Cynthia Encinas-Concordia, Founder & CEO of Dream to Rise LLC, is a transformational life coach, international best-selling author, and speaker whose mission is to spread happiness, hope, and inner peace. From her early years in Manila to impactful roles at the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, her personal and professional journey shaped her calling to guide others toward healing and purpose.
Today, as a mother, coach, author, and “light warrior,” Cynthia uses her experiences and wisdom to help people overcome fears, rise above limitations, and step into a life filled with clarity, confidence, and joy.
BACKGROUND AND JOURNEY
Q. Can you share a brief about yourself and an overview of your professional journey and how you ventured into your current business domain? Also, please share your personal background as well.
I am the founder and CEO of Dream to Rise LLC, a transformational life coach, international best-selling author, international speaker, podcaster, a mother of three, and a grandma to two granddaughters.
Raised in the lively city of Manila, Philippines, my early years instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and determination. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Management from De La Salle University, I embarked on my professional journey, equipped with a unique blend of academic competence and real-world awareness.
I have joined different private companies such as Bank of America, Iligan Cement Corporation, and Warner Bros. However, my experience with two big international organizations, the Asian Development Bank (Pasig, Philippines) and the World Bank (Washington, DC, USA), gave me numerous benefits, including professional development, a global perspective, impactful work, and cultural exchange. I not only gained from a professional and personal development perspective, but also the chance to make a positive impact on global poverty alleviation efforts.
This then contributed to my focusing on making a meaningful impact on a global scale. I am truly grateful for the opportunity for me to try working with the different sectors at the Bank. It opened my eyes to what my real vision is in life. When I retired from the World Bank as an HR Analyst in 2019, it gave me a deeper understanding of global positive change and professional growth.
That was the time when I discovered my purpose. My vision is very simple. That is to spread sunshine and happiness to the people I meet, so this may create a ripple effect. I want to see kindness, compassion, love, and peace prevail here on earth.
Q. What motivated or inspired you to pursue a career in life coaching?
On top of my work experience, I have gone through the struggles that kept me in my dark bubble for six years due to fear of failing, being judged, and rejected after my husband died due to a massive cardiac arrest after his second restraining order, and got blamed by his family and common friends.
It was through my challenges that I realized that life is a learning experience and discovered my PURPOSE. Now, I am here to help those who are still struggling with their blockages, such as their fears, limiting beliefs, doubts, and worries. I feel I have a mission here on earth. Each one deserves to be happy and live the life they love. If I was able to overcome my blockages, why can’t they?
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Q. What do you consider your most significant achievements or milestones in your career?
- I have been just given the award for the Best Transformational Life Coach in the USA 2025 by the Best of Best last November 2025.
- Local Businessperson for 2022, 2023, and 2024 by Alignable.
- Dream to Rise: From Darkness into Light book was given the International Impact Book Award for 2025.
CHALLENGES AND LEARNINGS
Q. What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Business Aspect:
There are times in my career when business is not always flourishing. I experienced some kind of struggles. However, I need to be more creative in how to revitalize myself and my business. Here are the strategies that I undertook:
- Evaluate My Niche: I have to ensure that I am targeting the right audience. I had to refine my niche to attract clients needing specific expertise.
- Enhance My Skills: Invest in training or certification programs to improve my coaching skills and help differentiate myself.
- Develop a Strong Online Presence: Create a professional website and utilize social media platforms to reach a larger audience. Regularly share valuable content related to coaching. I make sure I create content daily and post it on different communities in different platforms.
- Network: I attend workshops or participate in community events to connect with potential clients and other professionals. I am very active in five different communities in my area. I was even invited to be a panel member in several panel discussions. I value connection so we may be able to collaborate and support each other.
- Offer Free Sessions: I conduct complimentary discovery sessions to give potential clients a taste of my coaching style and approach.
- Use Testimonials: I showcase positive reviews from previous clients on my website and social media to build credibility.
- Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable goals for my business and develop an action plan to achieve them.
- Stay Resilient: I believe setbacks are part of the journey. I make sure I stay committed, adapt as needed, and keep refining my approach.
Life Coach:
One of the most challenging tasks a life coach can experience is helping a client overcome deeply rooted beliefs or fears that hinder their personal growth. These mental blocks may stem from past trauma, negative self-perceptions, or limiting beliefs, making it difficult for clients to move forward.
Strategies to help this problem:
- Build Trust and Rapport: Create a safe space for them to open up about their fears and beliefs.
- Active Listening: Listen attentively to understand the client’s experiences and emotions fully. Paraphrasing and reflecting on their statements can help them feel heard and validated.
- Ask Powerful Questions: This will help them explore their thoughts and feelings deeply.
- Focus on the Four Key Areas of Life: Health and Well-Being, Love and Relationships, Vocation/Purpose, Time and Money Freedom
- Encourage Accountability: Regular check-ins and progress reviews help maintain their commitment and motivation. Celebrate small wins as this builds confidence.
INNOVATION AND VISION
Q. Could you discuss your vision for the future of your business or the industry as a whole?
My vision is very simple. I just want to spread sunshine and happiness to all the people I meet, so this may create a ripple effect.
Happiness is contagious, and when you share joy, positivity, and kindness, it inspires others to feel the same way, triggering a chain reaction of good feelings. This can then significantly enhance the environment, whether at home, work, or in the community. This then fosters collaboration and connection, promoting a supportive culture.
We all live in a chaotic world right now. What we can do as individuals is to start with ourselves. Let us be kinder, more compassionate, loving, and resilient despite the failures and the negative energy that we get from the circumstances and conditions surrounding us. Inner joy and peace can motivate people to take action, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or social change. Inspired individuals often seek to make a difference, amplifying the impact of happiness in their community as well as globally.
On top of what I do as a transformational life coach, I continue to volunteer as a Rotarian at the Rotary Club Pasay EDSA in the Philippines, as well as a Be-A-Friend Mentorship Program, where I mentored an abused 9-year-old child. I also sing at the Traditional Choir in my parish. For me, music spreads calmness and inner peace that makes me closer to God as well as to others. Again, this inner peace and joy create a ripple effect to the people I meet.
Q.What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2026?
My vision for 2026 can vary widely, but it often revolves around personal fulfillment, connections, and making a lasting impact. This may be through my coaching, books, speaking engagements, networking, collaboration, and taking care of my mastermind group. My main goal is to help others rise and shine.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Q.Is there anything else you’d like to share or any message you’d like to convey to the audience reading this feature about you?
I used to be worrier and now turned into a light warrior – providing light for others.
We all experience challenges in life. But how do you see your challenges? Are they some kind of punishment or obstacles? Or do you see them as opportunities for your better future?
We all have the power to create the life we love and not be constricted by the circumstances and conditions surrounding us. We were created by God for a mission. We just need to discover our purpose in life. How do we know that a dream/purpose deserves our time and energy?
I always ask these questions when I create my dream:
- Does it make me alive?
- Will it make me grow?
- Is it aligned with my values?
- Do I need help from God?
- Will it benefit others?
We always tell ourselves that we only have a 10-watt bulb. Excuse me. This 10-watt bulb still has a spark of light when you put it in a dark room. That is your gift and talent given to you by God. Why not change that 10-watt bulb to a 2000-watt bulb? How? Get rid of all those blockages that stop you from moving forward towards your dream. What are those? Your fears, limiting beliefs, doubts, and worries. Just like a window, you won’t be able to see what is outside if you don’t clean your window. It will stop you from discovering the opportunities waiting for you outside.
Make sure your lamp is not positioned in a room. Make sure your lamp is positioned on a lamp post so those traveling in the dark may be guided by your light, so they may reach their destination, and that is their dream/purpose.
That’s how I became a light warrior. Share your light so others may also share their light with the people they meet. I just want to see each one living in peace, spreading love and compassion here on earth.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/cynthia.concordia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-concordia-2b51b8116/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cynthiaconcordia8346
- Tiktok: @dream.to.rise
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiaconcordia
BOOKS:
- My Journey Into Becoming: https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Into-Becoming-Cynthia-Encinas-Concordia/dp/B09PP7XNLH
- Dream to Rise: From Darkness into Light: amazon.com/dp/B0CQKLBB4Q
- Overcoming Self-Sabotage: https://amzn.to/455uo0K
- Rising After Abuse: https://a.co/d/9JoOvJH
Website: www.dreamtorise.info
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
