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

Alright, Janet thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I have always loved the idea of leaving behind a legacy, though it didn’t really click with me just how powerful that could be until my granddaughter was born in 2020. It was in the middle of some unprecedented times in our world, and I began to truly contemplate what my legacy would be both in the present moment and for years to come. I closed my eyes and imagined my granddaughter was a teenager, coming to me to share her hopes and dreams, as I cheered her on and told her she could do anything she truly wanted to achieve. Then I imagined her as a young adult, navigating her way through finding her ideal career and passions, and I am thankful I have so many incredible experiences to share with her of how I figured out my path and purpose. That is what legacy truly means. It is planting the seeds of the stories and how we overcame the toughest of times. By sharing these moments with others, we transfer our strength and resolve directly to them, along with hope and inspiration. Our legacy is more than what we create; it is who we reach and how we make them feel. I plan to be remembered for helping thousands of people shine brightly and boldly, unapologetically, and know they are exactly where they are meant to be.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Shine Coach, which means I help guide people from feeling as though they are timid or hiding online, to showing up and shining in a big way. I do this through one-on-one coaching, mastermind programs, masterclasses, my podcast, and my new online course: Born to Shine Bootcamp.

But I wasn’t always following my heart and pursuing my creative passions and dreams. In fact, I spent 17 years in the corporate insurance world, working long hours and building impressive client lists for billion dollar companies. I loved my work, but I didn’t honestly feel as though I was living in my zone of genius. I did it well, but I was bored. I had a love for writing, but no idea how to nurture that in the little down time I had with managing my career and three kids. I guess I should warn you to be careful what you wish for, because just a few months after I admitted being a little bored and unfulfilled, my high-powered career disappeared. Suddenly I was facing the decision to file for unemployment, giving me just a few months to figure out how to replace my income now as an entrepreneur. Within a year, I had replaced my corporate salary by focusing solely on my unique gifts and talents. I wrote content for blogs and other businesses, designed websites, hosted events, taught workshops, and offered creative portrait photography and publishing services. But soon I realized my greatest passion was coaching and teaching, and so I began to focus on events and workshops. Over the last several years, I’ve hosted more than 50 live events, 4 weekend retreats, and I’ve helped more than 40 women become first-time authors. Each year I set intentions of how many people I want to help with my business and mission, and it keeps me focused on the actual mission instead of revenue or other factors.

For 2022, my intention was set during a meditation, and I realized I needed to expand my reach and create more opportunities to help people, so I launched an online course: Born to Shine Bootcamp. This course is compiled of 27 modules, all pulled from 10 years of coaching and mentoring others. It’s different from most of the courses currently available, because it’s a hybrid course that unites the mind, body, and spirit. Instead of just focusing on mindset, it combines many of those tools, along with spiritual tools and practical business tools. The course is broken down into three parts: Awaken is to help the student explore who they truly are and how they wish to show up in the world. Align is about creating a brand that represents who they want to attract and serve, while also remaining true to themselves. And Activate is all about taking action and showing up in a big and bold way. I also teach my exclusive S.H.I.N.E. method, which provides the framework to create an easy, authentic, consistent social media practice that feels good.

My clients and students often find me when they are in a place of ‘soul-searching’ and need clarity or guidance, not realizing they have all the answers within themselves. I help show them how to unlock those answers so they can awaken, align, and activate the inner star that is born to shine.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The dreaded “PIVOT” word! Haha! In 2020, it seemed like everyone was using this word and talking about what to do now, after life changed. My own business at the time was built entirely on live events, workshops, speaking, and retreats. My 2020 laminated calendar that was attached to my office wall using pushpins was suddenly blank. At first I tried to reschedule a few events, thinking things would calm down in a few months. I postponed one event by 90 days, and others I’d hoped to do the same. But as the weeks went on, every single speaking engagement and event I had planned was cancelled and erased from the calendar. And almost overnight, my income dropped by more than 75 percent.

I was devastated.

I began to try to create some online events using Zoom. Engagement was low, and I felt even more defeated. I was once told I was “magical” onstage, but it certainly didn’t feel magical on a webcam. In June I removed the laminated calendar and carried it out to the garbage bin. I told myself I would need to reimagine my business and figure something out, because I was definitely not going to return to the corporate world.

I began to get more visible on social media, and re-branded myself as The Shine Coach. I also launched a podcast called “Modern Lightworkers,” where I show up weekly with tools for heart-centered and spiritual entrepreneurs and professionals. I embraced virtual coaching and finally found some magic there, knowing I could still help my clients without seeing them in person.

2020 made me completely pivot and learn to show up bigger and bolder on social media, which can be uncomfortable for introverts like me (as well as highly sensitive people – also me.) But I developed a framework that helps me create content that feels authentic and uniquely me, and gives me the confidence to truly shine. And that is what I teach now in my coaching, through my online course, and in my podcast and books. I found myself surrounded by the darkness at one point, and I had to crawl out and find my light again. And that is why I am so passionate about helping others do the same.

Imagine if we all chose to shine as brightly as we possibly could? What. a magnificent sight that would be…

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my social media presence by showing up using these three pillars:

1. Consistency – I post on social media almost daily, and I interact with my friends and followers daily. I don’t mindlessly scroll in the mornings or evenings. I schedule a few minutes using time-blocking, and I am intentional about interacting genuinely with others. I comment on their posts, compliment their achievements, support their needs, or offer free advice when I can. Even if I don’t feel like it, I do it. No matter what.

2. Branding – I am conscious and intentional about every word and photo I post. I only post things that support and enhance my brand and mission. I don’t post rants or overly negative things. I don’t fight people online. I always make sure I am showing up as the person I want to be perceived as, and nothing less. I am a coach, inspiration giver, creator, a mom, a grandmother, and a supporter of people, especially women.

3. Transparency – I do not polish every post or use filters on every photo. I show up vulnerably when necessary, and connect with my audience by sharing true stories, honest emotions, and inspiring moments. My followers often tell me they feel like they truly know me, and it is because I choose to show up that way on social media. Not everyone wants to build a transparent brand – and that’s okay. But as a coach who wants to provide transformational courses and events, I have to connect deeply with my clients and students if I want them to trust me. I take that very seriously.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.modernlightworkers.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/janetcbernstein/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fearlessbusinessbuildersclub
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetcbernstein/
• Other: www.borntoshinebootcamp.com

Image Credits
Eva Diana Photography Vanessa Corral Photography