Parinaz Shams Transformational Influencer of the Year 2025 Exclusive Interview Questions
Best Holistic Life Magazine: You speak about helping high-achievers break free from societal expectations and rediscover their true essence. What are some of the most common societal pressures you see, and how can people begin to break free from them?
Parinaz Shams: Societal pressures affect all of us, whether we realize it or not. The most common society-specific pressure I see in my clients is the need to be a high-achiever, which translates to earning a high-income job, working a lot, and doing it perfectly (without any flaws, struggle, or need for assistance). This unrealistic narrative is perpetuated across different industries, and many adults believe they are falling short of their potential when they are actually simply unrealistic standards and lack celebration of people’s unique talents and gifts. In other words, our society tends to applaud only a narrow set of accomplishments and devalues other talents, interests, and gifts as less significant, like the arts or music.
In addition to the societal pressures, I work closely with my clients to identify their conditioned beliefs and expectations that come from their family of origin, including the school environment and religion they were raised in, if they apply.
I’ve found that simply holding space for individuals to identify and process their conditioning from the various forces that influenced them when they were young helps a lot. People are smart, and they can often solve their own problems when they are aware of what the true problem is – when my clients come to work with me, they are empowered to find appropriate solutions to areas of their lives that feel less than optimal using the awareness of conditioning and its impact that they gain from our sessions together.
The conditioned beliefs and mindsets that people inherit come not only from society but also from sources much closer and personal to them, such as their immediate family, the religion they grew up with, and the culture they were raised in, followed then by pressures of society at large.
I recommend working with a coach, mentor, or counselor who utilizes the lens of conditioning in their practice to support you in identifying what factors and forces in your life have impacted your self-esteem, self-worth, and belief in your potential.
Beyond that awareness-building, there are several tools that can help expedite and deepen the process. The primary tool I teach is somatic yoga. This type of yoga is not like what you see in yoga studios. It’s not about powerful poses; it’s about tuning into your body and releasing stored tension, stress, and trauma from your body’s nervous system. This is extremely helpful for retraining your brain so that it does not react out of conditioning and instead moves from self-awareness to authenticity.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Your Clarity, Courage, and Community approach have become central to your coaching. How did you develop this framework, and how does it help individuals reconnect with their authentic selves?
Parinaz Shams: The Clarity, Courage, and Community framework has evolved over more than five years of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, careers, and life experiences. It grew out of my work with highly driven adults—people in demanding professions like healthcare and finance or those who are the primary providers for their families. These individuals are incredibly hardworking and resilient, often carrying the weight of responsibilities from a young age.
What I noticed consistently is that, despite their external successes, they were searching for something deeper—insight, guidance, and a way to reconnect with themselves. They wanted to move beyond survival mode and expand their sense of who they were so they could live fuller, freer, and more joyful lives.
This framework provides a roadmap for that transformation. Clarity helps them identify and release the noise of societal and internalized expectations from their conditioning that keeps them stuck. Courage empowers them to step outside of familiar patterns and into a more authentic version of themselves. The community reminds them that they don’t have to navigate this journey alone—that healing and growth are amplified when shared with others who see and support them.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how this approach not only helps people reconnect with their authentic selves but also allows them to feel more aligned, confident, and capable in their everyday lives.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: You emphasize the interconnected nature of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. How can people become more attuned to their bodies’ signals and use them as guides for healing and transformation?
Parinaz Shams: Attuning to your body’s signals is about developing a deeper relationship with your intuition. Your body is constantly communicating with you, whether through a “gut feeling,” a sense of unease, or even moments when you instinctively “just know.” These signals are your instincts guiding you, and learning to discern them from fear or conditioning is key to transformation.
To cultivate this attunement, it’s essential to create space for stillness and self-awareness in your daily life. Practices like intentional breathwork, mindfulness, and reflective movement exercises help quiet the external noise so you can tune in to what your body is saying. As I mentioned previously, somatic yoga is tremendously useful for this. Another tool that I teach in my private coaching work and retreats is guided meditation. While many of my clientele initially resist meditation because it feels hard to sit still and ‘get in the zone,’ the way I teach it tends to be more accessible with a clear, easy-to-follow purpose. Beyond the physical aspect, these practices are about reconnecting with the wisdom that lives within you—the sensations, emotions, and subtle cues that often get drowned out by the demands of life.
When you listen to your body and honor its messages, you start to make decisions and take actions that align more closely with your true self. Over time, this not only supports healing but also empowers you to navigate life with clarity, confidence, and trust in your own inner guidance.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: In your work, you help people foster self-trust and ignite self-love. What are some practical steps you recommend for individuals struggling with self-doubt or feelings of unworthiness?
Parinaz Shams: The foundation of fostering self-trust and self-love lies in understanding the conditioning of our psyche and nervous system. This is where I begin with every client, whether in my programs, retreats, or my upcoming book. Conditioning is at the root of why so many of us struggle with self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness—it’s where our “not enough” stories live. When you start to unpack the layers of conditioning, you begin to see why certain choices or patterns have left you feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or disconnected from yourself.
A crucial part of this work is also understanding the broader societal systems that shape us. For example, I bring practical and accessible education about the impact of patriarchy—not just on women but on all people. Many dismiss patriarchy as an abstract or overly politicized concept, but it’s deeply relevant to our personal and collective well-being. The societal pressures to conform, overwork, or suppress emotions are rooted in these systemic influences. Understanding how these forces shape our lives can empower you to make more authentic choices.
One client, whom I’ll call Ben, exemplifies this. Early in our work together, he realized that conditioning had driven many of his life choices, including marrying his now ex-wife. “I was at that age; we’d been together for a while, and I felt like it’s what I had to do,” he admitted. That realization illuminated how much of his life had been shaped by external expectations rather than his inner truth. This kind of awareness can be life-changing, freeing you from living by others’ standards and allowing you to connect with what truly matters to you.
For anyone beginning this journey, I recommend starting with two key steps:
- Build Awareness Through Education
Learn about how conditioning operates in your life. This can be through books, workshops, or working with a coach. The more you understand the origins of your beliefs and behaviors, the more clarity you gain about how to step into alignment with your authentic self. - Integrate Somatic Practices
Healing isn’t just an intellectual process—it’s deeply physical and emotional. Practices like somatic yoga, breathwork, and meditation help you reconnect with your body’s innate wisdom and untangle the stress and tension caused by living out of alignment. I recommend starting with meditation three times a week, even if just for five minutes.
Lastly, working with a skilled coach or guide can be invaluable. They can help you identify where conditioned patterns are driving your decisions and offer tools to shift those patterns. This awareness can reduce stress and burnout, empower better decision-making, and foster a sense of worthiness that comes from within rather than from external validation.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Your Courageous Comeback program and upcoming Sedona Retreats are designed to offer transformative experiences. What can participants expect from these programs, and how do they foster lasting change?
Parinaz Shams: Both The Courageous Comeback program and my Sedona retreat are designed to create a safe, supportive space specifically for women who have been through life’s challenges—whether it’s navigating toxic relationships, recovering from burnout, or carrying the weight of past traumas. These women are often the ones who have done everything “right” yet still feel stuck, unfulfilled, or disconnected from themselves.
Participants can expect a blend of ancient healing practices and modern coaching tools to help them reconnect with their inner strength, release emotional and physical burdens, and cultivate self-trust.
For example, during the Sedona retreat, I’ll use somatic yoga, meditation, and nature immersion to help participants tune into their intuition and begin shedding conditioned patterns that no longer serve them. Sedona’s incredible energy and stunning landscapes amplify this work, creating a space where women can reflect, heal, and recharge.
What makes these programs foster lasting change is the integration of clarity, courage, and community. Participants gain clarity about what’s holding them back, practice courage in exploring new perspectives and possibilities, and find strength in the supportive environment of like-minded women who are also on their own journeys of growth. By the end of the experience, they leave with practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose that they can carry forward into their daily lives.
My goal is for these women to feel lighter, more grounded, and empowered to step into their authentic selves with confidence and courage.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: You integrate ancient healing tools with modern coaching techniques in your practice. Can you share an example of how this blend has transformed someone’s life?
Parinaz Shams: One client, who has since become a dear friend, immediately comes to mind. When she first came to me, she was less than a year out of a psychiatric stay following a suicide attempt. She had spent years working with mental health professionals to process various traumas from her past but had never considered incorporating a spiritual approach into her healing journey.
She joined my coaching program and later continued working with me privately for almost a year. Early in our work together, she began practicing a meditation method I teach to all my clients. This method is designed to be approachable, even for those who struggle with racing thoughts or “monkey mind.” Over time, this practice became a cornerstone of her healing.
After completing our work together, she reached out to share remarkable news. She had revisited her doctors with the intention of weaning off her medications. During a Neurotherapy session, her brain mapping revealed transformative changes. Her doctors noted that her brain showed significant positive shifts in various areas and asked her what she had been doing to achieve such results.
This story stands out to me because it highlights how profound healing requires addressing not just the trauma itself but also the deeper imprints it leaves on the body and spirit. By integrating ancient spiritual practices with modern coaching techniques, this client was able to not only heal but also reclaim a sense of balance and vitality that extended beyond what she had previously imagined possible.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Chronic stress and trauma often leave people feeling stuck. What advice would you give to someone who wants to begin their healing journey but feels overwhelmed?
Parinaz Shams: While I know it’s deeply overwhelming, isolating, and outright painful at times, you are not alone. The best advice I can give is to practice compassion. Not for anyone else or the situation, necessarily, but for yourself.
Compassion has helped me recover a sense of calm and clarity in the aftermath of trauma and has helped the pain in my body subside during times of intense pain or flare-ups. In the spiritual path, we often talk about loving-kindness or non-violence, which can feel like fluffy, abstract terms. To me, it boils down to compassion – having a genuine understanding and empathetic awareness of where you’re coming from and why you feel the way you do, rather than being angry at yourself for being in pain or withdrawing from your trauma.
You have the power to recover your sense of strength, power, and tranquility, and it begins with shifting how you speak to and engage with yourself.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: As a spiritual mentor, how do you help individuals uncover their highest potential and happiness? What role does spirituality play in finding clarity and calm in today’s chaotic world?
Parinaz Shams: I believe that the work I do is like holding a candle up to a mirror so that the individual can see themselves and what they’re made of. A lot of that process is holding intentional space and asking good, important questions that often go under the radar. We start connecting dots, and from there, we integrate practices like somatic yoga and meditation that further illuminate the internal clarity and wisdom that exists inside each of us. This process, my work, is all about illuminating an individual to their own awareness so that they can clearly see what they want and what matters to them, and from there…acting on it becomes easy. Often, we stay stuck and fail to live up to our potential simply because we aren’t clear on what we really want or why. We fall prey to conditioning that tells us who we should be, and we don’t take the time to get to know ourselves very well. The spiritual path is a pathway back to your true self. It is the journey of getting to know yourself so that you can clearly and confidently do what you came here to do. Without this, life often feels lackluster, and we are stuck in continual longing. With the spiritual path and its methods of developing self-awareness, we can come home to ourselves feeling wholly satisfied and calm.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Your 2025 Sedona retreat is titled Trust Your Inner Compass. What does trusting your inner compass mean to you, and how can individuals begin to cultivate this inner guidance?
Parinaz Shams: To me, trusting your inner compass means reconnecting with your own deep sense of wisdom and intuition. It’s about tuning into the quiet but powerful guidance that comes from within—those subtle nudges, feelings, and gut instincts that often get drowned out by the noise of everyday life or external expectations. Trusting your inner compass is about letting go of the need for external validation and instead relying on your own inner knowing to guide you through life’s decisions, big or small.
Cultivating this inner guidance begins with quieting the mind and creating space for reflection. Meditation, mindfulness, and practices like somatic yoga can help you tune in to your body and emotions, which are often the messengers of your inner wisdom. By learning to slow down and listen to yourself, you can discern the difference between your intuition and the voices of doubt or fear.
Another powerful step in cultivating trust in your inner compass is practicing self-compassion. Many of us are so conditioned to push ourselves or second-guess our instincts, but self-compassion allows us to embrace our feelings without judgment. It creates a safe space for us to listen deeply to what we truly want and need rather than what we think we should want.
Through my Sedona retreat, I aim to create an environment that encourages participants to reconnect with this inner guidance. The natural beauty and energy of Sedona, combined with intentional practices and group support, will offer the perfect space to release old patterns, re-establish self-trust, and leave with a renewed sense of clarity and direction. Trusting your inner compass is not an overnight process, but it’s a journey of deepening your connection with yourself, and that’s exactly what we’ll explore together at the retreat.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Many of your clients are empathetic, driven individuals yearning for calm and clarity. How do you help leaders in demanding roles strike a balance between success and personal fulfillment?
Parinaz Shams: A big part of helping my clients find a balance between success and personal fulfillment starts with helping them recognize the internalized pressures they place on themselves. Traits like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-criticism are often rooted in the belief that we’re not inherently good enough and must become someone else, someone “better” or more acceptable, to be worthy of the things we desire in life. For most of us, those desires are pretty simple: love, connection, recognition, and respect.
But we struggle to find those things, especially within ourselves, because of these conditioned beliefs that we aren’t good enough. Our minds tend to focus on our perceived flaws instead of our strengths, making it hard to show ourselves the compassion we need. For many of my clients, this lack of self-compassion leads them to overwork, constantly striving to prove their worth but never feeling fulfilled. This is where I come in. I help them cultivate balance by teaching the concept of self-compassion and how to apply it in their daily lives. I use healing tools like somatic yoga and Persian spirituality, as well as the principles behind them, to bolster that process.
One client of mine recently shared how her father always pointed out what she could have done better rather than acknowledging what she did well. Whether in school or on the soccer field, her efforts were never fully recognized, and as a result, she internalized a pattern of never acknowledging her own successes as an adult. This drove her to push herself beyond her limits, both personally and professionally. Not only did this contribute to burnout in her career, but it also created tension in her relationships, affecting her mental health and sense of purpose.
I help clients like this recover their clarity and calm and find a new path forward—one that considers their own needs and desires while also being present for others. That journey begins with self-compassion. It’s the primary theme of my book, and I truly believe, from both my own experiences and from working with my clients, that when you allow self-compassion into your life, you unlock greater success and capacity in your relationships, career, and internal dialogue.
Best Holistic Life Magazine: Your podcast, Embrace Your Essence, dives into real-life topics like healing after divorce and reducing chronic anxiety. What inspired you to create this platform, and what impact do you hope it has on your listeners?
Parinaz Shams: This podcast has recently undergone a major transformation, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. The new version, The Courageous You, is all about offering listeners meaningful support through powerful stories of individuals who have worked with me or people I’ve encountered in my life who have made brave and transformative choices. These stories are meant to inspire and show that courage is not just for the few but something we all have the potential to tap into, no matter where we are on our journey.
In addition to the interviews, I’ve added solo episodes where I speak directly to the audience. In these, I offer grounded, actionable guidance on topics my clients often bring up in our sessions, topics like overcoming self-doubt, healing from trauma, and reclaiming your authentic self. These episodes are designed to provide practical steps and tools that listeners can immediately apply in their lives, helping them move from a place of fear or uncertainty to one of confidence and self-trust.
My hope with The Courageous You is to reach one million people around the world with messages that not only inspire but also offer tangible advice for personal transformation. If I can help just one person feel even one percent more connected to their courage, their strength, or their true self, I will think that I’ve done something meaningful. This podcast is my way of amplifying that impact, spreading positivity, and encouraging others to take bold steps toward living a life that feels aligned with their deepest values. I can’t wait for you to listen, share your impressions, and share its message with your community!
Best Holistic Life Magazine: As the Transformational Influencer of the Year 2025, what’s next for you? What legacy do you hope to build, and how do you see your work evolving in the coming years?
Parinaz Shams: I am honored to receive that recognition. On a personal level, I am deeply filled with gratitude and feel more than enough. On a professional level, I certainly want to continue serving women and men in finding their personal growth and healing. I plan to expand the message I aim to put out to the world by writing my first book. While it has been a challenging process, I think partly because it brings forth a lot of my personal journey, writing this book has me extremely excited for all the women and girls out there who may need to hear so they, too, can begin their self-development journey.
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