71. Deborah Szekely and Susie Ellis – A Mentor, Two Mavens and the Birth of a Movement

In the past century, one industry has evolved into a lifestyle, healthcare and business gamechanger—and that is wellness. In this episode we talk to two icons: one who launched the wellness industry in North America and influenced so many others along the way, and the other who was the first to quantify and verify the wellness industry to demonstrate its true value to a global marketplace.

In this legendary episode we’re speaking to the 101-year-young Deborah Szekely, the co-founder of Rancho La Puerta and the founder of the Golden Door who is known as the godmother of the modern-day mind/body/fitness movement, in conversation with her protégé, Susie Ellis, the chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute, who is known as the godmother of the global wellness economy. Their unique bond began decades ago when Deborah gave Susie her first job in the industry! The special relationship between these two mavens reflects the importance of mentorship, collaboration and global citizenship within the wellness community.

Deborah was a true wellness pioneer, creating Rancho La Puerta in 1940. Her life serves as a testament to the importance of exercise, nutrition and simplicity in wellness practices. As pioneers in the field, Deborah and Susie have been key influencers on how the global wellness economy has evolved over the years, inspiring each of its eleven sectors to “step up to the plate” to embrace the personal and economic benefits of embracing a lifestyle of proactive wellness. What also becomes clear in this conversation is the role of the Global Wellness Summit in fostering a global collaboration among professionals in the industry.

Their take on making it in a male-dominated business climate is particularly fascinating, given the fact that over 80% of workers in the wellness, beauty & fitness industry are female. Susie has become an industry-wide advocate for increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in wellness, and in this conversation both women discuss how essential it is to embrace different cultures and work with people from diverse backgrounds in the global wellness community. Susie and Deborah agree that it is research and science-backed findings that give impetus and gravitas to the philosophy of proactive wellness, inspiring businesses, communities and policymakers to take actions that positively impact people and the planet.

Join us as we delve into Deborah and Susie’s thoughts on the evolution of the wellness industry and what they have learned along the way.

To learn more about Deborah’s history, visit RanchoLaPuerta.com.

This episode is sponsored by KOHLER, a brand known for its destinations and fixtures, celebrating 150 years of delivering wellness through water.

Resources:

• The Godmother of the Wellness Economy – Living History of a Global Movement with Susie Ellis
• Deborah Szekely: 100 Years Young – Global Wellness Institute
• The Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness

Hosted by Kim Marshall.

Produced by Nova Media