What led you to your current profession?
The stress of the corporate world lead me back into a yoga studio after many years of not practicing. Once I started to create space for me everything snowballed from that point forward. My daughters wanted to do yoga with me and it was next to impossible to find kids yoga. Which prompted me to take a leap into my own yoga teacher certification, which lead to a kids specialty certification. Learning to lead yoga for my kids morphed into leading yoga for sports teams, schools, and people of all ages.

What's your favorite thing about what you do?
Seeing the light click in a student’s eyes when they reach a pose or understand how a yoga concept can be applied in life.

In the past, what have been your biggest obstacles in business? What helped you overcome those obstacles?
COVID put a big halt on my business, getting back in the groove of marketing and scheduling, which is my least favorite thing. I have been jumping back into this one thing at a time and it's time to move me forward.

What is one piece of advice you'd give your pre-career 20 something self?
You will have times where you get that proverbial tap on the shoulder, listen to it. Take the leap, it will be worth it!

What advice would you give to yourself when you were a young working mother?
What you do matters, but remember to take time for yourself too!

If you have a bucket list, what's your favorite thing you've checked off?
Going on a safari in Kenya!

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
I am very patient. I understand that we can’t always control every piece of the process, but our attitude can determine our success.

Do you have any exciting ambitions for the future?
I would love to work more with athletes at all levels.

Are there any myths you'd like to bust about your profession?
Not all yoga teachers are vegan and thin.

What lessons did you learn from the challenges created from the pandemic?
Improvise, find ways to keep going even if it takes a different method.

What have you learned about leadership that doesn't get taught in schools?
There is a difference between a boss and a leader. Being a leader means leading from the front and being vulnerable.

What's been the best career advice you've ever received?
Never stop learning. There is always the opportunity to learn more and grow more.

Do you have a favorite quote?
"The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." -Chauncey Depew

Heidi Wilderman is the lead yoga instructor at Baam Yoga. She brings yoga to kids, schools, sports teams and businesses to introduce yoga movement, breathing, meditation, and mindset for success.