When a Sober Coach Lands on an “Influencer” List

Recently, I was included on a Top 100 Sober Influencer list.

When someone first sent it to me, my reaction was equal parts surprise, gratitude… and a little bit of a head tilt.

Because if you ask me what I do, I won’t say I’m an influencer.

I’m a coach.

I’m a sober coach who works with women who are ready to drink less or stop drinking altogether so they can feel healthier, clearer, and happier in their lives.

But if being on a list like that helps more people find me—women who are quietly Googling at night, wondering if life might be better without alcohol—then I’m happy to be there.

And honestly?

If a 50-year-old sober mom can “influence” anything, I suppose that’s not a bad thing.

The Word “Influencer” Is a Little Funny

The word influencer can feel strange to me.

When I think about influence, I think about something much quieter and deeper than algorithms or follower counts.

Influence is the woman who messages me and says:

“Your post made me realize I’m not alone.”

Influence is someone listening to a podcast episode on a walk and deciding to try one alcohol-free weekend.

Influence is a woman in her forties, fifties, or sixties realizing that it’s not too late to change her relationship with alcohol.

That kind of influence doesn’t show up in analytics.

But it’s the kind that matters.

A Little Reality About Lists and Social Media

Since we’re talking honestly, let’s also talk about something most people don’t realize.

Not all influencer lists are created the same.

Some are based on audience size, engagement, or impact.

Others are pay-to-play, meaning people pay to be included.

So when you see lists online—whether they’re about sobriety, wellness, coaching, or anything else—it’s healthy to take them with a grain of salt.

They can be helpful for discovering new voices.

But they’re not the ultimate measure of credibility or value.

Why Some Influencers Have Huge Followings

Another thing worth understanding: many influencers grow large followings because social media is their full-time marketing channel.

Many also receive paid sponsorships from brands.

That doesn’t make it wrong.

It’s simply part of the business model of influencing.

But it’s very different from what many coaches, therapists, and recovery professionals are doing behind the scenes every day—working directly with people, holding space, guiding transformation, and building communities.

Those kinds of professionals may not always have the biggest follower counts.

But their impact runs deep.

What I Actually Care About

If I’m being honest, the thing I care about most isn’t being on a list.

It’s hearing from women who say:

“I didn’t know anyone else felt like this.”

Or:

“I thought I was the only professional woman struggling with drinking too much.”

Or:

“I finally feel hopeful about changing.”

That’s the real work.

Helping women see that they’re not broken.

Helping them realize they can celebrate, relax, and reward themselves without alcohol.

Helping them reconnect with their health, purpose, and happiness.

If This List Helps One Woman Find Support

So yes—if being on a Top 100 list helps someone find my work, I’m grateful.

But behind the “influencer” title is really just me.

A sober woman.

A mom.

A coach.

Someone who believes deeply that life without alcohol can be lighter, clearer, and more joyful than we ever imagined.

And if that kind of message influences someone to take their first step toward sobriety…

Well, I’ll take that kind of influence any day.