Today’s Notable Young Professional is Emma Andrews, who’s life goal is to teach young people to be proactive about their wellness. Instead of anti-aging she likes to call it “pro-longevity.” Here’s what inspired her career path and where she sees herself in five years…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am a public speaker, writer, and National Educator for Vancouver-based nutrition and lifestyle brand Vega. I lead empowering and memorable sports nutrition and natural health industry education events and workshops for retail, community groups, and athletes around North America.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was inspired to go back to school and study nutrition after the loss of my dad to a heart attack in 2009, when he was 53. It’s hard to find the silver lining in losing a family member, but I know he would be proud of the career I am building. Honouring his memory has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration.
Today, I am most passionate about teaching young people to be proactive about their wellness, at a point in their lives when they can make meaningful changes and don’t yet have to deal with a laundry list of symptoms. This is meaningful beyond individuals with a family history of heart disease, though; the very same principles can help you fuel an active lifestyle and maximize your mental potential (your mental wellness is also very much connected to diet). Instead of anti-aging, I call it “pro-longevity.”
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is going to sound cliché, but I get to change lives. That’s pretty cool! It is so gratifying to know someone’s longevity could be impacted in a meaningful way because of something I taught them. I love witnessing the “aha” moments on my audience’s faces when something just clicks.
The most challenging part is always innovating in my style of delivery (but it’s oh-so-necessary. I welcome the challenge). Adult learners get bored easily, have a harder time retaining info, come with a lot of biases and pre-conceived notions, and likely have seen so many bad presentations in their lives. They’re sceptical before you even open your mouth. It’s what drives me to be a remarkable presenter. I love finding new ways to engage my audience in interactive learning, whether through demonstrations, audience participation, activities or learning games. I consider the impression I leave on my audience as my signature.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When I get performance anxiety before speaking, it’s usually a good sign I’m stretched thin. The more nervous I am, the more it indicates I was rushed to prepare. Having breathing room in your schedule allows you to prepare calmly and infuses your presentations with a state of calmness too. To me, there’s a direct correlation between confidence and adequate preparation.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Continuing to build my career on the foundation I’ve now established. Consulting with various natural health brands, reporting on food trends and innovations in the natural products industry, continuing to be sought out as a professional speaker for wellness, sports nutrition and public speaking workshops, and writing for publications that align with my passions.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Taking the leap of faith to go back to school, even though it meant leaving a good job, going into debt, and juggling more than I thought possible. It also meant accepting it was going to be another few years before I gained traction in a new career path. I’ve taken a couple big “leaps” in my life, and there’s always been a moment when I look back and see all the dots connected – even if I was just going on blind faith (call it intuition) at the time.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
In a nutshell: waking up with enthusiasm and going to bed with satisfaction. To me, (career) success is about being sought out for your opinion, being trusted for your advice, and knowing your work aligns with your talents.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I am most proud of establishing and developing the industry-leading Education Program at Vega, including a team of nutrition educators. It was a lot of hard work, but getting the opportunity to build a program from the ground up in such a dynamic, high-growth company was totally worth the effort.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
When you have an opportunity for visibility with senior management, take it. And wow them. Don’t be afraid to be nerdy with your passion either. I took a vision board with the Vega logo on it into my first job interview at the company. It worked out well for me!
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
If I have to choose, I have to say two then: Heirloom for Brunch with the girls (I love my veggies), and my own kitchen (“Emmamazing’s Creation Station”) for dinner with the hubby.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Running the Vancouver Seawall, anything to do with food, and going to music festivals and shows
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Japan. I lived there for a short period, and had my honeymoon there. It’s the most fascinating place on earth; a combination of the geography, culture and the people.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
Major Lazer, Reach for the Stars (with Wyclef Jean). Mainly for the chorus, and how you feel when listening to the beat. And it doesn’t hurt I first heard it live at Coachella.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
Teaching high school social studies. That was my initial plan after high school. Teaching and educating was always going to be a part of my career.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I co-host a series of Sports Nutrition Workshops called Eat2Run, which in part benefit Sole Girls, a teen empowerment program using running as the platform for self-confidence. It aligns with my goals of pro-active education at a time when it’s most meaningful in a young person’s life.
What to you is notable?
Being “anything but average.” It’s my motto, and what attracts me most in business partners, friends, brands, you name it.
iPhone, Blackberry, Android or Other?
iPhone 6. And my UE Boom speaker! I always pack it on the road for “pump up tunes” in the morning.
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