Voices of IIN is our content series where we talk with IIN students, graduates, and staff members who make up our diverse, vibrant, and passionate community ‒ from all over the world! IIN’s commitment to improving health and happiness is what brings us all together, and we aim to celebrate this commitment by sharing the unique stories and backgrounds of IIN change makers. Through this series, we hope to continue working toward creating a more inclusive wellness community, where all feel welcome to create a healthier life.

Rebecca Neale is an incredibly passionate business mentor for visionary women and the creative director and founder of Say Hello Social. For the past 12 years, Rebecca has committed her life to supporting female business owners to not only create their own thriving business but also keep their health and wellness in check while doing so. Her mission is to bring to life the visions of her clients through mentoring and educating them.

Rebecca is also a professional speaker, a host, and a guest speaker on many podcasts and a variety of events across Australia over the past 10 years and has been featured in many Australian online and print publications ‒ Oxygen Australia, Clean Eating Australia, and Fitness First magazine, to name a few.

To learn more, check out her website and Instagram page.

Origin Story

What did health and wellness look like for you growing up?

I played a lot of sports, danced, and swam at a high level. We were always fairly active. My parents were conscious of the food choices they made for us; however, my sister was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 3 1/2 years old and I was 5. It greatly affected the way that we ate. We became aware of how much sugar we were consuming but at times replaced it with sugar-free products ‒ which, with the knowledge I have now, I know wasn’t the best choice.

Why did you ultimately decide to come to IIN?

I was a full-time fitness model and personal trainer for many years, and I struggled with severe depression and anxiety. This sent me on a journey of self-discovery, spending time researching how food can be medicine for the body and mind. I became intrigued by whole foods and how they can heal the body naturally, so I decided I would study with IIN and learn as much as I could about living a life more holistically and be able to teach others in return.

I’ve always been passionate about helping others through coaching, and I knew that this was the next step. I wanted people to learn that when we nourish ourselves both externally and internally ‒ mind, body and soul ‒ we can really thrive and prevent most illnesses and diseases or, at least, lessen their severity.

Perspectives on Nutrition and Health Coaching

How are you using your IIN education?

Once I completed my studies, I started working as a health and nutrition coach for many years in a chiropractic clinic in Sydney, which was incredible. Guiding people to learn to live a more holistic life, teaching them how they could thrive from the inside out. I got so much joy out of working alongside other health practitioners. I then created an online health coaching practice working from home, and I was lucky enough to be invited to be a guest speaker at events often and was writing articles for many Australian magazine and blogs.

After many years of success in my business, I now assist new Health Coaches with their personal branding, social media, and content marketing. With all my private business clients, I have them consider their lives and business from a holistic viewpoint, which encompasses health coaching skills.

What about your IIN education inspired you most?

I absolutely loved the diversity of the topics that were covered. You can’t beat the fact that the school has so many world leaders in the health and wellness space teaching the curriculum.

What does being a Health Coach mean to you?

Being a Health Coach means that I practice what I preach and I strongly believe that having good health and well-being begins from within: a nutritious diet and a beautiful mindset. I thrive on teaching and inspiring others to find their true balance and am so passionate about making a positive impact on the world around me.

How do you apply bio-individuality in your life? Your clients' lives?

Bio-individuality: This unique IIN concept means that we’re all different and must embrace our uniqueness to best take care of our health, from the food we eat to the environments we thrive in and everything in between.

I really do look at every human I work with as an individual, with unique needs and desires. Everyone has a beautiful story and vision for themselves. I always remind myself that I never really know someone's story and that I can never assume. I look at them as a whole person because all things need to be in harmony to have the success they desire.

Nutrition, Healthcare and Equity in the Wellness World

If we traveled to your country, what would we find in terms of food, wellness practices, etc.?

Where I live, in the sunny Gold Coast of Australia, I am blessed to be surrounded by so many others with the same attitude and beliefs around living a healthy lifestyle. The weather here is almost always beautiful, so we spend a lot of time outside, staying active and enjoying the sunshine. We also have access to incredible farmers’ markets, with lots of seasonal fresh whole foods, and health food stores, so it makes living a life aligned with my values very easy.

You run a business that supports women to step into their power and up-level their business potential. How do you feel this work contributes to improving equity in the wellness world?

I really believe that when we’re financially fit and follow our passions, we’re able to live healthier and happier lives overall. When we’re healthier and happier, we can inspire others and create a higher level of consciousness and a ripple effect in the world around us.

Personal Goals for Social Impact

What is your “why”?

“Why” – This refers to one’s purpose and the reason(s) behind their chosen work.

I'm here to make an impact. Everything I do in my life is to inspire change in others, whether it be through my public content online or working privately. My mission is to help others see and believe that they, too, can create a life that they’re proud of and feel fulfilled by.

If you wanted your audience from your country to know one thing about health coaching, what would it be?

You really can have a very powerful impact on others’ lives as a Health Coach. It’s a service that’s really needed.