'To produce great work, it is crucial to love what you do'

Flavia De Simone, Yoga Head Coach, Max and Aegle, on 'the way to being fully-balanced'

Describe your work in brief.
I'm an advocate of physical and mental wellness, providing the tools necessary to teach others about the ancient practices of yoga and Pilates. As the head coach, I am also responsible for project development and management in the yoga department.
What is your work mantra?
Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life, they say. I think I'm blessed to have the opportunity to do what I truly love - to promote emotional and physical wellbeing through yoga. The only way to be fully balanced and satisfied is to do what you believe in; and to be able to produce great work, it is crucial to love what you do. This way, I am inspired each morning to start afresh, balance my life and passions and spread positivity to my clients and the people I meet in life.
The biggest learning point or experience in your life.
Having my two wonderful kids. Being a mother, each day you discover a lot about your kids and more about yourself. They taught me so many lessons that made me who I am - stronger in and out. For instance, to take life by each day and be grateful for the little things in life, to be patient, and trust in the process, to be optimistic and humble. Being a mother is a wonderful experience.
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
To trust myself. Ask what is important to yourself and then have the wisdom and courage to build your life around it.
The number one item on your wish list.
Find out what the other 90 per cent of my mind is really for.
If you could move to any country in the world, what would it be?
My country, Italy.
Favourite fictional character of all time - and why.
I would pick Snow White - a person who is sweet, gentle, pure, optimistic and sees the good in everything.
A superpower you wish you had?
The ability to regenerate cells, in order to help millions of children to fight illnesses.

If you were head of your country, what is the first thing you'd do?
I would invite all the members of the Italian government to join me in an improvisation Max & Aegle retreat. Spend time practising saying "yes" to each other and really listening to one another's opinion. I'm sure things will take a positive and a happier turn after that!
- Staff reporter