Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernanda Bressan.
Hi Fernanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Grateful to be sharing my story. It has been anything but linear. I studied liberal arts at Amherst College w two semesters living abroad (Rome & Madrid). Little did I know those experiences would lead me into finance. After college I began working in Real Estate and soon realized I wanted to put my language skills and ability to connect with foreigners to work. This landed me into non-conforming lending at two Mortgage Banking companies in S Florida that specialized in foreign national loans. After a few years and not feeling supported, I boldly ventured out on my own to build a niche mortgage brokerage business, with the professionalism and values I wanted to honor. I successfully grew and ran that company for over 12 years. With the market crash in 2008, I pivoted to consulting in that space, until I decided to close the business in early 2009. Given my expertise in finance and again using my language skills, I was asked to help build a telecom company focused on serving the underserved Latino communities. When we were bought out of our contract and due to a non-compete, I had to quickly reinvent myself again. This time I jumped to e-commerce in the wellness space with my previous partner who by then had become my husband. We built, grew and managed multiple sites within health & fitness, including handling all the SEO, customer service and providing individualized coaching to the clients and communities we served. This led to my realization that wellness was about more than just the physical well-being. Pregnant with a girl and ready to make an impact in the lives of women, I partnered with some contacts to create a virtual app-based Coaching Program (before this was a thing) with physical gifts shipped monthly to help create long-term wellness practices that would increase work-life balance and satisfaction. This was a collaboration with coaches and experts I had worked with before and who impacted me personally. After a successful trial with a national test group, we did a friends & family raise and subsequently launched with our own products, app and online community. Despite my passion for this project and the women who were benefiting, I made a tough choice to step away due to a difference in vision and values. As a minority shareholder (w 3 men) in a wellness company for women, we came to a crossroad that was too hard to overlook as it went against everything I believed the company was about. I had created a space for women to (re)discover that they are enough just as they are, while my partners wanted a stereotypical look and body-type to become the ‘face of’ the organization. I walked away, returned to my individual coaching and group work with entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and executives, where I could practice what I preach. These experiences plus a health scare due to a lack of work-life alignment led me to where I am today. I support individuals, teams and founders ensure that they are building businesses and careers that serve them and others. Supporting them when they find themselves out of alignment in identifying and gaining clarity to pivot. By course correcting we can ensure longevity, satisfaction and greater joy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a winding and forked path. I have succeeded and failed at various business endeavors. Learning and taking the pros and cons into the next venture or adventure. This has given me both perspective and resilience to always approach the struggles with a growth mindset both in my professional life as well as in my personal relationships.
After suffering a major health scare in my early 30s due to stress and overwork, I vowed to make lasting changes in my own life and business. I wanted to ensure that not only would I never make that mistake again but that I could help others recognize if and when they needed to make lasting changes in their own lives and businesses to avoid what I had experienced.
Given my own failures, successes and feelings of “not-enoughness” I can relate and empathize with those I support. Whether coaching, consulting or parenting, I believe my authenticity and ability to connect helps to inspire others to do the same. I have the ability of fluidly integrating my knowledge and skills in a creative way, making what seems uncomfortable to many, actually doable. My experience in multiple industries, coupled with my strategic business thinking and willingness to be vulnerable allows me to support & empower others. I pride myself in creating the necessary safe containers for people to feel heard, communicate openly and commit to take positive action towards personal and professional growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Foundfully?
Foundfully helps individuals and teams find greater ease and alignment in their work and lives. We guide high-achievers get unstuck, take the lead in their life and work and fulfill their potential through personalized, action-oriented, wholehearted coaching. Allowing individuals to believe in themselves, break free from the status quo, and blaze their your own unique path and while making a real impact.
We offer one-on-one coaching, facilitation, workshops and on/off-sites for teams, individuals, solopreneurs, founders and executives. Our coaching is custom-tailored to the needs of those we serve. Each program and workshop is bespoke and created with the goals and outcomes of the client(s) in mind. We are committed and care about our clients. Together we identify then co-create lives and businesses where individuals can shine and feel at ease.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is defined by how we feel. It’s about having the freedom and time to live fully and enjoy the fruits of our labor. For me this means having the flexibility to be fully present for my daughter and husband. To have a business that serves my lifestyle and not the other way around. To feel fulfilled each day by the impact I am making in the lives and companies I serve. Ultimately knowing that there is a ripple effect in all that we do and say and that by my living in alignment and helping others, I am creating ripples that continue to emanate indefinitely.
Contact Info:
- Email: fernanda@foundfully.com
- Website: www.foundfully.com
- Instagram: @foundfully
Image Credits
headshots by http://www.chelsealainefrancis.com/
