Unlocking Authenticity and Finding True Alignment: A Conversation with Mariella Borschow
Welcome to another episode of Let’s Talk Impact! My name is Justyna Kedra (founder of WERULE), and I am thrilled to host this episode of our podcast alongside our guest host Camille Jalandoni, who is my co-founder. This episode brings you insightful conversations with entrepreneurs, coaches, and impact-driven individuals who are making a difference. Today’s special episode features an amazing guest, Mariella Borschow, who shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and how her passion for wellness and authenticity shaped her career.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone thinking about pursuing entrepreneurship, discovering their authentic self, or aligning their mind and body for a healthier and more productive life.
The Journey to Entrepreneurship: Mariella’s Story
Every entrepreneur has a unique path. For Mariella, her journey started with a desire to help people. Growing up, she wanted to be a doctor, driven by a passion for caring for others and learning about the human body. As Mariella reflects, this desire evolved over time as she realized the mind-body connection.
“While I always wanted to be a doctor, I found that true healing comes from integrating the mind and body,” she shares. She noticed how most people live disconnected from their bodies, constantly preoccupied with the next task or goal. This led Mariella to shift her focus towards wellness and becoming a transformational coach, helping individuals find their true alignment through mind-body coaching.
Her career has been a journey of exploration. Starting in finance, moving to tech, and even managing a cheese farm, Mariella found herself in various roles before landing in a position that allowed her to work closely with others to facilitate true change. Despite finding success in her corporate roles, Mariella discovered that these environments were not aligned with her true self. “I just didn’t fit in the box,” she recalls, explaining how she realized she wasn’t thriving in corporate settings where she was expected to work long hours and follow rigid structures.
Her tipping point came after experiencing burnout and stress-induced health issues, including IBS and gastritis. This was her body’s way of signaling that something was off. Eventually, she left the corporate world to pursue a life where she could be more authentic and aligned with her passion for helping others transform.
The Power of Authenticity: Why Being Yourself is Key to Success
One of the core themes of this episode is the importance of being authentic. Mariella emphasizes that true success, both personally and professionally, can only be achieved when we embrace our authentic selves. “When we’re not in alignment with our true self, it creates internal friction,” she explains. This friction manifests physically—tightness in the chest, tension in the shoulders—and can lead to burnout or illness over time.
As Mariella explains, when we go against our own grain, we are putting ourselves at risk. The more we resist our authentic selves, the more energy it takes to maintain that resistance. “The body never lies,” she notes, explaining that when our mind and body aren’t aligned, we experience discomfort, tension, and ultimately, burnout.
By aligning with our true self, we can move through life with ease, clarity, and energy. This is a powerful message for anyone working in a corporate environment, struggling with a job that doesn’t align with their passion, or anyone wondering how to discover their authentic self. Mariella’s advice? “Pay attention to the signals your body sends you. If you’re feeling tense or stressed, it’s often a sign that you’re out of alignment.”
How to Recognize When You’re Out of Alignment
One of the most common questions people have is, “How do I know if I’m out of alignment?” Mariella shares some key signs to look for. “You may experience physical symptoms like tension in your chest, shoulders, or stomach,” she says. But it can also manifest emotionally and mentally. If you feel drained, uninspired, or stuck, these are often signs that you’re not operating from your authentic self.
Moreover, she advises entrepreneurs and individuals alike to listen to their body when making decisions. “When fear starts to dictate your actions, it’s important to pause and reflect,” she says. Fear can lead us to make decisions that are not aligned with our true values or goals. Instead, we should focus on what excites us and makes us feel alive.
The path to authenticity is not always easy, especially when it comes to making tough career decisions. Many individuals find themselves trapped in jobs that don’t suit them because they’re afraid to step into something new. Mariella’s advice for anyone in this situation is to trust your instincts and understand that it’s okay to outgrow situations that no longer serve you.
Aligning Mind and Body for a Balanced Life
One of the most profound topics discussed in this episode is the mind-body connection. Mariella emphasizes the importance of taking care of both the mind and the body to achieve long-term success and health. “The mind and body are interconnected,” she explains. “You can’t have one without the other.”
For Mariella, wellness isn’t just about mental clarity or emotional well-being; it’s about creating harmony between all aspects of the self. This holistic approach helps her clients achieve success from a balanced place, allowing them to reach their goals without sacrificing their health or well-being.
She advises that to build a sustainable career or business, we need to nurture both our mental and physical health. “When you’re in alignment with your true self, you become more productive and focused,” Mariella says. “You stop feeling like you’re fighting against yourself, and you start moving forward effortlessly.”
Tips for Cultivating Authenticity and Alignment
While discovering your authentic self and aligning your mind and body might sound abstract, Mariella offers practical tips for those on their journey:
- Reflect and Disconnect
Find time for self-reflection away from external influences, such as social media or podcasts. This quiet time allows you to tune into your inner voice and understand what truly matters to you. - Pay Attention to Your Body
Physical symptoms can be strong indicators of stress or misalignment. Learn to recognize when your body is signaling that something is off, whether it’s through tension, fatigue, or discomfort. - Set Boundaries and Trust Your Instincts
In the hustle of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to push yourself beyond your limits. Setting clear boundaries helps maintain your energy levels and keeps you aligned with your goals. - Embrace the Flow of Life
As you move toward your goals, focus on what makes you feel energized and inspired. Avoid forcing yourself into situations that feel draining or stressful. - Prioritize Health and Wellness
Cultivate practices that nurture both your physical and mental well-being. This could include activities like yoga, meditation, or simply taking time off to recharge.
What is the “Let’s Talk Impact” podcast?
Let’s Talk Impact is a podcast series that explores the intersection of entrepreneurship and social impact. Hosted by Justyna Kedra and produced by The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and WERULE, the podcast features interviews with a diverse range of changemakers. From government officials to activists and entrepreneurs, these guests share their insights on the evolving definition of impactful work and the motivations driving their efforts. By focusing on the stories behind the initiatives, Let’s Talk Impact aims to inspire and inform listeners about the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in the world.
About the hosts
Justyna Kedra, the founder of WERULE, received her BFA degree from Parsons the New School where she successfully finished their toughest major: Fashion Design. Since then she worked in Public Relations with celebrities ranging from Jeremy Scott, Lady Gaga to Madonna at People’s Revolution under the wing of Kelly Cutrone. Justyna is also no stranger to the corporate world working for 6 years in financial services at American Express generating over 20 Billion in acquisitions for Centurion, Platinum, Green Cards as well features such as their most successful “Employee Card” treatment. She also served as an advisor to the American Express’ President of US Consumer Services on topics related to the team’s culture.
She is a mentor & a team member at The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative and a mentor at the Tory Burch Foundation, the AARP Foundation x Bridge for Billions program for aspiring founders over 50. Because of her work, she was recognized as the youngest Champion of Change at the United Nations. A book she co-authored with Erika De La Cruz, Editor in Chief at The La Girl, has become a bestseller across multiple categories and is available at Barnes and Noble.
Justyna also hosts a podcast, a collaboration between WERULE and The New School’s Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative, called Let’s Talk Impact, which was in the top 5% most shared podcasts globally according to Spotify Wrapped.
Camille Jalandoni: With 15 years of experience in the public relations field, founder Camille Jalandoni believes in honoring each company’s unique mission by crafting tailored media and business strategies to share her client’s purposeful voice with the public. She’s razor sharp about identifying the newsworthy angles that that will move the needle for brands in a in a meaningful way. This is not achieved with a one-size-fits-all approach. Through her entrepreneurial spirit, passion for thoughtful storytelling and brand partnerships, Camille helps clients shine a light on their most compelling achievements and finds ways for her clients to collaborate with partners that will take their business to the next level.
After running a beauty, fashion, hospitality, finance agency in Australia, she’s also enjoyed moving to the United States and working more closely with start-ups that are mission-driven and intimately invested in making a positive impact on their industry. Her extensive experience spans across a broad range of brands including Diageo Premium Spirits, Escada, Revlon, Coty, PIMCO, Stella McCartney, Stuart Weitzman, Visa, Facebook, SAP, Spotify and more.
About the Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative
The Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative (IEI) at The New School fosters a transformative approach to business and social change. We equip students with the skills to create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable ventures that address pressing global challenges. Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, we empower students to become agents of positive change and build a more equitable world.
About WERULE
WERULE is a global platform dedicated to connecting individuals with life-changing mentors. Founded in 2015, they started by sharing stories of successful female entrepreneurs, becoming a recognized resource for women seeking inspiration and guidance. Today, WERULE offers a wider range of resources, including an AI-powered mentorship app used by businesses and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to make mentorship accessible to everyone, regardless of background or stage in life. They believe in the transformative power of mentorship and strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.