IIN is fortunate to have a collection of the world’s leading health and wellness experts at its fingertips, and we’re always tapping them for their expertise and insights. There’s so much information out there, and it can be overwhelming and exhausting. What should we make of all of it? What’s noise, and what’s important? What does the future hold? That’s what inspired us to create the 10 Most Critical Health Questions series, featuring a who’s who of health and wellness visionaries.
Below is our interview with SheLaunch co-founder Melissa Ambrosini. Melissa is also a bestselling author, podcast host, and business and mindset coach, as well as a featured speaker at our upcoming virtual summit, WellBeing 2024: Charting Your Path to Enhanced Health and Vitality. On Day 1 of the three-day session, she’ll facilitate a discussion called Catalyzing Self Through Community: Intention Setting and Community Closing.
IIN: What is the single biggest health threat we face as a society, and how can we combat it?
Melissa Ambrosini: Chronic stress is the silent killer of our time. It’s wreaking havoc on our minds, bodies, and relationships. To combat it, we must prioritize our mental well-being as much as physical health — through meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness. But that’s just the beginning. We need to cultivate a lifestyle that supports overall well-being: nourishing our bodies with whole foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring quality sleep. Setting healthy boundaries around work and technology, creating time for hobbies you love, and nurturing supportive relationships are also crucial. By making these practices non-negotiable, we can build resilience against stress and reclaim our health and vitality.
IIN: What is the single biggest advancement you’ve seen to support mental health?
Melissa Ambrosini: The destigmatization of mental health and the rise of accessible therapy and coaching have been game-changers. It's now widely recognized that mental health is just as important as physical health, and this shift in perspective has opened the door for millions to seek help without shame or fear of judgment. The advent of online therapy platforms and coaching programs has made support more accessible than ever before, breaking down barriers like location, cost, and time. People can now connect with professionals from the comfort of their own homes, access a variety of mental health resources, and join supportive communities that empower them to prioritize their well-being. This revolution in accessibility is transforming lives, encouraging proactive mental healthcare, and fostering a culture of self-awareness and growth.
IIN: How do you think AI and emerging technology will affect our collective health in the next decade?
Melissa Ambrosini: AI will revolutionize personalized health by providing tailored solutions and predictive insights, but we must balance its benefits with ethical considerations and a human touch to ensure holistic well-being.
Read More: Deepak Chopra Explains How AI Will Revolutionize Well-Being
IIN: If you had $1 billion to invest in health and wellness today, where would you put your money and why?
Melissa Ambrosini: I’d invest in preventive health education and resources — teaching children, teens, and adults how to nourish their minds and bodies from as young of an age as possible before they reach the point of burnout or illness. Prevention is the most powerful and cost-effective medicine.
IIN: Which three health and wellness trends do you think will explode in popularity and relevance in the coming years?
Melissa Ambrosini: Holistic health coaching, personalized nutrition, and mental resilience training are going to skyrocket as people seek more sustainable ways to thrive in today's world.
IIN: Why do you think coaching is booming right now?
Melissa Ambrosini: People crave personalized guidance and deep transformation that goes beyond generic advice. Coaching provides tailored support and accountability, helping individuals make real, lasting change in their lives.
IIN: Screen time continues to be a major societal issue. Is there anything we can do to curb it?
Melissa Ambrosini: We need to set digital boundaries and cultivate mindfulness around tech use. It’s about being intentional — using technology as a tool, not a crutch, and carving out tech-free time for real-world connection and rest.
IIN: Let’s talk Ozempic. Do you think the medication — and others like it — will continue to be used at such a high rate?
Melissa Ambrosini: While it may provide short-term results, relying on medication over lifestyle changes is not sustainable. We need to address the root causes of health issues through diet, movement, and mindset for long-term success.
IIN: Do you think virtual events (immersive mindfulness sessions, interactive cooking classes, virtual workouts) will make in-person activities relatively obsolete in the future? Can they make a comeback?
Melissa Ambrosini: Virtual events offer incredible accessibility for people all over the world, but they’ll never replace the energy of in-person connection. I believe we’ll see a hybrid model where both thrive, serving different needs and preferences.
IIN: What do you think is the future of nutrition and metabolic health?
Melissa Ambrosini: The future lies in personalized nutrition that respects bio-individuality, coupled with a focus on metabolic health through whole foods, mindful eating, and lifestyle choices that support our unique needs.
Don’t forget to register for WellBeing 2024, which will be held from Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th. Learn more about the event and register for free here!