WE SALUTE OUR WOMEN IN WELLNESS
Women leaders in wellness are driving positive change across the globe, inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being. From advocating for mental health awareness to promoting holistic approaches to self-care, these leaders are shaping the future of wellness with their innovative ideas and compassionate leadership. Let’s celebrate their contributions and continue to support their efforts in creating healthier, happier communities for all.
On International Women’s Day, we have interviewed three of our women leaders at The Farm at San Benito, Dra. Marian Alonzo (Medical Chief of The Farm at San Benito), Ms. Jennifer Sanvictores (Global Head of Sales and Marketing Communications for The Farm at San Benito & CG Hospitality) and Chef Marie Pagcaliwagan (Pioneer Tastemaker of The Farm at San Benito) on how they are able to balance their career and taking care of their wellness.
Q1. You are a great example of a woman leader who is also successful in your other personal roles after working hours. Please share some tips on how one can balance wellness and work as a woman leader.
Dra. Marian: Seeing firsthand the ill effects of lack of work-life balance among my patients; I knew 20 years back, that I want to embody not just balance between professional fulfillment and harmonious family relations, but dignified healthy aging. So through the years I’ve been with The Farm, I would surround myself with doctor colleagues I can entrust my patients to, in my absence. I also advocated the need to train young doctors for the sustainability of the operations of The Farm in the event of me being a mother someday. I envisioned being fully engaged in the formative years of my future children. Personally, before I go to work, my prayer is always: those who I’m meant to help, let them be the ones to have slots in limited clinic time. I would assure them that the way I’m fully present for them in our sessions, is the same way I am with family so they better ask their questions while we’re together. I let them know that I go on digital detox and become a full-time, homeschooling mother (I’ve 2 children ages: 17 and 2) once I’m outside The Farm.
Ms. Jennifer: Balancing wellness and work as a woman leader at The Farm at San Benito, especially when feeling fulfilled in work but having limited time for oneself, requires intentional strategies. Firstly, aligning with your purpose is key; while your work may be fulfilling, maintaining personal well-being is crucial for long-term success and impact. Efficient time management is also vital; seeking support from a supportive network, both at work and in your personal life, is crucial. Delegate tasks where possible and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Mindful self-care practices can be incorporated into your daily routine, such as short meditation breaks, mindful breathing, or even a few minutes of stretching enhancing your ability to lead effectively. These moments can rejuvenate you amidst a busy schedule without compromising work quality. By recognizing the importance of your well-being, you can continue to excel as a woman leader while also maintaining personal fulfillment at work.
Chef Marie: Balancing wellness and work as a woman leader involves setting clear boundaries for work hours, prioritizing self-care through activities like exercise and meditation, and effective delegation of tasks at work and home. Efficient time management, open communication with both your team and family, and the ability to say no when needed are essential. Prioritizing quality over quantity, investing in a support network, and continuously adjusting your approach contribute to sustained success in both professional and personal roles outside working hours.
Q2. Have you faced any challenges in promoting wellness due to gender biases? How did you handle them?
Dra. Marian: Not really. Just benign comments like: Dr. Alonzo? Oh I thought I’m meeting a guy, someone older. Then after the consultation or treatment session… “now I understand why my friend insisted on me consulting with you.”
Ms. Jennifer: At The Farm at San Benito, we prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for promoting wellness. While we haven’t encountered significant challenges due to gender biases, we remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that our wellness programs cater to the needs of all individuals, regardless of gender. We believe in educating our staff and guests about the importance of gender equality in wellness initiatives and continuously seek feedback to improve our offerings and address any potential biases. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where everyone can focus on their health and well-being without limitations or stereotypes.
Chef Marie: Gender biases may hinder wellness promotion by imposing stereotypical expectations on women. Challenging these stereotypes, advocating for inclusive policies, and fostering a culture of work-life balance can help address the issue. Providing flexible schedules and parental leave benefits both men and women, promoting equal opportunities for wellness. Education and awareness about gender biases contribute to creating a more equitable and supportive work environment.
Q3.How do you prioritize wellness programs that specifically support women’s needs here at The Farm?
Dra. Marian: We provide quality listening space for patients and from there, we design programs based on the changing needs of the times. And more often than not, it’s the women who need to be listened to. The Farm also gets to see patients only for the time (5 days, 1week, 2-3 weeks) that they are with us before they fly back to their countries. With this in mind, we make sure that the services in the programs are well-curated and deliver high-impact results.
Ms. Jennifer: At The Farm, we prioritize wellness programs that specifically support women’s wellness needs. We recognize that women have unique health concerns and seek to address them through tailored programs and a range of holistic treatments and therapies designed to support women’s health and well-being. Our approach includes offering specialized retreats, educational workshops, and activities that focus on women’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We also provide holistic treatments and therapies that cater to women’s specific health issues. We also ensure that our health professionals are trained to understand and address the wellness needs of women, creating a supportive and empowering environment for all our female guests. Women-centric programs at The Farm includes Beauty & Longevity, Fertility, Post-Natal, Menopause programs, Essence of a Woman package, to name a few
Chef Marie: At The Farm, prioritizing wellness programs that specifically support women’s needs involves a tailored approach. We conduct regular assessments to identify unique wellness challenges women may face. Programs include flexible work arrangements, maternal health support, and access to resources addressing women’s physical and mental well-being. We encourage open dialogue to understand individual needs and adjust programs accordingly. Continuous feedback loops and regular updates ensure our wellness initiatives evolve to effectively meet the diverse needs of women at The Farm.
