Meet Rita Chen

We were lucky to catch up with Rita Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rita, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment of clarity — it was a gradual unfolding. After leaving my last corporate role, I took intentional time to pause, reflect, and heal. In that quiet space, I realized how much of my identity had been tied to achievement, and how God was inviting me to rediscover who He created me to be. Through prayer, journaling, and doing the inner work to process difficult emotions, I began to feel free again — more creative, centered, and true to myself.

That renewal opened doors to new expressions of who I am: I started my own strategic marketing firm, Rita Chen Consulting, where I help leaders and brands grow with clarity and purpose; I launched TritaEats, where I explore food as medicine and re-engineer recipes to fit my lifestyle; and I embraced strength training, which has taught me resilience, focus, and what’s possible when I push beyond my comfort zone. Each of these pursuits reminds me that clarity and confidence come through curiosity and consistency.

Today, whether I’m advising a brand, coaching a leader, or experimenting in the kitchen, my work is about transformation — helping others grow with clarity and purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the Founder of Rita Chen Consulting, a strategic marketing advisory firm that helps growth-minded organizations cut through complexity and stand out. I combine clarity, structure, and creative thinking to transform scattered marketing into focused strategies that build momentum and drive sustainable growth.

There’s often a misconception about what marketing and branding really are. Many people think “brand” means colors and a logo, or they want to jump straight into doing all the things — social media, ads, a new website — without stepping back to clarify who they are and what makes them different. That’s where I come in. My work helps clients pause before they pivot — to gain clarity and alignment so that every marketing effort supports their larger vision and actually moves their business forward.

Before launching my firm, I spent years in corporate marketing roles with global and destination brands, but I eventually realized I wanted to build something of my own — a practice rooted in purpose, creativity, and transformation. Born and raised in Chicago, I returned home after living in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, bringing my love for this city and its spirit of reinvention into my work.

Outside of my consulting practice, I launched TritaEats, a creative outlet born from my personal health journey. After being diagnosed with both Rheumatoid Arthritis and Breast Cancer within a few years of each other, I decided to change how I nourished myself — going gluten-, dairy-, and grain-free. True to form, I dove into research, reading everything I could to understand the best path for me. Eleven years later, I’m grateful to be a cancer thriver, and TritaEats allows me to share how food can be both joyful and healing — a reflection of how I approach life and business.

I also started strength training over three years ago, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life — helping me grow stronger physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And at the heart of everything, I’m a proud auntie to two adorable nieces who remind me daily to stay curious, playful, and grateful.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Unlearn people pleasing.
People pleasing gets you nowhere — except maybe straight to a therapist’s chair or, if you’re not careful, the ER. It’s exhausting trying to be everything for everyone. The real growth comes when you understand why you people please, work through it, and start honoring your own boundaries. Once you do, you find a sense of freedom and confidence you didn’t know you had.

2. Stay curious.
Leaders are learners. The world changes fast, and the best thing you can do is keep your curiosity alive. Keep reading, asking questions, and exploring new ideas so you can lead with confidence and insight. For example, if you don’t understand AI, take a class, test a tool, or ask someone who does. Curiosity keeps your perspective fresh and your creativity sharp — it’s also one of the best ways to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.

3. Build your community.
No one succeeds alone. Whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, a yoga class, the gym, or your church — find your people. Community is what sustains you through challenges and celebrates you through wins. Sometimes we’re hardest on ourselves, and having people who can remind you of your strengths and cheer you on makes all the difference. They’ll often see your potential long before you do.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned that the best thing I can do is slow down and return to the practices that ground me. I start most mornings with about 90 minutes of quiet and devotional time — reading, reflecting, and listening to the Daily Hope podcast. It sets the tone for my day and helps me start from a place of peace rather than pressure. One of the best perks of being my own boss is having the flexibility to create space for what keeps me centered.

Movement is also a huge part of how I reset. I’ll go for a walk or take a bike ride along Lake Michigan — the water always reminds me to breathe deeper and zoom out a little. Strength training has also been transformative for me, both physically and mentally.

And sometimes, the best way to break through overwhelm is to serve someone else — whether it’s mentoring other women entrepreneurs, volunteering in my community, or simply showing up for someone who needs support. Shifting my focus outward reminds me of the bigger picture and brings a sense of calm and gratitude. Each of these practices helps me come back to center, ready to lead, create, and serve with a clear mind and full heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ritachenconsulting.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaswchen/
• Other: TritaEats IG: https://www.instagram.com/tritaeats
  TritaEats Website: https://www.tritaeats.com/