When We Rewrite the Rules

Plus a zesty Lime Ginger Stonefruit Salad w/cinnamon cashews

Approved & supported by these incredible, celebrated & brilliant women: Dr. Rosa Keller PhD RD Nutrition Science, Dr. Ricki Pollycove Holistic OBGYN, Dr. Mandy Carrol Murphy MPH RD, and Dr. Claire Packer, OBGYN Resident

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*This newsletter is not intended to be medical advice.

Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash

Jump to Recipe: Summer Stone Fruit Salad w/ cinnamon cashews & ginger lime drizzle

*Recipe Notes included below: How to make it pregnancy-friendly & gestational-diabetes-friendly, and substitution suggestions for EVERY ingredient

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Today is about more than just nutrition and what we put in our bodies. It’s more of a focus on what’s important for the modern woman – no matter what age. 

Now, let me ask you a couple of questions:

1. When was a moment in your career when you felt your health or wellness was the last priority? For you, and for others around you?

2. Was this a specific moment in time, or is this recurring?

3. What if your health and wellness came first?

4. What would that do for your career? And for others who surround you, who feel your energy, who rely on your productivity?

Now, let’s chat.

My answer to the questions above: At 22 and just starting out with my career, I worked in software, which happened to be that I worked for a group of men. I often felt defeated, self-conscious, and confused. I was asked to come into the office early and stay late. My female colleagues didn’t connect with me, it was every woman for herself to try to be like one of the men so we could climb the ladder. I never felt good enough. 

So I listened to my gut and said no. And I left.

Then, I transitioned to catering, where I had worked with and for mostly women in the past, and I decided to recreate it. Everything changed. I found purpose and meaning in my work. I felt supported, cared for, that my well-being came first, and, for the first time, saw genuine opportunities for growth.

When my health and wellness became my priority, I built an empire of people around me who believed in me, and in turn, built an incredibly successful business that is still celebrated today.

This isn’t to say there aren’t wonderful men in the workforce who care. But, ladies, we need to rewrite the rules and the expectations a bit here, as ambitious women in the modern workforce. 

We live in a world where our personal health, along with real human connection, is more important than ever.

As women, we are crafting our own paths and supporting each other in meaningful ways. This shift is about more than just business or success—it’s about creating space for wellness in every part of our lives.

Without healthy relationships—whether at home, with our bodies, or with the people around us—we can’t thrive. Confidence in ourselves and strong connections with others are the foundation of everything. And it starts with valuing our own well-being.

Many of us are juggling multiple roles—ambitious in our careers, perhaps trying to be present for our children and partners, and still make time for ourselves. It often feels like we’re expected to do the impossible.

But when our health and wellness take a back seat, we burn out. But what happens when we flip the script? What if we put our wellness first?

When I made this change, everything shifted. And I’m not alone. I’ve spoken to women who’ve experienced the same: when their health became a priority, their careers, relationships, and lives flourished.

Take Leslie Schrock, for example. Leslie navigated ulcerous colitis and three miscarriages, all while balancing a demanding career. Today, she’s the successful author of Bumpin’ and Fertility Rules, sharing her story to help other women navigate similar challenges. Or consider Stephanie Middleberg, who is passionate about chronic disease and child health, driven by her personal experience. Through her practice and her books, she also ensures that women themselves aren’t forgotten during pregnancy and motherhood, when the script flips to being all about the children and the woman is forgotten. 

Then there’s Nara Lee, founder of Doveras, who turned her own fertility struggles into a mission, helping women navigate the complexities of fertility with compassion and transparency. And finally, Beth Bollinger, who developed mitral valve prolapse syndrome, and dedicated her life to developing recipes to support women in menopause with their metabolic health, including tracking everything on a continuous glucose monitor to ensure these recipes work.

These women, and SO many others, demonstrate that confidence and connection are key, but equally important is the fuel we provide ourselves. Nutrition isn’t just what we feed our bodies—it’s what we feed our minds. It’s the information, influences, expectations and hormone signals we experience every day from our environments, our peers, and even social media.

Do you want to hear these women, and women like them speak and connect with them? Keep reading.

Our health is more than physical; it’s mental and emotional, too.

And that’s where real transformation happens—when we prioritize all aspects of our well-being, we start to feel more aligned and capable in our lives and careers.

But we don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We need spaces where we can connect deeply, where we can feel supported and heard. 

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to create those spaces for women. With Julienne, we’re bringing vital education and information to women who struggle to find it otherwise. 

Plus, I’m excited to announce that we’ve also recently launched The Women’s Wellness Corner (WWC) — where women in the workplace are re-writing the rules.

This is a place where women come together to share their authentic stories, learn from and support each other, and build powerful, irreplaceable connections. And we’re starting by offering this right in the workplace – something that your company can leverage to help support you and your needs.

We are bringing women like these, and many others, to come speak at companies like yours — with workshops, deep chats, guides to take home, cooking classes and so much more.

When we prioritize our health and wellness, we not only elevate ourselves—we lift everyone around us. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, balancing a career, or pursuing personal growth, your well-being impacts everyone who feels your energy and relies on your presence.

Let’s stop placing wellness last on the list. By putting our health first, we create stronger relationships, better communities, and a foundation of confidence that allows us to thrive.

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If you’re interested in hearing more about The Women’s Wellness Corner, or want to bring these powerful women’s stories into your workplace, take a look here and send me a note to anja@hellojulienne.com or reply to this email.

We’re building networks and safe spaces for women, and we’d love to have you join us.

Summer Stone Fruit Salad with Cinnamon Cashews & Ginger Lime Drizzle