Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emilea Rivera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emilea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

What I believe needs to change is the outdated notion that students should listen to the teacher simply because they hold that authority. Education often lacks a focus on individualism, and that’s a disservice to students. It treats everyone the same, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t allow individuals to shine in their unique strengths. This is a missed opportunity for growth—not everyone is meant to follow the same path, but everyone deserves a chance to stand out for what they do best.

One of the most eye-opening experiences I had was with a teacher who broke away from the traditional mold. We were given an assignment that asked us to explore how we could bring more of what we love into the world. But the beauty of it was in how we could express our answer. Some students wrote essays, while others sang songs, painted pictures, or acted out their responses. This was the first time I truly understood the value of individualism within a group setting.

Everyone had their own way of expressing themselves, and instead of drowning in conformity, we all thrived by tapping into our strengths. That’s the change I want to see—an education system that not only values what makes each student unique but encourages them to harness that uniqueness to contribute to a larger community.

In my career now, I see the lasting effects of this approach. The clients I work with often feel like they’ve been forced to blend into toxic environments that don’t allow them to stand out. But when we tap into their individual strengths, they begin to thrive. We need to start fostering that kind of confidence and self-awareness early on, in schools, so students are better equipped to step into their careers with a sense of purpose and authenticity.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a Confidence Coach, and my passion is helping career-driven professionals who feel stuck in toxic work environments. If you’re dealing with anxiety, self-doubt, or constantly questioning whether you’re being heard or respected at work, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I know how isolating and draining it can be.

My journey to becoming a Confidence Coach wasn’t an “aha” moment, but rather a culmination of years spent navigating hostile and toxic work environments in my own career. These experiences took a serious toll on my confidence, well-being, and overall sense of purpose. I struggled to find the courage to stand up for myself, and for a long time, I felt like I wasn’t good enough or didn’t deserve more respect. But I did, and so do you.

What sets my coaching programs apart is that I don’t just focus on the practical strategies for finding your voice—I also integrate energy work, including chakras and tarot, to help you get to the root of what’s holding you back. By aligning your energy and uncovering deeper insights through these tools, we can work together to clear emotional and mental blockages that have been keeping you stuck. This holistic approach allows you to regain clarity and balance, which ultimately strengthens your confidence and power in both your professional and personal life.

These programs aren’t one-size-fits-all—some are 7 weeks, others 4 weeks, and I also offer one-on-one coaching tailored specifically to individual needs. I’ve seen firsthand how finding your inner courage can transform not just your career, but your overall quality of life. My methods have helped countless clients stand up for themselves, communicate more effectively, and set healthy boundaries that lead to both respect and career fulfillment.

At the heart of my work is empowerment. I’m most proud of seeing my clients break free from fear, reclaim their confidence, and achieve the respect they deserve. My work continues to be an unfolding journey, not just for my clients but for myself as well. It’s about creating a ripple effect of confidence, energy alignment, and courage in a world that too often discourages it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the most influential books that shaped my entrepreneurial journey and management philosophy is *You Are a Badass* by Jen Sincero. This book had a profound impact on my confidence, especially during the early stages of building my coaching business. Sincero’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to self-belief resonated with me deeply, particularly when she emphasized owning your power and not letting fear stop you from going after what you truly want.

For me, running a business and guiding others through their confidence struggles comes with its share of challenges, doubts, and difficult days. There have been moments where I questioned whether I was on the right path, and it was *You Are a Badass* that reminded me to keep pushing forward, even on the worst days. The book instilled in me the belief that confidence is not just something you have or don’t have—it’s something you cultivate, day by day, with every choice you make.

This philosophy directly ties into my coaching approach. I encourage my clients to embrace their own “badassery,” stand tall in difficult situations, and never lose sight of their worth, even when external circumstances seem overwhelming. The blend of self-compassion, empowerment, and the courage to act that Sincero talks about is woven into the foundation of my Confidence Catalyst program.

In my own work, I focus on helping clients realign with their inner strength, communicate assertively, and set boundaries, all while maintaining grace and gratitude for their own journey. Just as Sincero’s book inspired me, I hope to inspire others to unlock their own potential and take charge of their career and life with unwavering confidence.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As someone who’s spent 20 years in the film industry, I’ve seen first-hand how even the entertainment world isn’t immune to the harsh realities of corporate culture. The glamour of “the movies” often masks a more troubling truth—employees are frequently undervalued, overworked, and left feeling disposable. This is something I’m passionate about changing through my Confidence Catalyst program.

One particular story stands out as a testament to both my resilience and my commitment to those I work with. I was leading a project where the producer laid out a series of demands that were nearly impossible to meet with the current labor force. After a few back-and-forths, I explained that we would need additional hands to make the project work, but the producer refused, insisting that we push through with the team we had.

Now, I could’ve backed down and forced my team to burn themselves out, but I knew that wasn’t the right choice. Instead, I went ahead and hired the extra people anyway because I valued my team’s well-being more than I valued being “liked” by the higher-ups. The truth was, if I didn’t take that stand, my team would’ve been pushed to the point of quitting. But I saw their worth, and I wanted them to know that I had their backs, even when the corporate machine didn’t.

This experience speaks to the core of what I teach my clients: you must value yourself and your contributions enough to stand up, even in the face of resistance. The corporate culture I’ve navigated, much like many of my clients’, often glorifies burnout and sees employees as expendable. But we’re not. Your time, energy, and voice are valuable, and part of building true confidence is learning to speak up when that’s not being recognized.

I share this story because I know how hard it can be to advocate for yourself, especially in toxic work environments. But the same resilience that got me through those challenges is what I now pass on to my clients. You don’t have to stay silent and bend to every demand. You have the power to take control of your career, and I’m here to help you find the courage to do it. I see you. I value you. And I want to help you thrive, not just survive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://IntuitiveHealingSanctuary.com
• Instagram: Theintuitivehealingsanctuary
• Facebook: Emilea Rivera
• Linkedin: Emilea A. Rivera
• Youtube: Intuitive Healing Sanctuary

Image Credits

Katie Christensen
Mary Abbott