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Mary Beech has worked with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Ralph Lauren, Disney, Pixar, Kate Spade, and Scholastic. Today, as the Chief Growth Officer at the health and wellness brand Thorne, she’s channeling decades of brand leadership into a new mission: helping people live healthier, more intentional lives.
In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Mary shares how a personal health scare led her to discover the power of wellness, and how the concept of a “negative split” in marathon running became a powerful metaphor for personal and professional growth.
Listen to this episode to learn about...
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How Mary turned a health scare into a wellness mission
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Why your second act can be stronger than your first
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How to lead with purpose, perspective, and passion
FINDING PURPOSE THROUGH REINVENTION
After years in high-profile branding roles, Mary had a realization: her most fulfilling work happened when it aligned with purpose. Working at Scholastic showed her the joy of creating impact on young learners, and that feeling only grew when she joined Thorne, a science-based wellness company. Her passion for wellness wasn’t just professional; it was personal.
At 34, Mary faced a heart-related health scare. That turning point sparked a total lifestyle shift. She began running (eventually completing 13 marathons), prioritizing her well-being, and dedicating herself to helping others do the same.
LEADING WITH A NEGATIVE SPLIT MINDSET
In distance running, a “negative split” means running the second half of the race faster than the first. It requires patience, strategy, and resilience. But to Mary, it’s also a mindset: the belief that your best and most productive moments can still be ahead of you.
She applies this to her leadership and career journey, viewing each stage as a chance to grow stronger. Whether recovering from a sprint or launching a new initiative, Mary emphasizes the importance of pausing, reflecting, and asking: How can I make this next chapter even better?
BRING YOUR WHOLE SELF TO THE WORK YOU DO
Too often, young professionals hold back, waiting to fit in before letting their passion shine. But Mary reminds us that companies hire people for their unique voice and energy. Passion drives progress, and authenticity fuels connection.
And, at the end of the day (or end of your career), while numbers and metrics fade, the people and moments you shared along the way are what will truly last.
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