Originally from America, Marianne Zander has had a rich and varied career that spans marketing and communications, health and fitness, and has now combined her passion for natural health and education into a flourishing career.
We take a few minutes with Marianne to find out a bit more about her career, what drives her, and how she likes to spend her down time.
I started my career in advertising and worked with international brands at creative agencies in Los Angeles and Sydney before moving into PR, marketing and communications roles in the not-for-profit and higher education sectors. I started getting serious about health and fitness in 2013 and in 2014, I started working part-time as a personal trainer around my professional role. My passion for natural health grew and in 2017, I founded This Wellness Life to support people interested in leading a more holistic, natural and sustainable lifestyle based on wholefood, plant-based nutrition, movement, mindset and ethical living.
I was struggling with health issues that went undiagnosed for years. When my condition worsened and I was put on a waiting list for surgery, I remember thinking, “There has to be a better way.” I began looking for natural, holistic solutions; I started going in for regular acupuncture and reiki treatments and taking courses to learn more about the connection between nutrition, gut health and emotional wellbeing. Because of this – and with the support of my doctor – I was able to avoid surgery and resolve my health issues naturally. My journey fuelled my desire to help educate others about holistic approaches to health and wellness.
I’ve held various roles across marketing, internal communications and change management for the College. These days, I contribute to content and course development and help promote and launch new initiatives, projects and systems for staff and students.
I feel so fortunate that my role allows me to combine my skills in PR, marketing and communications with my passion for and knowledge of natural health. Plus, I get to work with fantastic people and have met some amazing students, which has made my job even more enjoyable!
I love helping people dig deep to uncover the ‘why’ or root cause of some of their wellness issues, watching the penny drop as they put all the pieces of health and wellness together, and the transformation they go through when they make wellness a priority.
Get outside your comfort zone, start before you’re ready, try new things and make mistakes along the way! Don’t strive for perfection, as it will only hold you back.
What’s one piece of wisdom that you apply to your career?
When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.
There are so many great courses on offer! I really love Gut Health: the microbiome and wellbeing, as it illustrates how gut health can influence things like feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. I also love Wellness Practices: tools for balanced living and Natural Health for Women: sustaining balance and energy – both of which offer practical tools, information and guidance to help foster and sustain balance and wellbeing.
Starting my own business was certainly a highlight. Since being with Endeavour, helping to launch our new course offerings across different disciplines has been monumentally rewarding!
I loved my time as a student with Endeavour. Professionally, I’ve loved contributing to course content and sharing my knowledge with our students online and in person during workshops and at various College events.
I run wellness workshops. I also love being outdoors and am a real water enthusiast. I enjoy swimming, scuba diving, learning to surf and paddling with my local outrigger canoe team.
Empower yourself with knowledge and share it with those around you. Find out more about our range of Short Courses across Natural Health, Nutrition, Business Essentials, and Mental Health and Wellness.
Endeavour College of Natural Health is Australia's largest Higher Education provider of natural medicine courses.
The College is known as the centre of excellence for natural medicine and is respected for its internationally recognised academic teams and high calibre graduates. Endeavour offers higher education Diplomas in Health Science and Bachelor of Health Science degrees in Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Acupuncture Therapies and Chinese Medicine.
"It’s never too late to learn something new and incorporate it into your life."
- Lindy Smithies
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