1. What does wellbeing mean to you beyond the buzzword?
Wellbeing, to me, is the inner peace that comes from living in alignment with my ethics, honouring my boundaries, practising self-care, and making consistent progress toward my goals.
2. How is well-being connected to personal value in the workplace?
When we honour our core values and live in alignment with them, it elevates every aspect of our lives. In the workplace, this alignment fosters greater comfort, authenticity, and productivity.
3. How does well-being impact creativity and productivity?
Wellbeing is the fertile soil where productivity takes root and creativity blooms.
4. Why do you believe smart, hard work still needs a foundation of wellness?
Smart, hard work still needs a foundation of wellness because a healthy mind and body fuel the energy and passion to pursue our dreams. Wellness gives us the courage to face challenges, the stamina to maintain our pace, and the clarity to stay focused on the path ahead.
5. What habits keep you feeling healthy and mentally sharp?
I start and end my day with meditation, a few quiet minutes to centre my mind. Three times a week, you’ll find me at boxing or weight training classes, pushing my body and clearing my head. I choose to surround myself with people I admire, those who challenge me, inspire me, and make me think. And because life’s about balance, I love a good party, dancing, letting my hair down, and feeling young and alive. Most importantly, I make sure to find a reason to laugh every single day.
6. Why is putting yourself first not selfish, but essential?
Putting yourself first is not selfish; it’s essential. We teach others how to treat us through the way we treat ourselves. By prioritising your own needs and respecting yourself, you demonstrate your worth both to yourself and to those around you. When you value yourself, others learn to value you accordingly.
7. What’s one daily ritual that helps you stay grounded?
One daily ritual that keeps me grounded is being mindful of the stories I tell myself. Our thoughts shape our words, and our words shape our reality. Practicing loving and positive self-talk is essential to nurturing mental wellbeing and staying centred.
8. How can women prioritise their health in high-pressure roles?
Exercise is essential, and so is eating at least one proper meal a day. The key is listening to your body – when you’re tired, rest; when you’re energised, go full steam ahead. Tune in to what your body needs and respond accordingly.
9. How do you stay inspired and challenged by those around you?
Simply, I’m picky about who I let into my inner circle. I’m lucky to have family, friends, and colleagues whom I respect and admire. They’re the ones who cheer me on when I’m doing right, and aren’t shy about calling me out when I’m not. I only listen to people whose opinions matter to me. As for the noise from the cheap seats? I just smile, shake my head, and keep moving.
10. What advice would you give women about valuing themselves more?
When it comes to valuing yourself, start with your self-talk. Imagine how you’d speak to your kids, parents, or loved ones kindly, with care and empathy. Treat yourself that way. We all make mistakes; don’t dwell on them, but learn and grow. Remember, you hold your own power; you get to choose how you feel, what you think, and how you shape your life. Tough times will come because that’s part of being alive. What truly defines us as women, and as people, is how we respond to those challenges and rise above them.
Short Bio
Michelle Cohen is a passionate advocate for women’s wellbeing, drawing on personal experience and insights gained from peers and colleagues. She believes that true success, whether in business, creativity, or impact, starts with prioritizing personal health and wellness. For Cohen, well-being is not a checklist but a mindset that recognizes a woman’s value in the workplace is deeply connected to her overall health as a human being.
Committed to staying active, healthy, and mentally stimulated, Michelle emphasizes the importance of doing different things to create new pathways in the brain. She encourages women to put themselves first, knowing that everything else will follow. A firm believer in lifelong learning and collaboration, she surrounds herself with intelligent, inspiring individuals living by the motto: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, find a new room.”
