Rebecca Ann Cafiero is a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author, and devoted advocate for living with purpose and authenticity. Raised on a farm in Oregon, she embraced the values of hard work, resilience, and self-reliance early in life. This determination carried her through college and led her into varied career paths, from journalism to achieving significant success in real estate. However, a pivotal turning point occurred when she hired her first life coach at the age of 25, igniting a deep passion for personal growth and inspiring a shift into the world of coaching and personal development.
Rebecca’s journey has been shaped by overcoming profound challenges, including the devastating loss of a loved one and navigating the financial crash of 2008. These experiences instilled in her a renewed commitment to living intentionally, aligning her life and career with her highest values, and empowering others to do the same. Today, she is the author of seven bestselling books, with an upcoming release focused on building purpose-driven businesses rooted in genuine human connection.
Rebecca leads The Inner Circle mastermind, a transformative program where she seamlessly blends strategy with spirituality, guiding women to elevate their brands and expand their visibility. Known for her immersive retreats and coaching that fosters deep, meaningful growth, she has cultivated a vibrant community centered on connection and empowerment. Splitting her time between her custom-designed home in Palo Alto and her peaceful retreat in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Rebecca is committed to showing others how to create a life and business that resonate deeply with their true selves. Her mission is to inspire others to pursue not just big dreams but a life that authentically reflects their values and passions.
Tell us about yourself, especially the parts that are not so known from your online presence.
I’m driven by passion in every aspect of my life, and that passion is reflected in the diverse group of clients and friends I have. Whether it’s the business world or personal connections, I’m most energized when I’m surrounded by mission-driven, multidimensional people who are fueled by what they love. That’s what lights me up. Underneath the surface of my work and the many hats I wear, I’m still the farm girl who grew up in Oregon. I was raised on a farm, which taught me resilience and the value of hard work. I put myself through college, working multiple jobs, including bartending, and even then, I always gravitated toward storytelling and communication. I was involved in my middle school and high school yearbooks, and eventually, I earned a degree in journalism. That love for words never faded. Today, I’m a bestselling author with seven books and my second solo project coming out soon. The upcoming book is all about building businesses that are human-centered, exploring the SHE-E-O journey and showing how we can infuse humanity, empathy, and authenticity into business.
What brought you into the industry?
I’ve always had a strong interest in personal growth and business, perhaps influenced by watching my parents navigate entrepreneurship. My stepdad was a water well driller, and my dad was a commercial fisherman, so I grew up understanding the harsh realities of blue-collar work, where success often depended on unpredictable forces like weather and regulations. Because of that, I wanted nothing to do with entrepreneurship. I craved stability, which initially led me to real estate at 22, where I excelled and was making nearly half a million dollars a year by 24. But everything changed when I hired my first life coach at 25, long before life coaching became mainstream. The idea that I could design my life was life-altering and opened my eyes to new possibilities for both personal growth and business.
My path took another transformative turn after facing profound loss. My boyfriend passed away from cancer, and around the same time, I lost everything in the 2008 financial crash. The experience left me realizing that material wealth and accolades meant nothing compared to time, experiences, and relationships. It forced me to reflect deeply on what I was creating and whether it truly aligned with my values. While this kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight, it ultimately led me to rebuild my life and career with intentionality, focusing on purpose-driven work that brings me—and those I serve—true fulfillment.
You moved from Palo Alto to Carmel-by-the-Sea. What has changed since you’ve taken on this new chapter?
The move from Palo Alto to Carmel-by-the-Sea has been one of the most significant shifts in my life. Palo Alto represented ambition and opportunity but also a relentless energy that began to feel out of sync with my soul. Carmel, by contrast, is a haven of natural beauty, serenity, and history. It’s a tiny European-style village where the houses have names instead of addresses. I can hear the ocean at night and am surrounded by ancient trees and sacred land. This environment allows me to breathe deeply, to pause, and to show up as my best self—not just as a mom or a wife but as a founder and coach.
The space and energy here enable me to regulate my nervous system, something I’ve learned is essential for anyone who wants to truly live in alignment. I know not everyone can move to their dream location, but everyone can create spaces and moments that nurture their spirit. Here, I’ve found more time for myself and my family. The slower pace has allowed me to connect with my creativity, gain clarity in my business, and truly embody the values I preach.
What pivotal moments have been catalysts in your growth?
There have been so many moments that have shaped my journey, but one of the most recent and transformative was this past February. I had just hit my highest income year, but I found myself feeling drained, disconnected, and creating from a place of ego rather than true alignment. It was a wake-up call. I realized that even though I had built a successful business, not everything I was doing was serving my mission anymore.
This realization pushed me to let go of offers and projects that no longer resonated with me, even if they were “successful.” For example, I had a PR agency with several employees, but I created it because people told me I should, not because it truly aligned with my vision. Letting go of something that wasn’t broken but wasn’t lighting me up anymore was liberating and opened space for deeper alignment and impact.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self is to learn discernment early on. Ask yourself if you’re truly being called toward something or if you’re running away from something else. So many of the decisions we make—whether in business, relationships, or life—stem from wanting to escape discomfort or chase excitement without pausing to consider if it’s truly aligned with who we are.
I would also tell myself to be wary of getting swept up in other people’s certainty or excitement. It’s easy to follow someone else’s idea of success, especially when they’re further ahead or seem to have it all figured out. But true alignment comes from within. Listen to your own answers, not just outside advice. Trust your unique journey.
“I release that which doesn’t bring me peace.” It’s a constant reminder to stay true to myself, to honor my boundaries, and to keep moving forward with love and purpose.”
How has marriage and motherhood shifted you?
Marriage and motherhood have brought out the best in me while challenging me to grow in ways I never imagined. My husband is my soulmate, and we’ve been together for over 13 years. Our relationship has required continuous growth, communication, and self-work. We push each other to be better, and that’s not always easy. We come from different backgrounds—mine was more blue-collar, and his was more privileged. But we’ve built a partnership rooted in mutual respect, growth, and love.
Motherhood shifted everything for me. I’m a better leader, coach, and human because of it. It made me more empathetic, more aware of my energy, and more committed to showing up as the best version of myself for my children, my clients, and the world.
Tell us about your current offerings.
I lead a mastermind called The Inner Circle, where strategy meets spirituality. It’s a transformative experience that focuses on elevating visibility and impact for women founders. Every participant becomes a bestselling author, receives brand redesigns, brand photos, brand videos, and the opportunity to speak on stage. We prioritize deep connection, collaboration, and lasting transformation. One of my clients went from $1.3 million to $3 million in a year with this approach.
I also host experiential retreats known as SHE-E-O Slumber Parties. These retreats blend personal growth and collaboration, creating a magical space where women come together to heal, connect, and thrive. Additionally, I offer high-level one-on-one coaching for seven-figure founders or those on the brink of it, providing close mentorship and deep transformation.
My next book is launching the same date as this issue on 11.11.
What are you calling in?
I’m calling in continued healing for myself and my family. This journey has been deeply personal and transformative, and I’m ready to enjoy the rewards of the work I’ve done. I’m also calling for greater visibility, not just to grow my business but to share what’s possible when we live in alignment, with love, and with authenticity.
“I honor my boundaries and recognize that their behavior is a reflection of their own inner struggles, not a reflection of my worth or the value I bring. I release the need for their validation and focus on maintaining the integrity and positivity of the community I’ve created. I allow myself to hold space for compassion while also standing firm in what I deserve in professional relationships. Their journey is theirs to navigate, and I continue to move forward with grace, authenticity, and the support of those who truly align with my values.”
Photo Credits – Lisa Whalen Photography
