“True growth lies not in escaping your scars but in embracing them as the foundations for your success.”
When we talk about leadership, particularly in the world of life coaching, the narrative often revolves around success, but what about the shadows cast by those triumphs? For Myke Celis, a globally recognized, award-winning Life Coach and international best selling author, the journey wasn’t a straightforward path paved by privilege but rather a labyrinth filled with struggle, resilience, and an unyielding belief in authenticity.
Myke, who is known to be a Celebrity Life Coach in the Philippines, is the force behind the #bestmeever movement—a philosophy that encourages people to discover and embody the grandest, most authentic, unapologetic versions of themselves. Yet, the path that led to this global influence is as compelling as the movement itself.
From the conservative halls of a family unwilling to embrace his identity as a young gay man to the high-pressure corridors of corporate marketing, Myke’s life is a testament to finding strength in vulnerability.
“Growing up in a highly conservative family was far from a fairy tale,” Myke reflects. “For years, I was misunderstood, bullied, and excluded for simply being different.” But rather than yielding to these societal pressures, he doubled down on success as his shield—an effort that, for a time, masked the wounds left by rejection and discrimination.
However, as life often teaches us, success alone isn’t a cure-all. Myke’s fortress of achievement eventually crumbled when betrayal struck from a trusted friend and a subsequent abusive relationship shook his foundations. It was from this rubble that Myke Celis would rise anew, this time with a purpose that transcended personal gain.
For Myke, success is no longer defined by accolades or public approval but by the deep, transformative impact he has on others as they, too, journey toward self-realization. “Helping people become their own authentic, unapologetic grandest version of themselves is priceless,” he says—a statement that perfectly encapsulates the essence of his leadership.
Finding Purpose in Alignment
In an age where leadership is often equated with ambition and control, Myke redefines what it means to lead with purpose. As a former marketing and advertising executive, he transitioned into life coaching with a clear intention—to inspire others by living a life that’s aligned with his authentic self. “When I was moving from marketing to coaching, I wasn’t driven by fame or recognition. I simply wanted to speak to inspire,” Myke shares.
For Myke, inspiration didn’t emerge from corporate boardrooms but from sources that spoke directly to the human soul. Immersing himself in the pages of Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and being captivated by the authenticity of Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tony Robbins, Myke found the clarity he needed to mold his leadership style.
“Every time I speak, write, or coach, I do it with a clear and authentic intention to help others discover their own #bestmeever,” he asserts. This philosophy, grounded in honesty, integrity, and credibility, is what Myke considers the core values guiding not only his work but his entire life.
These influences taught Myke that real change happens when people are met with genuine intention and consistent effort. Whether through his bestselling books, public talks, media interviews or coaching sessions, Myke’s commitment to authenticity is unwavering. “I impart these values to my listeners, readers, followers, and mentees so they can apply them to their own lives,” he explains.
From Corporate Success to Coaching Excellence
Success stories often have predictable trajectories, but Myke’s journey is anything but ordinary. His career, spanning over 15 years in marketing and advertising, saw him handling major brands in industries ranging from food and automotive to personal care. This phase of his life was marked by building other people’s brands, honing his strategic mindset, and mastering the art of communication. Yet, amidst the accolades and achievements, there was a yearning for something more meaningful – a calling that became impossible to ignore.
“I can only describe my career as a roller coaster ride,” Myke says, reflecting on the sharp turns and unexpected drops that defined his transition. His marketing background became the bedrock on which he built his coaching brand from scratch, applying the same principles he once used to elevate multinational corporations to position himself as a trusted life coach. “I focused on my niche and strategy, writing thought leadership articles for the International Coaching Federation and amplifying my presence through blogs, books, and media interviews,” he explains.
Myke’s evolution to becoming a Celebrity Life Coach in the Philippines was anything but instantaneous. It was a process marked by perseverance, strategy, and a commitment to letting his work speak for itself. “I let my client testimonials and body of work do the talking for me,” he says, highlighting the discipline and determination carried over from his corporate life.
As the accolades rolled in, so did recognition—from celebrity clients to top executives and globally successful individuals. Today, Myke stands as one of the top 30 Global Gurus in Coaching for 2024, a title that symbolizes his unwavering dedication to helping others live their most authentic lives.
This journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. “Starting from scratch twice was the hardest part,” Myke admits. Transitioning from being a corporate employee to a business owner and then from an advertising executive to a life coach tested him in ways that few can understand. “I had to learn everything from the ground up, experience heartbreaks and rejections, but my clarity of purpose and commitment to becoming who I wanted to be kept me moving forward.”
Rooted in Inclusivity and Empathy
In a world often obsessed with hierarchical power and authority, Myke Celis’s leadership style is a breath of fresh air. Eschewing the traditional models that emphasize titles and positions, Myke’s approach is deeply rooted in inclusivity and empathy. “My leadership style is very democratic and inclusive. I allow every person in the room to take up space as they are and be seen, heard, felt, and celebrated,” he explains. This philosophy reflects Myke’s broader mission: to create safe spaces where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can express themselves authentically.
“I focus on building relationships with people by letting them feel that I am one of them in the safe space I created for everyone,” he shares. This emphasis on connection over authority has not only shaped Myke’s leadership but also allowed him to foster a culture of trust and mutual respect, whether he’s leading a workshop or guiding clients through their personal growth journeys.
Living the Life You Want
We, as a society, often tend to equate success with wealth, fame, and external validation. However, Myke takes a refreshingly different view. Recently celebrating his 43rd birthday, Myke considers his greatest achievement not the titles or accolades, but the ability to live life on his own terms. “My biggest achievement is being able to reach my age and live the life I’ve always wanted—doing what I love most while earning from it and having the time, freedom and resources to pursue whatever makes me happy,” he says with a sense of contentment.
For Myke, true success is about balance, fulfillment, and the freedom to invest in what genuinely matters. It’s about aligning work with passion and setting boundaries that protect your well-being. “At the end of the day, I don’t want to be remembered for what I did for a living, but rather for living a full life and helping others do the same.”
Manifesting New Goals and Dreams
As someone who lives by the philosophy of constant growth, Myke is always looking ahead. First on his agenda is expanding his coaching practice to a global stage. Myke is exploring opportunities to coach internationally, whether by becoming a visiting coach or faculty member at institutions abroad, offering workshops, or giving keynote speeches. Additionally, Myke is laser-focused on earning his Master Certified Coach (MCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation—a prestigious achievement in the coaching world and his top priority for the year.
But Myke’s aspirations don’t stop at coaching. True to his multidimensional nature, he’s considering entrepreneurial ventures that align with his passions. “I’m thinking of putting up a pet-friendly café within a bed and breakfast place by the beach where I can combine two things I love most: coaching onsite while mingling with people and pets,” he says with a smile.
Moreover, Myke is entertaining the possibility of entering the media space, building on his experience co-hosting TV-Radio shows for nearly six years. “I’m open to hosting an LGBTQIA+ show like Queer Eye or perhaps creating an original series on Netflix that will allow me to coach and champion inclusivity and diversity,” he adds.
On a more personal note, Myke is determined to strengthen his boundaries and create more flexible time for his loved ones. “I want to spend more quality time with them, making more beautiful memories as I age,” he says, reminding us that even for a driven professional like him, relationships and personal fulfillment remain central.
A Journey Beneath the Surface
To those unfamiliar with his story, Myke’s current success might seem like a straightforward narrative of hard work paying off. However, as he is quick to remind us, the reality is far more complex. “What you see now is only the tip of the iceberg,” he shares, hinting at the countless hours, rejections, and personal struggles that shaped the coach he is today. For every accolade, there is a deeply buried root—years of study, relentless effort, and a commitment to growth, even in the face of setbacks.
Before the aspiring life coaches envy the freedom and flexibility Myke enjoys, he wants them to understand the depth of dedication it took to get here. “Becoming the coach I am now took lots of years of working on myself, studying long hours, and coaching consistently while dealing with life’s challenges, including delays and rejections,” he reflects. It’s a message that underscores the importance of perseverance and grit, reminding us that behind every success story lies a journey filled with unseen battles.
From a life filled with adversity to a career dedicated to helping others live their best lives, Myke Celis’s story is a powerful testament to the idea that growth, in its truest form, is a lifelong pursuit.
Website: www.coach-mykecelis.com
