Meet Callie Rich Neal... Lifestyle Coach and Podcast Host
Feb 19, 2024
Callie Rich Neal is a mom of two with a background in dance, who enjoyed a life of education as a
way to impact the lives of children while laying a foundation and spending quality time with her own
boys. She has built multiple school programs that provided access to the arts, improved student
achievement and inclusion in the school community for thousands of children, and those programs
continue today. While receiving accolades for her efforts, the desire for greater impact and more time
with her children could only be met through entrepreneurship, so her business journey began and she
was able to transition out of her 9-5.
Callie loves the stage, but her greatest admiration is how the arts teach us about history and culture.
She also enjoys working with a variety of school districts to develop powerful equitable dance
programs that all students have access to. During the spring of 2022, Callie had the opportunity to
study dance in Colombia, South America, as a recipient of the Fulbright, learning about the social
benefits of the art form.
Serving on a more intimate level is one of Callie’s lifelong trademarks. She continues to lead and
inspire others by sharing her experiences through her podcast Shaping a Live You Love, an
inspirational journey that connects powerful women with coaching opportunities that empower them
to design a life of freedom and impact for themselves. She believes that anyone can level up and her
success from humble beginnings is proof of that and the reason she is your favorite cheerleader.
Walk across the stepping stones to your dreams and shape a life you love.
What kind of work do you do?
Hello, I am a lifestyle coach. I am passionate about helping women move those perceived roadblocks
to the side, so they can live a fulfilling life. I still continue to support school districts in implementing
their performing arts programs and a part time scale.
What inspired you to get started as an entrepreneur?
My background is performing arts. I was a dance major and I really enjoyed the variety I had in the
day from high school through college. Sometimes I was performing, sometimes I was teaching and
sometimes I was producing. That desire to create never left me, and business is the best way to fuel
that fire. Additionally, living in Latin America for three months showed me a different way of life,
and I saw a way that I could support my children more effectively and spend more time with loved
ones.
What was your biggest struggle to get things going for your online business?
Whew. The hardest part of getting the online business going was learning how to be flexible. I had
too many things I wanted to do and I had to learn how to use social media to connect with people and
not pigeonhole myself into one thing, while also reaching my target audience. It has been a fun
journey. I also had to learn how to talk myself through overcoming self doubt, so I could move
towards the infinite possibilities that are available if I just say yes to myself.
Was there a time you thought about giving up? What kept you from quitting?
Ooooh, giving up…there have been a lot of ebbs and flows, especially in my personal life, but you
know what kept me going? Having more time with my children really motivated me, my love for
travel and hearing from other people about how my work impacts their lives. People were being
motivated by my programs and by the podcast, which led to more impact, more light around our
community, so can’t stop, won’t stop, ya know?
What have you learned since beginning?
Be flexible. Growing and changing is not being flakey. I have more than one talent and it is ok to
explore more than one talent at the same time. Coaching is helpful, even if I think “I’m supposed to
know this already,” there is always something to learn and accountability is a form of community.
There is more money to be made, so definitely manage your money, but there is nothing wrong with
investing in your own growth; actually, it is imperative to invest in your own growth.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Hmmmmm, best advice I have received….Feel your feelings! Trust your intuition. I don’t think I am
all knowing, but the more I trust that nudge inside me, the more success and opportunity has come
my way.
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
You CAN do this! Stop telling yourself “No,” and ask yourself “How?” instead. Team up with
someone who is going to encourage you and help you stay accountable to yourself. Do not spend
beyond your confidence level because you will just stress yourself out. There are a lot of affordable
coaching resources available while you grow. Keep going!
What’s the professional win you’re most proud of?
Mmmmm. I’m a Fulbrighter. I felt seen for my work and my love for people and the arts when I
received international recognition for my work that was based on building community. It’s unreal.
Do you have a routine that you attest to your success? If yes, what is it?
Meditation and exercise. When I desire to do something, I meditate to get honest with myself about
what I want and then I reflect on it until I can actually feel the excitement of it happening. Exercise
helps your brain, it helps with creativity and to keep your mood right. Get outside if you can.
Sometimes I like to work out alone, but there are also benefits to working out in community.
How has social media played a factor in your success?
Socials. Yes, it’s been a great way to connect and help people get to know me. I am not just there
sharing my businesses. I actually need to share about my businesses more, Lol. People get to know
you, and then they are all in to celebrate the business wins. Honestly, my audience loves hearing
about my teens more than about me…they love hearing me work through motherhood. I like that. I
want people to see that this regular girl with challenges and feelings is thriving in business.
What are the biggest social media mistakes you see commonly made?
I think anything too prescribed is a mistake. I mean, I guess it works for many people, but it just isn’t
who I want to be. I don’t like some of the judgment and pressure that is put on people, so I try to
show the human side of me. Lying is a big mistake. Trying to attract people through lies is so yuck
and so cruel. There are people who need you and will join in on different parts of your journey.
What is the business tool that’s been most helpful?
My first thought was Canva Pro😂. Next would be Facebook because you can share what you are
doing and build communities. It’s the connection that makes the difference. Now that we can meet in
person, the combination of in person and virtual presence has been a game changer for me.
Is there something you wish everyone knew?
I wish everyone knew there is hope and there are good people. I have a deep desire to see people
accomplish things they thought they could never do. It lights me up. I love people so much and even
before children, my goal was to make lots of money, so I could help people. Inch closer to the idea
that seems impossible; it will inspire others and there are people who need you– they need us.
What’s coming up for you in the next few months?
In the next few months, I am definitely getting back to traveling! Most of my work is online now, so I
really only plan around the events my children have. I’ll be doing more in person speaking and start
taking some dance/music classes again. I’m going to continue helping women put their desires into
action, so they can spend more time with their families and impact their community. I’m writing a
couple of books, so one will be complete by this summer and I am so excited.
What has being successful taught you?
Being successful has taught me that staying in motion is easier than feeling stuck where I am. Being
successful has taught me that I am successful because I trust myself and that it feels so damn good to
make decisions, and that it is ok to ask for or accept help along the way, until my confidence matches
my capabilities.
What are some fun facts about you?
I’m direct, but I am an empath and I cry a lot because I am passionate. I love Spanish! My boys and I
dance in the kitchen together–and it isn’t a large space. I have the same birthday as Janet Jackson
(and I am obsessed with her). I don’t make plans on my actual birthday. I literally wait for my dad to
ask me what I am doing every year and he takes me out to dinner. All of my other plans are before
and after. I would not be able to keep my podcast going if my son did not edit for me. I always have a
team supporting me. I wouldn’t be who I am without a ton of other people. Period.
How can our readers find you online?
Facebook: Callie Rich Neal
Facebook Group: Shaping a Life You Love Community for Creative High Acheivers
Podcast: Shaping a Life You Love, formerly Successfully Unstuck with Jo Jo
TikTok: @shapingalifeyoulove
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