Why This Former Hedge Fund Manager Quit & Became a Health Coach

It’s Health Coach Week! To celebrate, we’ll be featuring inspiring stories of Health Coaches who are doing amazing work in their homes, workplaces and communities. Today we’re excited introduce you to Amy Jarosky, Class of 2013! She’s taking over our Instagram account today – follow along here to see what a day in her life looks like!

After 10 years of working at a large hedge fund in New York City, Amy Jarosky was burnt out. When she finally decided, after years of feeling unwell, that she needed a change, she packed her bags took a trip to sunny California. The result was the beginning of a personal transformation!

Since leaving the corporate world behind to pursue her passion for wellness, Amy has returned to New York to build her own health coaching practice and help other busy, stressed professionals with their food and lifestyle choices. Perhaps her most valuable asset is that she’s able to completely relate to her clients, since she was in their shoes not long ago!

Most importantly, as Amy promotes health in those around her, she’s able to nurture her own health through her work. By creating her own schedule and prioritizing self-care, she is better able to serve her clients and make a difference in an environment that truly needs her help!

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition?

Prior to enrolling at Integrative Nutrition, I was Managing Director at a large hedge fund in New York. For over 10 years, I managed client relationships for the fund, while overseeing the client services team.

What led you to explore the Health Coach Training Program?

While working at the hedge fund, I struggled to keep my mental and physical health at the top of my to-do list. Over time, I started feeling quite unwell and realized I needed to make a change. So, I parted ways with my corporate self and went out to San Diego (Yes, I just picked the best weather in the country!) to rebuild my system. I soaked in the sun, began practicing yoga and started eating organic, fresh foods. Within a month or two, I felt my mind and body realign. As a result of this transformation, I began researching health and wellness and came across IIN. I haven't looked back!

How did your life change after enrolling?

After enrolling at IIN, I learned the importance of following your passion. When you are living your purpose, every day is lighter and more meaningful. I enjoyed my work at the hedge fund, but my heart and soul are in health and wellness. I've learned that no job or person should hold you back from being your true self. If you follow your truth, the doors will begin to open. You can start small, but just start.

I have also met the most incredible, like-minded people through IIN. This global community is beyond welcoming and I have made life-long friends through the school. I'm forever grateful for those very special connections.

Which topics and modules were most beneficial for you?

The topic of self-care was the most beneficial to me. Since attending IIN, I make sure to meditate, do yoga, get massages, and listen to music. Even when my time is limited, I manage to squeeze in a few minutes for myself. Practicing self-care is also helpful when interacting with others. Self-care allows me to feel better about myself and therefore my relationships with friends and family have greatly improved as well.

What are you up to now?

It can be difficult to maintain balance while working a demanding job. As a Health Coach, I focus on helping corporate men and women reach their health goals. I work with them on stress management, weight loss, digestive health, improving sleep, increasing energy, etc. Currently, I offer one-on-one sessions and I'm launching a six-week online group program, called "The Wellness Whiteboard", to help corporate employees feel their best. I also host wellness events at Athleta and lululemon for busy New Yorkers to dedicate time for themselves.

What makes you and your practice or product unique?

As I experienced an intense corporate job for over a decade, I can very much relate to people working stressful jobs. I completely understand the decrease of energy, the sugar cravings, and the lack of sleep. I also know what it's like to try and avoid those chocolate chip cookies laying around the office every day. As a result, I provide my clients with the tools they need to thrive at their jobs without feeling deprived in any way.

How do you help your clients be successful? Is there a recent example that stands out?

One of my recent clients was a husband, father of two, and hardworking lawyer. His life was quite hectic, so his diet was more about convenience than being healthy. He signed up for my three-month program to lose 25 pounds. Initially, I worked on his stress management, as it's difficult to shed weight when your body is constantly in survival mode. I then tweaked his diet by adding in healthier versions of his favorite foods. This way, he never felt deprived! I also showed him how to eat out in a healthier way, exposed him to some tasty, easy recipes, kept him accountable for exercise, etc. After three months, his cravings completely disappeared and he reached his goal weight! He felt the diet and lifestyle changes were sustainable for life!

What do you love about your work?

As a Health Coach, I absolutely love watching my clients' transformations. It's beyond rewarding to help someone lose excess weight, feel more energized during the workday, or fall asleep with ease at night. I also love creating my own schedule as a Health Coach. This way, I can carve out space for myself every day and better serve my clients. I wasn't aware of the importance of self-care when I worked in the corporate world. I feel blessed to be able to help my former self and so many others! If only I knew then what I know now!

Is there a need for Health Coaches where you live?

Yes! I am now back living in New York and it's an incredibly fast-paced city. I believe many New Yorkers could use some guidance and accountability with their food and lifestyle choices. A Health Coach can provide busy New Yorkers with support by recommending small, manageable tweaks over time, which lead to lasting changes. If everyone had a Health Coach here, this city would be an even better place to live!

Connect with Amy:

On her website

On Facebook

On Twitter

On YouTube