You can connect with Margaret and her business via her website, Linkedin Instagram: @margaretcali.au and Facebook: @MCaliCoaching

Tell us about you

I’m Margaret Cali, a certified fertility and mindset coach, teacher, and founder of Cali Coaching. My own decade-long fertility journey, marked by loss, IVF, and eventual healing, shaped my mission to make emotional care a standard part of fertility treatment. Drawing on over 30 years in education and coaching, I now help women prepare emotionally, mentally, and physically for IVF through science-backed frameworks and compassionate guidance. My work blends neuroscience, storytelling, and mindfulness to help women move from overwhelm to calm, clarity, and confidence. Instagram: @margaretcali.au Facebook: @MCaliCoaching

Describe your biz in a sentence

Cali Coaching empowers women navigating IVF and fertility challenges to embrace the process, transform with purpose, and move forward with calm, confidence, and clarity.

Tell us how your business came to be

Cali Coaching was born from my own fertility journey. After years of loss, IVF, and burnout, I realised there was a missing piece in fertility care — emotional support. The medical side was well covered, but the emotional toll was often overlooked. I knew firsthand how chronic stress and fear could impact decision-making, relationships, and even the body’s readiness for treatment. Drawing on my 30 years in education and my training as a results and fertility coach, I created Cali Coaching to fill that gap, helping women feel calm, confident, and emotionally prepared for every step of IVF.

What has been one of your best business calls/decisions to date?

One of my best business decisions was trusting my intuition and sharing my personal story publicly for the first time. For years, I kept my fertility journey private, but when I finally opened up, women started saying, “You just put into words exactly how I feel.” That moment reminded me that vulnerability creates connection, and that authenticity would always be the foundation of Cali Coaching.

If you do change something about your business - what would it be?

If I could change one thing, I’d give myself permission to start sharing my message sooner. In the early days, I waited for everything to feel “ready” — the perfect website, the right words, the right timing. Looking back, I realise that clarity comes from action. The moment I began speaking openly about the emotional side of IVF, everything started to align, the right potential clients, collaborations, and opportunities followed naturally.

What does your typical day look like?

My days always start with calm — a cup of coffee, a few minutes of journaling, and quiet reflection before the world wakes up. From there, I focus on writing posts that help women feel seen and supported through IVF, creating new resources, and continuing to build the foundations of my business. I also make time for reading, learning, and attending courses that help me grow as a coach and business owner. Each day feels like a step forward, steady, purposeful, and aligned with the vision I’m creating.

Describe a time that you took a risk, how did it work out for you?

The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving the security of a long teaching career to start my own coaching business. Stepping into entrepreneurship after decades in education was both exciting and terrifying, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. It’s allowed me to combine my skills in teaching, mindset, and emotional wellbeing in a way that truly changes lives, including my own.

‍

What’s something raw & unfiltered you’ve been through / never told anyone about your business or motherhood?

When I first started my business, I felt like an imposter. After everything I’d been through with infertility and IVF, I thought I needed to appear completely “healed” before helping others. The truth is, I still have moments of doubt and grief that surface unexpectedly, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. The moment I allowed myself to be human, my work became more authentic, and my connection with clients deepened.

Your daily motto?

Never give up.

How do you maintain your motivation?

I stay motivated by connecting with like-minded women who understand the journey of building something meaningful, and by continuously learning. Communities like Mums & Co remind me that I’m not doing this alone, we’re all growing together. Learning new ideas, refining my skills, and surrounding myself with supportive, driven women keeps me inspired and aligned with my purpose.

‍
What is something about running your business that you wish you had been told sooner?

I wish someone had told me how much time and emotional energy social media would take. It’s not just about posting, it’s about storytelling, connection, and consistency. In the beginning, I underestimated how much effort goes into showing up authentically online. Over time, I’ve learned to see it less as “marketing” and more as a way to build trust and community, one genuine post at a time.

‍

What’s one thing you know that will benefit our audience? Let them know!

Many women face silent struggles such as secondary infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, or the grief that follows miscarriage or child loss. These experiences can feel isolating, even for women who already have children. What I’ve learned, and now help others with, is that emotional wellbeing is the foundation for healing and clarity. With the right mindset tools, self-compassion, and support, it’s possible to navigate these challenges with more calm, confidence, and hope. No one should have to go through it alone.

What are your favourite business tools (and why?)

Canva is my go-to tool — it allows me to bring my ideas to life visually, from social media posts to journals and client resources. I also use GoHighLevel to schedule content and manage client communication, keeping everything organised in one place. OneNote is where I capture my thoughts, reflections, and new ideas, and Google Drive helps me store and share my business materials easily. Together, these tools keep me creative, consistent, and focused.

‍

What is one facet of your field that you would like to see changed?

I’d love to see emotional support recognised as an essential part of fertility care, not an optional extra. So much focus is placed on the medical side of treatment, but the emotional toll is often overlooked. Stress, fear, and isolation can deeply impact the experience and even outcomes. My vision is for every fertility clinic and practitioner to integrate emotional wellbeing into their care model, because true fertility support should nurture both the body and the mind.

‍

What projects are coming up next?

I’m currently developing my new signature program, The RISE Method™ a 4-phase, 8-week intensive coaching experience designed to help women move from emotional depletion and fear before IVF to resilience, readiness, and calm confidence. It integrates emotional regulation tools, body partnership, and grounded hope, guiding women to feel fully prepared, not just medically, but mentally and emotionally, before starting treatment. Because fertility burnout is real, and it’s time we support women in preventing it, not just recovering from it.
‍

Has there been a significant business mentor in your career?‍

Yes — Michelle Oravitz, founder of The Wholesome Fertility Method, has been an incredible mentor and coach. Her guidance and wisdom have deeply shaped how I integrate mind-body connection, emotional healing, and spiritual awareness into my fertility coaching practice. I’m also grateful for the support of Mums & Co, whose expert sessions and community have helped me grow with confidence and connection, and Authentic Education, who guided me in refining my business structure and stepping into my role as a coach and leader with purpose. Each mentor has helped me align my work with my values and create a business grounded in service and authenticity.

What’s your approach on ‘the juggle’?

For me, the juggle is all about routine, planning, and realistic priorities. I start each week by mapping out what truly matters, both in business and in life, and I give myself permission to focus on progress, not perfection. Routine brings me calm, planning brings me clarity, and prioritising my tasks helps me stay grounded when things get busy. I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything, it’s about doing what’s meaningful, with intention.

‍

What would you like to see more of when it comes to helping women in small businesses succeed?

I’d love to see more emotional support and mentoring for women in small business, spaces where we can openly talk about the fears, self-doubt, and burnout that often come with entrepreneurship. Practical tools are important, but so is having a community that helps you stay grounded, confident, and connected to your purpose. When women feel emotionally supported, they’re far more likely to thrive, not just in business, but in life.

How would you describe your family life?

Family life for us is all about connection and communication. We each have our own roles and busy lives, but we make time to come together, especially around meal times. My son is now 21, so he’s often out, but we value those moments when we can slow down, share stories, and just be present. I also make time for my close friends and parents; they’re a big part of my support system. For me, family is about showing up, listening, and keeping those bonds strong, no matter how life evolves.

‍

What is one of the most important piece of advice you would give to someone beginning their business? A couple of years into their business?
‍

For someone just beginning, I’d say, start before you feel ready. Clarity comes from action, not perfection. Focus on progress, connection, and learning as you go. For those a couple of years in, remember to nurture yourself as much as your business. It’s easy to get caught up in the doing, but emotional wellbeing and clear boundaries are what sustain your vision long-term. Build routines that ground you and surround yourself with people who remind you why you started.

‍

What do you think is your most transferable skill between motherhood and business?

I’d say emotional awareness, the ability to stay calm, listen deeply, and respond with empathy. Motherhood taught me patience, adaptability, and how to keep perspective when things don’t go as planned, all of which are invaluable in business. Both roles require balance, intuition, and the capacity to nurture growth, whether it’s in a person or a vision.

What’s your approach to dealing with the pressures of running your business?
‍

I’ve learned to manage pressure by creating structure and calm through routine. Planning my week, setting realistic goals, and taking regular breaks help me stay centred. When things feel overwhelming, I pause, breathe, and reconnect with why I started, to help women feel supported and less alone. I’ve also learned that self-care isn’t optional; it’s what allows me to show up with clarity and purpose.
‍

What mantra do you live by?

Live one day at a time. It’s a gentle reminder to stay present, trust the process, and focus on what I can do today rather than everything ahead. It keeps me grounded, grateful, and aligned with what truly matters.

‍

What does mumbition mean to you? (the unapologetic blending of motherhood and ambition)

To me, mumbition means embracing both motherhood and ambition without guilt or apology. It’s about leading with heart, showing that you can nurture others while still pursuing your own purpose and growth. Motherhood has given me resilience, empathy, and perspective, qualities that fuel my ambition rather than compete with it. Mumbition is the balance of giving and growing, all in the same breath.

‍

What’s the best part of being part of the Mums & Co community?

The best part of being part of Mums & Co is the genuine connection. It’s a community of women who understand the juggle of business and motherhood — where support, encouragement, and shared wisdom flow so naturally. I’ve learned so much from the expert sessions and networking opportunities, but it’s the sense of belonging that stands out most. It reminds me that we don’t have to build our dreams alone.

‍

How has Mums & Co helped you?

Mums & Co has helped me grow both personally and professionally. The expert sessions have expanded my knowledge, the community connections have opened doors, and the encouragement from other members has given me confidence to keep moving forward. Being part of Mums & Co has reminded me that I’m not building my business in isolation, I’m surrounded by women who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

‍

Are there any areas you’re seeking help for in your business?

I’m seeking more opportunities for visibility and collaboration, particularly with fertility clinics, wellbeing organisations, and women’s health networks that align with my mission to make emotional care a standard part of fertility treatment. I’d also love support in refining my marketing and outreach so I can reach more women who would benefit from this work.

‍

What are three things you could help other members with?

What are three things you could help other members with? Emotional wellbeing and mindset tools – practical ways to manage stress, self-doubt, and burnout while building a business or navigating life’s challenges. Authentic storytelling – helping women find their voice and share their story with confidence and purpose. Creating calm and clarity – using routine, reflection, and self-awareness to bring more balance into both business and motherhood.

‍

Who are the mumbitous business owners you would like to shout out to here?

I’d love to give a big shout out to Michelle Oravitz from The Wholesome Fertility Method for her guidance, wisdom, and heart-led approach to women’s wellbeing. I’m also so grateful to the incredible Mums & Co team — Lucy Kippist, Liz Kaelin, and Carrie Kwan, for creating such a supportive community where women can grow with confidence and connection. And a special mention to Katrina McCarter, who is currently coaching me in developing collaborative partnerships, her insight and generosity have been invaluable.

‍

Last question: Is there anything else you would like to share?

I’m deeply passionate about helping women feel emotionally supported through every stage of their fertility journey — before, during, or after IVF. My hope is to see emotional wellbeing recognised as a standard part of care, not an afterthought. Communities like Mums & Co remind me how powerful it is when women come together to share their stories, lift each other up, and create real change.

‍