We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Deliqua Isom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Deliqua, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My understanding and practice of work-life balance have evolved significantly over time, particularly given my journey with healing from complex trauma and anxiety.

The most profound shift occurred as I began to deeply integrate my understanding of neuroscience with my personal journey. I recognized that sustained high performance, creativity, and the ability to truly serve others hinged on a foundation of holistic well-being.

My own experiences with stress, trauma, and anxiety taught me invaluable lessons about the physiological and psychological costs of imbalance.

Now, I think about work-life balance not as a static 50/50 split, but as a dynamic, fluid state of harmony and alignment. It’s about consciously integrating all aspects of my life – my professional mission, my personal well-being, my relationships, and my spiritual practices – in a way that fuels rather than depletes me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
It’s wonderful to share more about my business and the journey that brought me here. My work is deeply personal and purposeful, built on both extensive academic knowledge and lived experience.

What Sets My Business Apart..

What truly distinguishes my business is the fusion of cutting-edge neuroscience with a deeply empathetic, trauma-informed, and holistic approach. While many coaches focus on strategy or mindset, I integrate the intricate workings of the brain with the profound impact of past experiences. My Ph.D. in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship provides a robust understanding of business principles, but it’s my certification in Neuroscience that allows me to explain why certain behaviors or thought patterns exist and how to effectively rewire them for sustainable change.

Beyond the academic credentials, my own journey of healing from complex trauma – including molestation, rape, and abuse – forms the authentic core of my brand. This isn’t just theory for me; it’s lived experience. This allows me to create genuinely safe, inclusive spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and deeply understood, without judgment. My ability to transform my own pain into purpose, shifting from “Why me, God?” to “Why not me?” resonates profoundly with those I serve. It shows them that true transformation is possible, regardless of their past.

What I’m Most Proud of and Excited About…

I am most proud of witnessing the profound shifts in my clients’ lives – seeing them reclaim their power, shed layers of anxiety, and step into their authentic selves. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone move from a place of “What stands in my way?” to “What do I want, and how will I achieve it?” Each transformation reaffirms my mission.

I’m particularly excited about the growing recognition of the mind-body connection in healing and achievement. My work sits at this intersection, empowering individuals to not just cope with stress but to truly thrive.

I’m excited to continue expanding my reach, whether through my bestselling books, dynamic coaching programs, or engaging corporate workshops, to empower even more teens, women, and men globally.

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award was an incredible honor, validating the impact of this work and fueling my passion even further.

How I Got Here and Overcoming Challenges..

My journey into this space wasn’t linear or easy. It began over 19 years ago as a licensed cosmetologist in Orlando, where I first experienced the joy of helping others uncover their inner beauty. That passion evolved as I recognized a deeper need – one that extended beyond external appearance to internal well-being. My own experiences with complex trauma were the catalyst for this shift into the health and wellness sector. I realized my deepest wounds could become my greatest strengths, guiding others through similar paths.

No, it was far from easy. The most significant challenge was confronting my own past traumas head-on. It required immense courage, vulnerability, and a relentless commitment to healing. There were moments of doubt, fear, and overwhelming pain. I had to dismantle my own limiting beliefs, practice radical self-forgiveness, and cultivate profound self-love.

I overcame these challenges by:

Embracing my healing journey as foundational: I understood that to truly help others, I needed to lead by example. My personal growth became non-negotiable.

Building a strong support system: While my journey was internal, I relied on trusted mentors and a supportive community.

Transforming pain into purpose: This was the ultimate act of alchemy. Instead of letting my past define me negatively, I allowed it to fuel my mission to prevent others from suffering in silence.

Lessons Learned Along the Way
The most profound lessons I’ve learned are:

Authenticity is your superpower: Transparency about my own journey has fostered deeper trust and connection with my clients than any marketing strategy ever could.

Growth is an inside job: True, lasting change doesn’t come from external fixes but from confronting and transforming internal narratives and patterns.

Boundaries are essential for peace: Learning to say “no” and protect my energy has been crucial for my well-being and sustained impact.

Forgiveness, especially of self, is liberation: Holding onto past hurts only burdens the present.

Every individual’s path is unique: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. My role is to meet clients where they are and guide them on their unique path to empowerment.

What I Want the World to Know..

I want the world to know that your past does not define your future. No matter what you’ve endured, it is possible to heal, to reclaim your power, and to live a life full of purpose and joy.

My brand, my story, is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I want people to understand that achieving balance and true fulfillment isn’t about ignoring challenges, but about bravely confronting them, understanding your brain, and intentionally designing a life that truly serves you.

My mission is to empower you to ask, “What do I want, and what stands in my way?” and then provide the unwavering support and guidance to clear that path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our Epic 3-Day Best Friend Getaway!

Day 1:

Arrival & Indulgence Unleashed!

Afternoon:

Her plane touches down, and we’re heading straight to a fabulous, comfy Airbnb or boutique hotel somewhere chic yet cozy in Alpharetta. We’ll drop our bags, crank up some chill tunes, and just get settled.

Evening:

For our first dinner, we’re keeping it relaxed but delicious. We’ll hit up a fantastic, seafood restaurant nothing fancy. Just somewhere we can eat great seafood and laugh.

Day 2: Pampering, Pajamas, and Pure Bliss!

Morning (THE highlight!):

We are absolutely, without a doubt, starting our day at The Breakfast Boys! You know the drill – I’m diving into the chicken and pancakes (that perfect sweet and savory combo!), and you HAVE to try them. And for our drinks? It’s pineapple mimosas, lite on the pineapple for both of us! We’ll settle in, enjoy the amazing food, and just catch up on everything, laughing until our sides hurt. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience!

Late Morning/Afternoon: Spa Day Extravaganza! Oh, yes! After that decadent breakfast, we’re heading straight to a luxurious local spa. We’re talking deep tissue massages, invigorating facials, maybe even some time in a relaxation room with infused water and soothing music. This is all about pampering ourselves and melting away any lingering stress.

Evening:

After feeling completely refreshed, it’s back to our digs for the ultimate pajama girls’ night! We’re changing into our comfiest PJs, popping open our favorite bottle (or two!) of wine, and indulging in all our favorite snacks. We’ll put on a classic rom-com or a feel-good movie, share stories, dreams, and just enjoy that deep, comforting connection only best friends share. This is pure bliss!

Day 3:

Morning:

We’ll sleep in a bit after our pajama party, then grab a quick, fresh breakfast at our place or a cute local coffee shop.

Late Morning/Afternoon:

We are spending the entire afternoon at Halcyon! This place is pure magic. We’ll find the perfect spot in the sun, grab some refreshing drinks – perhaps a spritz – and just soak in the vibrant energy. We’ll have the best conversations, laugh, and simply be in the moment, enjoying the sunshine and fantastic people-watching.

If the mood strikes and the vibe is right, we’ll definitely check out a cigar lounge! It’s about indulging in a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere, enjoying great conversation, and savoring the moment.

Evening: A farewell dinner at a truly memorable Alpharetta restaurant, perhaps one we’ve been eyeing, to cap off our incredible adventure before your departure tomorrow!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Book- The Power of Now and various mentors.

Website: https://www.deliquaisom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.deliqua_isom?igsh=dzEwbjZtMTJ0NXU0&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deliqua-isom-phd-47a68739?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12LryezFMc7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachdeliquaisom4746

Image Credits
Professional brand photos by Antionne Johnson

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