“I used to feel anxious when I would have to communicate an issue or a concern because I wasn’t part of the management team, but I don’t feel that way anymore and it’s really awesome.”
Valerie Andrade, Lead Client Care Coordinator, has a first-hand understanding of what leadership truly means and has been influential in her role for several years. She wears many hats at her practice, including marketing coordinator and client liaison, and according to her FPC Coach, she “helps hold the team together.”
Valerie has 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry and joined the Vital Life Wellness team in 2014. Within less than a year, she transferred over to Vital Life’s sister practice; Institute for Peak Health and has been working with Dr. Stephanie Thomas ever since.
“I work with Dr. Stephanie every day and we have been able to relate on many different levels personally and professionally. We have a really great relationship. I feel like I’m trusted with so many responsibilities. I no longer feel anxious or nervous about an issue or concern. I can just come up with a solution, present it, and it’s okay, we just move forward.”
Valerie’s transition into realizing that functional medicine was the best path toward better health is quite unique. At 23 years old she had a false belief that her back and joint pain were a normal part of life. It wasn’t until she went through a practice member program when she learned about the importance of determining a root cause.
“They said we should practice what we preach so I did the detox and learned more about root cause and things I never paid attention to before. It really opened my eyes as to how the health industry can be so different if everybody knew this. The cost seemed high to me until after I went through the program. It’s absolutely worth the investment! It’s an investment in yourself.”
I knew I was speaking to a leader when a large portion of our discussion mimicked conversations I have had with successful practice owners. Valerie talked about the importance of stat submission, rehearsing, and always going back to the basics.
“What I love about FPC is that role-playing is normalized. I watch the videos and practice everything they teach by role-playing. I have even done this at home. It’s huge because I was able to see my mistakes and work on not being nervous. It really helped me. And I always go back to the beginning when I am feeling lost. I go back and watch all the videos from video one.”
With FPC’s guidance, Valerie has not only been able to sharpen her business skills but has also placed a lot of effort in her personal development. She has learned how to adapt to the different communication styles amongst her team members and understands the importance of always sticking to your values.
“I just love that FPC is always making sure that we’re learning to be the best version of ourselves. Angel taught me to always abide by my own personal values. And I learned that there is only one Valerie. The at-home Valerie is not separate from the work Valerie and I like to make sure that the team knows that about themselves too. No matter what stress you have its ok, because we care about you as a person.”
Family and self-care are priorities for Valerie. She believes that optimal health is a way of life and a beautiful never-ending journey. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with her loved ones and even exercises with her kids at home. She is able to stay focused and on track by starting each day with a routine.
“I have a very strict morning routine that begins with a protein shake and writing out my to-do list, but I always start with what I am grateful for. I make a list of the three most important things that need to get done. Then, I list out everything else I need to do.”
Valerie’s personal health journey is at the heart of her conversations with those that she helps guide towards living a better life. She is completely on board with FPC’s mission of changing 10 million lives and feels honored to be a part of it.
“I get to share my journey with people to help them overcome their own challenges. I truly believe in our mission and helping people understand they don’t have to feel stuck. If you just take one step at a time and keep moving forward, that’s the biggest thing.”
Are you ready for your own success story?
If you are, I have good news! We can get you results like this. It won’t be easy, nor will it happen overnight, but I’ve seen it happen so many times that I can tell you that’s it’s possible.
You’ve got to be hungry, driven, up for the work, listen more than you talk, complete more than complain, implement plans more than you announce them, and show up daily with a beginners mind. If you’re ready, it’s time to get to work!
