We recently connected with Misty Kerrigan and have shared our conversation below.

Misty, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

From Mental Health to Meaningful Business: The Unexpected Spark That Launched My Company

After spending 15 years in the children’s mental health industry, I had built a reputation for designing programs that delivered high engagement and meaningful outcomes. My passion had always been helping people change their lives—but over time, I began to wonder how I could bring that same level of transformation into the business world. I didn’t have a clear roadmap, just a curiosity about what could happen if I combined psychology, behavior change, and entrepreneurship.

Then one day, at a networking event of all places, everything changed.

I struck up a conversation with a woman who worked in corporate America. She confided that although her job paid well, she felt trapped—serving a “life sentence,” as she called it. The stress, lack of purpose, and emotional toll were eating away at her, but she didn’t see a way out. She said, “I can’t imagine making six figures doing anything else.”

I gently pushed, “If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?”

Her answer was simple: “I’d work with dogs.”

Right there on the back of a networking handout, I sketched out a six-figure dog-walking business model, incorporating psychological and behavioral strategies I used in mental health. I handed her the sheet and didn’t think twice about it. In fact, I forgot about it entirely.

Three months later, at another event, a woman I didn’t recognize ran up to me with tears in her eyes and a smile that could light up the room. “Oh my god—it’s YOU! You changed my sister’s life!” she exclaimed.

I assumed she was talking about a young person I had helped in the past, but she quickly clarified. “No—you gave her that dog business plan. She left her corporate job, moved to Portland, and now she makes more money walking dogs than she ever did behind a desk. But more than that—she’s finally happy.”

That moment was my spark.

It was the first time I saw the power of merging behavioral psychology with entrepreneurship. I realized I could help people design not just businesses—but lives they love. And that was the beginning of my own next chapter.

Since that unexpected breakthrough, my business has evolved into a full-time mission: helping entrepreneurs and leaders build lives and businesses rooted in purpose, passion, and psychology-backed strategy. I’ve worked with coaches, creatives, and corporate escapees—people ready to trade burnout for alignment and impact. What started as a scribbled idea on the back of a handout has turned into a thriving practice, empowering others to redefine success on their own terms. And I’m just getting started.

Misty, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Misty Kerrigan, M.S., is a distinguished business psychologist, renowned author, accomplished international speaker, and successful podcaster. With a profound dedication to exploring the intricacies of the human psyche and behavior, she has established herself as a prominent practitioner in the field of psychology. Throughout her esteemed career, she has focused on comprehending the multifaceted dynamics of human behavior within diverse contexts, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporate entities.

Misty’s expertise lies in empowering both individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential by addressing the psychological factors that profoundly influence performance, productivity, and overall well-being. She possesses a specialization in the practical application of psychological principles and methodologies to bolster leadership skills, foster effective teamwork, and optimize organizational culture.

Armed with a Master of Science degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Misty Kerrigan possesses a comprehensive understanding of the motivations, behaviors, and thought processes of individuals operating within an organizational setting. Beyond this understanding, she actively contributes to the creation of environments that nurture a sense of belonging, foster innovation, and ultimately drive increased productivity.

Misty Kerrigan’s profound insights and contributions to the field of business psychology have left an indelible mark, making her an invaluable resource for those seeking to excel in their personal and professional pursuits.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My entrepreneurial and leadership philosophy has been deeply shaped by a few powerful voices and timeless principles. At the core of my thinking is the work of Napoleon Hill. Think and Grow Rich wasn’t just a book—it was a blueprint. Hill taught me that success begins in the mind. Our beliefs, imagination, and definiteness of purpose shape our external world. That idea lit a fire in me early on: that we could rewire our thinking, elevate our energy, and create lives far beyond what our current circumstances might suggest.

Another pivotal influence was The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It flipped the traditional script of business on its head. Instead of focusing solely on getting, it taught me the extraordinary power of giving—of leading with value, generosity, and authenticity. That message resonated with my background in mental health, where transformation came from connection, not control. I began applying those same principles in my business, showing up to serve first, trusting that impact would lead to income.

Then there’s Bob Proctor, whose work helped me bridge mindset with action. His teachings on paradigms, self-image, and subconscious programming helped me understand the invisible forces that either move us forward or hold us back. He emphasized the power of repetition, visualization, and environment—and that aligned so beautifully with my own training in behavioral psychology.

Together, these thought leaders helped me build a business model that is deeply human, highly intentional, and unapologetically transformational. I’ve learned that success isn’t just strategy—it’s identity, mindset, and service. That’s what I help my clients uncover: how to step into the version of themselves who’s already living the life they desire, and then build the systems and strategies to support it.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on a few key pillars: integrity, real results, and a people-first approach. Coming from the mental health world, I learned early on that trust is earned through consistency and care—not just credentials. I carried that mindset into my work with entrepreneurs and leaders. I don’t just offer strategies—I listen, I customize, and I make people feel seen and empowered.

One thing clients often say is that I help bring clarity to chaos. Whether someone is pivoting in their business, launching something new, or trying to scale with purpose, I have a gift for helping them see the big picture and take aligned action. I’m not just focused on short-term wins—I care about sustainability, well-being, and building something that lasts.

Word of mouth has also played a huge role. I’ve been fortunate that many of my clients become raving fans and refer others because they experienced transformation, not just transactions. And I always show up with the same energy whether I’m coaching a one-on-one client, speaking at an event, or leading a workshop: grounded, passionate, and committed to their success.

Ultimately, I think what’s helped me stand out is the combination of heart and strategy. I’m not afraid to talk about mindset, healing, or purpose alongside marketing and monetization. That blend seems to resonate—and in a world full of surface-level business advice, people are hungry for something real.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mistykerrigan33/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mistyk33
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyk33/
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/made2nspire/id1533024529