We love to profile our Women in Biz Network members. This week we profile Sandi. She has some excellent advice for you to consider on your business journey.

 

Learn about Sandi Danilowitz
(
Ergonomics and Wellness Consultant, Spec. Honours B.A. (Kinesiology), Founder):

Sandi Danilowitz is the founder and CEO of The Health Engine Inc., a Canadian based wellness and productivity solution for organizations that understand that their people are their most important asset. For almost two decades Sandi has taken her expertise as an ergonomist, educator and Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach helping thousands of people increase their mobility, health and as result productivity through the observation and refinement of positive habit building in the workplace and in life.

As an innovator, Sandi has led the vision using enabling technology for the development of The Health Engine Online, a 24/7 easy to access portal that employees can access and self-direct their own 12-week wellness journey while feeling supported by their organization with relevant information, exercises and top tier research to maximize results and build confidence. As an experienced speaker and educator, Sandi brings warmth and humour to every audience she engages with.

Tell us about your business:

The Health Engine (THE) is committed to improving the physical, mental and social wellness of your employees by raising awareness, providing information in a fun and interesting way, and implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices. We are proud of our history and commitment to enhancing the vitality, productivity and wellness of people and organizations.

Our mission is to provide The Health Engine Online to unleash higher potential, productivity and the wellness of our participants.


1. What is the most rewarding aspect of your current career?

The reward I get from offering health and wellness initiatives comes from seeing that the information offered via a “lunch and learn”, or the differences made by performing an ergonomic assessment for someone who was in pain, (or otherwise uncomfortable in their workplace,) has made a difference for someone. Hearing feedback from clients that my assistance has made a difference is very gratifying, and makes me want to keep going.

2. What is your favourite piece of advice you like to give or have received? On the flip side have you had a setback that you learned a valuable lesson from?

In relation to business, the best advice is just to “do it” or keep going. Results come from sustained and persistent/focused effort, there is no way around this.

In life advice: (From an interview on the “Humans of New York” blog.)

When a wave comes, go deep…
There are three things you can do when life sends a wave at you.

1. You can run from it, but then it’s going to catch up and knock you down.
2. You can also fall back on your ego and try to stand your ground, but then it’s still going to clobber you.
3. Or you can use it as an opportunity to go deep and transform yourself to match the circumstances. And that’s how you get through the wave. (I love this advice, it’s so bang on.)

I also like, “Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.” This is a quote from Jerzy Gregorek, a man who went from being an alcoholic to winning four World Weightlifting Championships, and I think it’s sage advice.

Another one I recently heard, was “freedom doesn’t come from a particular circumstance, it comes from how you interact with it.” This really speaks to me when I find myself getting tangled in my reaction to events. When I take a different approach, like observing how I interact with curiosity and interest, rather than judgment. When I take this step my emotional response is often calmer and less reactive.

A  setback that I learned a valuable lesson from relates back to the first quote about sustained and persistent effort; when I have not seen the success I have wanted because I was pulled in different directions and lacking a specific goal. I am now trying to apply this advice (truth) which I find comes through a sustained and focused effort.

3. What are hobbies are you exploring and enjoying?

I really do like trying new things; lately, I’ve been reading:  “The Noma Guide To Fermentation” co-authored by David Zilber, a chef and wizard of fermentation. I’ve been experimenting with making kimchi, kefir, kombucha, miso, and other fermented foods. Anyone who visits is forced on a tasting tour of my kitchen lab!

I also love physically challenging things, like silks/hoops, jujitsu/judo. Lately, I’ve been trying out dance classes at City Dance Corps; I’m not particularly coordinated, or good at remembering dance moves, but enjoy the challenge of moving my body in a somewhat coordinated fashion!

4. You are quotable! What wise words would you like to share?

Don’t let your past define your future; you can recreate yourself from moment to moment. I have to keep reminding myself of this.

Connect with Sandi at http://thehealthengine.comLinkedIn