4 Tips on Occupational Wellness from Julia Stewart, Founder & CEO of Alurx
Occupational wellness is one of the eight dimensions of wellness and a key component of our overall wellbeing. It influences our productivity, our career choices, and our sense of purpose in the workplace. Julia Stewart is a pioneer in the hospitality and the wellness industries. Throughout her journey, from food server to CEO, to entrepreneur, she shares her insights on achieving occupational wellness:
1. Experience Customer-Facing Roles
Julia emphasizes the profound impact of serving others: "I truly believe serving others at some point in your life makes you appreciate the millions of people who serve every day." Her journey began as a food server at IHOP, where she eventually rose to CEO. This experience instilled a deep appreciation for service roles and shaped her leadership approach. She recalls assessing job candidates based on their interactions with service staff, noting that disrespectful behavior was a deal-breaker. This principle underscores her commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
2. Embrace Feedback as a Gift
In her early career at IHOP, Julia valued the daily feedback from guests and management: "It was a real gift that you could get feedback every day—about how you were doing and the difference that you were making." This continuous feedback loop was inspirational and became a cornerstone of her leadership style, fostering a culture of growth and improvement.
3. Be Strategic and Take Risks
Julia's career progression was marked by strategic choices and embracing challenges: "I really did want to run something, and I knew no one would make me CEO if I stayed in marketing." She transitioned from marketing to operations, starting as an Assistant Restaurant Manager to gain comprehensive business insights. This willingness to take risks and step out of her comfort zone exemplifies the importance of aligning career moves with long-term goals.
4. Understand Your 'Why' and Embrace Continuous Learning
The onset of her mother's cognitive illness prompted Julia to rethink wellness: "Thus the idea of Alurx came to life as an all-in-one wellness hub." Her commitment to continuous learning and adapting to technological advancements led her to evolve Alurx into a comprehensive wellness app. By embracing change and integrating the latest AI technology, Julia highlights the significance of being a lifelong learner in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
Conclusion
Occupational wellness is a dynamic journey that involves embracing service, valuing feedback, making strategic choices, and continuously learning. Julia Stewart's experiences offer valuable insights into cultivating a fulfilling and purposeful career. To support your own wellness journey, start exploring the Alurx Wellness App and receive daily advice and activities to build new healthier habits.