I’m Shelby McGuire Canlas

SO NICE TO MEET YOU

Now, sit down and tell me everything!

I'm here not just as a coach, but as a companion on your journey, helping you navigate the path towards success with authenticity, purpose, and confidence.

Don’t be fooled by the pretty pictures and formal language. I am pretty girly but also not afraid to use bad words. Fairly regularly. You have been warned.

Shelby McGuire Canlas sitting on coach with client smiling and holding drinks

Meet Shelby

I'm the kind of person who genuinely enjoys striking up conversations with just about anyone. One-on-one interactions are where I thrive. I'm just not one for surface-level connections; I'm all about fostering real, meaningful relationships. It's not just a personal quirk; it's the foundation of why I do what I do.

So, a bit of my backstory. I happily bounced from one job to the next without much direction beyond, “That sounds cool.” Eventually, I rolled into HR and because it was such an easy fit I stayed for a while. However, being a good fit was not enough to keep it from ultimately becoming boring…and pretty damn unfulfilling.

I know what it feels like to have a job history that is all over the place and desire more fulfilling work.

Enter grad school. Suddenly, I felt engaged and challenged in ways I could never muster in my previous roles. It was like finally switching from decaf to espresso. Watch out.

Coach Shelby McGuire Canlas headshot with hair down sitting on coach with bold pattern pillows

Here’s the kicker: every “random” job and education hop was actually a step on the path to finding my purpose — Coaching. It took a hot minute (and a ton of reflection) to see the pattern, but holy smokes, was it worth it.

Coaching is not just my jam; it’s my whole breakfast. It ticks all the boxes—aligns with my values, leverages my strengths, and let’s not forget, it’s all about diving deep into what makes people tick. And the cherry on top? I get to hang out with cool folks like you…and for that I’m most grateful!

field or meadow with coral pink and tan colored grasses blowing in breeze

My Values

  • To me this means both honesty to yourself and others. I realize this can bring with it a certain measure of vulnerability, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. Because I know that you can handle a lot. So while it may suck in the moment to admit that we are not strong in a particular area, admitting it enables us to then go about the business of actually getting strong in that area. So let’s agree that we will be honest with ourselves and each other. It’s the only way to make this whole coaching thing worthwhile.

  • You are valuable, you are safe, you are loved and above all, you are welcome. If at any point in our relationship there is more that I can be doing to reinforce this, please let me know. I value the things that make us different and believe in the importance of being all of who you are, all of the time.

  • I believe that we are here to take care of one another. There is so much to be learned from those around us including how to love and support others while also learning to how to be loved and supported by others. The shape and size of your community will be different than mine. As long as we all have someone to lean on and someone who leans on us.

  • I’m a big fan of continuous learning but not limiting it to the kind that happens in a classroom or at the office. Every interaction with another person is an opportunity to learn and grow as you consider their perspective and priorities. Every morning I renew my commitment to curiosity and every evening I find myself saturated with new information. The cool thing is that the more open and curious I am, the more open and curious I become.

Boho woman in had with back turned walking down cobblestone European street

My Coaching Style

I take a personalized, action-oriented approach, skipping the one-size-fits-all systems. I focus on uncovering your strengths, values, and priorities, weaving them into a plan that's uniquely yours.

I'm here to help you figure out your work style while taking into consideration your unique challenges and commitments. We’ll create a framework that allows you to move forward freely with confidence and a sense of purpose.

✧ 18+ years coaching experience & 1000+ happy clients

✧ Graduate Degree | Clinical Psychology

✧ Undergraduate Degree | Sociology, Human Services

✧ National Board Certified Health and Wellness coach through NBHWC

✧ Board Certified Coach through the CCE | Career Coaching and Personal/Life Coaching

✧ Member Institute of Coaching (IOC), National Career Development Association (NCDA), and California Career Development Association (CCDA)

My Experience

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college-of-executive-coaching-certified-positive-psychology-based-health-and-wellbeing-coach-badge
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Hobbies: Reading fiction, casual hikes around Southern California and embarrassing my teenage boys.

Favorite food: I’m from Southern California so it should be obvious that my favorite food is Mexican.  :o)

Guilty pleasure: Queer Eye, The Great British Bake-Off and most home reno shows.  But the guilties are probably any true crime documentary or podcast.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to? Florence Italy on our honeymoon.

Pets? Eeks, they all died and have not been replaced. Don’t be alarmed, they lived long happy lives.

Favorite movie? I’m not willing to pick a favorite but there are some that I watch over and over. Little Women (1994 version) and any Jane Austen adaptation.

Favorite book? See above.  

Favorite podcast? Changes daily.

Role model: I admire some aspect of most people I meet so it would be hard to pick one person. Also, why would I want to put that pressure on someone? ;o)

Big goal for this year? To launch two new workshops, to have at least one fun travel adventure with the fam and to bring my podcast idea to life.

A Few Fun Facts

woman holding a podcast microphone on maple desk with notebook
The Great British Bake Off Cover Image
Little Women movie cover
white plate with four gourmet tacos
California coastline ocean and cliff
Skyline of Florence Italy
Stack of self-development books and white teacup with modern design

“Shelby is amazing. She has done so much for me and my future within 6 months that I couldn't figure out for years.”

BROOKE | PRODUCT DESIGNER

Ready to get moving on your goals?

Whether you’re making a career or life change, want to grow your business, or start a bucket-list project — coaching can help.