Appreciate it!
About Hardeep Mann:
Hardeep Mann is a wellness coach with a passion for guiding people toward a healthier mindset and lifestyle through his Progress Not Perfection philosophy. His journey into wellness coaching is deeply personal, shaped by his own struggles with childhood trauma, self-doubt, and overcoming unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol. Through his work, he helps individuals and businesses foster sustainable changes that improve both mental and physical well-being. Hardeep believes that real transformation doesn’t come from drastic, short-lived overhauls but through consistent, small steps that lead to long-term progress. With a background in coaching, meditation, and personal development, he has built a thriving practice that empowers people to break free from perfectionism and embrace self-compassion.
Connect with Hardeep:
Website: https://www.hmann.coach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hardeepmann/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hmann.coach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmann.coach/
About your host:
Darren has worked within digital marketing since the last century, and was the first in-house web designer for video games retailer GAME in the UK, known as Electronics Boutique in the States. After co-founding his own agency, Engage Web, in 2009, Darren has worked with clients around the world, including Australia, Canada and the USA.
iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/engaging-marketeer/id1612454837
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenjamieson/
Engaging Marketeer: https://engagingmarketeer.com
Engage Web: https://www.engageweb.co.uk
