Q: What was the defining moment that made you step into your power as a changemaker, and how did you shift from feeling unworthy to believing, "I can do this”?
PD: I discovered that we always have a choice. Losing my mother at a young age left me trapped in grief, feeling unmoored and uncertain about my place in the world. I remember looking into the mirror one day and hearing an inner voice say: You have a choice. You can keep asking, "Why me? Why did I have to lose the person I loved the most?” or you can start searching for the light in the darkness.

At just 15, I made a conscious decision to see the light. In my deepest sorrow, I discovered something profound: love is infinite. My mother’s energy, her presence, was never truly gone, it existed beyond the physical world, always surrounding me.

That moment shaped everything. I realized that while we cannot control what happens to us, we can choose how we respond. We can let pain define us, or we can transform it into purpose.

Years later, as a working mom, I found myself struggling again—this time with chronic fatigue, burnout, and unhealthy eating habits. But I knew I had a choice. Instead of pushing through, I looked deeper. These struggles were not just burdens; they were signals pointing me toward unhealed childhood wounds, self-limiting beliefs, and unmet needs.

Founding a home for traumatized babies and toddlers in Berlin reinforced what I had felt all along: being seen, valued, and honored for who we truly are and have the power to heal even the deepest wounds. Later, through my own journey of clearing emotional restrictions at the neural level, I experienced a level of freedom I never thought possible.

That was the moment I knew: If I could transform my pain into purpose, I could help others to rapidly do the same with less effort and pain.

Q: How do you navigate self-doubt and anxiety when pushing for meaningful change, and what keeps you going even when it feels tough?
PD: Self-doubt and anxiety aren’t roadblocks—they are invitations. Instead of resisting them, I respond with curiosity and listen within. They reveal what still needs healing, which old patterns are ready to be released, and where I have the opportunity to step into greater alignment. True growth and self-awareness often come with uncertainty, discomfort, and even fear. But I’ve learned that every challenge is a doorway to something greater preparing me for the next step.

When I catch my mind whispering the lie that I’m not good enough, I consciously choose a different path. I ground myself in my truth—independent of external opinions. Energy flows where attention goes, and the moment I choose to trust myself fully, I start attracting positive, even magical, change.

And when doubt creeps in, I pause and ask: Is this fear real, or is it just an old story trying to keep me small? Using self-healing hypnosis and guided imagery, I rewire my nervous system and realign my mindset to feel safe in expansion.

What keeps me going, even in tough moments, is knowing that every time I break through my own limitations, I empower another woman—especially mothers—to do the same.

Q: What mindset shift has been the most transformative in helping you create impact as both a mother and a businesswoman—without burning out?
PD: The biggest shift was recognizing my unmet needs and understanding that my worth isn’t tied to how hard I work. For years, I operated in survival mode, believing that pushing myself to exhaustion was the price of success. But I came to see that these were self-limiting beliefs I had absorbed as a child—not my truth.

When I started honoring my own balance—prioritizing deep healing, inner peace, and self-trust—I became a better mother, a more powerful leader, and a woman who thrives instead of merely survives. 

I learned that true impact doesn’t come from overextending myself; it comes from aligning with my authentic power. Now, I help other women make the same shift: when we nurture ourselves, we naturally create a more abundant and fulfilling life for those around us.

Q: If a woman feels called to create change but fear is holding her back, what is the one piece of advice you’d give her?
PD: Always believe in yourself. Never stop searching for the deeper truth behind what you’re longing for and what’s holding you back and small—even if you don’t yet know what direction to take. Trust the small whispers of intuition that want to be heard.

Talk to people who inspire you, who spark something inside you, even if they intimidate you. Often, we admire certain people—or even feel jealous—because they embody something we long for within ourselves. Instead of comparing or judging, learn from them! Surround yourself with those who expand your vision of what’s possible, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Growth begins at the edge of our comfort zone.

And most importantly, remember: You can never fail—you can only learn and grow. Fear is not a stop sign; it’s a doorway. The thing you’re afraid of is often the very thing that will set you free.

Q: What is one bold step women can take today to step into their leadership and start shaping the future they dream of?
PD: Do what brings you joy—and ask yourself if it brings others joy too. When your passion meets service, you step into your authentic power as a leader. That’s where fulfillment lives.

Stop waiting for permission. Women often hold themselves back, thinking they need to be “ready” or “qualified” before stepping up. But the truth is, you become ready by taking action. If you have an idea, a vision, or a calling within you, take one step toward it today. Speak your truth. Share your message. 

Start the project. Say yes to an opportunity that excites and terrifies you.

Every small, courageous action rewires your brain to trust yourself more—and when you trust yourself, the world starts trusting your back.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?

PD: Always trust your intuition, your inner voice that comes first but often gets overheard. Never give up on trusting yourself, freeing yourself from outdated beliefs, self-doubt, and the need to prove your worth. Success is not about striving—it’s about stepping into who you already are with playful confidence and ease.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?

PD: The moment a client looked at me, tears in her eyes, and said, “I feel free for the first time in my life.” Watching someone break free from generational trauma, chronic stress, self-limitations, and embracing their full potential is the most rewarding part of my work.


Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?

PD: That burnout is not a badge of honor. Success flows effortlessly when you align with your true self instead of pushing through exhaustion. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed and never feel wired. When you walk your own path, you are unique—and that’s powerful.


Q: Which woman inspires you and why?

PD: Maya Angelou. She turned pain into poetry, struggle into wisdom, and never apologized for her brilliance. That’s the kind of presence I strive for.


Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?

PD: Start before you're ready. Perfection is a lie … momentum is everything. Bet on yourself, and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Your energy flows where you focus. That's it!


Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?

PD: Never shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Have the courage to be you, own your voice. Speak with conviction and set boundaries without guilt.


Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?

PD: I thought I would work in special education forever, but life had bigger plans. I never imagined I’d be leading a global movement in trauma healing, personal transformation—thriving into full potential with an amazing family, friends and fulfilling work.


Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work-life balance?

PD: I stopped chasing balance and embraced alignment. Some days are deeply focused on work; others are all about my family. Sometimes, it’s just me and my dogs in the rain and storm of the Marin Headlands. I tune in with nature and trust what feels right in the moment.


Q: What is your advice for women in male-dominated fields?

PD: Don’t mimic masculine energy to fit in. Your intuition, sensual power, creativity, empathy, and emotional intelligence are superpowers. Use them.


Thirty-Five Things About Pia Doegl

1. If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Maya Angelou, Erich Fromm, Oprah Winfrey, and my younger self—so I could tell her everything will be okay.


2. What's your favorite family tradition?
Sunday morning breakfast, no phones, just deep conversation and laughter.


3. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?
Marina Abramović: A leading figure in performance art, known for her intense and transformative works that challenge the boundaries of the mind, body, and emotional endurance.


4. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Being with my husband, daughter, and friends or salsa dancing or running barefoot in the rising morning at the beach.


5. Who is the most fascinating person you’ve ever met?
An Indian social worker woman who radiated peace in a way I had never experienced before.


6. What was the last book you really got into?
Alice Miller: True Self vs. False Self


7. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on?
Marrying my beloved husband, who has shown me the true meaning of trust.


8. Among your friends, what are you best known for?
My ability to see straight to the heart of an issue and transform pain into possibility.


9. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been?
An underground cave temple in India—mystical and surreal.


10. What’s your favorite international food?
Rice Thai noodles, made by my 13-year-old daughter.


11. Who is your favorite author?
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: Le Petit Prince: You can only see clearly with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.


12. What’s your favorite app on your phone?
Caviar


13. Best and worst ice cream flavor?
Best: Vegan caramel. Worst: Licorice.


14. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid?
Pippi Longstocking


15. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done?
Booked the last flight from Frankfurt to London and the first one back, just to dance salsa at the legendary club, Ronnie Scott’s.


16. What’s your favorite quote or saying?
"When you liberate yourself, you liberate others."


17. If you unexpectedly won $10,000, what would you spend it on?
A healing retreat for women who need a reset but can’t afford it.


18. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person! I love the quiet awakening energy before everyone is awake.


19. What would your perfect vacation look like?
Sun, ocean, my loved ones around, deep conversations, red nails, and no emails.


20. Favorite dessert?
Chamomile tea with lavender honey.


21. Favorite city?
San Francisco, USA.


22. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken.

Spending Christmas in Mexico on our sailing boat—no plans, just a plastic Christmas. Anchored at a quiet spot, enjoying food at a local beach bar, while my daughter clings to the railing, feeling motion sick. Yet, in that moment, surrounded by so much authenticity, pure life, and warmth both outside and inside, it was perfect.


23. Do you read reviews or just go with your gut?

Gut instinct always!


24. What’s your big passion?

Salsa dancing in Cuba and helping women break free from self-limiting beliefs and live in full alignment with their power.


25. What’s your signature drink?

A foamed oat milk with chocolate power.


26. What would you sing at karaoke night?

Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.


27. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?

Cuban salsa dancing because it’s joyful movement and healing for the soul.


28. Have you ever met anyone famous? Who?

Every person is famous to me for their unique beauty


29. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?

Intuition, if that counts. Otherwise, touch—I feel energy deeply.


30. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?

I’d tell my younger self to trust her instincts sooner.


31. What were you like in high school?

Deep thinker, passionate, always questioning the status quo.


32. What would your perfect Saturday be like?

Slow morning, a long walk, and meaningful conversations, or to be in silence with people I love.


33. Would you rather cook or order in?

Both: I love the luxury of going out and also cooking—I love creating nourishing meals.


34. What was your favorite subject in school?

Theater and Dancing 


35. Cake or pie?

Austrian apple strudel with vanilla sauce and a taste of vanilla ice cream.