JENNIFER COHEN
BEST SELLING AUTHOR, ENTREPRENEUR & INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
Hello Jennifer, Tell us about your journey so far. How did the idea of working to promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy habits come about?
I have always believed in helping people achieve their goals by believing wholeheartedly in themselves and taking actionable steps. Before my journey in the world of health and wellness began, I wanted to work in television for the Canadian version of MTV (where I grew up). I knew that if I could get a celebrity interview, it would increase my odds. By chance, Keanu Reeves was in the area. Being a wide-eyed young lady with ambition, I thought “what have I got to lose” and took a leap of faith in connecting with him. I had no inside connections but a belief in myself. I got the interview but not the coveted job. This didn’t deter me but rather made me more determined. I talked about this in my TedxTalk that has amassed nearly 5 million views. It’s my stepping into boldness and continuing to let the no’s fuel me towards that bigger yes! I took all those beliefs and created the Hot 5 App that was sold to Weight Watchers, created my brand “No Gym Required” that featured immensely popular mid-weighted shoes and best-selling books such as “Bad Ass Body Goals & Strong Is The New Skinny.” I accomplished all of this by trusting and believing in myself daily.
Is there a certain situation or moment in life that was crucial for you to start doing this work? How did you get into the fitness industry?
Health and wellness have always been a priority for me. I cannot go a day without some form of exercise and movement. It gives you overall balance. I am able to think more clearly and foster the energy needed to complete tasks. I want everyone to go through life feeling their best.
What was the most difficult obstacle you encountered on your journey?
Imposter Syndrome which so many people deal with on a daily basis. I have true pinch-me moments to the point where I step back and think, “Am I supposed to be in this room? What if someone says something I can’t answer? ” I remind myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at that moment.
You are named one of the Top 100 most influential people in Health and Fitness. How does it feel to be part of this list, and did you ever expect to enjoy the trust of so many people?
It is an amazing honor. My health and wellness journey is something I love to share with others because it is a lifetime commitment. Being influential in this space is a duty I do not take for granted. Good health is essentially the best wealth a person can acquire. You cannot put a dollar amount on that.
You are the author of best-selling titles like No Gym Required, Strong Is The New Skinny, and Badass Body Goals. What do you think makes your books original and offer the readers a different experience?
Because everything that I speak about is tried and true. All the words are from my personal development and journey.
As a professional, your work focuses on several different segments of living a healthy life and acquiring healthy habits. You are an entrepreneur, fitness personality, and international speaker. What is the secret of successful time management and achieving success in completing all the responsibilities that you have?
Developing habits that you can implement into your daily life. For instance, I have had the same breakfast every morning for almost ten years. It is what I enjoy but also gives me the sufficient nutrients that I need to have a productive day. I also have to fit in a workout. During that time, my brain really gets going with ideas due to the endorphins that are flowing. I make time for this. Just know if it is important to YOU, you will make time for it. That can go across the board into anything beyond fitness.
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
If I had to pick one I would say that at the top of 2022, I was featured on the cover of The Jewish Journal. From a little girl from Winnipeg, Canada, that was like winning an Academy Award.
What inspires you the most?
My kids. They wake up each morning with such vigor and resiliency to face the day. I know that as a mom, I am molding them and setting the tone for how they will proceed in life as adults. They are my greatest accomplishments in life.
Is there anything you would do differently in your work, any mistakes from which you have earned an important lesson?
I would have been bolder sooner. I don’t take anything for granted. All my life lessons have gotten me this far, and I feel like I am just getting started on my stride. You have to continue to be a student in life.
Outside of your work, what is the thing that relaxes you the most and something you like to do in your free time?
Not to sound cliché but working out. I genuinely enjoy it! That comes only second to snuggling up with my kids. Being a mom is the most rewarding job, and I want to bask in the moments I get with them before they get too old and too busy for me. I hope these words encourage you to call your parents, if you are fortunate enough to still have them just to say, “I Love You and Thank You.”
What are your plans for the future? Will you be working on something new, and what can we expect?
My new book, Bigger, Better, Bolder (Hatchett Books, December 27, 2022) is in preorder. It takes my 10% Target Ted Talk to the next level. The perfect way to prepare and plan for your best year yet in 2023!
What is your advice to all those who follow your work? What would you recommend to them in terms of achieving their best potential and living a healthy life with healthy habits?
If you want it, go for it. Truly believe in yourself and give it all that you have. Boldness is a stronger indicator of success than intelligence. Smart people think of all the negative things that can happen when things go wrong. Bold people think of all the good things that will happen when things go right. Boldness will put you on the path to success. Be bold in life.
Interviewee : Jennifer Cohen / Cover Issue 08 / October 2022
Interviewer : Sofija Ilievska / Writer, ECLECTIC BRAINS
About Jennifer Cohen
Jennifer Cohen, a best-selling author, brand strategist, international speaker and educator with a specific focus on building healthy habits to drive positive behavioural change. CEO of Suprema, provides guidance, management, strategic and advisory services for individual and corporate brands, both emerging and large. Hosts Habits & Hustle Podcast in collaboration with Entrepreneur media. Author of : No Gym Required – Release Your Inner Rock Star (2009), Strong is the New Skinny, Badass Body Goals. She is also Co-founder of The Good Human Foundation.
