About Sophie Riegel

At 25, Sophie Riegel is a professional speaker, ICF-certified coach, three-time bestselling author, and six-figure entrepreneur who specializes in intergenerational communication, entrepreneurship, and mental health. She's worked with organizations including Amazon, Netflix, Target, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—helping them bridge generational gaps, unlock entrepreneurial thinking, and create workplaces where all generations thrive.

Sophie didn't follow a traditional path. At 19, she started a thrifting business out of boredom as a student at Duke University in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By 25, it had generated over $500K in revenue—no investors, no shortcuts. During her Junior year at Duke, Sophie went to coaching school and soon after, she became one of the youngest ICF-certified coaches in the country. She brings this blend of entrepreneurial experience and coaching expertise to every keynote, workshop, and engagement.

Her speaking career started at 18, talking with teens about mental illness. It quickly expanded to parents, teachers, organizations, and corporate audiences who wanted to understand how to communicate across generations, support mental health at work and at home, and keep high performers from walking out the door.

By 21, Sophie had written three bestselling books, delivered a TEDx talk, and keynoted for conferences—all while being a full-time student at Duke. She writes regularly for Psychology Today, exploring ADHD, generational dynamics, mental health stigma, and what drives people to build work that actually matters to them.

Today, Sophie helps organizations understand Gen Z, helps managers lead across generational divides, and helps young professionals navigate careers on their own terms. She also coaches parents trying to support Gen Z children without micromanaging, and Gen Z professionals figuring out what's next.

When she's not speaking, coaching, or writing, she's running her six-figure thrifting business—a constant reminder that she practices what she teaches about entrepreneurial thinking.

She has ADHD—which shapes how she works, speaks, builds businesses, and approaches productivity. What looks like chaos to some is actually her system. She's learned to leverage hyperfocus, novelty-seeking, and quick pivots as strengths rather than fighting against how her brain is wired.

She's a former All-American Racewalker—Sophie was an all-American Racewalker in high school and came in 1st in the 1500m Racewalk at the USATF Hershey National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.

She's never had a traditional job—Not an internship, not a part-time gig, not a corporate role. She went straight from student to business owner to speaker and coach. That perspective shapes everything she teaches about work, because she understands why traditional paths don't fit everyone.

She was her high school valedictorian—and spent most of her academic career as a high achiever who avoided failure at all costs. Which is exactly why she now speaks about failure, risk, and the paralysis that comes from only doing things you know you'll succeed at.

She avoids retail stores at all costs—Despite running a six-figure thrifting business, Sophie refuses to pay retail prices for anything. Why spend $150 on a pair of pants when you can find them for $6? Additional fun fact: Sophie's best sale to date was an authenetic Chanel bag that she found for $2 and sold for $1,000.

She's a dog mom—When Sophie was in high school, her family rescued a 70lb pitbull, despite her mom being terrified of dogs. Nash has become the most important member of the family and she will drool on you until you give her whatever you are eating. Currently, Nash lives with Sophie's parents. Sophie and her fiancee recently adopted a stray dog who walked past her door. His name is Shadow and he is a 75lb Brindle mutt who spends most of his day laying upside down.