Celi Arias is a business coach, strategist, and creator who has spent her life building and scaling businesses. From starting her first venture as a child to becoming a COO of tech startups and a head coach in the industry, her journey has been marked by constant learning, resilience, and transformation. Today, she uses her knowledge to help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and create businesses that reflect who they truly are. Her story is a reminder that empowerment comes not from fitting into a mold, but from embracing one’s unique magic.
What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurial journey?
I wouldn’t say there was one single moment or person. For me, it’s been many micro-moments throughout my life that led me here. I’ve always started businesses, even as a kid. Along the way, I made mistakes, learned from them, got my MBA, and worked for startups and corporates. Eventually, I realized I had a wealth of knowledge that could help others avoid the mistakes I once made.
What challenges did you face while establishing yourself as a business coach?
One of my biggest challenges was stepping out from behind the scenes. I was very good at growing other people’s businesses as a COO and coach, but when I went out on my own, I had to start talking about myself. Getting people to know me, believe in me, and trust my methodology was difficult at first. It was a shift from being the operator behind the curtain to being the face of my own work.
Do you work alone or have a team supporting you?
I keep a very small team because I believe in lean teams and lean businesses.
What are your proudest milestones so far?
Seeing my clients get the results they want is my greatest joy. That’s the ultimate validation—that what I’ve built actually works and helps people. Of course, achieving strong revenue and building my own methodology has been incredible, but nothing compares to the pride of seeing something I created impact others in a meaningful way.
What are your thoughts on women in leadership?
I don’t believe women and men are the same—and that’s the beauty of it. I love that I can bring sass, smarts, compassion, and femininity into leadership. I don’t aspire to lead like a man; I want to lead like myself. True diversity means embracing differences, and I hope my work inspires others to lean into their own unique leadership styles.
What advice would you give to future women leaders and entrepreneurs?
Be yourself. Lean into your magic, your strengths, your superpowers—even if others tell you it’s wrong. And remember: it’s always easier than you think.
What is your idea of success, personally and professionally?
For me, success is building a business that allows me to be who I really am. It’s about true freedom—the ability to do whatever I want, whenever I want. Success isn’t about yachts and cocktails; it’s about knowing you are the creator and boss of your life.
“Lean into your strengths, trust your secret sauce, and remember—it’s always easier than you’re making it.” – Celi Arias
Connect with Celi Arias: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celiarias/
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