Meet Ellenit Serrano | Business and Wellbeing Consultant

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

Hi Ellenit, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
I took a yoga class!

It was the only thing that helped me get out of my head for 90 minutes at a time! So I kept coming back! Eventually I signed up for yoga teacher training so I could also spend one weekend a month diving deep into my passion AND with no phone, access to me!

This was the beginning of my personal journey that led to the realization that I was not alone; so many of us find ourselves caught up in all of the demands of life and want to find harmony in our lives across all areas: physical, mental/emotional, social, career/financial, community, spiritual.

I stepped into my courage and brought the idea forward to my organization – and kicked off a program. I guess that was the real beginning!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Business Consultant and Wellbeing Thought Leader on a mission to foster holistic success, elevating individual and organizational wellbeing to cultivate healthier, happier, and high-performing workplaces. As Vice-Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Workplace Wellbeing Initiative, I spearhead the development of thought leadership and resources to redefine workplace wellness on a global scale. My track record includes driving revenue growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering organizational effectiveness at Fortune 100 companies. Decades of mentoring, coaching, and workshop facilitation highlight my deep commitment to individual and organizational development. With a background in business leadership, wellbeing frameworks, and holistic wellness practices, through my business Esencia Solutions, I design programs that empower individuals and organizations to thrive. I like to say that I operate at the intersection of operational excellence and human-centered authenticity, championing a leadership approach that prioritizes wellbeing while delivering measurable business results.

I started my career in Finance at American Express and spent 20 years in evolving roles, primarily in Finance. I achieved career success and had created a beautiful family and life, but I was overwhelmed – by today’s standards – burnt out. I was really ready to give up my career because I just couldn’t figure out how to make it all work.

Along the way I found yoga which was the only thing that helped me quiet my mind…so I was incredibly drawn to return to class. Soon the physical practice merged into a philosophical and spiritual practice that led me to dive deeper and take a teacher training program – never planning to teach – however I did start shortly thereafter and have never stopped! Teaching others the practice of yoga fulfilled me in a way I never imagined; it also kept my creative juices flowing. I used to teach yoga every weekend and sometimes during the week while I worked full time. This journey changed the way I showed up for myself and for others, including at work having recently joined Mastercard. It started to dawn on me that I was able to elevate my success and have a harmonious life because of my practice. I began to share what I learned at work and also began to explore what holistic wellbeing was all about; how to elevate success across all dimensions of your life: physical, mental, spiritual, community, career, financial and social. It took a lot of courage but I launched a program at our local office along with some other colleagues who were champions and what happened was amazing; people REALLY showed up! They showed up for yoga, for meditation, and for learning sessions about specific topics. They asked where they could learn more. I was asked to do a learning program for B2B customers and participate in departmental events. I had really merged my two worlds, my career and my purpose.

My YogatoLead program was born during this time. With everyone asking me how it was that I could be a yogi but also have this really demanding corporate role the concept began to crystalize me. I was able to do well, because I was well! The YogatoLead program is a human-centered leadership development experience that integrates yoga, leadership principles and theory to cultivate authentic leadership and enhance organizational effectiveness.

In January 2023 I was called to dive deeper into the workplace wellbeing space and after some research I joined the Global Wellness Institute’s Workplace Wellbeing Initiative.

The Global Wellness Institute is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower wellness worldwide by educating public and private sectors about preventative health and wellness.
The Workplace Wellbeing Initiative (GWI/WWI) is a sub-group of the institute comprised of subject matter experts including Researchers, Service Providers, and others focused on the development of thought leadership and resources to redefine workplace wellbeing on a global scale.

In mid 2023 I had the opportunity to leave Mastercard due organizational restructuring. It was a little earlier than I had originally planned but it felt right. Because I had so much time available I became very active with GWI/WWI. I networked heavily across the industry to deepen my understanding and also think about the many ways people and organizations were being of service in this space in order to inform my path forward. As a way to help me deal with my “imposter syndrome” I obtained a few certifications in workplace wellbeing and holistic wellbeing and happiness with WOHASU: The world Happiness Summit, where I am active as a Coach Facilitator.

I also gave myself time and space to decompress, travel and enjoy some well deserved time off; I’ve been working pretty much full-time since I was 14!

Along the way things began to come together for me. I was able to narrow in to what my services and company would be about and how the programs I had developed, and was developing, fit in. I am currently in the soft-launch phase of the HappyHer Program – targeting professional and executive women, it’s a platform and program to redefine and elevate success through introspection and action across all dimensions of wellbeing in order to thrive!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What I love about Miami / Fort Lauderdale is the fact that there are such different areas and vibes to choose from. Obviously spending time at South beach is a must! As a Cuban-American I have to say that for anyone who wants a real taste of Miami this has to include a visit to Little Havana and some real Cuban food! I also love the Wynwood / Midtown area which is so eclectic with it’s mix of art, fashion and also great dining! Lastly as a Fort Lauderdale waterways resident, I would say no one should leave without a boat ridte through the Fort Lauderdale Intercoastal waterway or a view of Miami from the bay.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many…but definitely a shoutout to my family that has supported me along this journey including my children, Lauren and Chris, who have been my biggest cheerleaders, and my husband who may not necessarily understand my why, but has supported me in finding my way! A shoutout to my mom who is still showing me how you can renew and grow, even at her age! I also want to shout out to all the friends, colleagues and leaders who, truly knowing me, at my essence, continue to give me unwavering votes of confidence to move forward on this path!

Website: https://www.esenciasolutions.com

Instagram: be.wellenit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin/in/ellenit-serrano

Facebook: Ellenit Serrano

Image Credits
Aestheticallyneutral.com