Cheryl Bridges’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Cheryl Bridges shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Cheryl, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity is most important. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but without integrity they lack a foundation. Integrity is about living in alignment with who you say you are—your words, your values, your promises. It’s the thread that holds everything else together.

As a coach and leader, I’ve seen that people don’t remember how smart you are or how much you can accomplish nearly as much as they remember how you made them feel and whether they could trust you. Integrity builds that trust. It allows intelligence to be respected and energy to be sustained. Without it, the other two can become empty or even destructive.
In my own journey, integrity guides every decision I make. It keeps me grounded in authenticity, accountable to others, and consistent in how I show up. It’s the foundation of true leadership and lasting impact.

“Intelligence may impress and energy may inspire, but integrity is what builds trust and sustains true leadership.”

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Cheryl Bridges, the Founder and CEO of Bridges 2 Life, a coaching organization dedicated to helping people understand who they are so they can become who they’re meant to be. I serve as both an executive and leadership coach as well as a life and mental health coach, and I often describe my work as bridging the gap between personal well-being and professional leadership.

What makes Bridges 2 Life unique is the way I integrate faith, authenticity, and practical strategies into everything I do. Whether I’m working with executives, leading a national leadership academy for women in tech, or sharing “Cheryl’s Pearls” on TV during my Wellness Wednesday segments, my goal is the same: to empower people to live and lead with authenticity, confidence, and grace.
My own journey has been one of transition and resilience, and I believe those experiences have shaped my ability to connect deeply with others.

Right now, I’m especially excited about expanding Bridges 2 Life in the Atlanta area and across the globe while continuing to build programs and resources that help people sustain themselves—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—while they grow as leaders.

“Coaching without borders. Empowering growth, anywhere.”

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed my possibilities were limited—I thought I had to fit into a neat little box and live life according to what others expected of me. I carried a lot of weight around other people’s opinions, and for a long time I let FOOPO—the fear of other people’s opinions—shape my choices and even silence my voice.

Today, I know better. I’ve learned that life is not about staying in the box—it’s about living, breathing, and thinking beyond it. I no longer see mistakes as failures; I see them as lessons. In fact, I believe a FAIL is simply a “First Attempt In Learning.” I also believe I can change my mind as many times as I’d like, because each decision, whether it unfolds as expected or not, teaches me something valuable.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that people’s opinions of me say more about them than they do about me. That shift in belief has given me freedom, confidence, and the courage to walk my own path.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Life is too short to live for applause and approval; instead, live for purpose and peace.”

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Sweet girl, you don’t need to live for approval. Your worth isn’t measured by other people’s opinions—it’s already inside of you. For so long, I let the need for acceptance and validation shape my choices. I didn’t realize then that the only approval I truly needed was my own—and God’s.

I would tell her to stop shrinking, second-guessing, or silencing herself for fear of judgment. I’d remind her that her voice matters, her dreams are valid, and her light deserves to shine. I would remind her that everything she needs to succeed is already within her. Listen to the inner voice and let it guide you.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is my faith—it’s the foundation of everything I do and the lens through which I see the world. They’d also tell you that my family is my heart, especially my two sons, who continue to be one of my greatest joys and motivations.

They would also point to my passion for helping others grow—whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or simply being a listening ear. I believe deeply in the power of honesty and authenticity in relationships, and my friends know that I will always speak truth with love.

And, if you ask them, they’d probably add that I never miss an opportunity to encourage others—to remind people of their value, their potential, and their ability to thrive.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I actually love this question because it’s something I often share with my clients: the “why” has everything to do with everything. If I’m being true to my “why”—which, for me, is helping and encouraging others—then I don’t need the applause or recognition. My fulfillment comes from knowing I gave my best and from seeing the positive results in the lives of others. Praise is nice, but purpose is what truly sustains me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bridges2life.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.l.bridges/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-bridges-acc-bcmhc-0414b41a3/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridges2lifellc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bridges2life88