In a recent podcast episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Teresa Carotenuto-Giella, a dynamic healthcare strategy consultant, fitness instructor, and former Division I athlete. Teresa’s story is a testament to the power of discipline, intentionality, and staying true to oneself. Together, we explored how her athletic background shaped her work ethic, the challenges of balancing modern life, and her advice for navigating a world driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and social media culture. Here are the key takeaways from our inspiring conversation.
Teresa’s time as a Division I athlete at Lehigh University was foundational to her development. Sports taught her discipline, time management, and the importance of showing up prepared—qualities she continues to apply in her career and daily life.
“I learned early on that if you’re on time, you’re late,” Teresa says. “Sports taught me the value of being prepared, disciplined, and intentional with my time.”
This mindset has helped her navigate the complexities of her dual roles as a healthcare strategy consultant and fitness instructor. Whether coaching young athletes or solving complex client problems, Teresa relies on the principles she learned on the field to stay focused and productive.
For someone juggling multiple responsibilities, Teresa emphasizes the importance of intentionality. Her key strategy? Writing everything down.
“If it’s not on paper, it doesn’t exist,” Teresa shares. “I keep multiple calendars—one for time blocks, one for tasks, and one for goals. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable pieces helps me stay organized and reduce overwhelm.”
This approach, combined with her belief in focusing on incremental progress, is a valuable reminder for anyone trying to manage a hectic schedule. It’s not about doing it all at once; it’s about tackling one step at a time.
One of the most insightful parts of our conversation was Teresa’s perspective on FOMO and the pressures of social media. She described how today’s culture often prioritizes appearances over authenticity, creating unrealistic expectations that can damage self-esteem and lead to poor decision-making.
“People see perfect pictures on social media and think, ‘Why can’t I have that?’” Teresa says. “Even when they know it’s fabricated, it still triggers self-doubt. The key is focusing on yourself—your goals, your values—and not comparing yourself to others.”
This advice is especially relevant in a world where curated online personas often dictate our choices. Teresa’s recommendation? Stay in your lane. Focus on what’s good for you, not what looks good to others. As she puts it, “Don’t worry about anyone else. Just do what’s best for you.”
Another important theme we touched on was financial literacy, particularly for young women. Teresa and I both emphasized the need for intentional money management and the long-term impact of small financial decisions.
“Micro decisions today make macro outcomes tomorrow,” I explained. “You don’t need three designer handbags, but you do need a healthy 401(k).”
Teresa echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of making smart financial choices and staying secure in yourself rather than seeking external validation. Her advice? Invest in yourself and your future—emotionally, financially, and physically.
In a culture that glorifies hustle, Teresa is a strong advocate for self-care. She believes self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary. Drawing from her athletic background, she emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining overall well-being.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” Teresa says. “When you’re off, be completely off. Rest as hard as you work.”
This balance is what allows her to give her all to her work, fitness classes, and coaching. It’s a reminder for all of us to prioritize our mental, emotional, and physical health as much as we do our responsibilities.
Teresa’s career advice is simple yet profound: “Work smarter, not harder.” She applies this principle both in her consulting work, where efficiency and strategy are paramount, and in her personal life.
“You don’t always have to push harder,” she explains. “Sometimes taking a step back to evaluate your approach can lead to better outcomes.”
She also advises young women to take risks and believe in themselves. “Don’t let someone tell you you’re not experienced enough. Apply for the job, ask for the raise, take the shot. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
As our conversation came to a close, Teresa shared one of the most important lessons she’s learned: the importance of perspective and prioritizing happiness.
“Life is short,” she reflects. “At the end of the day, you have to be happy with yourself. Put things into perspective, focus on what truly matters, and make it count.”
This wisdom, coming from someone as accomplished and grounded as Teresa, is a powerful reminder to all of us. Success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about enjoying the journey and staying true to who you are.
Teresa Carotenuto-Giella’s story is a beacon of hope for anyone striving to balance ambition with authenticity. Whether you’re navigating a career, managing finances, or overcoming FOMO, her advice is clear: stay true to yourself, work hard, and don’t forget to prioritize your happiness.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Teresa’s wisdom and energy. I hope her insights resonate with you as much as they did with me. Here’s to living intentionally, making smart decisions, and creating a life we truly love.
What’s one piece of advice you’re taking away from Teresa’s story? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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