We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Linder a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The defining moment struck unexpectedly in my mid-40s, shortly after earning my Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA). My journey in healthcare started in my early 20s as a Certified Medical Assistant, where I found great satisfaction and fulfillment t in family practice, caring for patients across all ages and stages of life. Witnessing the growth of newborns into adolescents and listening to the wisdom shared by elderly patients were moments that deeply resonated with me. I thrived on guiding patients through their chronic disease journeys, advocating for lifestyle changes in nutrition and activity.

As my career in healthcare progressed, a clear ambition emerged: to lead a healthcare quality program within a primary care setting. Over the course of two decades, I transitioned from direct patient care to administration, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services before obtaining my MHA.

Securing my dream position as the Director of Quality and Care Management at a large multispecialty physician practice felt like a triumph. Collaborating with Primary Care Providers and my team of Care Managers, we prioritized patient education on preventive care, cancer screening, and medication adherence. Through innovative programs and quality management initiatives, we not only improved patient outcomes but also brought in significant financial incentives for the providers.

I felt like I was on top of the world… until I wasn’t.

The pivotal moment hit me like a ton of bricks. Despite achieving my professional goals, the toll on my personal life was undeniable. My commitment to the organization and working alongside healthcare providers meant sacrificing precious time with my children. Spending an average of 14 hours a day at work drained me of joy and vitality. It became clear that some physicians prioritized financial gain over patient care, straining those of us striving to meet their demands.

At that crossroads, I faced a crucial decision – my career or my family and happiness.

I chose family and happiness.

This decision, though daunting, opened unforeseen opportunities. I discovered a new path to caring for people and contributing to their healthcare journeys. Becoming a Certified Health Coach, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own health coaching business. Today, I find deep fulfillment in supporting individuals of all ages who are committed to their health and well-being. Living life on my own terms, I witness the transformative impact of health education and support, igniting sparks of vitality in people around the world.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

First and foremost, I am a wife, mom, and dog mom. I met my husband, Carl, on a blind date and was obviously smitten because I married him 1o months later. While our path may not fit the conventional mold, it’s our unique blend that makes life fulfilling. Together, we’ve created a life of purpose, instilling in our children the ethos of living without regrets. Despite the upheaval of a global pandemic, we made the bold choice to bid farewell to our cherished home of two decades, where we raised our family, and embark on the initial leg of our dream at The Lake of the Ozarks.

Each morning, we’re greeted by the stunning sunrises over the lake, reminding us of the life we’ve intentionally crafted. Carl ventured into entrepreneurship, launching his own home improvement venture upon our relocation. Inspired by his leap, I felt compelled to join in, launching Design Your Health a year later.

My entire career was spent scaling the corporate ladder, pouring myself into others’ ambitions, until a stark realization prompted a shift. Recognizing the allure and pitfalls of the one-size-fits-all approach to health, I was determined to channel my passion into guiding others toward holistic well-being.

You see, health is not a one size fits all. There are too many quick fix get skinny lures that suck people in and leave them worse off than when they started. People are drawn to the newest shiniest program that promises them a life of skinny and beauty. Most health and fitness gurus mislead their clients and place them on a one size fits all diet and exercise program. I have spent years being misled and chasing skinny myself, trying the newest latest diet trend, counting calories and points, endlessly paying attention to macros, and wearing my body out from hours in the gym and miles on the pavement. When I silenced all the noise around me, a spark was ignited, and I was finally able to see what healthy really was. The spark grew into a fire of passion that exploded into Design Your Health.

Design Your Health specializes in helping women over 40 find their healthy sparkle. I work one on one with my clients to identify what motivates them and help them overcome whatever demons are holding them back to live their healthiest life. I work with my clients to find what works for them nutritionally and what activities are going to fit into their lifestyle (believe it or not – not everyone desires to be a powerlifter or spend monotonous hours pounding on a treadmill).

When I am not coaching my clients, you can find me lending a hand to Carl’s endeavors, whether on-site or managing administrative tasks. Our downtime is filled with adventures alongside our four-legged child, Sophie, whether it be boating on the lake, visiting our children, or indulging our passion for SCUBA diving in Cozumel, Mexico.

Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?

Thankfully, financing my business hasn’t required a substantial investment. The most significant expense was engaging our attorney to establish the LLC. My client base has primarily grown through social media channels.

Although the investment in my business hasn’t been financial, the time allocated to crafting posts, educational videos, recipe books, meal plans, and other resources has been substantial. Mastering time management has been a crucial aspect of this journey.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

This is an excellent question. From my early years, I harbored a strong desire to become a veterinarian. With a deep affection for animals and a compassionate nature, it seemed like the perfect fit. However, as I matured, I came to realize that my empathy ran deep, perhaps too deep for certain emotional challenges that come with veterinary work.

Driven by my innate desire to help others, I eventually found my way into the healthcare field. The journey I’ve embarked on since has led me to where I am today, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I firmly believe that I am exactly where I am meant to be. Although there are days when I entertain the notion that working with animals might offer a simpler path, I am deeply fulfilled by the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.designyourhealth.us/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlinder619/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melissa.Linder
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-linder-03329426/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/melissa.linder

Image Credits
Nicole Crusinberry Photography