Meet Lital Gottlieb | Destination Thrive Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lital Gottlieb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lital, how does your business help the community?
At the heart of Destination Thrive is a deep belief in the transformative power of motherhood. I’ve walked this path myself, from the exhilarating highs of becoming a new mom to the overwhelming lows where I felt lost in the roles life had given me. Through this journey, I discovered a profound truth: for a mother to truly thrive, she must first make herself a priority. This is something that feels deeply counterintuitive to many of us, often wrapped in feelings of guilt and shame. We’re taught to put our families first, always. But what I’ve learned, and what we teach at Destination Thrive, is that when we prioritize ourselves, we’re actually prioritizing our families. By nurturing our own well-being, we can show up as the best versions of ourselves—for our children, our partners, and everyone around us. We become strong role models, demonstrating what it means to live with intention, passion, and purpose.

Our platform isn’t just about offering tools and resources; it’s about lighting the way for mothers to rediscover the incredible women they are, beyond the titles of “mom” and “wife.” We create a space where moms can reconnect with their passions, reimagine their futures, and remember that their dreams are not just valid—they are vital.

When I think about the impact we’re making, it’s not just about the mothers we serve. It’s about the ripple effect that touches every corner of their lives. When a mother steps into her power, she brings more love, joy, and resilience into her family. Her children grow up seeing what it means to live authentically and chase their dreams. Her partner benefits from a relationship that is grounded in mutual support and shared growth. And beyond the family unit, these empowered mothers contribute to stronger, more compassionate communities.

In a world that often asks mothers to give until they’re empty, Destination Thrive is a sanctuary where they are reminded to fill their own cups first. We’re breaking the cycle of burnout and loneliness that so many mothers experience by fostering a community where they can share, learn, and grow together.

Every story of transformation, every mom who finds her spark again, is a testament to the power of what we’re building. We’re not just helping mothers survive the journey of motherhood—we’re helping them thrive in every sense of the word. And when mothers thrive, the world becomes a better place, filled with more love, more purpose, and more connection. This is the impact we’re making, one incredible mother at a time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Destination Thrive is more than just a personal development platform—it’s a movement that empowers mothers to reconnect with themselves and design lives they truly love. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the unique challenges and joys of motherhood. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; we know that every mother’s journey is different, and we honor that by offering personalized support, practical tools, and a nurturing community that speaks directly to the heart of what it means to be a mom today.

I’m incredibly proud of the safe, empowering space we’ve created for mothers. It’s a place where they can come to rediscover who they are beyond the roles of “mom” and “wife,” reconnect with their passions, and feel supported as they navigate the complexities of balancing family life with personal growth. Seeing the transformation in the women who engage with Destination Thrive is what excites me the most. Watching them go from feeling lost or overwhelmed to thriving in every aspect of their lives is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Getting to where I am today business-wise has been a journey of growth, perseverance, and learning. It hasn’t always been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges along the way—self-doubt, balancing work and family, and the inevitable setbacks that come with building something new. But each challenge taught me something valuable. I learned the importance of resilience, the power of community, and the necessity of staying true to my vision, even when the road got tough.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success is not a straight line. It’s a series of ups and downs, and the key is to keep moving forward, no matter what. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help and to lean on others. Building Destination Thrive has been a collaborative effort, and I’m so grateful for the incredible team and community that have supported me along the way.

What I want the world to know about me and Destination Thrive is that we are here to make a difference. We are here to help mothers thrive, not just survive. My own journey of rediscovery after becoming a mother inspired me to create this platform, and it’s my passion to share what I’ve learned with others. I believe that when mothers prioritize themselves, they can show up as the best versions of themselves for their families and the world. My story is one of resilience, passion, and the belief that every mother deserves to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfillment.

Destination Thrive is a testament to the power of personal growth and community, and I’m excited to continue this journey, helping more mothers thrive and live their best lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friends were visiting San Diego, I’d make sure they get a real taste of the city’s charm, blending some of my favorite spots with the must-see attractions that make San Diego so special.

We’d start the trip with some of my favorite breakfast spots. Breakfast Republic is always a hit with its creative and delicious takes on classic breakfast dishes. Another go-to is Beach Plum Kitchen in Carlsbad—perfect for a relaxed and hearty start to the day.

While I’m not the biggest fan of the beach, I’d still take them to La Jolla Cove because it’s such a quintessential San Diego experience. It’s great for a quick visit to see the sea lions, check out the tide pools, and take in the views. If they’re into beach activities, Mission Bay is ideal for paddleboarding or renting bikes to ride along the scenic paths.

For a dose of culture and history, we’d wander through Balboa Park. The gardens, museums, and architecture are stunning, and you can’t miss the world-famous San Diego Zoo. We’d also hop over to Old Town San Diego to experience the rich history and enjoy some authentic Mexican food.

As for dining, I’d take them to Thai Pen for amazing Thai cuisine, and Camp Fire in Carlsbad is a must for dinner—it’s all about the open-fire cooking and cool, rustic vibe. Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff offers incredible oceanfront dining, perfect for sunset views while enjoying seafood.

A visit to Sunset Cliffs is non-negotiable. Watching the sunset there is a quintessential San Diego experience, and the cliffs are just breathtaking. Afterward, Liberty Station is a great spot to grab dinner and explore the local shops and breweries.

We’d also take a ferry ride to Coronado Island to stroll along the beach and visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado. For something a bit different, a day trip to Temecula Wine Country would be perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the beautiful vineyard landscapes.

And, of course, no trip to San Diego would be complete without exploring the Gaslamp District. We’d have a night out with dinner and drinks, soaking up the vibrant nightlife and energy of downtown San Diego.

Throughout the week, we’d mix in some relaxing beach days, scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, and just soaking up the laid-back, sunny vibe that makes San Diego so special.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think about my journey with Destination Thrive, I can’t help but reflect on all the incredible people and influences that have shaped where I am today. None of us achieve success alone, and I’m deeply grateful for the support, mentorship, and love that have guided me along the way.

First and foremost, my family has been my anchor. My husband, with his unwavering support and belief in me, has been my constant rock. Even in the moments when I struggled to believe in myself, he was there, encouraging me to keep going. My children, Avery, Skyler, and Lily, inspire me every single day. They are the reason I strive to be the best version of myself, and they remind me of the importance of living with passion and purpose.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my incredible team at Destination Thrive. Shir Eyal and Sarah Greenstine, who facilitate our Awaken workshop, have been instrumental in bringing our shared vision to life. Their dedication and passion for helping mothers reconnect with themselves have profoundly influenced the work we do together. And I can’t forget Haline Del Bam, who is truly my right hand and helps me with everything. Her unwavering support is invaluable, and I couldn’t navigate this journey without her by my side.

Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have remarkable mentors who have deeply impacted my life and work. Brendon Burchard, Darren Hardy, Jesse Itzler, Laurie Wintonick, and Mona Sharma have all provided me with the guidance and wisdom I needed to grow, both personally and professionally. Their teachings on high performance, leadership, and living life to the fullest have shaped the way I approach my work and my life.

Books have also been a constant source of inspiration and growth for me. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, and The Power of One More by Ed Mylett are just a few that have left a lasting impact. These books have reinforced the importance of consistency, courage, and perseverance in everything I do.

But perhaps the most profound influence has been the incredible community of mothers I’ve connected with through Destination Thrive. These women have taught me more about strength, grace, and resilience than I could have ever imagined. Their stories and experiences inspire me to keep pushing forward, and they remind me why this work is so important.

To everyone who has been a part of my journey—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, love, and encouragement have meant the world to me, and I carry it with me in everything I do. Together, we’re creating something truly special, and I’m so grateful to have you all on this journey with me.

Website: https://www.Destination-Thrive.com

Instagram: @Destination.Thrive

Image Credits
Destination Thrive