Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo CPT, BCS. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Yolanda, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I suppose my ability to take risks formed from an early age, even when I didn’t realize how it would affect me or that I was taking risks. I always trusted the dream of doing whatever it was I wanted to do and being successful in doing so. I’ve always dabbled in some form of entrepreneurial activities not realizing that my future would still hold heart to my younger years. I’ve been in situations professionally whether it fared well or not it was a teachable moment. A child that loved books to then become an author; to a mind that loved fashion and wanted to be a designer or in that community to become a wiz in Product Development and Sourcing …is mind-blowing to me, even now. I’ve had to endure the long route of success by working even harder while crafting my skills. I’ve been able to remember the wrongs or trials of the past professionally while moving with extra tenacity when someone tells me no. Perhaps some stubbornness or wanting to prove to myself that any “No” I receive doesn’t fully influence my story of achievement. The grind has always been continued by all means necessary.
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 CEO and Lead Performance Trainer of Chronic Fitness LLC. I work with clients who have some form of chronic related health issues, and who want and need to formulate some form of exercise in their day-to-day. The idea for this business is a long stretch from the fashion industry, where I’ve built my reputation for over 20 years. I’ve worked with athletic apparel to now work on another end of crafting the body. I dealt with my health hiccup and the stress of being in a high-pressure-oriented industry while taking care of my own health and life balance and the need for this concept came about. I thought of what and how could I give back to the community with wellness-related tools by staying fit and healthy despite the situations faced. I wanted to do my due diligence in educating myself further when speaking and teaching these special populations; so, I went and got further education and certifications. I enjoy providing specialized routines for this group as I know their can and cants, and though there may be some limitations it doesn’t mean they have to sit out active mobility. I cater to those with diabetes, hypertension, and forms of cancer and it’s enlightening when I see these clients make huge efforts when changing their health make-up while maintaining their condition. We are currently building a new hypertension package in a few weeks, covering virtual tools that can be used in the home, and virtual sessions through IG.
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?
I think it’s important to be open to learning and failing, because you may find you won’t be good at everything the first chance…but that’s okay! My three highlights that were impactful on my journey were: Excel at Learning-
There were times when some areas of the job were on-the-job training and no inkling of a manual. Sometimes you have to learn to swim or sink.
Vocal with Backup-
I’ve learned to bring receipts when proving a point. The importance of putting in the work and proving that you indeed know what you’re talking about is such a huge part of the journey. You don’t want to be a know it all, though need to stand firm on areas you are confident about.
Listening-
I’ve learned it’s not always important to be in the limelight and learning to step back and listen is such an important quality. I hold this dear as listening to my client’s health struggles is how I then help them in reaching their fitness goals.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
One area of challenge that is fresh off the start of the year, would be continuing to step out of my comfort zone. I constantly meet new people and there are instances I have to provide a pitch of what I do…what am I about? I find the regular way to introduce oneself changes slightly as a business brand as other entities may want to see a portfolio as well as a presentation. There was a time when a portfolio would stand on its own visually, but now there’s a complete presentation visually and vocally expected, and when an opportunity presents itself you have to be ready by all means.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chronicfitnessinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chronic_fitness_biz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chronicfitness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-sarrabo-652615202/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfit57755581
