We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rokki Bonner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rokki, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Absolutely, here’s a refined version of your response:
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My purpose was discovered on my personal journey of health and wellness. Diagnosed at a young age with an autoimmune disease, I faced significant challenges that led me to explore various ways to maintain and improve my health. As an athletic young adult, I have always loved fitness and being outdoors. It was my aha moment when I discovered that I could help others with their fitness and health without going to medical school. This realization confirmed that I was on the right path.
Throughout this journey, the holistic tools I learned became lifesaving. Fitness and meditation, in particular, saved my life. This profound impact inspired me to launch my business, Personal Fitness Navigators, 19 years ago, where I thrived as a health and wellness entrepreneur. More recently, I co-founded Fit to Navigate, a social enterprise that began at the Ohio Women’s Reformatory. Our mission has since expanded to support justice-involved women and over-age foster youth. Today, I truly feel that I am walking in my purpose, using my experiences to empower others on their wellness journeys.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I founded Personal Fitness Navigators, a health and wellness business in Bexley, Ohio. I started 23 years ago. Our mission is to guide individuals on their fitness journeys, providing personalized support and holistic tools that promote overall well-being. Our deep commitment to our clients’ unique needs sets us apart, helping them achieve their fitness goals and improve their quality of life.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the transformation in people’s lives. Witnessing clients gain confidence, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose is incredibly rewarding. It has reaffirmed my belief that fitness is about physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
In addition to Personal Fitness Navigators, I co-founded Fit to Navigate, a social enterprise with a unique origin. We started our work at the Ohio Women’s Reformatory, providing fitness and wellness programs to incarcerated women. Our initiative has grown to serve justice-involved women and over-age foster youth, offering them a pathway to better health and new opportunities. This work is unique because it combines fitness with social impact, helping marginalized communities rebuild their lives. We have adopted the mantra by Budda: “The body is the vehicle to spiritual awakening.” It has also been my experience.
We have several exciting developments on the horizon. We’re expanding our programs to reach more communities, including new partnerships with local organizations to extend our services. We’re also launching a series of virtual workshops on holistic wellness, covering nutrition, mental health, and stress management. These workshops aim to make our expertise accessible to a broader audience, regardless of location.
Another exciting aspect of our work is our podcast, *Mind Body Gem*. In this podcast, you can hear the inspiring stories of some women who have been part of our program. These personal narratives highlight the resilience and strength of our participants, providing motivation and insight to our listeners.
We’ve also launched an online merchandise company called *The Love U Give*. Inspired by the idea that the love you give comes back tenfold, our merch is designed to be affirming and positive. We believe love is the greatest force, and our brand reflects this belief. This initiative is a playful yet profound nod to “The Hate U Give,” aiming to spread positivity and kindness. Our merchandise can be found at www.fit2navigate.com.
Through Personal Fitness Navigators and Fit to Navigate, we are committed to positively impacting individuals and communities. We aim to inspire and support millions of people on their journey to a healthier, happier life.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and continuous learning.
Resilience Facing an autoimmune disease at a young age taught me the importance of resilience. This quality has been crucial in overcoming personal and professional challenges. To develop resilience, I recommend embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth. Building a solid support network and practicing self-care are also essential. Remember, resilience is like a muscle—it gets stronger with use.
Empathy Understanding and connecting with others on a deep level has been vital in my work. Empathy allows me to support clients effectively and create programs that meet their needs. To cultivate empathy, listen actively and try to see things from others’ perspectives. We often say we meet people where they are by putting the “Personal” back into personal training. Volunteering or working in diverse environments can broaden your understanding and compassion for life experiences.
Continuous Learning The health and wellness field is always evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is key. I’ve found that continuous learning has kept me ahead and allowed me to offer the best possible guidance to my clients. For those starting out, I advise investing in your education—whether through formal courses, certifications, or self-study. Stay curious and open to new ideas, and don’t be afraid to seek mentorship from more experienced professionals.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to be patient and persistent. Develop a strong foundation in these three areas and recognize that growth takes time. Surround yourself with supportive and knowledgeable people who inspire you. Lastly, believe in your ability to make a difference, and let your passion for helping others guide you.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instill in me the importance of always keeping God first and remaining humble in all things. This foundational lesson has been a guiding principle throughout my life and career. Their unwavering faith and humility shaped my values and influenced how I approach every challenge and opportunity.
Additionally, my mother and father taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. These values were passed down to them by my ancestors, whom I honor daily. The legacy of resilience and dedication that runs through my family has been a source of inspiration and strength for me.
My mother emphasized the importance of faith, providing me with a strong spiritual foundation that has been a source of strength and guidance. In times of difficulty, I’ve found solace and direction through my faith, which has helped me stay grounded and focused on my purpose.
Remaining humble, as they taught me, has allowed me to stay open to learning and growth. It reminds me to appreciate the contributions of others and to approach every situation with gratitude and respect. This humility has been crucial in building genuine connections with clients and collaborators, fostering a supportive and empowering environment.
The lessons of perseverance and hard work have been equally vital. They have taught me that success is not achieved overnight but through consistent effort and determination. This mindset has helped me overcome obstacles and stay committed to my goals, no matter how challenging the journey.
For anyone on their journey, I would encourage you to hold onto these values. Keep your faith at the forefront, stay humble, and let these principles guide you. They provide a strong foundation that will support you through all of life’s ups and downs. Remember to honor the lessons and legacy of those who came before you, as their wisdom and strength can be a powerful source of inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fittonavigate.com
- Instagram: Personalfitnavigator
- Other: Personal Fitness Navigators: www.pfnstudios.com Fit to Navigate: www.fittonavigate.com Mind Body Gem Podcast The Love U Give: Fit2navigate.com
Image Credits
Megan Leigh Barnard Lotus Wong Asegedech Kumnegere Rokki Bonner
