Helen's Story

Hey there! I’m Helen, and I want to take a moment to share a little piece of my journey with you. It's a journey filled with a deep passion for my family, health, and wellness, which has taken me from the heart of Sweden to the warm embrace of Cape Town, South Africa.

 

In Sweden, I thrived as a project leader in one of the world's most renowned pharmaceutical companies. The buzz of the corporate world, the responsibilities I shouldered, and the globetrotting adventures I undertook—it was a life I truly loved. My family and friends were nearby, and I loved my morning exercise outdoors with a bunch of strong and determined ladies. Looking back, I saw myself as content, and my heart was whole.

 

Early of 2015, a pivotal moment of change arrived. As my family gathered around the dinner table, my husband shared exciting news—he had been offered a career opportunity in Shanghai. A rush of emotions flooded through me. I had promised myself not to move abroad again, having experienced the mixed feelings of living abroad. But my husband, craving new challenges beyond our daily routines, felt differently. Our daughter, then 14, was eager for the adventure, fueled by stories from a friend who had moved to Beijing. Our 9-year-old son was too young to grasp the change it would mean for him. I talked to my family and friends about the opportunity, and while their words were encouraging, my inner voice whispered, "Don't go." Nevertheless, I chose to listen to the chorus of well-wishers, thinking that two years would pass quickly and that this was an adventure for our family.

 

Little did I know that our lives would undergo a BIG change.

 

We relocated to Shanghai, where our children settled into international schooling. My husband found fulfillment in his work, and I

embarked on a study journey. It was during this time that I discovered a newfound passion—exercise. I completed a Personal Trainer course through the American Council of Exercise and realized that guiding people on their path to health and wellness was where I truly belonged. I loved to work in the corporate world, but in wellness, I found the thrill of exercise and meeting with people.

 

Shortly after earning my certification, I was privileged to lead fitness classes at my gym. Seeing my clients transform their lives through

exercise and, at the same time, have a fun time filled me with immense joy and purpose. After eight months of doing my classes, I was asked to join and build a new gym in the area, which was such an honor and a fun project. I was responsible for finding instructors and creating classes for a gym that offered expats and locals a haven for us to meet.

 

As time passed, my husband and I realized our paths were diverging. It was a brutal wake-up call for me, and our dream was soon a nightmare. We agreed to stay in China to ensure our children's education was in place, particularly for Julia, who needed to wait for her senior years. I found my ‘happy’ spot in the gym and focused on making my children feel seen and secure. 

 

However, now, when I look back, I know that I feel rejected; there is something new waiting around the corner. During a school event for the parents, I met a man who, like me, had faced life's challenges with courage and resilience. To make this story short, I can say that Love brought me from the East to the West, he is from South of the world, South Africa, and I from North; Sweden. We moved together to Mexico with our blended family in 2019, and the next move 2022 to the US, Tennessee, is our home.

 

In Mexico, the pandemic shifted the course of my life once more. I decided to enhance my skills in wellness and health and earned

certifications in Health, Nutrition, and Wellness. In February 2023, I Graduated with a specialization in Hormone Health. Moving to the US, I continue study Energy Medicine, Nutrition and Health, Culture Awareness at MIT and Global Dexterity another Culture Awareness course on how to be Comfortable in the Uncomfortable. I finished my USA studies with the NLI (NeuroLeadership Institute) course on Culture and Leadership has equipped me with the skills to understand and adapt to diverse cultural perspectives, fostering stronger connections and communication. By leveraging brain science and the SCARF model, I help individuals and teams create supportive, inclusive environments that enhance collaboration, trust, and overall well-being—valuable insights I bring to my health coaching practice to help clients thrive.

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In the US, I started a group for Expats and International people to meet. I believe in ‘Find your People, and you find your purpose.’ The beauty of our diverse backgrounds and stories binds us and makes us feel connected. To be an expat comes with transformation that is not always easy to deal with. Within months we grow from a small group to 160 members which shows how important the connection is when living abroad. 

 

Today, as a Health, Wellness & Cross-Cultural Coach, I'm on a mission to empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves. Whether you're navigating a significant life change, seeking personal growth, or an expat moving to a new country, I'm here to support and guide you on your journey.

 

I look forward to connecting with you, hearing your unique story, and helping you achieve your goals.

 

With warmth and excitement,

Helen