Dr Rebekah Wanic is a mindset psychologist, university lecturer, and self-optimization coach with over two decades of experience and she gives an interesting perspective on running a business as an academic. I love these stories and how each woman I interview brings something new to the YOMU table and hope it might just inspire you to follow your dreams.

What inspired you to start a company in the health and wellness sector and what do you offer?
I offer mindset coaching designed to help people identify their values and goals, what might be preventing them from fulfillment in important life domains, and how to take the necessary steps to achieve more optimal outcomes

What influenced your services or product design?
I have a PhD in psychology and almost 20 years of experience teaching a wide range of learners. I see the misuse of psychological knowledge by lay people and clinicians and the harmful impact this misuse and  misunderstanding can cause in people’s attempts at self-improvement. I was inspired to share what I know so that others can actually benefit.

How does your company uniquely address the health and wellness needs of its customers?
My coaching is unique because I am unique. I have the ability to help people gain personal insight in ways that remove defensiveness and provide support and motivation for change. Because I am one of few coaches with a research degree and so much breadth of experience in the field with respect to both content and clientele, I am uniquely positioned to provide insight and encouragement.

What major health and wellness trends have impacted your business strategy?
There is no hack for achieving optimization – it takes regular and concerted hard work. The industry is full of hacks, both in terms of ideas about what works and the people who sell such things. I have worked hard to differentiate myself from the BS – in fact, that is my X handle @BekahKnowsBS.

Could you describe a pivotal moment or decision in your company's development? How did it influence your path forward?
I think simply starting the business. As an academic, I had to challenge myself to learn about business and this was a reminder of what many of my clients face when seeking to make a change. Living what you preach is important for authenticity and a demonstration that it works.

How do you measure success in terms of health and wellness outcomes for your clients or customers?
Success for clients is the generation of personal insight and self-motivation to stay on their optimization journey. When clients feel the benefits and see the positive changes in their lives, that is a win.

What role does technology play in your business, especially in relation to enhancing health and wellness?
It doesn’t really. Using technology is often a hack that removes personal responsibility. I try to minimize reliance on technology.

What are the biggest challenges you face in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of your wellness products/services in a rapidly growing industry?
There are so many charlatans and unqualified people in the coaching sphere and people who promise things they can’t possibly deliver. I try to tune this out but it can interfere with being able to connect with clients who have to sort through all the noise to find the music.

How do you stay informed and continue to innovate within the health and wellness field?
I am a university lecturer, so I am currently involved in the field in a way most coaches aren’t. I read voraciously and write two blogs, so I am always enmeshed in the field and constantly contemplating and/or critiquing the current zeitgeist.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the health and wellness industry?
Try to bring your unique spirit to your offering. Authenticity helps to find the best clients for you and maintains your motivation to develop and grow.

Dr Rebekah Wanic is a mindset psychologist, university lecturer and self-optimization coach atwww.venttoreinvent.com