We were lucky to catch up with Natalina Romano recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Natalina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?
In grade 10, my Geography teacher told the class to “Never waste two seconds.” Ever since then, I have been driven to make the most of my time. When I was at McGill University, in addition to a full course load, I worked 30 hours per week doing data entry at a software development firm. It was a start-up struggling to survive. We would rent artwork from the Museum of Fine Arts when potential clients came to visit to give the impression we were doing well. Executives from a high-profile electronics company came to visit one day and we desperately needed their contract. When my boss and his guests approached my desk, I readied myself for an introduction. Instead, he walked right past me! He did not even look my way. I could not believe that I had been completely ignored! I felt unimportant and insignificant. The significance of the lesson has stayed with me. Each and every individual matters! Every job I have had, I have purposely sought to know everyone by name. To me, it is the natural thing to do. When I was the Production Manager at my family’s business, I greeted each employee by name and asked how they were doing. As a coach, I get to know my clients and what matters to them first before offering any advise.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Sure, I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. At the age of 17, I decided to study business with the intention of working in my family’s upholstery business. I did so for 20 years. When my husband was offered a position in Austin, Texas, we decided to leave the cold winters behind and head south. I saw the move as an opportunity to change careers and follow my true passion, Nutrition. I became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and then a Level 2 Precision Nutrition Coach. In the process, I realized the value of the people-skills I had intrinsically developed at the factory.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I moved to Austin, TX and did not know anyone. I was starting a new career in nutrition. My gut was telling me to get out and be seen. I offered to do monthly talks at my husband’s work. One of the attendees was opening a gym and asked me if I would like to be their in-house nutritionist. I jumped at the opportunity! The experience allowed me to meet countless wonderful people and allowed me to practice my new coaching skills.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
“The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield is a book I have read 3 times and listened to on audio twice. Canfield puts forth over 50 practical ways of moving towards your goals. Each time I read the book is different because my situation has evolved. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for practical steps towards achieving their goals!
Contact Info:
- Website: CoachNatalina.com
- Instagram: coach_natalina