We were lucky to catch up with Chelle Shapiro recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2019, after more than 13 years in the industry, I faced a defining moment. The once vibrant, connected me was a shell, physically and mentally drained from burnout. This toxic environment offered no boundaries, no space for self-care, and ultimately, no one truly looking out for my well-being. It was a stark realization – I had to get myself out.

Leaving was a risk, a release. It meant silencing the “people-pleaser” within and finally prioritizing myself. This became Operation Separation, my personal exit strategy and a promise to build a better life. Because we all know what we don’t like, but changing our circumstances can feel overwhelming. Operation Separation is about having conversations with real people who’ve overcome similar challenges and now help others do the same. And it’s these very conversations that became a lifeline for me, offering support and strategies as I embarked on my own transformation.

Leaving wasn’t and isn’t just about me. My story isn’t unique. Many struggle with burnout, unsure where to turn for support. Those feelings of isolation fuel a passion to help others. That’s why I focus on attracting like-minded individuals who resonate with self-care, sustainable wellness practices, and building authentic connections. By sharing my journey, I hope to empower others to take proactive steps towards their own well-being and build a fulfilling life, both personally and professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Burnout? Isolation? Been there, felt that.

We all know what sucks, but changing things can feel impossible. I am a LinkedIn™ Community Builder, I became a cheerleader for sustainable wellness, especially for health and wellness enthusiasts on LinkedIn – and to help them avoid that burnout pit I fell into!

Many feel overwhelmed by LinkedIn, unsure how to use it to their advantage. That’s where I come in.

I help them craft a rockstar LinkedIn presence that attracts their dream clients, content that builds real connections, and – this is key – self-care practices that keep them thriving, not just surviving.

Because here’s the thing: success on LinkedIn isn’t just about tactics. It’s about building genuine relationships, fostering trust, and creating a space where you can be you and prioritize your well-being.

What I’m most proud of? Seeing my clients blossom! Watching them build businesses that are authentic, successful, and fueled by self-care is the best reward.

So, the biggest takeaway for you? Your well-being is your superpower, not a burden. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s build a supportive network on LinkedIn, create a thriving business, and prioritize self-care every step of the way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I used to believe that true success meant relentless independence and pushing through exhaustion. “Just keep going” became my mantra, a badge of honor that I hoped would be noticed and rewarded. But this relentless pursuit took a toll on more than just my career. My relationships suffered, and I lost sight of my health and wellness.

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and overworked. I felt like I was “on” all the time. And I just couldn’t take the empty sentiments of “it’ll get better” anymore.
Operation Separation was my wake-up call – It was a promise to myself that I would feel better and change for the better because I deserved better.

Achieving that meant I had to unlearn the idea that self-care was a luxury. During this time, I actually turned off! I gave myself space. I learned to prioritize boundaries, say no more often, and embrace flexibility. This shift allowed me to be more present with clients, offering support that stemmed from a place of authenticity and well-being, not exhaustion.

Now, on LinkedIn, I help health and wellness enthusiasts stop spinning their wheels and avoid this same burnout trap. By prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, they can show up as their best selves and create thriving businesses built on sustainability, not sacrifice. And because they’re better versions of themselves, they attract more aligned clients who resonate with their experiences and expertise.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Now that I’ve gotten back in touch with who I am, who I want to be, and how I want to show up, the answer is actually quite simple – Be Yourself.

And it works! My clients have seen incredible results when they ditch the one-size-fits-all approaches, embrace their unique voices, and find the LinkedIn strategy that works for them. They attract ideal clients who resonate with their authenticity, build stronger relationships, and ultimately, create thriving businesses.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelleshapiro/
• Website: https://www.getshelled.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/chellestation
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chelleshapiro

Image Credits
Jeff Garfield Sundae Cruz