We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Anne Julia Hagen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Anne Julia, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
For me, self-care revolves around cultivating a deep connection with my inner self through yoga and meditation. Over time, I’ve found immense solace and rejuvenation in these practices, which have become pillars of my daily routine. Regular yoga sessions have not only enhanced my physical well-being but have also helped me find calmness and stillness amidst life’s chaos.
My journey into yoga led me to pursue certification as a yoga teacher at Ahana Yoga in Miami. This transformative experience not only deepened my practice but also inspired me to share the gift of yoga with others. I now have the privilege of teaching free Sunset Yoga sessions at Uma House Hotel in South Beach, where I give back to the community and witness the joy and fulfillment it brings to my students.
Through yoga, I’ve also cultivated compassion and empathy, qualities that are integral to my work as a culture consultant. Yoga teaches us to connect with ourselves and others on a deeper level, fostering understanding and empathy in our interactions. As a consultant, cultivating compassion allows me to approach every situation with sensitivity and empathy, enhancing my ability to connect with clients and understand their unique challenges.
The impact of these self-care practices on my effectiveness as a culture consultant has been profound. Yoga has taught me the power of focus and perseverance, qualities that are invaluable in my line of work. By maintaining a consistent yoga practice and cultivating compassion, I’ve cultivated a sense of inner strength and confidence that permeates into every aspect of my professional life. It’s truly astonishing what can be accomplished when you approach your work with clarity, resilience, and a grounded sense of self.
In essence, prioritizing self-care through yoga and cultivating compassion has not only improved my physical and mental well-being but has also enhanced my effectiveness as a culture consultant. It’s a testament to the transformative power of self-care and the importance of nurturing our inner selves to thrive in both our personal and professional endeavors.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Since moving to Miami from Berlin, Germany, in 2017, my journey has been a whirlwind of diverse experiences, each shaping the path that led me to where I am today. Coming to the U.S., I immersed myself in the world of modeling, signing a contract with Wilhelmina Models Miami. While my time as a full-time model was exhilarating, I wanted to combine my academic background in Cultural Studies with my calling to foster positive organizational cultures.
In 2020, I made a pivotal decision to transition into Corporate America, accepting the role of Head of Culture for the health & wellness brand Vital Proteins. This experience provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of organizational dynamics and fueled my desire to make a meaningful impact on workplace cultures.
In September 2023, I co-founded Bergmans & Hagen Consulting, a women-owned business dedicated to providing leadership coaching, DiSC workshops, and tailored consulting services centered around company culture, values, and cross-cultural competence. What excites me most about our work at Bergmans & Hagen is the opportunity to empower organizations to cultivate inclusive, thriving cultures that foster employee well-being and drive long-term business success.
Outside of my consulting work and modeling, my passion for yoga remains a central focus in my life. I am deeply committed to sharing the transformative benefits of yoga with others, which is why I offer free monthly Sunset Yoga sessions at the Uma House Hotel South Beach rooftop (next one is on May 5th). Additionally, I teach Power Yoga at Kasa Yoga in Aventura every first Saturday of the month and am thrilled to announce a family yoga event in partnership with @flexeventsmia on Sunday, July 14, at the Dorsey in Wynwood.
I invite you to join me on this journey of growth, connection, and well-being. Visit www.anju-yoga.com or https://linktr.ee/anju_yoga to stay updated on all upcoming events and offerings.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful in shaping my path: persistence/grit, authenticity, and the ability to let go of overthinking.
Firstly, persistence and grit have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and reaching new heights. While some individuals may possess natural talent, it is the consistent effort and determination that ultimately lead to success. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate a mindset of resilience and perseverance. Setbacks and failures are inevitable; they are opportunities to learn, grow, and get better. It is how we respond to them that ultimately determines our trajectory. Stay committed to your goals, even in the face of adversity, and trust that your work will pay off in the long run.
Secondly, authenticity is key to staying true to oneself and navigating the complexities of personal and professional life. It can be tempting to conform to others’ expectations or standards, but embracing your unique qualities and staying true to your values is where true fulfillment lies. My advice is to embrace your authenticity unapologetically. Don’t let anyone dim your light because you are shining “too” bright. Celebrate your individuality and trust that those who are meant to be in your life will appreciate you for who you truly are.
Lastly, learning to let go of overthinking and focusing on what you can control has been crucial in maintaining balance and perspective. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, it’s easy to get caught up in worrying about things beyond our control. My advice is to practice mindfulness and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Focus on what you can control, such as your actions, attitudes, and responses to situations, and let go of the rest. Trust in the process and have faith that everything will unfold as it is meant to.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always interested in connecting and partnering with individuals, brands, and organizations!
For my consulting business, if you’re organizing a women’s founder event or are part of a women’s business group or network in Miami, I’d love to collaborate. Bergmans & Hagen Consulting specializes in leadership coaching, DiSC workshops, and tailored consulting services. Our services are designed to enhance leadership skills, improve team dynamics, and foster a positive company culture. Our first consultation is always free, so let’s start a conversation and see how we can support your organization’s goals.
Contact me at annejulia@b-and-h-consulting.com
For yoga class collaborations, if you’re a business owner, a hotel program director, or anyone interested in organizing a community event that promotes connection, health, and wellness, or if you’re a brand looking to sponsor goodies for our free Sunset Yoga events, I’m all ears! Whether it’s partnering for a one-time event or establishing an ongoing collaboration, I’m excited to explore opportunities to bring people together through yoga. Reach out, and let’s create something meaningful together! You can find me on Instagram @annejuliahagen or email me at annejulia.business@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.b-and-h-consulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annejuliahagen/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-julia-hagen/
- Other: https://www.anju-yoga.com https://linktr.ee/anju_yoga
Image Credits
Ashley Sears Nicole Lebris Michael Heritage Jeff Harper One Shutter Photos Nadin Häfner
