We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Niro Feliciano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Niro, appreciate you joining 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?

I have taken big career risks in my life that have been spiritually led. The first was was at 27 leaving medical school- a goal I had worked towards for a decade. I was not sure what life would look like after that, but it was a decision based on what I was feeling spiritually and intuitively and one that seemed like the right one for my husband, I, and our future family. Coming from 2 physician parents, it was not an easy one and everyone around me discouraged me from making it. But something within me knew it was the right one. The second time it was when I had a thriving, flourishing, lucrative practice. I had a sense that I needed to do much less to make room for new things. It was not the right time in terms of our finances because my husband had just left a very secure situation to work for himself, but he has also learned to trust my spiritual sense. It was at that time when opportunities like publishing my first book and TV found me. I never looked for those opportunities, but I prepared on some level- like working on a book proposal- and made room for them in my life.

I think it’s so important to be still and listen to that voice inside of all of us. Intuition is powerful and we find a lot of wisdom and guidence in that place. For me, my faith has illuminated and confirmed all these risks and choices that everyone else didn’t understand at the time… but now they do.

Niro, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I knew in medical school that I liked talking to patients and hearing their stories. I didn’t think about a career that was soley focused on that until I changed careers, but it seemed like a good fit. Like many therapists, I have always been that person even in the 6th grade that people opened up to. I always knew everyone’s problems and still do!

I started a private practice 20 years go and specialized in anxiety, but now only do consulting and short term coaching in relationships and parenting. A big part of my focus now is corporate wellness events and workshops and keynotes for events and fundraising galas especially for non-profits. I love to show people the link between wellness and improving life for others through giving of time and resources.

I am told whether it’s on TV or speaking to 600 people that I have a unique ability to connect with people and make them feel. Whether I am speaking to one person or millions, it doesn’t matter to me. If someone walks away learning something new about themselves and feeling a little more hopeful- it’s just as fulfilling and meaningful to me.

I am most proud of the fact that I have been able to raise a healthy, connected family with my 4 kids alongside of my husband who has a busy career as surgeon while continuing to develop my carreer. It hasn’t been easy and I have had to pull back at different times. Certainly it takes a village and I am grateful for mine. But it has happened because 1) I pray a lot, and 2) I always go back to my priorities and make sure my decisions are aligned with them. This means saying no to things that look good but don’t align. It has worked in my favor and now kids have learned how to keep what’s most important most important.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Don’t treat any opportunity or any person as too small or insignificant. I do believe how we honor opportunity no matter how small-will pave the way for other things to open up and a life of meaning. When I started my podcast and no one knew me, I had someone who thought she was important say to me- “how many listeners or followers do you have?” and then say “I can’t do your podcast because I really have to guard my time and energy.” She essentially said- you aren’t big enough for me. At the same time, I had a NYTimes Bestselling author far more well known say to me- I love what you are about and I’ll do it! It was even before I had one episode drop. That situation spoke to me. I decided I never wanted to be an opportunity chaser. I want to do things that are meaningful with people who are passionate about their purpose. They could have 100 followers or a million- I don’t ask and don’t care. Align yourselves with those kinds of people. And don’t measure your success in numbers, measure it in impact.

Changing one life, transforming one household or family, making a difference for a few has far greater impact than getting thousands of likes on a post. Trust me on that.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Working while having 4 kids is a test in resilience every day. You have to give yourself a lot of grace and not compare yourself to women with careers and no kids, or fewer kids or a stay at home partner. I know they all have their challenges as well and I am not saying one is easier than the other- but the reality is if you have a family (and don’t have excessive help) you will have less time to devote to your career by virtue of family responsibilities.

One of my kids who was 9 at the time was really struggling with a phobia and had a hard time going to school. I was writing my second book and doing the TODAY show fairly regularly. I remember her calling me moments before I had to be on TV crying because she was afraid. I spoke with her, calmed her down and then had to give a message on Choosing Joy. I say this because working moms are pretty incredible- I know we have all had our moments like this. And it’s so important to recognize who we are and what we do on a daily basis and not compare to who we are not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nirofeliciano.com
• Instagram: niro_feliciano
• Linkedin: niro feliciano

Image Credits

Rachel Henderson, 47 moments photography.

Here is a link to my presskit with bio and photos. You can choose what you would like:
https://www.nirofeliciano.com/press-kit