I'm Vanessa McNeal

your guide to nervous system-led high performance

I work with high-achieving professionals and organizations who are doing everything "right" but still burning out—because they're treating a nervous system problem like a performance issue.

Your perfectionism, people-pleasing, and inability to rest aren't character flaws. They're survival patterns your nervous system developed to keep you safe. And until you understand how to regulate at the nervous system level, no amount of strategy, training, or willpower will create lasting change.

Through neuroscience-backed keynotes and coaching, I help leaders and teams shift from dysregulation to sustainable high performance—where success comes from regulation, not exhaustion.

START YOUR NEW JOURNEY

Vanessa received a Bachelor's in Child Adult and Family Services at Iowa State University and a Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in Trauma Informed Care from the University of Northern Iowa. She is an Instructor at Mind Body Green Institute and a Certified Elite Life Coach. In 2024, she was accepted into the acclaimed Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.

CERTIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

"What looks like drive, perfectionism, or resilience is often a nervous system stuck in survival mode".

-Vanessa McNeal

For Organizations

For Individuals

I help companies understand why their top performers are burning out despite doing everything “right”—and how to fix it at the root. Through neuroscience-backed keynotes and training, I equip teams with practical regulation tools that reduce reactivity, strengthen psychological safety, and drive sustainable performance.

You're successful on paper—but behind the scenes, you're stuck in patterns you can't break. The perfectionism, people-pleasing, and achieving that never feels like enough. You've outgrown who you've been, and you're ready for a rebirth.

With a background in social work and trauma-informed care, I bridge neuroscience and self-inquiry to create self-aware, regulated teams—driving sustainable behavior change, resilience, and long-term performance.

Through 1:1 coaching, we go to the root—uncovering the trauma, limiting beliefs, and nervous system patterns keeping you stuck. You'll gain clarity on what's been holding you back and build the capacity to move forward as your most authentic, confident, and regulated self.

SPEAKING

COACHING

RESOURCES