Menu

Break the Rules, Shed Your Secrets, Change Your Life.

Coaching for driven people, doing incredible things.

Deep down we all have internalized rules and old beliefs holding us back from being our most powerful selves. They keep us trapped in a false sense of who we are, one that plays it safe and lives a small unremarkable life.

Our programs help you break free of the rules, shed the secrets that hold you back, and forge a new truer identity. One that reflects your strengths and your most powerful self.

Only then can you have the impact that you were meant to have.

Ignite Your Life
Break Free to Bold

For women who want to level-up their relationships, careers, and mental well-being.

Learn More

Level up your business life with insight, tools and a strategic road map for success. Let’s get started.

Learn More

No more struggling to launch a coaching business. Get the expertise you need from The Coaches’ Coach.

Learn More

Learn from Gretchen Hydo directly.

Learn More

Meet Gretchen Hydo

Photo od Gretchen Hydo walking with laptop under her arm.
Gretchen Hydo holds the highest designation of Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and trainer. Considered by many to be one of Los Angeles’ top coaches, she specializes in guiding individuals and organizations to make high-level transformations by breaking the rules, shedding their secrets, and changing their lives. Her 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System™ helps people step away from their default legacies and lean into a created future. As author of the book Break Free from Your Dirty Little Secrets: A New You in 10 Secret-Breaking Stages, she is dedicated to helping women break free from the lies their false Self whispers about who they are and what they’ve done, and step into bigger living.
More about gretchen
Gretchen

Meet Gretchen Hydo

Gretchen Hydo holds the highest designation of Master Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation, is a keynote speaker, facilitator, and trainer. Considered by many to be one of Los Angeles’ top coaches, she specializes in guiding individuals and organizations to make high-level transformations by breaking the rules, shedding their secrets, and changing their lives. Her 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System™ helps people step away from their default legacies and lean into a created future. As author of the book Break Free from Your Dirty Little Secrets: A New You in 10 Secret-Breaking Stages, she is dedicated to helping women break free from the lies their false Self whispers about who they are and what they’ve done, and step into bigger living.

More about gretchen
Gretchen
“Anyone who needs a life change or who is looking to go to the next level should work with Gretchen. She is the best. I've been around a lot of ‘experts’ and they don't hold a candle to her intuition, knowledge, communication and ideas. Best money I've ever invested in my career!!!!”
- Kathryn B.Valley Village, Los Angles CA
“Gretchen, I'm so very appreciative of your encouragement and ability to challenge me to think bigger, better, and badassier!”
- Nancy K.
“You are a generous journey leader and its been a joy and pleasure to receive your teachings and coaching.”
Judy H.Santa Barbara, CA
Break Free from Your
Dirty Little Secrets
Millions of women suffer daily under shame and guilt from their secrets, often nasty, thoughts they have about others, the hidden dislike they have towards themselves, or actions they have taken like the abortion, the bankruptcy, or the affair. This life-altering book shares the 10-Stage Secret-Breaking System that will help you break free from the rules and beliefs that hold you back and handcuff you to living safe and small at work and in life. Break Free from Your Dirty Little Secrets: A New You in 10 Secret-Breaking Stages is the female guidebook for the next era, and the key to health, wealth, and a newfound love affair… with yourself.
Buy Now
Break Free to Bold

This is for the woman who’s done performing and ready to come home to herself.

An intimate 8-month journey for high-achieving women ready to rewrite the stories, release the rules, and live in alignment with their deepest truth. Limited to 12 women ready to live Activated and Free.

Learn More

As Featured In

Join Gretchen's Communities
For Coaches
Coaching for Coaches with Gretchen Hydo
Join Us
For Women
Bold AF! Activated & Free
Join Us

Why Strong Women Still Feel Like Impostors

You can be confident and conflicted at the same time.
You can lead and still doubt yourself.
You can know the next step—and still hesitate before taking it.

That was me not too long ago.

I had the credentials.
The experience.
The proof that I was qualified.

And yet, every time I stepped into something new, I’d hear the old voice whisper:
“Are you really ready for this?”
But I learned something.

Readiness isn’t a feeling.
It’s a decision.

And confidence?
It’s not the result of getting it perfect.
It’s the reward of showing up—even when it’s messy.

Action builds clarity.
Repetition builds confidence.
Momentum builds belief.
So if you’re a high-achieving woman quietly questioning herself—

This is your reminder:
You don’t need to be more ready.
You just need to be brave enough to begin.

Which line in this post hit you hardest? Quote it in the comments.
.
.
#leadership #mindset #personalgrowth #womeninbusiness #emotionalintelligence

8 2
Open post by gretchenhydo with ID 17962318382933686
Why Strong Women Still Feel Like Impostors You can be confident and conflicted at the same time. You can lead and still doubt yourself. You can know the next step—and still hesitate before taking it. That was me not too long ago. I had the credentials. The experience. The proof that I was qualified. And yet, every time I stepped into something new, I’d hear the old voice whisper: “Are you really ready for this?” But I learned something. Readiness isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision. And confidence? It’s not the result of getting it perfect. It’s the reward of showing up—even when it’s messy. Action builds clarity. Repetition builds confidence. Momentum builds belief. So if you’re a high-achieving woman quietly questioning herself— This is your reminder: You don’t need to be more ready. You just need to be brave enough to begin. Which line in this post hit you hardest? Quote it in the comments. . . #leadership #mindset #personalgrowth #womeninbusiness #emotionalintelligence

She didn’t plan to snap.
But when her colleague challenged her in the meeting, it was like someone hit a nerve.
Suddenly, her chest was tight. Her tone changed. Her words turned sharp.

That’s the moment to pause—and that’s what the Emotions Cycle Guide helps you do.

And afterward? The shame spiral began.
“Why did I react like that?”
“Where did that come from?”

The truth is:
It wasn’t just about the comment.
It was about the time she was told to tone it down.
The moment she was laughed at for being passionate.
The years she spent believing that being “too much” would cost her love or respect.

I call these Tripwire Emotions—explosions in the present that are rooted in the past.

They show up when a moment pokes at a long-buried story.

And if you’ve built your identity around being in control?
These moments can feel terrifying. Even humiliating.
But they’re not proof that you’re broken.

They’re invitations to heal.

If you’re ready to understand your emotions before they hijack your day—
Grab the Emotions Cycle Guide. It’s short. Simple. And clarifying.
.
.
#EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #WomenEmpowerment

1 3
Open post by gretchenhydo with ID 18192829396313237
She didn’t plan to snap. But when her colleague challenged her in the meeting, it was like someone hit a nerve. Suddenly, her chest was tight. Her tone changed. Her words turned sharp. That’s the moment to pause—and that’s what the Emotions Cycle Guide helps you do. And afterward? The shame spiral began. “Why did I react like that?” “Where did that come from?” The truth is: It wasn’t just about the comment. It was about the time she was told to tone it down. The moment she was laughed at for being passionate. The years she spent believing that being “too much” would cost her love or respect. I call these Tripwire Emotions—explosions in the present that are rooted in the past. They show up when a moment pokes at a long-buried story. And if you’ve built your identity around being in control? These moments can feel terrifying. Even humiliating. But they’re not proof that you’re broken. They’re invitations to heal. If you’re ready to understand your emotions before they hijack your day— Grab the Emotions Cycle Guide. It’s short. Simple. And clarifying. . . #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #ExecutivePresence #WomenEmpowerment

When ‘having it all’ still leaves you anxious at 3AM.
You’ve built a life that looks successful.
But behind the smiles and calendar invites… you’re exhausted.

You’re leading the team. Supporting your family.
And silently wondering, “When will it be my turn?”
That whisper you’ve been ignoring?

It’s not weakness.
It’s wisdom.

And it’s time to listen.

Bold AF (Activated & Free) was built for moments like this.—

A one-hour experience for high-achieving women who are ready to stop performing and start becoming.

We’re stripping away the negative beliefs holding you back from asking for a raise even though you lead the whole team.

Shattering the image that’s been keeping you smiling in public and spiraling in private.

And reclaiming the truth beneath it all… That you’re ready for more but you feel guilty asking for it.

Give me 60 minutes and I’ll help you release the pressure to be everything to everyone.

August 23rd at 9a PT | 12p ET

Click HERE - https://breakfreetobold.com/bold-af-live-workshop to RSVP

If your soul is craving more…
This is the room where you start.
.
.
#PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #RedefineSuccess #HighAchievingWomen

5 2
Open post by gretchenhydo with ID 18012009461755019
When ‘having it all’ still leaves you anxious at 3AM. You’ve built a life that looks successful. But behind the smiles and calendar invites… you’re exhausted. You’re leading the team. Supporting your family. And silently wondering, “When will it be my turn?” That whisper you’ve been ignoring? It’s not weakness. It’s wisdom. And it’s time to listen. Bold AF (Activated & Free) was built for moments like this.— A one-hour experience for high-achieving women who are ready to stop performing and start becoming. We’re stripping away the negative beliefs holding you back from asking for a raise even though you lead the whole team. Shattering the image that’s been keeping you smiling in public and spiraling in private. And reclaiming the truth beneath it all… That you’re ready for more but you feel guilty asking for it. Give me 60 minutes and I’ll help you release the pressure to be everything to everyone. August 23rd at 9a PT | 12p ET Click HERE - https://breakfreetobold.com/bold-af-live-workshop to RSVP If your soul is craving more… This is the room where you start. . . #PersonalGrowth #HealingJourney #RedefineSuccess #HighAchievingWomen

They booked a discovery call… and never showed?

Then you’re not attracting the right clients and here’s the truth: misaligned prospects aren’t bad people —they’re just not your people.

And it’ll be extremely hard to build a 6 figure business this way.

But here’s how to fix it.

If someone can’t show up for a conversation about changing their life,
they’re not ready to do the work with you.

I used to take no-shows personally.
Wondering if I said too much, not enough, or priced it wrong.

But here’s what I’ve learned:
A missed call isn’t a rejection.
It’s a reflection.

A reflection of unclear boundaries, lack of pre-qualification, or simply… the wrong fit.

That’s why in my coaching business, every potential client now answers a few questions before they get on my calendar.

Not to make them “jump through hoops”—but to make sure we both show up with intention.

Because a high-impact coaching relationship requires commitment—from both sides.

This is how you stop chasing and start enrolling with clarity and confidence.

Ever been ghosted after a discovery call?

Tell me what you changed—or drop a 🔥 if you needed this reminder.
.
.
#CoachingBusiness #OnlineBusinessTips #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #SixFigureCoach

4 4
Open post by gretchenhydo with ID 17850619764498399
They booked a discovery call… and never showed? Then you’re not attracting the right clients and here’s the truth: misaligned prospects aren’t bad people —they’re just not your people. And it’ll be extremely hard to build a 6 figure business this way. But here’s how to fix it. If someone can’t show up for a conversation about changing their life, they’re not ready to do the work with you. I used to take no-shows personally. Wondering if I said too much, not enough, or priced it wrong. But here’s what I’ve learned: A missed call isn’t a rejection. It’s a reflection. A reflection of unclear boundaries, lack of pre-qualification, or simply… the wrong fit. That’s why in my coaching business, every potential client now answers a few questions before they get on my calendar. Not to make them “jump through hoops”—but to make sure we both show up with intention. Because a high-impact coaching relationship requires commitment—from both sides. This is how you stop chasing and start enrolling with clarity and confidence. Ever been ghosted after a discovery call? Tell me what you changed—or drop a 🔥 if you needed this reminder. . . #CoachingBusiness #OnlineBusinessTips #BusinessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #SixFigureCoach

2 Reasons You Still Feel Unworthy (And Don’t Know It)

Most high-achieving women don’t walk around saying they feel unworthy.
They just live like it.

They second-guess the big moves like:
— Staying quiet in meetings, even when they know the answer.
— Talking themselves out of the book, the move, the dream…

Why?

Because of two silent drivers most don’t even realize are running the show:
1. The Secret You’ve Never Said Out Loud
Not to your best friend.
Not to your partner.
Maybe not even to yourself.
It lives in the back of your mind, tied to shame, and it whispers, “If they knew this about me… I’d lose everything.”

2. The Story You Were Taught to Survive
You were told: Be good. Be quiet. Be strong.
So now you shrink your truth and play roles to stay safe.

But that safety?
It’s costing you joy, rest, and real freedom.

You’re not alone if this hit deep. What’s the story you’ve been living by—without ever questioning it?

I’d love to hear it in the comments. Or if it’s too tender, just reply “I feel this” to let me know you’re with me.

.
.
#MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #HighAchievingWomen #GrowthMindset

7 3
Open post by gretchenhydo with ID 18510743920028236
2 Reasons You Still Feel Unworthy (And Don’t Know It) Most high-achieving women don’t walk around saying they feel unworthy. They just live like it. They second-guess the big moves like: — Staying quiet in meetings, even when they know the answer. — Talking themselves out of the book, the move, the dream… Why? Because of two silent drivers most don’t even realize are running the show: 1. The Secret You’ve Never Said Out Loud Not to your best friend. Not to your partner. Maybe not even to yourself. It lives in the back of your mind, tied to shame, and it whispers, “If they knew this about me… I’d lose everything.” 2. The Story You Were Taught to Survive You were told: Be good. Be quiet. Be strong. So now you shrink your truth and play roles to stay safe. But that safety? It’s costing you joy, rest, and real freedom. You’re not alone if this hit deep. What’s the story you’ve been living by—without ever questioning it? I’d love to hear it in the comments. Or if it’s too tender, just reply “I feel this” to let me know you’re with me. . . #MindsetMatters #PersonalGrowth #SelfWorth #HighAchievingWomen #GrowthMindset
Follow Gretchen On Instagram
Letters from Gretchen
enter your email for inspiration
09_Footer_CreateGreat.png

©2025 Gretchen Hydo International. All rights reserved.

Privacy Settings