“If you don’t like change, you’ll like irrelevance even less.”

This quote from Eric Shinseki has guided me through much of my life - and inspired me to create WellFit Wisdom.

My journey to wellness began in 1998. I was building my career at Merck—one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world—while starting my family. But I had let too many things slip, including my health. 

As I watched myself in a company video, I thought: “Is that really me?” I hadn’t realized how heavy I had gotten. I had let myself go, both physically and emotionally – and no longer had the energy to keep up with my kids or bring my best self to work.

That was when everything changed for me. It was time to get moving.

I bought a pair of running shoes and began my slow climb to wellness by first building endurance. From there, I progressed in my journey down a path that I ultimately recognized contains five cogs:

• Endurance

• Strength

• Flexibility

• Nutrition & hydration, and

• Stress management & mental health

It certainly wasn’t a linear process, and there were obstacles along the way. I would have growth spurts in one area, and then reach a level of equilibrium while I focused on another cog. I eventually lost 55 pounds, lowered my body fat percentage drastically and competed in marathons, triathlons and other endurance events.

My fitness transformation accelerated my growth at work. I had more energy in meetings and solutions to problems came to my mind more quickly. I had more confidence. I felt better both physically and emotionally.

I continued to rise through the ranks at Merck, eventually leading a 300-person team where I oversaw a significant organizational transformation. This led the team to increasing its contributions to the organization, fueled by dramatic improvements in employee satisfaction and productivity.  

After I had wrapped up my 30-year career at Merck, I moved deeper into the wellness space, opening an innovative fitness studio to encourage, motivate and help people on their own wellness journeys.

These two sides of my life have now merged with the launch of WellFit Wisdom.

The mission of WellFit Wisdom is to help companies, teams and individuals recognize the immense power that comes from living a healthier lifestyle and building wellness into their lives and careers.

A healthy and balanced life feeds both your physical and professional growth.

Our Five Cogs feed body, mind and career, creating a virtuous cycle where continuous improvement is the norm and growth is a constant.