Finding Wellness at Work: Insights from Meng Li, MBA ’04
When Meng Li, MBA ’04, left her fast-paced role in strategy consulting, she never imagined she’d become a trusted wellness coach and lecturer living in Beijing and working globally. Today, Meng is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and a Professional Certified Coach, supporting professionals in unlocking their own potential—not just on their resumes, but also in their minds and bodies.
A Journey Toward Wellness
Meng’s transition wasn’t a sudden leap. After years of success in the corporate world, she found herself struggling with persistent health issues—breakouts, back pain, fatigue—that compromised her productivity and happiness. "I looked good on paper, but I didn’t feel fully happy," Meng recalls. Eventually, she made the bold decision to pause her career, prioritizing her health and self-understanding.
It was during a stint in Berlin, surrounded by the city’s organic lifestyle and mindful living, that Meng began exploring holistic nutrition. A year-long program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition became a turning point, shifting her mindset from seeing her body as unpredictable to viewing it as a powerful ally. "After that year, my life changed. I started sharing my story and found myself supporting others," Meng explains.
Defining Wellness Coaching
Meng describes wellness coaching as a non-clinical form of support—helping clients foster mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, beyond simply treating symptoms. Her approach is practical and personalized.
In a recent conversation with Michigan Ross Alumni Coach Lisa Morgan, Meng shared an example of a client, a senior executive battling chronic digestive issues despite seeing the best doctors. By slowing down her daily routines, practicing mindfulness, and reconnecting with her body, the client experienced lasting relief and renewed energy. Small changes—such as pausing to eat more slowly or adopting breathing exercises—often yield surprising results.
Practical Tips for Immediate Relief
Meng recommends simple and cost-free strategies anyone can use:
- Mindful breathing: Just five minutes of abdominal or alternate-nostril breathing, even before meetings or at bedtime, supports relaxation and clear thinking.
- Movement or gentle yoga: Try lying on your back with legs up against the wall for a few minutes to reverse gravity and relax after a busy day.
- Connection: Reach out for genuine conversation, not just “liking” online posts. Real human bonds help counter the loneliness of modern life.
- Buffer time: Build short pauses into your day to check in with your body and emotions.
Meng urges everyone to remember this: "Unleashing your potential isn’t just about career goals. It’s about finding resilience and joy in your daily life."
Connect With Meng Li
Meng welcomes connections from the Ross community on LinkedIn, and alumni can also reach her through the Ross Alumni Career Coaching website.
