I didn’t start my career in health and wellness. For 20 years, I worked in corporate finance, climbing the ranks of large, publicly traded companies until I reached a senior leadership position. On paper, it looked like success. But while my career thrived, my health quietly took a backseat.

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Like many of us, I did what I thought was enough—I went to my annual physicals, checked the boxes, and moved on. Over time, though, I started noticing changes:

• Aches and pains that hadn’t been there before

• Tight muscles and limited flexibility in everyday movements

• Joints that didn’t move the way they used to

• Poor posture from long hours at a desk

• Elevated LDL-C

• Breathlessness after a single flight of stairs

• A climbing Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

Each time I saw these warning signs, I rationalized them. I’m just busy. I’ll focus more on my health soon. I made small attempts—eating a little better, signing up for a race to "motivate" myself—but nothing really changed.

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I turned to my doctor for guidance, but the advice was vague and unhelpful. Once, I was referred to a nutritionist who handed me a generic sheet of recommendations: Maybe try eating more carrots. Have you considered a fiber shake?

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I even hired personal trainers, but I quickly realized they were giving every client the same workout, without assessing my individual needs. I could predict my Wednesday session just by watching my trainer on Monday. I kept wondering: How was I supposed to take control of my health if no one is actually helping me?

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Then came the moment that changed everything—a misdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease. It was terrifying. And it was the wake-up call I needed. I realized no one was going to solve this for me. If I wanted real answers, I had to find them myself.

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That’s when everything shifted. I immersed myself in the science of health and wellness, earning certifications in:

• Personal training

• Nutrition coaching

• Sleep, stress, and recovery

• Applied functional sciences

I also earned a specialization in weight loss to better understand how to manage body composition effectively. Later, as my focus expanded beyond my own health, I pursued a specialization in senior fitness to support a wider range of individuals. What started as a journey to fix my own health turned into a realization: I wasn’t alone.​

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So many people are frustrated—going to the doctor, receiving lackluster lab results, and being told to “eat better” or “exercise more” without any real guidance. Others try to take matters into their own hands but end up feeling even more overwhelmed:

• Falling into endless Google search loops, chasing conflicting information

• Buying nutrition books, only to find each one contradicts the last

• Seeing major media outlets constantly change their health recommendations

• Watching influencers offer contrarian advice (does anyone really believe spinach is bad for us?)

It’s no wonder people feel stuck, unsure of what to trust or where to turn.​

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That’s why I founded The Ritual Wellness Institute—to provide the kind of support I wish I had. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re trying to optimize your health, regain control, or simply feel better in your body, I’m here to help.