Ep. 57: Brave Shift: Michele Kehrer’s Lessons in Adversity and Business Growth

What if surviving cancer wasn’t just a miracle—but a repeat occurrence?In this jaw-dropping episode of the Reforge Your Life show, host Joe Rivera sits down with Michele Kehrer, who has not only battled cancer four separate times but rebuilt her life and business at every turn. From being diagnosed unexpectedly at age 35—just ten days after leaving her marriage and celebrating her new business—to facing a stage four diagnosis, Michele Kehrer’s story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of finding your purpose in the midst of chaos.But this episode isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. Michele Kehrer shares intimate details of her journey: learning to market her business bald, pushing through shock and exhaustion, going entirely holistic despite all odds, and, ultimately, choosing joy over victimhood. She reveals how repeated adversity forced her out of her comfort zone, reframed her self-worth, and led her to a new mission: empowering others as a business growth coach, author, and speaker.Key episode highlights include:The mindset shifts required to battle cancer four times—and the pivotal moment she chose to fight for her lifeNavigating divorce, business challenges, and illness simultaneouslyHow reframing negative experiences into gifts shaped her perspective on adversityThe power of core values, self-reflection, and connecting with a higher purposeThe risk (and reward) of abandoning traditional treatments for holistic healingAdvice for anyone facing overwhelming circumstances: why it’s vital to reach out and keep asking for helpInsights from her book "Brave Shift" and practical tools to transform your own mindsetDon't miss this unforgettable interview—whether you want inspiration, actionable life lessons, or proof that your comeback is more than possible.Episode Overview00:00 – Intro & setting the stage for transformation01:19 – Michele’s entrepreneurship, her first cancer diagnosis, and optimism in the face of adversity03:10 – Surviving chemo, marketing her new business while bald, and finding community support04:55 – Life-threatening reactions and overcoming stage 4 cancer06:59 – Navigating business and treatments; relying on friends and inner strength08:38 – Twelve years cancer-free, then the third diagnosis during the pandemic09:13 – Overwhelming illness, planning for the worst, and selling her business13:05 – Rediscovering identity, moving to Florida, starting anew as a coach14:01 – Embracing mindset shifts and approaching cancer as just another challenge15:43 – Joe Rivera and Michele Kehrer discuss reframing adversity and the importance of gratitude16:34 – Facing multiple hardships at once—and why distraction helped18:27 – The silver lining in “loss”—every hardship is a lesson21:55 – The second diagnosis: doubt, victim mentality, and pushing through26:46 – Why self-reflection and spiritual connection matter27:54 – The third and toughest diagnosis: fighting for her life, making risky choices32:21 – Going fully holistic and surviving against the odds38:27 – Uncovering and living by new core values41:55 – Michele Kehrer introduces her book and shares her hacks for learning and gratitude44:31 – Defining purpose and the meaning of “reforge”45:44 – Advice for others: reaching out, vulnerability, and persistence46:26 – What brings her joy and advice to her younger self47:54 – Joe Rivera wraps with final gratitude and call to action for listenersReady to be inspired? Subscribe, share, and unlock your comeback story today!