Meet Lisa Callahan
Lisa Callahan based in Los Angeles, California is a transformational coach, public speaker, and founder of Transformation for Real. Lisa has dedicated over 20 years to helping women break free from self-doubt and build lives they truly love. She specializes in coaching high-achieving women, empowering them to gain clarity, confidence, and direction in both their personal and professional lives. Through her signature approach, she helps her clients embrace their own potential and overcome limiting beliefs. Lisa is also the co-host of The Things We Know podcast, where she connects with women worldwide, offering wisdom, humor, and a fresh perspective on life and growth. Her journey reflects her unwavering belief in the power of transformation.
The Roots of a Transformational Journey
Lisa Callahan’s journey to becoming one of the most sought-after transformational coaches began in Ohio, where she grew up surrounded by a supportive family. From an early age, Lisa was known as the person people would come to for advice. It was clear that her natural ability to listen, empathize, and guide others would serve as the foundation for the work she would do later in life. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Miami University, Lisa embarked on a career in customer service, where she honed her skills in problem-solving, and relationship-building. She worked across several industries, from office supplies to temporary staffing, and each position helped her develop the skills necessary to support and lead others.
These early years shaped her understanding of what it means to truly help people, something that would later become her life’s mission. As Lisa’s career progressed, she moved to Chicago in 1997 with her longtime partner, Darren. In this new chapter, Lisa continued to work in customer service roles, specifically with CP Kelco and Beltone Hearing. However, it wasn’t long before she realized that her calling was much bigger than corporate customer service. Her passion for helping others transform their lives was undeniable, and it would soon lead her down a new, more fulfilling path.
The Shift to Coaching
In 2004, Lisa took a major step that would forever change the course of her professional life, she joined Weight Watchers as a leader and coach. Over the next 14 years, she honed her skills in a deeply personal way, working directly with clients to help them build healthier relationships with food. Lisa’s success in this role came from her ability to make everyone feel seen and heard, a trait that would continue to define her career in coaching. As she mentored colleagues and led training sessions, Lisa became one of the most successful leaders in Chicago, consistently achieving top results.
However, in 2017, Lisa knew it was time to take a leap of faith. The move from Chicago to Los Angeles marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
“In the beginning, the hardest part was putting myself out there. I was used to people coming to me because of the brand I represented. Now, I was the brand,” she recalls.
It was a period of growth, discomfort, and ultimately, empowerment. Lisa chose to become a Certified Health and Life Coach through the Health Coach Institute, and with this new certification came the opportunity to found her own business, Transformation for Real. This was not just a business venture for Lisa; it was the realization of a dream to help women not just change their lives but to love their lives in the process.
The Birth of Transformation for Real
As the founder of Transformation for Real, Lisa Callahan has built a unique coaching practice focused on empowering women to shatter limiting beliefs and build lives of purpose, clarity, and confidence. Drawing on her extensive experience in coaching, Lisa developed the Transformation for Real™ system, a six-pillar approach designed to help women break free from the chaos of everyday life and step into the life they truly desire. Her work centers around women who are ready to lead, not just in their careers but in their personal lives as well. Lisa partners with high-achieving women to create a path to success that doesn’t require sacrificing balance or happiness. Her approach is straightforward: “I let my clients know that I believe they can achieve whatever goal they have in mind, even when they might be uncertain.” With this unwavering belief, she helps them make sustainable, long-term changes that elevate their confidence, and ability to thrive in all areas of life.
“The thing I love most about coaching is seeing all the possibilities for my clients. When you are ‘in the weeds’ of your life, you can’t see what I can see. My superpower is believing in you until you believe in you.”
Lisa’s coaching is built on empathy, empowerment, and an unapologetic belief in the potential of every woman. She champions women who are ready to let go of self-doubt and step fully into their power. Discover more here.
The Things We Know Podcast: Amplifying Women’s Voices
In addition to her one-on-one coaching, Lisa is the co-host of The Things We Know, a top-ranking podcast that has captivated a global audience. The podcast focuses on exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that women face as they navigate womanhood, personal growth and life’s transitions. Through candid conversations with her co-host Kari Morin, Lisa brings a fresh perspective on life’s complexities with humor, wisdom, and authenticity. The podcast has been praised for its relatable content and empowering message, resonating with women across generations.
“The best is never behind you. It’s right in front of you, if you’re brave enough to write it.”
This message encapsulates the essence of the podcast, which explores everything from aging and self-worth to personal development and professional success. With every episode, Lisa encourages women to embrace their current chapter of life and reframe it as an opportunity for growth, rather than loss. Lisa’s podcast has become a movement in itself, offering listeners not only inspiration but actionable advice on how to navigate life’s challenges with grace and confidence. The podcast is consistently ranked in the top 10% globally, attracting a loyal following of women who find strength in Lisa’s words. Explore more here.
The Best Chapter Yet Retreats: Empowering Women to Reclaim Their Power
Beyond her coaching and podcast, Lisa has expanded her reach through live, transformative retreats designed to help women reconnect with their personal power. Her Best Chapter Yet retreats, where women gather to build confidence, set goals, and transform their lives, have become an essential part of her business. These retreats provide women with the space to focus on themselves and reflect on how they can create a future that excites them. One of the core philosophies Lisa teaches is the idea of shifting from being a “lifeboat” to a “lighthouse.”
“When you are caught up in rescuing others, you lose yourself. These retreats help women reclaim their own light, so they can shine brighter and make a bigger impact.”
Through these intimate, immersive experiences, Lisa and her co-host Kari Morin have helped countless women break free from old patterns, build resilience, and reclaim their sense of purpose. The retreats foster a deep sense of community and connection, creating lasting friendships and networks of support. Explore more here.
Public Speaking and Leadership Roles: Inspiring Audiences Worldwide
Lisa is not just a coach; she is a dynamic public speaker and leader. Her speaking engagements have reached audiences worldwide, where she shares her expertise on topics like empowerment, leadership, and personal transformation. She is a sought-after speaker at conferences and summits, including the upcoming Own Your Authentic Executive Presence and Power Audio Summit. Lisa’s message resonates deeply with women in leadership, especially in environments where they are often marginalized. “Women leaders already fight an uphill battle in a world that was not created for us. If we are our own worst enemy, then we are already working at a deficit.” Discover more here.
Lisa advocates for women to own their power, lead authentically, and support one another in their journeys. Her leadership extends beyond speaking engagements, she continues to mentor and inspire women to step into their full potential, both personally and professionally.
Mentorship and Leadership at the Health Coach Institute
In addition to her private coaching, Lisa has spent years mentoring aspiring coaches as an Empowerment Coach and Team Lead at the Health Coach Institute (HCI). She provided one-on-one coaching to students, helping them develop business and marketing plans, and offering support in growing their coaching businesses. From 2021 to 2022, Lisa served as a Team Lead, where she helped guide fellow coaches, providing mentorship and strategic insights to improve team performance and individual success.
Her work at HCI further solidified her role as a leader and educator in the coaching community, empowering future coaches to create successful practices of their own.
Lisa’s Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights
Outside of her coaching career, Lisa is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ rights. Her commitment to social justice is demonstrated through her participation in the Ride for AIDS charity events, where she raised thousands of dollars for AIDS-related causes and increased awareness for the LGBTQ community. “Somebody is waiting for you; waiting to know you exist and waiting for your help.” This quote speaks to her belief in the importance of showing up for others and making a difference in the world.
Looking Ahead: More Than a Mission, It’s a Movement
Looking ahead, Lisa is not resting on her success. Her eyes are set on expansion. Over the next five years, she envisions VIP coaching offerings, as well as taking The Things We Know podcast on the road for live recordings and interactive community events. Lisa sees this as an opportunity to engage with her global audience on a deeper level, providing them with transformative experiences that transcend the virtual world. Lisa’s long-term vision also includes launching her comprehensive six-month Transformation for Real® program, which aims to offer deeper, sustained transformations for women ready to rewrite their stories.
“So many women I meet think they’ve missed their shot or that it’s too late to go after something new. But your best chapter isn’t in the rearview mirror. It’s right in front of you, if you’re brave enough to write it.”
Lisa’s vision for the future is one where women can access the support, tools, and resources they need to fully embrace their potential and achieve lasting change.
Empowering Lessons from the Path of Lisa Callahan
- “The best is never behind you. It’s right in front of you, if you’re brave enough to write it.”
- “Setting boundaries with loved ones can be hard, but it’s essential for self-care and personal growth.”
- “Women heal in community, and it’s in these spaces that transformation truly happens.”
- Women leaders already fight an uphill battle in a world that was not created for us. If we are our own worst enemy, then we are already working at a deficit.”
Connect with Lisa Callahan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-callahan-transformational-life-coach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacallahancoach/?hl=en
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/lisa.callahan.9/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
Website: https://transformationforreal.com/
Editorial Note: Leading with Courage, Living with Purpose
Lisa Callahan’s story is a reminder that transformation is not about changing who we are, but about reclaiming the power we already hold. Through her work as a coach, speaker, and podcast host, she is redefining what it means for women to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
From guiding women out of self-doubt to creating spaces where they step into their potential, Lisa has built more than a business. She has sparked a movement. Through her retreats, her voice, and vision, she invites women to embrace possibility and write the chapters they once thought were behind them.
Her question to all of us is simple, yet profound: If your best chapter is still ahead, what would it take for you to begin writing it today?
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