We recently connected with Marketa Gajdosova and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Marketa, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by the connection between food, health, and overall well-being. This curiosity only deepened during my university studies in the USA, where I had the opportunity to attend top-notch programs and interact with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. This diversity was a crucial factor in developing my empathy. Understanding the unique dietary needs, preferences, and challenges of different individuals required me to listen actively and with an open heart. It wasn’t just about what they ate, but also about why they made certain food choices and how those choices were influenced by their life experiences.
Moreover, having experienced being a client myself, I understand that nutrition is an intimate topic. It’s not just about the food on the plate, but also about one’s relationship with food and how it impacts their life. This personal experience reinforced the importance of empathy in my practice, as I know how vulnerable one can feel discussing dietary habits and health concerns.
I was also fortunate to have mentors and professors who emphasized the importance of empathy in healthcare. They modeled how to approach patients with kindness and understanding, which had a profound impact on me. I realized that effective nutrition counseling is as much about building trust and rapport as it is about sharing knowledge.
Loving what I do stems from my love for working with people. Each client brings a unique story, and I find great joy in helping them navigate their nutritional journey. This connection is the cornerstone of my practice and fuels my passion for nutrition every day.
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?
I’m a nutritionist, originally from the Czech Republic. I spent a significant portion of my academic life in the USA, and the finale has brought me to Miami, where I’m completing my final credential at Florida International University, majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. My primary areas of focus include eating disorders, sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and medical nutrition therapy—fields that have deeply inspired and guided me toward this career path.
Nutrition is my true passion. I am dedicated to understanding it from every angle. My mission is to share this passion and knowledge with others, helping them to unlock their full potential through personalized nutrition strategies.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, continuous learning, and empathy coupled with communication skills. I believe that these qualities have been key to my success, helping me thrive in diverse environments, stay updated in my field, and build meaningful relationships.
For those early in their journey, I advise embracing change, committing to ongoing education, and developing the ability to connect deeply with others to truly make a difference.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is anyone who is determined to reach their full potential and isn’t afraid to ask for help along the way. They are open-minded, willing to make changes, and committed to working collaboratively to achieve their health goals. They recognize that true transformation requires both mental and physical effort, and they are motivated to take an active role in their nutritional journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @marketgajdosova
Image Credits
Manina Paşcan
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