Claudio Scaramelli, a former engineer turned health coach with a penchant for technology, is the driving force behind CH4NG3, a pioneering initiative whose mission is to bridge the healthcare gap, offering personalized guidance and comprehensive health education. With a deep passion for stress and metabolic health, Claudio seamlessly blends his expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to empower individuals on their wellness journey. Claudio envisions a future where healthcare is understandable, accessible, and manageable for all, and people are empowered to take ownership of their well-being, making preventive health a reality. With pillars like personalized health coaching, client-centric preventive care, education, technology integration, and global healthcare connections, working with individuals as well as companies, organizations, schools, universities, and educational institutions, CH4NG3 is a catalyst for change, shaping a brighter health horizon for everyone.
Claudio Scaramelli, Entrepreneur | Health & Wellness Coach
Claudio, your journey from a stable corporate career as an engineer to the dynamic world of health coaching is a testament to your unwavering embrace of change and personal growth. Can you shed light on what fuels this courageous transition and how it has profoundly impacted you, considering the switch from a secure employee role to the uncertain path of a solopreneur?
Change has been a constant companion in my life, and I've come to view it as an avenue for self-discovery and growth. Transitioning from an 18-year career as an engineer to health coaching marked a profound shift—one that demanded both courage and vulnerability. Witnessing painfully and powerlessly until losing my loved ones because of unmanaged severe stress-related health issues served as a powerful catalyst for this transformation.
Personally, this shift compelled me to question societal norms and reevaluate the true essence of well-being. Embracing change was my way of honoring their experiences and, in turn, making a positive difference in the lives of others. Shifting my career toward health coaching has been nothing short of transformative. It has helped me relieve heavy stress loads and instilled a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that eluded me in my previous profession. It has allowed me to forge a more authentic connection with my core values and passions.
Professionally, this journey has been a continuous path of growth and learning. It's a privilege to contribute meaningfully to people's lives by guiding them toward improved health and well-being. What propelled me to make this substantial change was a profound realization that life is too precious to forgo pursuing a path that resonates with my true nature and values. This transition was a step towards living a life that is more genuine, fulfilling, and aligned with my innermost convictions.
And, of course, the foundation of the Claudio Scaramelli Health & Wellness Services was the formal start of this exciting new adventure.
From what you just said, I can also understand your core values. You've mentioned change, courage, and vulnerability as fundamental in your life. Can you tell us more about why these values are so important to you?
Change is the essence of growth and progress. I believe that we all have the potential to transform our lives for the better, and embracing change is the first step towards that. Courage is crucial because it takes courage to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal improvement. It's about facing our fears and doubts head-on, which is often a necessary part of any transformative process. Vulnerability is the key to genuine connection. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open up to others, share our experiences, and create a space for understanding and empathy.
Your emphasis on stress management is a key aspect of your work. Can you explain why you believe it's so crucial in today's world, and how you help individuals navigate and reduce stress?
Chronic stress has silently permeated our society, impacting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I firmly hold the belief that addressing stress is paramount for holistic health. Chronic stress serves as a foundational factor driving the primary mechanisms behind chronic diseases, such as ‘insulin resistance’ and ‘chronic inflammation’, which are the leading causes of mortality in our modern world. The encouraging news is that stress, along with most contributors to chronic diseases, can be mitigated and controlled through simple, sustainable, cost-free lifestyle adjustments.
This short TED-Ed video might be interesting to quickly learn more about stress.
Your mission and vision statements are quite inspiring. Could you tell us more about your goals in creating awareness around stress and promoting healthy habits?
My mission is to empower individuals to improve their health through sustainable lifestyle changes. I envision a world where people embrace healthy habits with awareness, ease, joy, and self-love when they are still young and healthy because that’s when we can enforce a real preventive healthcare model. In the face of a challenging healthcare landscape overwhelmed by the increasing burden of chronic illnesses, we have a significant opportunity to drive grassroots change, one person at a time if necessary, harnessing the power of our human spirit.
This issue is too critical to ignore, as it impacts not only individuals, their families, and communities but also poses a significant threat to our economic sustainability. With readily available solutions, the current status quo is no longer acceptable. By raising awareness and offering guidance through sessions, programs, lectures, and seminars, I aim to empower individuals, companies, organizations, and educational institutions to create a ripple effect that ultimately should contribute to a better world.
How has your engineering background influenced your approach to health coaching?
My engineering background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to health coaching. It has instilled in me a strong analytical mindset and a deep appreciation for data-driven decision-making. By incorporating wearable devices and data analysis into my coaching programs, I can offer a personalized and science-based approach to my clients. These tools allow me to track their progress, assess key health metrics, and make informed adjustments to their wellness plans. It's all about leveraging technology, not only for more precise guidance but mainly to make more space for the human connection that individuals need to progress in their journey to better health and well-being.
Claudio, next to the more evidently health-related activity in helping clients to adopt healthy lifestyles, your coaching practice seems to have a unique focus on addressing stressors related to masculinity and femininity for younger generations, as well as midlife crises for middle-aged men. Can you share with us why you find these particular stressors so important to address in your work, drawing from your own experiences and insights?
Addressing stressors related to masculinity and femininity, especially among younger generations, is deeply personal to me. I've experienced firsthand how societal gender norms can be restrictive and harmful. My journey of redefining masculinity and embracing a broader concept of femininity has been transformative. I fully resonated with this TED talk by Justin Baldoni.
Younger generations often face immense pressure to conform to traditional gender stereotypes, leading to feelings of inadequacy and emotional suppression. Toxic masculinity rooted in these stereotypes contributes to societal issues like gender-based violence, mental health challenges, bullying, and discrimination.
As a parent, I'm committed to supporting schools and parents in addressing these issues. Positive male role models who embody empathy and respect are crucial. Tackling toxic masculinity is vital because the boys of today shape the men of tomorrow, and promoting healthier gender perspectives can create a more equitable and compassionate society.
How about the midlife crisis?
Having reached middle age myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with this phase of life. It's a time of reflection, self-discovery, and sometimes, profound change. Midlife can bring with it a sense of restlessness, a reevaluation of one's life choices, and a desire for greater purpose. It's a time when many men may question their achievements, relationships, and their sense of identity. This introspection can be both unsettling and liberating. On this subject, I enjoyed the article by Jamie Carroll, “Uranus and The Midlife Crisis”.
In my coaching practice, I work closely with middle-aged men to help them navigate this transformative period. I encourage them to embrace the midlife crisis as an opportunity for growth and renewal. By addressing their concerns, fears, and aspirations, we explore ways to reignite their sense of purpose and passion. It's a journey of rediscovery and reconnection with oneself, and it can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful second half of life.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to embark on a journey of change and transformation, but they're hesitant or fearful?
My advice would be to acknowledge those fears and doubts, but not to let them hold you back. Change can be intimidating, but it's also where growth and happiness reside. Find a support system, whether it's a coach, a friend, or a community, where you can be vulnerable and share your journey. And remember, “Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's taking action despite it”. Start small, set achievable goals, and celebrate each step forward. The most important thing is to begin, to take that first courageous step towards a healthier and happier life.
Finally, can you share a quote that has had a significant impact on your journey and could inspire our readers?
One quote that has always resonated with me is, “Make your mess your message." It reminds me that our challenges and experiences can be transformed into sources of inspiration and growth. Embracing our imperfections and using them to guide us on our path can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. That’s why I upgraded that quote to
"Make your mess your message, because it’s where your beauty resides”.
