Dr. Shellie Hipsky is an influential leader with a can-do mindset. She holds many positions such as a mentor, coach, author, business leader, and CEO! Shellie is the CEO of Inspiring Lives International, a motivational media firm that empowers and encourages women all over the world through positive coaching, courses, and media platforms. Shellie is known as the “Global Empowerment Coach”. Dr. Hipsky began her career as a tenured university professor teaching undergraduate and Ph. D. students in education and leadership. While being an amazing teacher, she was also the host of the television show Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie, a worldwide best-selling book, a keynote speaker, and the host of Empowering Women Radio. With all these things lining up, her media reach began spreading farther than she could imagine. She lives to inspire, she is a kind, empathetic individual that has committed her life to meeting the needs of people both inside and outside of her CEO role. Her work as the Executive Director of the non-profit Global Sisterhood showcases how Dr. Hipsky has used her network to assist women in need.
Dr. Hipsky conquers challenges in her professional and personal life by finding the necessary tools and making calculated and intentional steps towards success. Dr. Shellie Hipsky states that women’s leadership in the workplace needs to become more widespread and that equal pay should have been a given years ago. She believes that establishments need to continue to educate employees about bias and those companies must create flexible work environments, such as remote settings. She goes on to say that mentorship and role modeling by strong, empowered women in the workplace may contribute to good progress in terms of gender issues. When Dr. Shellie is not fighting for women empowerment, she is enjoying performing in musical theater productions, singing, exercising, kickboxing, and hanging out with her kids! Dr. Shellie is someone we all inspire to be!
IPM: Can you share with us about you and what inspired your career choice?
DR. SHELLIE: I am a dedicated mother to my two beautiful children and I am very passionate about inspiring and empowering the women of the world. I was a teacher of special needs children who then went on to be an assistant principal, and then a tenured professor for a decade. My heart was called to not just teach within the four walls of the classroom, but rather to make the world my classroom. I adore educating and entertaining from the stage for audiences in places such as Mexico and the University of Oxford in England and here in the states including Harvard University and Passions to Profits in Hollywood. Wherever there is a stage and an audience to connect with through word or song … I love to express myself and to use my voice for the voiceless and to raise up other women.
IPM: As a Global Empowerment coach, CEO of Inspiring Lives, Executive Director of Global Sisterhood, Editor in Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine, author, keynote speaker, and soon a partner of CEO Mom Global, what inspired you to get started in women empowerment and helping other entrepreneurs?
DR. SHELLIE: It all started with the story of one woman, which opened my mind up to the profound and impactful inspirational stories that need to be told to the world. Since then, I have had the opportunity to collect the stories of over a thousand women in print, on stage, and on camera. By spotlighting their amazing stories and coaching them towards their best lives and careers, I have had the opportunity to not only lift them up but to be a catalyst for change and transformation in communities internationally. By working with and connecting women leaders and entrepreneurs, I am able to do my part to help the greater good.
IPM: Can you share with us what you do as a Global Empowerment Coach?
DR. SHELLIE: I adore being a Global Empowerment Coach because I have witnessed the power of providing resources, networking, and my curriculum to help women leaders rise up and find inspiration, empowerment, balance, and abundance. I have three levels of coaching that I do:
1) Expert Level (which is a video series) on how to be seen as the expert in your field through social media, marketing, authoring a bestselling book, and branding;
2) EmpowerU Master Class (which is an my seven-week proven curriculum) which is run in a cohort of powerful women leaders and includes the Empowerment Journal, 1:1 Onboarding as we activate your Action Plan, and weekly classes both in video and in Zoom with the whole group;
3) World Class VIP Experience (which is an incredible get-away for a one-on-one private coaching experience) that is completely tailored for the professional woman who is ready to level up even higher. This is often at a resort with a spa and it is a fantastic way to make your dreams happen while engaging in the self-care that you deserve.
IPM: Can you give us a sneak peek at your next new goal?
DR. SHELLIE: Here is the scoop on my next big creative project… This past year, I released my vocal single from the hit Broadway show Chicago “And All That Jazz”. Many internationally downloaded it from iTunes and Spotify and there was quite a buzz about the song. I am now working with fabulous Hollywood music producer and vocalist Romina Arena to craft incredible original songs and a dynamic cover song. The music will be tailored for my voice and deep alto vocal style. I can’t wait to present the new songs to audiences and through a variety of media!
IPM: What is Global Sisterhood?
DR. SHELLIE: It is a Global Sisterhood 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization which helps women and children throughout the world. As the Executive Director, I lead the Executive Board of Directors in initiatives to supports women in need throughout #PopUpGiving program wherein women and organizations come to the Global Sisterhood for help. Through Charity Partnerships, the Global Sisterhood supports a wide variety of important nonprofits with missions that help women in the areas of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, single mothers, disabilities such as autism, illiteracy, and much more. A few of the vital initiatives that have been guided and helped garner funds are all led by women leaders who received international scholarships for our signature EmpowerU Master Class. Some of these initiatives and movements in countries around the world include but are not limited to:
· Nepal: Dr. Meena has helped teach over 80,000 women and children how to read and write; plus, the town has clean water from a well that was needed so that the women no longer have to walk hours daily for water.
· Pakistan: Sister Zeph transformed her school for children into a brick and mortar learning environment from dirt floors in a courtyard and the school serves the academic, social, entrepreneurial, and health-related goals of the students.
· South Africa: Haseena and Shameena have been supported in her Empowerment Circles for teenaged girls and connections with other leaders internationally; also, the leadership school was created to help the young women rise up with the support of their mentors.
· Africa: Kemi has been leading our entrepreneurial college to women to thrive with their own successful businesses.
– Afghanistan: Sadiqa is the leader of a university who is working to educate over a thousand women who are no longer able to attend college due to new gender laws and we are working with her to help support her creating the Infrastructure for her online university.
In the states, multiple projects have occurred that have transformed the lives of the women in the U.S. that have been supported through the Global Sisterhood. Learn more at: www.GlobalSisterhoodOnline.org
IPM: Can you share with us a day in your life as the Executive Director of the non-profit organization Global Sisterhood and the Editor in Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine?
SHELLIE: It really depends on the day. I am often fielding requests for #PopUpGiving. Or supporting our Charity Partnerships that are in need. At times, my Executive Board is planning a big fundraiser such as the Global Gala and Mastermind. Monthly, we publish Inspiring Lives Magazine which is now a digital publication supported by the Global Sisterhood that spotlights empowering women through powerful articles on topics that touch a woman’s heart ranging from Food and Travel to inspirational stories of hope. Get your free copy of this award winning magazine at: www.InspiringLIvesMagazine.com
IPM: What inspired you to become a Keynote speaker? Was it someone you met, or a message you desperately wanted to share?
SHELLIE: I have been speaking on stages around the world for the last two decades because I have a mission and a drive to inspire and empower. I love to entertain and engage the audience in my talks. I am always thrilled when women come up to me afterwards with their stories, a big hug, and a thank you. After all, as I have had as my tagline for years, “Inspiration is just a story away!”
IPM: Can you share with us what you do and talk about as a Keynote speaker?
SHELLIE: I like to find out who my audience will be and what they are seeking from the talk and tailor my keynote to meet those needs. I often act out stories, interview experts from the stage, and I have sung on many stages as well. I called upon to discuss from the stage: women empowerment, entrepreneurship, building your dream business and brand, and more. I like to tell stories that connect with the audience’s hearts and minds.
IPM: As we noticed that your 13th award winning international bestselling book is tiled, “Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants: Entrepreneurial Secrets for Creating Your Dream Business and Brand”, how did you get started with the idea of the book?
SHELLIE: When I transitioned from power suits in the university classroom to my nonprofit and entrepreneurial life, my daughter noticed. She said that I now wear ball gowns for charity events and I run around with my kids in tow in yoga pants making deals on my phone. Hence, that was the obvious title for my book for entrepreneurs to create their own dream businesses and brands! And I have a new book coming out on Amazon Prime…Speak Up! Dr. Shellie Hipsky: Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants (Based on my award-winning best selling 13th book of the same name) “Inspiration is just a story away!”
IPM: As an author of 13 books, what was your favorite book you wrote, and why?
SHELLIE: Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants: Entrepreneurial Secrets for Creating Your Dream Business and Brand is a book that is transforming lives and businesses. However, the Common Threads trilogy on Inspiration, Empowerment, and Balance is definitely near and dear to my heart. The three books were based on interviews with 100 of the most inspirational women who I interviewed on my Empowering Women Radio show. They all became dear friends and many are founding members of the Global Sisterhood!
IPM: As a Global Empowerment Coach, can you share with us a little piece of advice you give to some of your clients that you feel best helps them?
DR. SHELLIE:You must be able to visualize – and then take positive action-steps toward that which will bring you the most joy – so that you can manifest your dreams.
IPM: Can you give us a little glimpse into your new partnership with CEO Mom Global with Dr. Hoa Nguyen?
SHELLIE: I am in the process of creating CEO Mom Global with Dr. Hoa Nguyen which is a movement for mothers who lead both their homes and businesses. As Mom-preneurs, we face unique challenges and desire a community and the resources to help support our ventures as the “Chief Everything Officers” in our lives!
Dr. Hoa and I met when we were both speaking on the stage in Vegas. She approached me after I spoke and we instantly knew that we would work together on a big project one day. We recently went to Nemacolin Resort and Spa with a camera crew and photographer. Poolside, we plotted out the entire curriculum for CEO Mom Global and then we got to work filming and creating a very powerful curriculum and resources for mothers who lead that should be available in the fall.
I am very excited to work with Dr. Hoa because of her background as an eye doctor, business woman, top real estate investor, and amazing mother! Watch my social media for more information as it becomes available!
IPM: Being an entrepreneur in your field, how are you able to manage to be a Global Empowerment Coach, CEO of Inspiring Lives International, Executive Director of a non-profit organization Global Sisterhood, Editor in Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine, author of 13 books, Keynote speaker, and partner with Dr. Hoa Nguyen on CEO Mom Global with your family and life?
SHELLIE: I am extremely passionate about all of my pursuits. I am blessed that I discovered ways that I can monetize what I love to do and serve the needs of my amazing clients while taking care of my family at the same time. I have a great team and I recognize the need for self-care plus delegation so that I don’t burn out with all that I do daily.
IPM: What obstacles have you faced in pursuit of being an entrepreneur, coach, Executive Director, Editor in Chief, Keynote Speaker, bestselling author, and being a mom? How do you manage it all? What keeps you motivated with all you do?
SHELLIE: I have experienced many obstacles from trusting the wrong people to having to pivot during Covid times. However, I manage it all (even as a single mom to two teenagers) by truly loving what I do. I know my kids are watching me. They pick up on my work ethic, my love for helping others, and that I make quality time for them and their needs. I saw my own parents demonstrate love in combination with working hard, first hand and it definitely affected the way that I run my home and business.
IPM: Do you have an important message you would like to share with our readers?
SHELLIE: Know your worth. Never settle for less than you deserve. Dream big… and then take it up a notch! And always keep #FamilyFirst!
IPM: What’s the best piece of advice you have received that you would like to share with others?
SHELLIE: Seek out a great mentor or coach who walked the path you want to walk one day and learn all that you can from them.
IPM: What is something being a mom taught you, and how do you carry that knowledge throughout your everyday life?
SHELLIE: Being a mom confirmed for me that everyone learns and loves in their own unique way. We must have patience and meet people where they are with their emotions, dreams, and lives. Dr. Jeanine Blackburn and I received a US Patent for Differentiated Design for adult learners based on similar practices for children in the classroom. I knew how this worked in practice with teaching and coaching. However, it’s different when you raise your own children and have the joy of watching them grow and explore the world in their own ways. It’s a blessing that I get to work with so many different types of women and children internationally. Daily, as a mom-preneur, I get to watch my own children blossom into their best selves as well. I am eternally grateful for being able to be a CEO Mom!
Dr. Shellie Hipsky is a CEO, Executive Director, Author, and Global Empowerment Coach, CEO of Inspiring Lives International, the Executive Director of the Global Sisterhood (which helps women and children around the world), and the editor-in-chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine.
In 2022, she has been heralded as: an “Empowered Woman”, “Elite Business Leaders to Watch”, “Most Influential Female Entrepreneurship Coach”, “A Top Entrepreneur in the US”, “Women Leaders to Look Up To”, “Top 10 Unstoppable Women Entrepreneurs”, “ “Top 20 Business Coaches to Watch For”, “The 10 Most Influential Women Business Leaders”, and “Global Woman Influencer”.
The former tenured university doctoral professor, host of Empowering Women Radio and Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie on NBC has keynoted internationally from Passion to Profits in Hollywood to The University of Oxford in England. She has been featured on over 45 magazine covers and on all the major television networks. She frequently writes for Forbes and serves on their Expert Panel of coaches.
An award-winning author, she wrote Common Threads on Inspiration, Empowerment, and Balance. Her 13th book Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants: Entrepreneurial Secrets to Create Your Dream Business and Brand is an international bestseller.
With her Global Sisterhood 501(c)(3) she collaborates with Charity Partnerships and acts of #PopUpGiving to help women around the world challenged with domestic violence to homelessness. Dr. Shellie is the Global Empowerment Coach who is inspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders internationally.
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