Influential Woman · Health and wellness coaching
Rola Namaan Doughan
Health and wellbeing coach, Healthier with Rola
Atlanta, GA
Her Story
About Rola
My journey in health began when I was young and encountered a health problem that made me realize I wanted to help people live healthier lives. I worked at Emory School of Medicine and then pursued a master's in public health, which led me to the CDC, whose mission aligned perfectly with mine. I worked there through different phases, including health promotion, education, and communications, and was hired on the task force for the COVID vaccine, which I was very happy to be part of. Throughout this experience, I realized I wasn't fulfilled because I was remote from the people I was helping, and it wasn't giving me that satisfaction of connecting with people and seeing results one-on-one. A mentor told me about Duke Integrative Health's coaching program, which I loved because I see the human being as a mind and body, a whole approach. I completed it in the evenings while working, and when my CDC contract ended, I decided to pursue something I'm passionate about that would make me feel fulfilled. I started Healthier With Rola to help people lose weight, quit smoking, and achieve their health goals through a personalized, whole-person approach. I've seen people lose 30 to 50 pounds, gain more energy, feel empowered, and improve their work and relationships. It's super rewarding, and I found my calling a little later in life, but I'm happy I found it. My passion is empowering women to take care of themselves, because women are caretakers who take care of everybody but themselves, and if we're not in a good place, none of that can happen.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rola
01What do you attribute your success to?
I like to think that we are all work in progress, therefore I continue to grow myself by continuously educating myself. I am always taking new courses, certificates or reading books and managing book clubs. I believe that by taking care of my body by eating healthy and exercising, as well as staying connected to community and friends keep me at balance mentally and physically.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Follow what you are naturally good at, follow your natural inclination. If it is your calling, it will call you. Also, never give up. Businesses take time to grow, you must be patient and stay consistent while trying to grow and evolve.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
It is fairly a new field, people are hesitant to try to be coached. I appreciate clients who are open-minded and want to try something new that ends up really working for them!
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value to me is empowering women to take care of themselves, because women are caretakers who take care of everybody - the family, the kids, the husband - but not themselves. If we're not in a good place, then none of that can happen. It begins with us filling our own cup so we can be able to take care of others. I believe in prevention, trying to help before diseases start hitting, whether it's prediabetes, cholesterol levels going up, or sleep issues. I tell women, what kind of life do you want to lead when you're older? Do you want to be able to do the things you do today? Do you want to be independent? I love what I do because it's in alignment with who I am - I practice what I preach. I encourage a growth mindset and believe we all have room for improvement and room for growth. I'm mindful of the wheel of health with its many pillars: social connection, community, mental health, exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
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