A Spiritual Journey Rooted in Sports, Education, Nature
Sonia, the eldest of three siblings, was raised with strong values and a passion for sports and education, thanks to her parents. Her upbringing in the picturesque mountains of Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta in northern Italy shaped her early life, where nature became her sanctuary. Weekends spent trekking in the mountains fostered a deep love for the outdoors, a love that continues to influence her today. In fact, she has travelled to 95 countries where she has trekked in all of them.
Despite the pressures of excelling academically, balancing family life, and staying active in sports, Sonia’s parents instilled a healthy work-life balance. This foundation built her resilience and prepared her for the challenges that life would later bring. Reflecting on her youth, Sonia notes that being “different” set her apart but eventually became her greatest asset. She was not the typical teenager, and it wasn’t until she attended college in the U.S., Scotland and France that she fully embraced the uniqueness she always carried with pride.
From Luxury Fashion to Academia: A Career of Many Hats
Sonia’s professional journey has been diverse, spanning industries such as luxury and high-end fashion, bio agriculture, maritime logistics and a Foreign Government Embassy representative. However, one event in her mid-twenties would change the course of her career forever.
At 25, while at the peak of her career with a renowned fashion luxury brand, Sonia was diagnosed with cancer. This life-altering moment forced her to reconsider her future and her priorities. Despite her previously healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis took her by surprise. It was during this challenging time that Sonia learned to live in the present, appreciating each day as if it could be her last.
In this period of reflection, she realised her true spiritual calling—to have an impact on the next generation. This realisation led her to pursue a PhD and ultimately, a career in academia. Today, Sonia is a passionate professor who finds immense joy and fulfilment in spending time with her students. Her classes are filled with lively brainstorming sessions and continuous learning, where students inspire and challenge her just as much as she influences them. She is also the CEO and Founder of Nutripathos, and she keeps a foot in the industry as a Brand and Marketing Content for several renowned brands.
Finding Strength in Resilience: A Personal Achievement
When asked about her biggest achievement, Sonia doesn’t point to a single moment but rather to her entire journey. She is immensely proud of the woman she has become, having navigated life’s toughest challenges with grace and perseverance. Her greatest accomplishment is her deep sense of self-love and confidence.
Sonia believes that if she has herself and her spirituality, she has everything she needs. This inner strength has allowed her to overcome adversity, including her battle with cancer, and continue to thrive in both her personal and professional life. It’s a spiritual mindset that keeps her grounded, no matter what happens around her. Her Solo Travels in more than 95 countries have enhanced so even more.
Facing Early Career Challenges
Like many young professionals, Sonia faced numerous obstacles at the start of her career. Breaking into various industries—from fashion to bioagriculture—came with its own set of challenges. Each role was a learning experience, helping her develop a wide skill set in marketing, communication, and business development. However, the real test came when she was forced to pause her career due to her health.
The time away from work allowed her to gain clarity about her future and gave her the strength to pursue her true passions in life.
Current Focus: Shaping the Future
Today, Sonia is not only a professor but also CEO of her own company, Athlete, and a dedicated content creator on social media, collaborating with various brands. Her commitment to her students and passion for fitness and reiki meditation fuels her daily life. She continues to push herself in her career while also encouraging the next generation to believe in themselves and chase their dreams. Her work in academia allows her to share her knowledge and experiences with young minds, fostering a supportive environment where students feel empowered to grow.
Sonia’s philosophy is simple: stay true to yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and never stop learning. This approach has helped her build a career that aligns with her values and passions.
Lessons from a Career in Flux
Throughout her journey, Sonia has encountered setbacks, but her resilience has always been her driving force. One of the most significant lessons she has learned is to view failure as a stepping stone to greater achievements. Every challenge has hidden opportunities for growth, and embracing this mindset has allowed Sonia to rise higher after every fall.
Her experience with cancer taught her to live fully, without fear, and with an unwavering belief in herself. She now uses that experience to inspire others, especially her students, to face their own challenges head-on and to trust their intuition.
Redefining Success: A Personal Perspective
Sonia’s definition of success has evolved over time. While early in her career, success was measured by external achievements, today she views it as an inner journey. For Sonia, true success comes from overcoming inner challenges and allowing personal and spiritual growth. She believes that success is when you realise that the only limit is yourself, and once you break through those limits, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Advice for Future Generations
If Sonia could offer one piece of advice to her younger self, it would be simple: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Each fall hides a higher rise.” Her belief in herself and her ability to trust her intuition have been the cornerstones of her success. She hopes to leave behind a legacy of positivity and resilience, inspiring future generations to live a balanced, healthy life filled with purpose.
Sonia’s ultimate goal is to spread the message that no matter what life throws at you, it is all part of the journey. She wants to encourage the younger generation to prioritise exercise and healthy living, as it can profoundly enhance both personal and professional growth.
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