At the outset of my career, I embarked on a path heavily influenced by the expectations of my parents and society. My ambition was to become a leading biomedical scientist and medical school professor—a goal I pursued with relentless dedication. This pursuit was not just about personal achievement; it was about seeking approval and validation. I imagined that reaching the pinnacle of my profession would bring me fulfillment and happiness. However, through my training at the Health Coach Institute (HCI), I discovered transformational health and wellness coaching, a holistic approach that changed my perspective on fulfillment and success. This method was instrumental in identifying the root cause of my issue: a deep-seated fear of change and an inability to adapt in an exponentially fast-changing world.
As I advanced in my career, I found myself increasingly confined by the very success I had achieved. The demands of my position left me with little time for my family, making satisfactory parenting a challenge. Moreover, the freedom to explore the research topics that truly interested me was limited by the constant pressure to secure funding. Despite the pride I took in providing quality education and mentoring to my students, this, too, felt unsustainable in the face of financial constraints. This period of my life was marked by a disconnect between my professional achievements and personal fulfillment.
Before the start of my transformation, I mostly felt burnt out, unmotivated, disengaged, and was on the brink of quitting—emotions that echoed the Silent Quit, the Great Resignation phenomenon. Through the coaching program, I, and many of my clients, experienced a profound shift. We felt uplifted, excited, and eager to move forward with a new and clear vision, often exceeding our own expectations. The issues we faced, like anxiety or low-level depression, were addressed or fixed as a byproduct of our journey toward self-discovery.
The turning point came through a series of personal losses that made me question everything. The loss of my father, particularly under circumstances where my professional commitments prevented me from being there in his final moments, was a stark reminder of the impermanence of life and the true cost of my career choices. This loss, compounded by the untimely deaths of my boss and a colleague, highlighted the harsh reality of prioritizing career advancement over well-being. These events served as a catalyst for change, propelling me toward a journey of self-discovery and search of alignment, supported by the holistic life coaching methods I was learning.
The decision to shift my focus from a career in biomedical science to becoming a health and wellness coach was not made lightly. It required deep introspection and a willingness to step into the unknown. This transition marked the beginning of the second half of my life, a period characterized by a sense of bravery, fulfillment, and freedom I had not previously known. I was miraculously called into this new path the moment I saw a Health Coach Institute Google ad pop up on my computer for the first time.
As a national board-certified health and wellness coach, my days are now filled with activities that resonate with my core values. I provide wellness coaching, life coaching, personal and leadership executive coaching, and private and small group healing retreats. Personalized retreats include activities like labyrinth walks, forest bathing, tea ceremonies, meditation, yoga, massages, and digital detoxes, all aimed at addressing the root causes of burnout.
This pivotal change has not only been about switching careers but also about a fundamental shift in how I view success and fulfillment. I discovered that true happiness comes not from external recognition but from aligning one's work with one's passions and values. I've observed my clients struggling with issues such as overweight, hypertension, insomnia, and anxiety or depression. Thankfully, the transformational coaching methods have drastically changed our capacity to manage emotions and our relationship to work, without relying on medications.
In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others who may find themselves at a crossroads, feeling trapped in careers that no longer serve them. We are stepping into a rapidly evolving post-AI world, where many traditional careers are being reshaped or phased out. It's a time when the essence of what it means to live a fulfilling life is being questioned. Having navigated this transition myself, I am passionate about supporting those awakening to this new reality. My work in wellness and leadership coaching is designed to support individuals in navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world, helping them to find balance, purpose, and joy in both their personal and professional lives.
