We’re looking forward to introducing you to Aesha Tahir. Check out our conversation below.
Aesha, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’ve always been a morning person and one of my tag lines is; “If you win your morning, you win your whole day”. I wake up super early around 4:30 a.m. The first thing I do is meditate for a few minutes, which helps me clear away mental clutter and feel centered. Then I grab a warm cup of coffee and text “good morning” to a loved one, which uplifts my day and gives me this strong sense of connection with people I love and care about. After that, most days I get my CrossFit workout in, and some days I go for a run. My morning workouts are an anchor for my day. Early morning workouts give me a sense of accomplishment, which motivates me to tackle the rest of the day. I’ve been practicing this morning routine consistently for the last fifteen years, and it hasn’t failed me. It boosts my energy and carries me through whatever challenges come my way during the day, because the energy we produce in the morning decides how successful our day is going to be.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Of course! I’m Aesha, an exercise physiologist, a distance runner, an international keynote speaker, a corporate wellness consultant, and the author of Unhunched-Discover Wellness Through Posture. I help executives add healthy years to their lives with science-based yet relatable approaches to exercise and nutrition. I like to blend physiology and neuroscience to help people reduce risk of developing chronic diseases, improve their health biomarkers, and live a life of passion. As a physiologist, I like to simplify the science of metabolic health and longevity and translate it into actionable steps for my clients through coaching and for audiences from stages. I firmly believe that our health should be our first priority and better health drives performance in all areas of our life. If your health is not sound, then your mind is not sound, and your energy system is compromised. Honestly, everything is downstream of your physical health. I’ve worked with many high performing executives, and athletes. I’ve presented at many organizations ranging from Salesforce to the University of Pennsylvania and I see this trend over and over. Poor physical health leads to poor career outcomes and good physical health leads to career success. Most recently I’ve started a new project, my podcast 9 to 5 Wellness. This podcast offers tools, strategies, and advice to listeners to make positive lifestyle changes. I do this in the podcast by breaking down complex health narratives and providing realistic approaches to longevity that fit into busy schedules. My goal is to inspire listeners to find courage, build confidence, and take ownership of their health journey through encouragement and validation. The 9 to 5 Wellness podcast is streaming on all major podcast apps so subscribe and listen.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Oh I love this question! I felt most powerful in November 2017, when I crossed the finish line of my first marathon race in Philadelphia. I felt so accomplished at that moment that I ran 26.2 miles with grit and determination. That day I realized that I’m capable of doing so much more than I allow myself to believe. Finishing that marathon awakened a strength within me that I was completely unaware of. Because of that race, I incorporated my wellness business in December 2017. Since then I’ve run five full marathons and twenty five half-marathons. Long distance running has provided me with a perfect system for self discovery. I’ve learned about my strengths and my weaknesses. I’ve found that the more I invest in my health the more attune with my mind I get. I can follow my intuition easier when I’m active. I think health is the foundation upon which the rest of your life is built. Once you commit to honor your body then all other areas of your life become better. That’s the moment that helped me commit to my business and pivot from my career as a software engineer. Prior to that I just had a vision and nothing else. Looking back it was a huge catalyst for giving up social constructs and constraints and finding my authentic path. Now in my business through coaching and speaking I help other people work towards better health so that they can be the best version of themselves in every area of their life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been countless times when I came very close to throwing in the towel but deep down I’ve always known that giving up isn’t an option. As much as I want to tell you that as soon as I incorporated my business, I started getting coaching clients and speaking opportunities but nothing could be farther from the truth. From the day that I designed my four page website, printed my business cards at my home office, as the boss of my wellness company – things have been far from easy. I’ve coached for free, had so many dry months of no income, held evening jobs to supplement the income, and spoken for free just to establish relationships to get on bigger stages. But every single time I thought I tried everything and nothing was working. Boom! An opportunity came through to carry me to the next step. I’ve learned that pushing forward is the only way forward. My desperate desire to help others find better health carried me forward. I’d say determination manifests success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
There is only one version of ME. There isn’t a private version and a public version. I accept who I am, I appreciate my strengths and try to improve my weaknesses. I share about my life on my podcast and social media pretty openly because I want to bring people along on my journey. I feel like if I’m going through something a lot of other people are probably going through it too and they can learn from my experience. I also accept that there is need for social adjustments when you’re in public for example people know me as a polished and energetic person who is in control of every situation. But I’m also a very quiet person who reflects on her day every night and who tears up listening to love songs. Both are different versions of the same ME. One very energetic one and the other much softer and mellow one.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
To me peace isn’t just serenity it’s when I’m on the right path. I always feel at peace when 1. I’m running, in nature,. 2. Writing at a coffee shop with a warm cup of coffee in my hand. 3. Spending time with my mom and sister. I find peace in simple things because at the end thats what life is all about. Enjoying simple things!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.9to5wellness.com
- Instagram: tone_and_strengthen
- Linkedin: aeshatahir
- Facebook: aeshatahir
- Youtube: 9 to 5 Wellness
Image Credits
Ricky Richards
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