We recently connected with Marianna Cuomo Maier and have shared our conversation below.

Marianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

In my journey as a board certified health and wellness coach, one piece of advice stands out: “You define the optimal outcome.” This mantra is at the core of my practice, emphasizing that each individual’s vision of success is unique and personal.

One particular client comes to mind. She was overwhelmed with stress from her demanding job, and was feeling burnt out. Initially, she believed that her optimal outcome meant achieving a perfect work-life balance, but as we worked together, we realized that her definition needed to shift.

Through our sessions, I encouraged her to explore what truly mattered to her. We delved into her values, passions, and what fulfillment looked like in her life. Gradually, she started to redefine her optimal outcome—not just as a balanced schedule, but as a life filled with joy, meaningful connections, and self-care.

She began prioritizing activities that brought her joy, like joining a run club and taking strolls with no destination. This newfound focus led to decreased stress levels and improved health, both physically and mentally. Ultimately, she found a sustainable approach that aligned with her true self, which was far more fulfilling than merely striving for balance.

By recognizing that she defined her optimal outcome, she empowered herself to make choices that resonated with her values. It was a beautiful reminder that the journey to wellness is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about discovering what works best for each individual.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Marianna Cuomo Maier, and I’m passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their health and well-being. My journey into the wellness industry began with my background in education, where I realized the importance of balance and self-care in achieving lasting health outcomes. I transitioned from teaching in Chicago to leading a health tech startup, which deepened my understanding of behavior change and wellness strategies.

As the founder of Grata Wellness, I specialize in personalized health and wellness coaching. My offerings include one-on-one coaching sessions, corporate wellness programs, and transformative workshops focused on stress management, burnout prevention, and behavior change. I believe in an inside-out approach, supporting clients in activating their internal strengths while providing external resources to create sustainable lifestyle changes.

What sets me apart is my holistic philosophy, which emphasizes the power of gratitude and resilience. I create a supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and goals. My certifications—including National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and HeartMath Certified Practitioner—allows me to offer evidence-based strategies tailored to each individual’s needs.

I am most proud of Grata Wellness’s ability to foster a community that values self-care and holistic health. Witnessing my clients evolve and achieve their goals brings me immense joy. The testimonials I’ve received highlight the impact of my coaching, showcasing how individuals have found routines that fit their lives and boosted their overall well-being.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my mission is to help you take daily actions that improve your lifestyle and boost your confidence. Together, we can create a path toward a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re facing burnout, seeking better stress management techniques, or simply looking to find more joy in your life, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Join me on this journey to discover your best self and embrace a fulfilling, balanced life!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had two significant moments and transitions in my journey: first from teaching to working at a health tech startup, and then from that role to health and wellness coaching. While I loved my time as an educator, I realized that my true passion lay in empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.

The leap to the startup world was exciting yet overwhelming. As Chief of Staff, I gained invaluable insights into the health tech industry and its potential to transform lives. However, I still felt a longing to connect with individuals on a personal level, which prompted my decision to pivot again into coaching.

This second transition involved pursuing additional certifications in health and wellness coaching. I embraced the challenge, knowing it would allow me to guide others more directly on their wellness journeys.

Ultimately, these transitions led to the creation of Grata Wellness, where I empower individuals to take charge of their health through personalized coaching and workshops. It has been a journey of self-discovery and resilience, reinforcing the idea that the most fulfilling paths are often those we carve out for ourselves, even if they require stepping into the unknown.

Today, I use my experiences to inspire my clients to embrace change as a catalyst for growth. It’s a powerful reminder that life’s pivots, while challenging, can lead to incredible opportunities and fulfillment.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

YES! I would choose this life without hesitation. My journey into health and wellness coaching has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to combine my passion for helping others with my desire to promote holistic well-being. Each day presents new opportunities to empower individuals to take charge of their health, and I find immense joy in guiding clients through their wellness journeys.

Everything I’ve been through has helped to shape my perspective and passion today. The challenges I’ve faced and the experiences I’ve gained along the way have only deepened my commitment to this work. I truly believe in the transformative power of health coaching, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a positive impact in people’s lives. If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing—this path has shaped me in ways I could have never anticipated, and I look forward to continuing this meaningful work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gratawellness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratawellness/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianna-cuomo-maier/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gratawellness

Image Credits

For IMG_8681: Erika Kapin
For Grata Cover Photo: Mackenzie Williams
For MCM Grata Wellness Headshot: Mackenzie Williams