From FBI Chief To Holistic Health Coach – The Inspiring Journey Of Holly Bertone
Updated: Oct 15, 2024
Born and raised in Chicagoland, Deanna Radulescu is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in Business and Accounting. As the former VP of Key Accounts & Business Operations for a $20 million transmission remanufacturing facility, Deanna navigated complex contracts, doubling business size and earning stellar recommendations from major clients.
In a world where career paths often follow a linear trajectory, Holly Bertone's journey is anything but ordinary. Once the Chief of Staff for Counterintelligence at the FBI, Holly has transformed her life and career to become a certified holistic health coach, bestselling author, and a beacon of hope for women navigating midlife challenges.
A dream realized
Holly's fascination with the FBI began at the tender age of 17. After joining the agency post-9/11, she played a pivotal role in project management, connecting disparate pieces of information in a time when communication was critical. Her work was rewarding, but life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. The subsequent years brought a whirlwind of health challenges, including an autoimmune disease that forced her to resign in 2017.
Hitting rock bottom
The diagnosis was a wake-up call for Holly. "I wallowed in my own misery for a minute," she recalls, "but I realized I'm not okay living like this." With a husband and stepson depending on her, Holly knew she had to take charge of her health. What began as a quest for improvement turned into a journey of vibrant health, leading her to become a holistic health coach.
The missing piece: Emotional healing
As Holly delved into holistic health, she discovered that traditional programs often overlooked a crucial component: emotional healing. "I realized there was a huge missing piece," she explains. By addressing past traumas and emotional wounds, Holly found that true healing was possible. This revelation became the foundation of her coaching practice, where she now specializes in helping women in midlife reclaim their health and vitality.
The rocky framework of Holly Bertone
Holly's unique approach to health and wellness is encapsulated in her "Rocky Framework," inspired by the iconic movie series. The framework consists of five key components:
Rear view mirror: Reflecting on the past to make peace with it.
Own your ship: Taking personal responsibility for one's health and choices.
Create your future self: Envisioning a vibrant future beyond just weight loss.
Keep the vision, not the view: Focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
Come back home to you: Embracing one's true self and potential.
This framework not only empowers her clients but also encourages them to lead by example, inspiring those around them to pursue healthier lifestyles.
A voice for midlife women
Holly's passion for helping women in midlife is evident in her podcast, "Your Midlife Comeback Story," where she discusses everything from health to personal growth. With over 140 episodes, she aims to provide a platform for women to share their stories and find community support during this transformative phase of life.
A message of empowerment
Holly's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of self-belief. "You can do this. I believe in you," she shares, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment. Her story serves as a reminder that no matter the challenges we face, we have the agency to change our lives for the better.
As Holly Bertone continues to inspire and uplift women, she stands as a shining example of how one can turn adversity into opportunity, proving that it's never too late to rewrite your story. Whether through her coaching, podcast, or writing, Holly is dedicated to helping others live their best, label-free lives.
Deanna Radulescu, Founder & Host of Label Free Podcast
Born and raised in Chicagoland, Deanna Radulescu is a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in Business and Accounting. As the former VP of Key Accounts & Business Operations for a $20 million transmission remanufacturing facility, Deanna navigated complex contracts, doubling business size and earning stellar recommendations from major clients. After a life-changing event, Deanna pursued her passion for fashion, founding Deanna Marie Label and successfully launching three collections, including a Kickstarter campaign raising over $5k. A skincare line and a charity event against Human Trafficking rounded out her fashion journey. In 2019, Deanna ventured into podcasting with Label Free.
