'm just a small town girl from Georgia who followed her heart and created
the life and career she always dreamed of.
I
But every story has a beginning
I grew up in a humble home, with hard working parents, who taught me the value of money and getting an education. We had little money, but a lot of love to go around. When I was 12 years old, our life completely changed when my father died suddenly, leaving us all devastated and my mother a widow with 3 teen daughters to care for. Having a huge loss so early in life impacted me in many ways – but mainly a knowing of just how short life really is. As fate would have it, my mother would eventually meet and marry an Australian man (my now lovely stepdad) and move herself and her three Georgia peach daughters to the land down under.
Being uprooted from your family home and country was a blessing in disguise. It taught me how to deal with change, the opportunities that come with starting over in life and how to learn and embrace a new culture while staying true to yourself. I went to university, started my corporate career in Sydney and enjoyed the city life while travelling the world every chance I had.
After a few years, I knew it was time for another adventure. While most of my friends were settling down and getting mortgages and having babies, I felt it was time to make a change.
I gave up my full-time job and apartment and moved to London. I arrived with no job and no apartment –
just a plan and hope that it would all turn out OK. I landed my dream job working for the BBC (when everyone said it would be nearly impossible) and married my wonderful husband (in Fiji of all places!).
I thought I would finally be fulfilled: dream job (check!), dream guy (check!). But, there was something missing. I had been feeling stuck in a corporate career that was frustrating me at the best of times. I could do it sure, I had the skills and the experience but it took me a few years to realise – I wasn’t called to be in that life anymore. There was no joy in it. And when I landed what I thought was my dream job, very soon after I had a sense of 'is this it?'.
It took me a while to figure out that just because you are good at something doesn't mean you are called to do it forever.
Oh how I wished I had taken action then and there and signed up to a high level coach to help me figure out my career crisis. But I didn’t. I thought maybe another job and promotion would make me happier. I got my first management job – which I really thought I wanted (after all it's the next step up the ladder right?) - and I hated it even more. I was exhausted, burnt out, stressed out and totally over it. And I was only 30 years old.
Something had to change
They say when the student is ready, the teacher arrives. I was so ready. I just didn’t know for what. A few months later, I discovered coaching. It was exactly what I felt called to do:
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I had always wanted to serve people on a global scale
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I desired to create a new revenue stream outside of the 9-5
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The best part of my job had always been mentoring
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I discoverd my 'genius zone': encouraging women leaders to engage with the media in a positive way.
I have been described as a global citizen – having lived in three countries now. While that wasn’t originally in the plan, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I am living life on my terms - which means I am in control and living out my purpose every day. I am building a business that serves extraordinary people... I get to write, inspire and use my God-given talents and travel the world with my family.
But this life did not come wrapped in a gift box. Today's dream started with one decision for me to take action. To stop wondering and start doing. To start playing the game and stop sitting on the side lines. To quit hoping and start creating. To move from fear to freedom.
To live with faith, kindness and inspiration, even when I'm absolutely petrified of taking the next step in my journey (that's where freedom comes in).
I am living proof that your life is a direct reflection of your thoughts, goals and actions. And it is possible to change all of that.
My mission is to help women engage with the media on their terms. To get visible, to showcase their God-given talents, expertise and stories to the media and to the world.
"Once you decide to totally go for it, your life will completely change. Every great thing started with a commitment. Success is no accident. It is intentional."
Professional Bio:
Rachel Reva is a PR consultant, published author and founder of ‘Life On Her Terms Media’. She worked in the media industry for ten years as a news publicist and PR manager. Her career has spanned television, health policy and election campaigns, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. She is also a contributor for several global outlets including: Huffington Post and Goalcast. Her first book 'Grit, Grace and Hustle' was published in early 2021. When she isn’t writing, strategising or talking on the radio, she can be found dreaming about her next travel adventure. Born in Georgia, USA, Rachel has lived in the UK and now resides in Australia with her husband and son. You can hear Rachel's coaching inspiration series 'Coffee and Faith' every Tuesday on Rhema FM radio.
Speaking Events:
Rachel is available for speaking events for both faith and non-faith based audiences. She has spoken at women's events, international business conferences and churches. Her most recent talks have included: How to promote your God-given genius, How to have grit in uncertain times and Learning how to publicise yourself (authentically)in the workplace. For more information on speaking queries please email support@lifeonherterms.com or click here to send a message.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor of Communications (PR and Journalism) University of Newcastle
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Accredited Coach with Divine Living Academy
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Publicist and Communications Manager for: SBS TV (Sydney), ABC TV (Sydney), BBC (London) and National Health Service (London)
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Experienced in managing teams and media crises
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Mentored colleagues and managed team members for 11 years
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Conducted extensive media training for executives, TV presenters, academics and business owners
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Contributor for: Huffintgon Post, So She Slays, Goal Cast, Thrive, and Her View From Home.
Other stuff about me....
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I have a minor coffee addiction.
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Sleeping used to be one of my favourite things (until I had a baby, now I day-dream about it).
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I'm a personal development junkie, my bookshelf consists of biographies and psychology/self-help books - along with the all-time classic: 'To Kill A Mockingbird'.
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I can be very friendly, but when sleep-deprived take on the persona of 'The Incredible Hulk'.
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I went to military school for 3 years, but still struggle to do more than 5 push up's in a row.
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I once ran a half-marathon in the UK. I have the medal to prove it.
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I love movies, running, travel, talking, writing (then talking).
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I'm a faith girl, but totally imperfect and honest in my shortcomings
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I believe that life - while it can throw some crazy stuff our way - is mostly wonderful.
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I love encouraging new mamas on their parenthood journey and created a set of 'affirmation cards' while in the hospital with my new baby (4 years ago now).
A portion of monthly profits are donated to LIVEfree Project, a Newcastle non-for-profit which helps men, women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence. You can find out more about LIVEfree Project here.