What is your name?
Cristina Sassi Picozzi
What is your occupation?
Health Coach + Strength Trainer
What is your business name?
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
No, I moved to Massachusetts for my previous career in higher education.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career.
I started my own health journey in 2012 and was diagnosed with PTSD and binge-eating disorder shortly after. While these diagnoses didn’t change who I am, they helped me reflect on my motivations and coping mechanisms. Though I’ve used therapy on and off for about 20 years, the past five years of deeper research and self-work have been the most transformative. As a coach, I help clients see the magic and power within themselves by exploring health holistically through partnership and education.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
They’d say I’m dedicated to their well-being and that I strive to help them become better self-advocates and independent so they don’t need coaching for life.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I don’t know if it was advice, but a former supervisor once told me they were excited to mentor me—and then treated me terribly. Because of that experience, I now focus on creating meaningful, supportive connections with others in my industry, especially those who are still learning.
What is your favorite book?
Alice in Wonderland
What is your secret weapon?
Electronic calendar
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying it in your career or business?
Being open and honest with my clients. I take pride in showing up authentically because we can’t separate our personal lives from our professional ones.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
It’s okay to challenge yourself and do things even if others don’t understand.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I love exploring new food—whether homemade or dining out. I also write and perform spoken word poetry.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I tried out for the competitive dance team my senior year of high school because I needed electives. I’d danced for five years before stopping to work part-time and save for college. Joining the team again reconnected me with my creative side.