After a gruelling work schedule resulted in a lengthy hospital stay, Selina Gray recognized that she needed to make some serious adjustments in her life. At the time, Selina was working as a Corporate Controller and had suffered complete corporate burnout resulting in being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. Selina came to the realization that she had a very unhealthy relationship with money coupled with being an overachiever, and she needed to change.
Not only did Selina want to help herself, but in true babes supporting babes fashion, Selina wanted to help other women avoid the trauma she faced as well. Selina set out to create a nourishing relationship with money and healthy sustainable earnings practices by founding her company MONEYBOSS.
Selina now works as a Financial Empowerment Coach at MONEYBOSS where she focuses on mentoring female entrepreneurs to stand in their power, claim their CEO status, call in more revenue, keep more profits, and release their shame associated with money.
Learn more about Selina at Vancouver’s RISE Conference hosted by The Ace Class, where she will be speaking on October 26th 2019.
What does it mean to be a money boss?
That you embrace money in all aspects of your life. You see it as a sacred tool to live your best life on your own terms. You create freedom by creating a safe and nourishing relationship with your money, every single day.
Tell us about the #shesamoneyboss tribe that you started?
I wanted a safe place for women to talk about all things money–especially how shame stops us from doing what we love. To normalize money talk, trauma, and failures. To celebrate our money wins and authentically be as we are, because that’s enough. Money is with us for life, it’s so vital we embrace it.
What does it mean to be a rising woman?
A rising woman is a woman who consciously chooses to share her gifts with others so they feel empowered to share theirs too. #rippleeffect
What does Babes Supporting Babes mean to you?
A deeply impactful community that believes in celebrating, collaborating and confidently thriving together. We are better together, always. Babes supporting babes is a safe place to create and grow all of our dreams–no room for unhealthy competition or comparison.
What is one thing you’ve learned from a failure?
Never give up. There are beautiful lessons in every failure; it’s the human condition to fail. It’s our reaction, how we process and grow that truly matters. Dust yourself off, lean into the lessons and try again.
How has community impacted your life?
Community has changed me forever. I used to feel like an outsider in every group, after years of investing in myself I can see how real community and belonging helps all humans flourish. It’s so important that we are seen, heard and valued.
What is one thing you’ve had to really fight for?
My health, I was a self-proclaimed workhorse; I could outwork anyone to get what I wanted. And when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s, my energy became a huge challenge. Sometimes my mind wants to do things my body can’t. I’ve learned to go within, to honour the quiet and choose what’s highest and best. Health matters most.
What is your top tip for having a comfortable relationship with money?
It begins with choice. Every human is worthy of a healthy relationship to money. Choose to see money differently every day, choose to observe your emotions, your triggers and vow to making change. Money isn’t about perfection, it is about learning lessons and creating a relationship that nourishes your life. It’s a very simple set of actions but can be challenging to accept. There is no quick fix in money. It’s about doing the mindset and strategy work together—one inspired action at a time.
What financial advice would you give someone starting their own business?
There is nothing like creating your own business to throw all your wounds in your face. It will not be easy but it CAN be worth it.
Get clear on your numbers early, leverage a financial dream team before you think you can afford it (you need a great bookkeeper & CPA you trust) they will save you hours of headache and can keep you informed on things like taxes owing and cash flow. Leverage systems and automation wherever possible for efficiency. Our society focuses on gross earnings, but profit matter most. Get yourself a fantastic coach/mentor who will push you, look out for you and keep you accountable, also find a sisterhood to help you through the highs and lows of business.
Remember you are so worthy. Take care of you–you’re the most important asset as CEO. Invest in yourself!
What motivates you on a Monday morning?
Working with the women in my year-long Accelerator coaching programs—these women inspire and push me on the daily. Tribe is so important.
How has your relationship with money changed since you first started your career?
Ha, so much. I used to be in a constant state of lack, there was never enough and I was constantly buying “more” things as I landed in new countries in my corporate job because I wasn’t happy and felt empty inside.
Now, I still have emotions around money (we all do), but I’ve created a tool kit to help me rebalance. Money is a lifelong relationship, there is always plenty to learn, but I no longer fear money or feel shameful because of my spending choices. I see my worth and I want you to stand in yours too.
Join Selina Gray at the RISE Conference by the Ace Class. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Keep up with Selina on Instagram @selinagmoney
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.