Meet Gayle

From as far back as I can remember, I knew that my future would be as a successful business woman. I would lead teams, work in a corporate environment, have my own office, be ‘successful’. And, I did it. After 21 years in the workforce, I was one of the 25 most senior leaders in an Human Resources organization of 5,000+. I was responsible for the Human Resource strategy and programs for a global business of 34,000 people. I loved my job, but I found that it became the norm to work 12 – 14 hour days, including early mornings and late evenings due to the global nature of the organization. Early mornings, late evenings, travel, and the need to be available for any situation that my leadership may need me for soon started to take it’s toll. I was gaining weight, trading exercise for any emails that I just had to catch up on, and slowly letting the stress level take over my every day being.

Two life events changed me – on both a personal and professional level.

In 2003 I had a change of heart, mind and body. My husband and I yearned to pack it all in and travel around the world. But, at 36 years old, we were headed to the height of our careers – wouldn’t this be career suicide? How could we possible ‘step off’ the fast lane, and expect we could ever get back in? After much soul searching, we realized that with only one life to live, getting back into the fast lane was not the most important thing we could do with it – experiencing the world – now THAT was the most important thing we could do with life. So, we did. Six months before we left, I was promoted – the best work I’d done to date was driven by pure happiness, a healthy body (you had to be in shape to last a year hiking around the world!), and managing a work and ‘prepare to leave for a year’ schedule. A year later, I reentered the fast lane in an even better job than I left!

The second was a less intrusive learning experience, but one that taught me how simple it is to take control of what is most important to you. I was training for a marathon. I’m no runner – I had bad knees, a slow gait, and no time. But, I had the right tools, a targeted health plan, and full control of my calendar – I had an action plan. I followed my plan, which meant managing my training schedule, a busy work schedule, and my personal life. The result? I finished that marathon in my targeted time, with no injuries, and managed to secure another promotion at work.

I was onto something – when I took control of my life for the healthier, I accomplished my personal and professional goals. It wasn’t easy – building my action plan and sticking to it – but it sure made a big difference. It was one morning at the gym that I heard about the Institute for Integrative Nutrition – teaching the ideas of a healthier lifestyle from a holistic point of view. Not just food or exercise, but looking at how overall health contributes to all of your goals – weight management, healthy body, career management, family contributions, and your own inner peace and happiness. I knew I had found the next chapter of my life. I had lived it – now I wanted to help others live it too.

I earned my certification from IIN as a health coach and am certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). Combined with the 21 years I have spent as an HR professional focused on career and executive level coaching, I am well trained to work with busy professionals to create action plans for success. I have enjoyed helping my clients (most of which are successful professional moms) hit their health goals. In all cases, hitting their health goals has enabled them to work more productively, and enjoy time with their families more than ever.

People have different health goals – but all health leads to a happier, more balanced and more productive life. Take it from someone who has been there – you can have it all – you just have to set your goals, then get your action plan in place to achieve those goals. Having someone keep you on track makes all the difference, and holds you accountable to yourself for success.