Alessia Citro is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker, and bestselling author of Higher Self Habits: The Scientific, Strategic, and Spiritual Framework to Get Out of Your Own Way—For Good, a book that invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and emphasizes a holistic approach to habits aligned with women’s natural rhythms. A former corporate powerhouse, Alessia left behind a thriving career at tech giants Google and Salesforce after a life-changing encounter on a flight from Maui. This pivotal moment led her to become a certified life coach and a passionate advocate for living authentically and finding fulfillment through full expression.
Today, Alessia is a serial entrepreneur and real estate investor who has completely transformed her life by stepping away from a seven-figure wine business—and alcohol itself. She developed the Higher Self Habits Method™, a customizable framework that helped her achieve sobriety and change her life for the better. In her bestselling book, she outlines this powerful method, combining behavioral science, strategy, and spiritual wisdom to show that our daily habits are the keystones of our destiny.
Through her coaching programs and top-ranking podcast INHABIT with Alessia Citro, she empowers high-achieving women to align their inner and outer success. Residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband, daughter, and rescue pup, Alessia exemplifies the transformative power of following one’s heart and intuition. She blends her expertise in marketing, personal development, and business strategy to inspire others to lead more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Alessia, before we jump into your success journey, I want to tell our audience a bit more about the parts of you that people would not know so well from just your online presence.
I’m an open book, but I don’t often share my love for creative outlets because, well, I’m not exactly a master at them. I’m on a journey of recovering from perfectionism and embracing things purely for joy. One of my favorite hobbies is making jewelry—specifically, hand-knotted gemstone necklaces.
My daughter and I have matching sets that I’ve made for us, and it’s something we cherish doing together. I also enjoy watercolor painting, despite not being great at it. My daughter, Mila, who’s five and a half, has really helped me reconnect with this creative side of myself. Her vibrant creativity inspires me every day!
Children have a way of reconnecting us to our own sense of play and curiosity. Has your journey into personal development been a lifelong pursuit, or did a specific experience spark this transformation?
The turning point for me came after spending all of my 20s and the first half of my 30s grinding in corporate America. I felt like I was stuck in a “Groundhog Day” loop, just going through the motions. The moment that set me on this new path was hearing Jen Sincero on a podcast around the time *You Are a Badass* was released. Her message reminded me that I was so much more than just a corporate success story. That realization sparked my journey into personal development and adopting a growth mindset.
You mentioned perfectionism, which is something many women, especially entrepreneurs, struggle with. What strategies have helped you overcome and transform this mindset?
One of the most transformative insights I’ve had, which I also discuss in my book, is understanding the root cause of perfectionism. It stems from our primal need for acceptance and survival, as if we’re still living in caves hundreds of thousands od years ago, trying to stay within the safety of the tribe. Perfectionism is a distorted way of seeking that acceptance, driven by fear of rejection. Realizing this has helped me release the pressure to be perfect and embrace my authentic self instead.
Once you reached that point, how did you start moving past perfectionism? For women in business who are struggling with this, what advice would you give them?
I don’t think we ever fully get over perfectionism, but we can learn to manage it and keep moving forward. It’s about focusing on being rather than doing. Ask yourself, “Who do I truly want to be? Why am I here?” When we align our actions with our authentic selves, we shift from striving for perfection to enjoying the journey. This mindset allows us to embrace the process and celebrate progress, rather than stressing over getting everything right.
What has been the most significant shift in your growth mindset since you began this journey?
I’d have to say the biggest realization has been understanding that there is no finish line. Until the very end of our lives, we are always evolving, always ascending. This process is ongoing, and while it might sound daunting, it’s incredibly liberating because it means we’re playing an infinite game. When I shifted my mindset from aiming for a specific destination to embracing life as a continuous adventure, it took away the pressure and made everything feel a lot more enjoyable and fulfilling.
For women interested in joining your programs, could you share more about your current offerings, enrollment periods, and any upcoming launches? What can they expect from your spaces, and how can they get involved?
My book Higher Self Habits: The Scientific, Strategic, and Spiritual Framework to Get Out of Your Own Way—For Good is now available in both print and audio version. It became a top new release and #1 in all its Amazon categories. It offers a scientific, strategic, and spiritual framework to help you get out of your own way for good.
You can also join my 90-day group coaching program, the Ascension Accelerator, for a kickstart to total transformation. For those looking for a deeper experience, I will be offering a year-long program called the Identity Incubator, launching in January. It’s designed for those serious about embodying their Higher Self achieving balance, and elevating every aspect of their lives.
Could you share more about your manifestation process, if that’s something you practice? What are you currently focusing on attracting into your life?
“I’ve manifested everything in my life, from my amazing daughter to my incredible husband, my home, and even the car I drive.”
I’m a firm believer in manifestation. My process involves setting a clear intention for what I want—or something even better—then having unwavering faith that it’s on its way. I fully immerse myself in the belief that it’s already happening, acting as if it’s already part of my reality and importantly, I take aligned, consistent action to bring it forth. This mindset is key to bringing my desires into existence.
Are there any specific goals or manifestations you’re currently working towards that you’d like to share? What are the big dreams you’re focusing on now, and what do you envision looking back on and saying, “Wow, I made that happen”?
We’re recording this before my book has launched, but I’m declaring now that it will be a bestseller! Whether it’s an Amazon bestseller or even the New York Times list, I’m putting it out there.
Editor’s Note : We’re thrilled to announce that Alessia has already made this come true before we even went to print!
I’m declaring now that I will write another bestseller by the end of 2025. I also see clearly that my speaking career and corporate programs will be impactful and sought after all around the world.
Another big goal I’m manifesting is scaling my business to seven figures within the next 18 months. I’m confident it’s going to happen, and I’m excited to see it all unfold!
With everything you’re working on, including balancing your goals and having a daughter at home, how do you maintain harmony and stay grounded? What rituals or practices do you use to cultivate an abundance mindset and bring yourself back to center?
My most important daily ritual is practicing gratitude, no matter what’s happening. I express gratitude for the little things, the big things, and even for the challenges. Whether it’s hitting traffic or dealing with a difficult situation, I view it all as an opportunity to be the person I aspire to be. This mindset shift helps me stay grounded and aligned with my highest self.
Do you have any non-negotiable daily habits or rituals that you prioritize no matter what?
One of my non-negotiables is drinking a large glass of water—about 16 ounces—first thing in the morning before doing anything else. Another is reading an inspiring book every night before bed, no matter where I am or what’s going on. My Kindle is a lifesaver for this habit; I think I’m on a 100-week reading streak! It’s something I never skip and helps me end the day on a positive note.
Are there any books you’d recommend or ones you’re currently reading that have had a significant impact on you?
Oh, there are so many, but I’ll highlight two. The first is “Conversations with God”, which profoundly shifted my perspective and helped me reconnect with my spiritual side. The second is “Dark Side of the Light Chasers” by Debbie Ford. This book transformed me into a more patient, loving, and compassionate person, helping me heal and integrate various aspects of myself.
When it comes to calling in specific numbers in business, are you more action-oriented, focusing on doing and executing, or do you prefer stepping back and aligning with the desired frequency? What’s your approach to manifesting financial goals?
I’d say I strike a healthy balance between the two. I need a clear vision first—understanding exactly what I want to achieve. For example, if my goal is to reach a million dollars in revenue in 18 months, I break it down: what do my offers need to be priced at, how many do I need to sell, and what variations are needed? Once I have this mapped out, I take aligned action and then allow things to unfold.
Trust is a huge factor for me; it’s about releasing resistance. I believe the key to manifesting is to set a clear intention, have unwavering faith, and then take action as if you already have what you desire. It’s about embodying the version of yourself that has already achieved it, because in another reality or dimension, you already do. Persistence is what anchors this vision into your current reality, allowing it to manifest in the 3D world.
When it comes to maintaining balance, we know you have your non-negotiables, but I’d love to dive deeper. How do you ensure you’re giving as much energy to your business as you are to your family, friendships, and self-care on a weekly or monthly basis? What strategies do you use to create harmony across all areas of your life?
This is something I’m constantly working on because I truly love what I do. If I worked 100 hours a week, it wouldn’t feel like work to me. But I have to be mindful, husband and I want to be present with our daughter to nurture,, and I need to take care of myself. I set boundaries, like putting my phone away when I pick up my daughter, having a digital sunset before bed, and prioritizing daily physical activity.
Whether it’s a gym session, a dance break, or eating nutritious food, these routines keep me balanced. Some seasons demand more work—like finishing my book—but now that it’s done, I’m focusing more on self-care and reconnecting with friends. I have a “self-care menu” of activities, like FaceTiming friends, gym visits, cold plunges, and relaxing baths, that I incorporate into my schedule whenever possible.
Do you believe in the idea that you can have it all, just not all at once? Do you think certain seasons of life require focused attention in specific areas, or do you try to fit everything in at the same time?
I think it’s more about the former. You can have small pieces of everything, but it’s often more fulfilling to focus on one or two key priorities at a time. Trying to do it all at once can leave you feeling spread thin and unsatisfied. It’s better to invest deeply in what truly nourishes you in the moment.
What are some things that you would want women to retain the most from working with you?
The most important message is that everything you need is already within you. In my book, I use the example of an acorn: it contains the blueprint to become a 100-foot oak tree. As long as it has the right conditions—soil, water, and light—it will grow over time. Similarly, you and I have the potential to reach our fullest selves. The problem is we often think ourselves out of it. If you believe it’s possible and take small, consistent steps, you’ll become the version of yourself you aspire to be.
Now what can people expect from the book?
Reading this book will feel like having coffee with your loving, direct, and funny best friend—the one who knows a lot of random facts but ties them all together in a way that’s both relevant and relatable. By the time you reach the last page, you’ll feel empowered and ready to tackle your habits, realizing that everything is more achievable than you thought.
How do you stay mindful of your emotions and manage them, especially when dealing with challenges like episodic depression? What practices help you maintain a higher vibrational state and support yourself through difficult times?
The only thing I would add is the importance of being conscious of your emotions and intentional about managing them. I openly share that I experience episodic depression and take antidepressants to help keep these episodes at bay. It’s crucial to recognize when you’re in a low place and find ways to support yourself in moving towards higher vibrational states like acceptance, love, and courage. This not only helps elevate you but also positively impacts those around you. Taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and for uplifting others and society as a whole.
Photo Credits – Camryn Clair Photography & Bryanna Casey (in studio)
