In an increasingly fast-paced world, the quest for a positive self-image and healthy skin has never been more pertinent. I had the privilege of delving into these interconnected realms with Julia Raimbault Gormand.
Julia Raimbault Gormand, a multi-faceted mentor, executive coach, and wellness advocate. With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning diverse cultures and industries, Julia’s insights offer a fresh perspective on holistic health. (https://juliagormand.com/ | LinkedIn)
“This holistic lifestyle transformation, encompassing prioritized sleep and self-care, transcended skincare. It became a potent catalyst for boosting her confidence, leaving her feeling vibrant and performing at very high levels in all areas of her life.”
Julia Gormand – on reflections of one of her client’s journeys.
The Synergy of Mind, Body, and Performance
We look at the intricate links between the mind and body and how this impacts performance.
In her own area of expertise, Julia emphasizes the profound link between traditional hatha yoga, high performance, and self-image. “In yoga, we find balance and resilience, essential for leading with clarity and purpose,” she shares. This resonates with scientific findings that correlate physical activities like yoga with improved mental health, indicating a boost in self-esteem and cognitive function.
A 2023 article – Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health & Well-Being – published in Cureus Journal of Medical Science, emphasises the clear link between physical activity and positive mental health. The research summary suggests “According to general results, exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress tendencies, a factor known to aggravate mental and physical diseases”.
Positive Self-Image in Professional Success
In the professional realm, Julia has observed that a positive self-image often translates into peak performance. “Executives with a healthy self-view exhibit better leadership and inspire innovation,” she notes. This is backed by research showing that self-esteem plays a crucial role in job performance and leadership skills. In John D. Kammeyer-Mueller and Timothy A. Judge’s paper titled Self-Esteem and Extrinsic Career Success: Test of a Dynamic Model published in Applied Psychology, they ask the question; “do people derive their sense of self-worth from the careers they have achieved or do people with a positive sense of self-worth achieve more in their careers?”.
Their findings from multiple studies show conclusive evidence that a positive self-image has both a cause and effect on career success. One study hypothesises that “Self-esteem will be associated with increases in subsequent occupational prestige, and occupational prestige will be associated with increases in subsequent self-esteem”. While another study concludes a link to self-esteem and higher earning potential – “In a manner similar to the relationship between self-esteem and prestige, we predict that self-esteem is both a cause and effect of income.”
Holistic Practices for Well-Being
Julia recommends a blend of practices for enhancing self-image, including mindfulness, balanced nutrition, and nurturing social connections.
“Numerous practices play a vital role in fostering a positive transformation. Incorporating daily movement, mindfulness, and meditation, maintaining a balanced nutrition, nurturing social connections, engaging in self-reflection through activities like daily journaling, fostering creativity, expressing daily gratitude, and connecting with nature are among the essential practices I highly recommend.”
Julia Gormand – 2023
Yoga, Meditation, and Skin Health
On the role of yoga and meditation in skin health, Julia points out, “These practices minimize stress-related skin issues, enhancing skin vibrancy.” This aligns with research suggesting that stress management through such practices can reduce skin aging and improve skin conditions like acne and eczema. Julie goes on to say, “Several studies have explored the connection between yoga and skin well-being, highlighting that stress reduction, improved blood circulation, balancing hormones and managing anti-inflammatory effect minimize stress related skin concerns and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant and calmer skin complexion.”.
A paper published in Future Science goes a step further, discussing the positive effects of yoga on the skin at a molecular level. The article looked at a broad spectrum of studies showing yoga, through stretching and breathing demonstrated positive correlations in the prevention of skin cell DNA damage, anti-aging and cell-cycle control. While the paper concludes that more research is needed in this area, many practicing yoga will attest to the benefits they receive from the activity.
Nourishing the Body and Mind
“Nutrition is key in shaping a positive self-image and maintaining healthy skin,” Julia asserts. This echoes nutritional studies indicating that diet significantly affects both mental health and skin condition. “The saying “you are what you eat” holds true, as the food we consume directly impacts not only our physical health but also our mental well-being, which reflects in our self-image. A well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet not only contributes to healthy skin but also plays a vital role in shaping a positive self-image and fostering a sense of vitality and confidence.” Julia notes.
Public Speaking, Confidence, and Self-Image
Julia’s approach to public speaking as a storytelling art form highlights the importance of a confident self-image.
“Public speaking, often seen as an elusive talent, is, in my view, a skill that can be cultivated through deliberate practice rather than an inherent, innate ability. I associate public speaking with storytelling, a skill that, while challenging for many, holds immense potential for development and enhancement.”
Julia Gormand – 2023
“I recall delivering my first public speech at the age of five, recounting my adventures in Spain to a loving and supportive audience of family members. This early experience laid the foundation for my belief that storytelling is a skill inherent in everyone, waiting to be unearthed and refined. As I progressed in honing this skill, I recognized the need to adapt to diverse audiences, not always as affectionate as my family.” – Julia shares.
“This realization prompted me to evolve my approach, seeking ways to captivate, engage, and inspire. Now, at the age of 43 and after countless speeches, I affirm that public speaking is a skill that transcends professional contexts, profoundly impacting both my career and personal life. Despite my extensive experience, a trace of nervousness persists before each engagement. However, I’ve developed a toolkit of calming techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding exercises, to centre myself.”
“In essence, my approach centers on the idea that it’s not merely what you say, but how you say it that truly matters. By showing up authentically, delivering messages from the heart, and connecting genuinely with the audience, individuals can transform their public speaking experiences into powerful and impactful moments.”
Investing in Holistic Wellness Trends
Julia’s investment insights reveal a growing focus on personalized, holistic wellness solutions.
“Mental wellness is a pivotal area in my investment strategy. I seek opportunities in companies that offer innovative solutions in this domain, recognizing that mental well-being significantly influences self-image, overall wellbeing and, consequently, skin health. This includes projects dedicated to sound healing, guided meditation, stress management, and optimized sleep experiences.”
Julia Gormand – 2023
How has Julia’s coaching impacted her clients?
Julia shares a story of a client who, through holistic practices, improved her self-image and skin health.
“One of my clients, a professional woman in her mid-30s, faced challenges in her demanding career, struggling with stress and anxiety. Seeking a holistic approach to well-being, we introduced daily movement, mindfulness, and meditation routines. As her stress levels decreased, she experienced a positive shift in mood and notable improvements in overall health, including her skin.”
“Encouraged by these changes, we explored holistic nutrition, enhancing her energy level and well-being. Incorporating regular physical exercise further uplifted her mood and significantly improved the quality of her skin, earning compliments that she looked a decade younger. This holistic lifestyle transformation, encompassing prioritized sleep and self-care, transcended skincare. It became a potent catalyst for boosting her confidence, leaving her feeling vibrant and performing at very high levels in all areas of her life.”
Actionable Steps for Readers
Julia’s top tips – “Take Time for Yourself! Eat well, sleep well, and drink plenty of water. Move, breathe, and meditate daily! Have fun, connect with loved ones, and enjoy the beauty of nature!”
Julia Gormand’s insights provide a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to enhance their self-image and skin health through holistic practices. Her approach, deeply rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, underscores the intrinsic connection between our mental well-being, physical health, and how we perceive ourselves.
About Julia Gormand
Julia is a proud Franco-Spanish who grew up with one foot in each country. As a result, she speaks several different languages. Over the past 20 years, she and her family have called France, Mexico, Panama, and Singapore home. She is a frequent traveller, storyteller, and enthusiast of human potential.
Her life mission, deeply rooted in the values of love, passion, and self-worth, is dedicated to creating empowerment, inspiration, and boldness for individuals and organisations, guiding them toward their fullest potential. She is committed to ignite positive and transformative change on a global scale.
“I like to think of myself as a sort of Octopus.”
Julia Gormand – 2023
With two decades of diverse professional experience across sectors such as Private Banking, Investment Banking, and Fin-tech, She has honed her expertise in various aspects of business. Her journey has refined her skills in leadership, cultivating a culture of accountability and learning, and driving growth through diversity and inclusion.
In addition to her professional experience, she is a certified executive coach, a devoted traditional Hatha Yoga practitioner and teacher and a fervent advocate for wellness and wellbeing.
Her commitment to personal growth extends to a wide range of subjects, including art, design, fashion, dance, hospitality, and technology. Julia firmly believes in the power of a growth mindset and self-empowerment. Her dedication involves not only acquiring knowledge but also applying it to create new possibilities.
