How to make it as a…wellbeing director
With more companies wising up to the importance of wellness for their teams, Aromatherapy Associates’ Christina Salcedas explains how she looks after the brand’s staff as well as consumers
1. Embrace change and trends
“My full title is now global education and wellbeing director and my job is certainly not the traditional director role. It’s the first of its kind within the company as we’ve never had anything more senior than a training manager before. On top of being responsible for the global spa treatment strategy and the education and training of our therapists, I also run events and that’s where the wellbeing element of the title comes from.
“As the industry shifted towards wellness, my role became more of a spokesperson – I’m responsible for the wellbeing of our internal teams and can often be found leading group stretches or breathing exercises during corporate meetings.”
2. Helping others is key
“In the back of my mind, I always knew I wanted to work in wellbeing and help people. Initially, I wanted to be a social worker but the minute I got into treatments it was a no-brainer. You can instantly change how someone is feeling; I know it’s a cliché and every therapist says it, but there is absolutely nothing like someone telling you they feel amazing after their treatment.
“Helping fellow therapists is also a really rewarding part of my job. I’m very lucky to still be a hands-on trainer, and seeing a group of therapists leave your training session re-inspired and ready to go out there and make a difference to their guests’ wellbeing is one of the best parts of my job.”
3. Brand knowledge is imperative
“I’ve been working for Aromatherapy Associates for nine years; I started as a trainer and account manager and worked up to where I am now. All day, every day, I talk about the brand and its heritage as well as the products, so knowing it inside out is fundamental. I lead by example, so if I don’t live and breathe the brand, how can my trainers teach it?
“You have to keep up to date with all the wellness trends; I’m obsessed with wellbeing, so need to ensure I’m leading by example.”
4. Expect to have a diverse role
“My role encompasses everything from admin to designing treatments. Developing my first ever Aromatherapy Associates treatment and having the brand take it on was a real highlight for me.
“I’m one of the lucky few that gets to trial things during creation, which is definitely one of the perks of the job. I often have something exciting on my desk at the end of the day to take home and try.
“It’s not all exciting though – the administrative part of the role is definitely challenging. As therapists, we’re not made to sit behind a desk or computer.
I’ve managed to develop a great balance between being in the field and behind the scenes though.”
5. Make your own opportunities
“Wellbeing is a relatively new specialism so seek out the companies you would like to work for and propose the role of wellbeing director if it isn’t a position that currently exists. It’s such a multi-faceted role. You need to be a leader, motivated, healthy, happy, compassionate, organised, resilient, adaptable, detailed and commercial.”
PB