
Hi, I'mĀ Alicia Maciel, MBA
As the founder of BeingWell.life, I believe wellbeing starts from within. I'm committed to being the change I wish to see toward a more just, compassionate, and flourishing world.
My JourneyĀ
I'm a mother, daughter, sister, spouse, friend... I'm only human.
I understand what it's like to be a successful professional juggling a demanding career while trying to meet personal needs and care for loved ones. The exhaustion and overwhelm are real!
In my mid-forties, I found myself wondering where I'd gone wrong. Despite working hard and "doing what I was supposed to do," happiness, health, and fulfillment seemed elusive.
Though grateful for my blessings, I felt disenchanted by the pressures of running an organization, raising teenage boys, caring for aging parents, and navigating perimenopause. Sound familiar?
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My Transformation
That's when I realized it was entirely up to me to step off the proverbial "hamster wheel" I'd been running on with no end in sight. This turning point led me to explore a more mindful approach to living, loving, and working. I drew upon my hard-earned wisdom and skills to invite greater fulfillment and wellbeing into my life.
Today, I feel more content and fulfilled than ever before. Nothing brings me greater joy than supporting other hard-working professional women to experience deeper wellbeing by becoming the fullest expression of their authentic selves.
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Professional Experience
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UC Berkeley in finance and accounting and a Mater in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School.Ā I have over 28 years of executive management experience across diverse industries in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
I began my career as a financial analyst at Chevron Corporation, followed by a role as senior strategic planner at The Walt Disney Company. I've held the top executive position at a private nonprofit school, where I built high-performing teams and implemented comprehensive strategic plans.
I've also served as adjunct faculty at Cal State University, Fullerton, teaching Organizational Behavior and Team Leadership courses.
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Other Credentials and Certifications
I'm a certified professional Coach with over 6 years of full-time coaching experience.
- Certified Executive Leadership Coach with International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation through the College of Executive Coaching.
- Positive Psychology-Based Health and Well-Being Coach Certification through the College of Executive Coaching
- Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and Mentor certified in 2021 through the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
- Awake in the Wild Teacher Certification in 2023 through Mark Coleman. An apprenticeship training in guiding contemplative nature practice, inspired by wisdom teachings from the Buddhist tradition, by Markās book Awake in the Wild (AITW) and by wilderness retreats.
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Life Experiences That Shape My Work
I bring a broad, multicultural, "in the trenches" real-life perspective to my coaching practice. My approach equips participants with science-backed practical tools and techniques, encouraging them to start at the core by taking charge of their physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing.
As an immigrant from Mexico at the age of seven, I understand what it means to "start from scratch" in a new country. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, I specialize in supporting others to thrive through change and adversity.
I also understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with chronic illness. I've served as an active member of two Parent Advisory Councils at Children's Health of Orange County, and in 2024 I was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute (CFRI).
Life has been and continues to be my greatest teacher. I've dealt with adversity by growing resilience and drawing strength from within and from other people's stories. People who know me describe me as kind, intuitive, genuine, wise, and resourceful. I love people, plants, creeks, and nature walks!
I live in Orange County in Southern California with my husband, two young adult sons, and our adorable dog, Oliver.
"Ā What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. "
- Ralph W. Emerson
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