Meet Catherine Okubo | CEO at MPB.Health

We had the good fortune of connecting with Catherine Okubo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Catherine, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I don’t think I’ve ever truly found a balance between work and life, honestly, my career has always demanded a huge portion of my time. I travel frequently, and my schedule can be crazy, but what keeps me grounded is making sure that, no matter how chaotic things get, my daughter and my health remain top priorities.

When I’m shooting the SaúdeMAX TV Show, for example, it’s non-stop, back-to-back filming with barely enough time to grab a proper meal. And while I can’t always be at every school event for my daughter, I make it a point to be there for the ones that truly matter. When I’m with her, I’m fully present and 100% disconnected from everything else.

I realized that striving for a perfect work-life balance is more of a myth than a reality, but what truly matters is being intentional. Instead of chasing balance, I focus on what’s in front of me

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
This year, an incredible opportunity came our way: launching our very own TV show, SaúdeMAX, on Record Américas TV, a station dedicated to Brazilians living in the U.S. SaúdeMAX (which translates to “HealthMAX”) is all about health and wellness, covering essential aspects of physical, mental, nutritional, financial, and relationship health. My vision was to create something both informative and entertaining, and it’s been an exciting journey for everyone involved.

I never expected to step back into the world of show business. Fifteen years ago, I briefly pursued acting in Los Angeles, studied theater, and then transitioned into a completely different path. So when this opportunity came around, I was both surprised and thrilled, not just because I’d be back in front of the camera, but because I’d be involved on a much larger scale, from scriptwriting and production to hosting the show.

It’s definitely been a challenge, after spending so many years behind the desk, jumping in front of the camera again is a whole new experience. But what excites me the most is knowing that this didn’t happen overnight. It took years of what most people would call ‘boring work’—late nights, giant spreadsheets, weekends spent solving problems, and dealing with every challenge imaginable. And now? We finally get to do the fun stuff. Just want to say a big thank you for Rod Maxson and my team for supporting this new phase!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, I might not be the best person to ask since I rarely go out unless it’s to work out or a business event, but I’ll give my best:

I’d start the day with a morning run by the beach, nothing beats the fresh air and ocean views. For lunch, Atlantic Ave is a great spot, and I absolutely love El Camino for some incredible Mexican food and a lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, I’d recommend checking out Mizner Park, there’s always something happening, whether it’s live music, art events, or just great shopping. And for dinner, Houston’s is a top pick if you’re looking for amazing food in a more intimate setting, while Alley Cat is perfect for sushi lovers. If you are in the mood to pamper yourself, the massages at Palmetto Spa are so worth it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My entire team at MPB Health deserves all the credit and recognition. I’m truly grateful to work alongside such dedicated, hardworking individuals who genuinely prioritize the well-being of our members. Their commitment goes beyond just a job—they work late nights, weekends, and always put our members’ needs first, placing care and service above financial gain. It’s an honor to be surrounded by a team that leads with integrity, passion, and commitment to making healthcare more accessible and effective for those we serve.

Website: https://mpb.health/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cat.okubo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherineok/

Image Credits
Marcio Amaral