In this episode of our podcast, our guest was the talented coach Juliana Al-Sadiq, who began her athletic journey in a supportive, sports-oriented family — a foundation that made her path smoother. Juliana believes that sports are not only a means to improve physical fitness, but also a way to teach the younger generation that athletic life is not just about success, but also about hard work and patience.
From a young age, Juliana received full support from her father, who always told her, “Never give up.” These words became a driving force throughout her journey. She also considers her taekwondo coach, Coach Assaf, an important source of inspiration in her life. His advice — “No matter what criticism you hear, you’re the one in the ring!” — became a source of positive energy that motivated her to keep moving forward and achieve success.
One of the challenges Juliana faced was balancing her studies with her sports career, especially when she decided to pursue sports academically. She believes that individual sports help develop inner strength and character, teaching athletes how to compete in a healthy way and celebrate others’ success. This understanding helped her appreciate the value of hard work in every aspect of life.
Juliana discussed the psychological pressure that comes with sports like taekwondo, emphasizing the coach’s role in maintaining the athlete’s confidence — especially during tough times. When an athlete experiences failure or injury, the coach’s role is to ease the pressure and support the athlete’s comeback even stronger.
Among the most valuable pieces of advice Juliana offered to coaches is the importance of continuous development — such as taking training courses to improve skills and learn how to handle new situations athletes may face. She also stressed the need for coaches to understand each athlete’s mental state, particularly during moments of frustration or injury.
Juliana strives to encourage women to engage and excel in sports — as athletes, coaches, or administrators. She believes that sports are more than just physical activity; they are a field where women can make a powerful impact and leave a lasting legacy.
According to Juliana, the key traits of a successful coach are leadership, flexibility, and the ability to inspire. A coach should be someone athletes look up to and aspire to emulate. On the other hand, the least desirable traits in coaches include stubbornness, aggressiveness, and selfishness.
The episode with Coach Juliana was full of valuable insights and inspiring moments that highlighted the vital role coaches play in developing their athletes — both mentally and physically. Juliana is a true example of how one can grow through challenges and leave a positive mark in the world of sports and beyond.
Tune in to the full episode to discover more of Juliana Al-Sadiq’s thoughts on coaching, development, and handling psychological pressure, and learn how a coach can truly inspire and motivate others toward success.
