We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Porter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
Absolutely! Over a time of approximately 15 years, I had the opportunity to home educate my children. Towards the end of teaching my children, I had the opportunity to lead and co-lead men and women in their mental health and spiritual growth. These experiences left me with a heart brimming with fulfillment. With the passion for others, I decided to pursue my degree in Clinical Psychology, in which I completed 3 years of my studies. However, after 20 years of marriage, I found myself desperately needing encouragement with my life goals. Consequently, I temporarily paused my psychology studies.
In the aftermath of my divorce, I struggled with circumstances beyond my control for nearly two years. This challenging period left me feeling more undervalued, unworthy, and void of purpose. Despite having sought therapy throughout my unhealthy marriage, I once again found myself in the therapist’s chair. One afternoon as my children were at a birthday party, I stepped outside to sit in my white avalanche, experiencing a profound shift in my perspective. It became clear that what I truly needed was not therapy, but a life coach—one who could encourage me forward despite the adversities I faced. While recognizing the value of therapy in various life seasons, I yearned to embrace the present and look to the possibilites of the future. This realization redirected my career aspirations towards pursuing certification in Life Coaching to walk alongside others who want to elevate their life no matter the setbacks. The wisdom gained from this transformative period is know who who you are, know what you want, and press forward with your goals no matter what.
Rachel , 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?
As a Transformational Life Coach and Motivational Speaker specializing in empowering women, my journey has been shaped by a commitment to assisting others on their life paths. My childhood was far from a happy and healthy home. I was growing up in a challenging environment with an alcoholic stepfather and an unhappy mother working night shifts. Despite this, the support of my sweet friends and their parents welcoming me into their homes provided nourishment. My high school involvement in JROTC, flag corps, and cheerleading reflects my personality, grounded in principles of discipline, accountability, grace, and spirit. However, shining my authentic light was sometimes met with bitterness from my mother and ex-husband, impacting my self-worth and confidence. The aftermath of my divorce brought clarity—my self-identity crisis had roots in my early life, continuing into adulthood. Yet, my resilience always showed through my smile, rooted in my belief in the best in people and an understanding of their struggles. All individuals should know that they have purpose and worth. I want them to be resilient and unleash their full potential to live an abundant life and positively impact those around them!
In launching my coaching business, I initially served a diverse clientele but shifted my focus exclusively to women. This decision stems from my commitment to delivering targeted and relevant knowledge. Drawing from my experiences as a mother of seven, two decades of marriage, navigating an abusive home, and overcoming anxiety and depression, I offer individualized and group coaching tailored to women’s unique needs. My rejection of one-size-fits-all approaches sets me apart, opting for personalized coaching with in-between calls and texts, forging a deeper connection with my clients.
Proudly, I overcame naysayers, fear of failure, and the risks associated with establishing my business. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I conquered my fear of public speaking by hosting my first all-women coaching event. The experience was exhilarating, allowing me to inspire women to discover their true selves, face fears, and pursue their goals. Serving as both cheerleader and accountability partner, I approach each client’s journey empathetically, embracing their struggles and guiding them gracefully. If there’s one message every woman should know, it’s this: You are uniquely designed and worthy for you are breathing—inhaling and exhaling, heart-beating, blood pumping, human being. Your uniqueness is like a precious jewel that is beautifully, intricately designed. Your uniqueness and potential often emerge through the journey of trials and tribulations. Much like gemstones are primarily formed under immense heat and pressure, we also undergo similar transformative processes. You were born at such a time in history for a particular reason, and every path you land on has a purpose. It takes courage to be true to who you are. Listen to me carefully and intently, and believe that you are so VALUABLE!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Embracing authenticity and genuine connection has proven successful for the growth of my clients. In moments of insecurity, low self-esteem, or fear of failure, individuals often wear masks to seek acceptance and validation. However, wearing masks hides our true selves and distorts the essence of our brand, creating a misalignment with our core representations. My approach revolves around removing these masks and presenting an authentic representation of myself. When connecting with others, I prioritize expressing my true self without reservation. This commitment to authenticity is a personal belief and a powerful strategy for cultivating meaningful relationships and expanding my clientele. The key lies in transparently showing who I am and what I genuinely stand for, allowing others to connect with the humanity behind my profession.
Moreover, the authenticity extends to my networking efforts, social media engagement, and interactions with others. I approach these avenues sincerely, ensuring that every connection is made from a genuine place. It’s not just about self-promotion; it’s about creating a network built on mutual support and genuine interest in the success of others. People can discern authenticity by genuinely supporting others. I cultivate an environment where collaboration thrives and success is a collective effort. In essence, being authentic isn’t just a personal value; it’s a strategic choice that has significantly contributed to the growth of my clientele.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The transition through my divorce marked one of the most challenging yet liberating phases of my life. Despite divorces often being complex, I was unprepared for the intensity of my ex-husband’s actions. It was so intense I experienced high anxiety due to his behavior. Along with transitioning from being a stay-at-home mama to a home educator and becoming a single mother, I became the sole provider for my children, a role that presented many challenges. While friends and family provided invaluable support during this difficult period, I had to navigate the obstacles. Securing a place to rent proved challenging due to my limited income and, in turn, the purchase of my first home! Despite the setbacks, I still reside in my beautiful home! Juggling financial responsibilities, such as paying my babysitter, which felt like all my monetary means, I shifted jobs and an employer hired me for an overnight schedule to ensure I was available during the day for my children, especially when they were unwell.
At one point, I was entangled with the wrong crowd, a brief escape from reality while fiercely fighting to create a safe and happy home for my kids. Choosing to distance myself from that circle, I continued the fight with strength and confidence. Through this journey, I discovered that facing life’s storms reveals one’s strength, creativity, and an undeniable spark within ourselves if we embrace the storms.
A pivotal moment occurred one evening after work, where, pulling up all my strength, I walked upstairs to shower. As the hot water flowed, I sat in the bathtub, hoping to wash away the burdens of exhaustion. In that vulnerable moment, I realized there was more within me. Standing up, I said, “You’ve got this, Rachel. Look how far you have come. Get out of the shower and write down what you will do next.” This became another turning point during this time, and I still, to this day, consistently document my goals, refining and improving them. Resilience begins with self-confidence and the conviction that one can overcome. It involves planning, preparation, and relentless execution.
Contact Info:
- Website: rachelmarieporter.com
- Instagram: therachelmarieporter
- Facebook: The Rachel Marie Porter
Image Credits
Darren Maslach