Founder

My name is Maria Perez, and I founded The Inner Path Collective as an extension of my own journey of growth and realignment. For the past 20+ years, I’ve built a progressive career leading global marketing and brand strategies for Fortune 50–500 companies, managing teams across industries including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, fashion retail, telecommunications, hospitality & travel, and sports. Along the way, I became known for my ability to take on complex challenges, lead with collaboration, and deliver results at scale. My background also spans succession planning, talent management, mergers & acquisitions, small business consulting, and strategic planning—giving me a broad perspective on how individuals and organizations grow and thrive. I hold a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

But like many high-achieving professionals, I often measured success by how much I could take on. I said yes, I pushed harder, and I thrived in the constant pace—until I began to recognize that the way I was showing up professionally was also spilling into other parts of my life. That realization became a turning point: true leadership and fulfillment aren’t about titles, achievements, or how much we can carry—they’re about how we align with our values, protect our energy, and lead with intention.

Through my own work in healing, reflection, and realignment, I’ve learned how to redefine success from the inside out. This inspired me to create The Inner Path Collective, where I support others who may be experiencing burnout, navigating career or life transitions, or stepping into new leadership roles. My approach blends strategy with whole-self coaching—guiding clients to see the connections between how they show up at work, at home, and with themselves. By integrating practical tools, energy alignment, and mindset shifts, I help clients lead and live with greater clarity, purpose, and balance.

I’m currently pursuing my ICF-accredited ACC Level 1 coaching certification and continuing to expand my expertise through additional certifications in emotional intelligence & resilience, whole-self health & wellness, executive functioning & ADHD. While I grow my practice, I bring dedication, curiosity, and care to each client engagement, always working in alignment with ethical coaching standards.

In addition to my current work in marketing and coaching, I am the author of the Petal and Puff children’s book series, inspired by my son’s heart, gentle nature and wisdom—a project that reflects my love for storytelling and inspiring the next generation. I live in North Carolina with my husband, son, and two dogs, and find joy in cooking and entertaining, reading with a cozy blanket and coffee, journaling and manifesting, strength training, and traveling to places that nourish my soul. These rituals ground me in the balanced, intentional lifestyle I now help others create for themselves.