We’re looking forward to introducing you to Meg Nocero. Check out our conversation below.
Meg, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe most people struggle with feeling enough—worthy enough, successful enough, loved enough. We live in a world that glorifies constant achievement, so many quietly carry a fear of inadequacy while outwardly appearing strong. I think true freedom begins when we allow ourselves to be human—imperfect yet still divinely worthy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Meg Nocero, a former federal trial attorney turned TEDx inspirational speaker, award-winning author, happiness coach, and visionary leader in the art of flourishing. I hold a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies and am currently pursuing my PhD, where I’m exploring how individuals and communities can thrive through art, purpose, resilience, and joy.
My brand, Butterflies & Bliss, LLC, is all about transformation—helping people awaken to their inner light and realize their greatest dreams, no matter their age or past. Through my coaching, writing, and speaking, I guide others to embrace change as an invitation to grow and live a more meaningful life.
After losing my mother, I experienced a profound awakening that inspired my memoir, Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief—a story of hope, healing, and rebirth. I’m also the author of The Magical Guide to Bliss, now celebrating its 10th anniversary—a daily roadmap to living with intention, wonder, and gratitude—and Sparkle & Shine, an inspirational companion of affirmations for navigating life’s challenges with courage and optimism.
This year, I completed recording the audiobook edition of Butterfly Awakens, which will be released in October to celebrate my 10th anniversary as a published author. I am also developing The Magical Journal to Bliss, a creative companion filled with inspirational prompts, quotes, and reflections designed to help readers integrate the lessons of The Magical Guide to Bliss into their daily lives.
Beyond my writing and coaching, I am the founder of S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., an award-winning nonprofit that uplifts and connects individuals through empowering events and educational scholarships for young innovators. I also host the Webby-honored podcast and YouTube show Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary People, now in its eighth season, where I celebrate human potential and authentic storytelling.
Currently, I’m expanding my creative expression through a musical adaptation of Butterfly Awakens—a transformational story brought to life through music, movement, and the powerful symbolism of the butterfly and the lighthouse as beacons of hope.
My work has been recognized with multiple honors, including a Bronze Telly Award for Online Motivational Content and a CIO Magazine cover feature as one of the Top TEDx Speakers to Inspire in 2025.
As I advance in my doctoral studies, my mission is to teach happiness studies at the university level and create a Flourishing Academy—a space where happiness science, education, and the creative arts come together to teach individuals how to lead more purposeful, joyful lives. In the end, I believe that when one of us shines, we all shine brighter.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who to be, I was a wide-eyed dreamer—curious, creative, and full of magic. I loved stories, the stars, and the feeling that life was one big adventure waiting to unfold. Somewhere along the way, I learned to dim my light to fit in and please others, but the real me was always that little girl who believed in magic and miracles. Rediscovering her has been my greatest act of healing.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared, I would retreat into my imagination and create entire worlds of my own. I’d sit for hours with my Barbie dolls, crafting elaborate stories filled with adventure, friendship, and magic—little did I know I was already becoming a writer. My dog, Fred, was always by my side, a loyal companion who offered unconditional comfort and love. Books became my safe haven—each story a doorway to hope and wonder. As I grew older, journaling became my therapy, a place to release my fears and rediscover my strength. And through it all, my mother’s love remained my guiding light—she taught me that no matter how dark life feels, faith and love can always lead you home.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Many smart people miss the point that success without joy is not a fulfilling life. We’ve been taught to chase metrics—titles, wealth, and status—but too often, we neglect meaning, relationships, and well-being. True intelligence lies in balance—using our minds in service of our hearts.
We also get it wrong when we allow those in power to convince us that we are divided and that there are sides to take. In truth, we are all deeply interconnected—what affects one of us ultimately affects us all. When we forget that, we lose sight of our shared humanity. That’s why we must think globally and act locally toward positive change, focusing on what unites us rather than what separates us.
As the world continues to change through technology, empathy and compassion will be more important than ever. Machines can process information, but only humans can connect through love, creativity, and understanding. It’s our imagination—the creative mind—that allows us to solve problems and build bridges where walls once stood.
Mindfulness and being fully present are more important than anything. The charm of material things means nothing if it separates you from those you love or pulls you out of the moment. True flourishing comes when we live with awareness—seeing one another with compassion, choosing love over fear, and honoring the sacred connection that binds us all. Real wisdom begins there: in presence, unity, creativity, and harm to none.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
For a long time, I did what I thought I was supposed to do—checking every box, following every rule, living up to expectations that weren’t fully my own. But as I’ve evolved, I’ve realized that what I was born to do is help others awaken to their own light, to remind them that joy and purpose are not luxuries—they are birthrights.
Now, I choose authenticity over approval, creativity over conformity, and finally doing what I was born to do—writing, speaking, teaching, and inspiring others to live with passion and presence. My dream is to teach Happiness Studies and the Science of Flourishing at the university level, helping students and future leaders understand that true success lies in meaning, mindfulness, and connection.
Every day, I recommit to the path of purpose, guided by love, curiosity, and the belief that each of us is here to shine in our own unique way because I would regret not fully sharing my light with the world—not writing all the books still inside me, not launching the Flourishing Academy I dream about, or teaching happiness studies. I want to empower more people to believe in themselves. I want to make a difference by being fully authentic and sharing my vulnerability with others, because that’s where real connection and healing begin.
I would regret not finishing my musical or stories that bring to light the best of humanity as we emerge from hardship—tales that remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty that can rise from pain. I would regret not pushing beyond my comfort zone to inspire others to become who they are meant to be. And I would deeply regret not speaking truth to power and standing up for justice and the America I believe in—one built on compassion, equality, and hope.
As Wayne Dyer said, “Don’t die with your music still in you.” I carry that truth close to my heart and will do my best to let my music out.
My mother’s last words were, “Stress will kill you. Have no regrets.” I carry that as both a promise and a prayer. My mission is to live boldly, love deeply, and leave behind a legacy of joy, courage, and light.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.megnocero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megnocero/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-nocero-esq-686b8715/
- Twitter: https://x.com/megnocero
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meggiebliss
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/meg-nocero-butterflies-and-bliss-miami?osq=meg+nocero
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@megnoceronetwork
Image Credits
Michelle Citrin
Hector Prado
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
