Exploring Life & Business with Aimee Reiss of Above the Grind

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aimee Reiss.

Hi Aimee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was 21 when I arrived on Wall Street fresh out of college. I would remain there for the next 17 years chasing what I believed to be a version of “success”.
Only it wasn’t my own version.

I lost sight of who I was in that process.
I have experienced how detrimental years of stress can be to one’s overall health both physical and mental. I have experienced the depths of burnout. My hope via this project is to help people reach a greater sense of personal well being, and sustainable performance as part of the greater collective (an Organization). Really we are just talking about another network of human beings perhaps not operating at their full capacity. Traditional success is rooted in self-loathing. Over achievement is, in fact, a cry for help, a feeling of not-enoughness. The real bottom line? I believe it lies in momentary forgiveness of oneself, communal emotional intelligence, and the embodiment of one’s highest self for the benefit and sustainability of the whole. There is a really fine line between the stressful and the sacred. Or maybe they are woven together in a secret relationship divinely designed for our awakening.

I am fascinated and inspired by what drives human potential, and where the Performance “GAP” lies across various industries. I’ve arrived at the idea that creativity is a necessary trait of an authentic leader.

The essence of leadership is an alive, dynamic, ultimately responsive presence. It is the continuously evolving and morphing realization of life living itself. Leadership today is in fact living in the world – being and doing on the field of life, on the stage of local and global communities. To be an Authentic Leader means being fully alive. Living an unapologetic life even when the universe tries to tell us no. Showing up fearless and honest in pursuit of self. Being accountable in all actions, not just the ones we’re proud of. Influential leaders of today are plagued by choice, daily. How can we inspire those choices to be conscious and in alignment with their higher most optimal selves?

I am proposing shifting the paradigm for a path to success that values emotional stability and happiness as well as money and institutional growth when producing income and profits for a bottom line. In an industry that values money above none else, I believe this is very important work. Kindness is currency, Health is wealth and Happiness is success. In this paradigm, success becomes a personal choice we are presented with in any given moment.we can choose ourselves. Live life according to our own terms.

I am learning to be the author and main character in the story of my life and am inviting others to join me on this journey.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a brutal road!

I spent over a decade through two pregnancies (6weeks maternity leave, 6 weeks disability?!) working various positions for financial banks and trading firms on Wall Street, as a partner building a niche investment platform, spent a year training and practicing as a yoga/meditation teacher, and an entrepreneur. The successful and furious career eventually left me feeling burned out, undervalued, taken advantage of and unfulfilled. That was not how I wanted to show up as a mother to my daughters.

I sought every opportunity to add more balance and space to my life so as to create a more sustainable future and to operate at my full capacity as a mother, a leader, and a lover of life. As I continue to find more meaning, purpose and a sense of belonging in my career life, I’ve been applying my mindfulness training and meditation practices and it has led to a real increase in my satisfaction, overall mental wellbeing, and productivity. My journey has crystallized for me so much of what could be improved upon within corporate America.

We’ve been impressed with Above the Grind, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Above the Grind is an innovative business development agency dedicated to equipping organizations with the tools, strategies, and leadership principles needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. Our mission is to redefine success by integrating mindful leadership and well-being cultures into business operations, fostering sustainable growth for businesses, employees, and the planet. By combining our expertise in business strategy, team development, and digital marketing services, we offer a future-focused approach that empowers businesses to succeed while prioritizing people and the environment.

Above the Grind represents a new paradigm in business development: one that prioritizes mindfulness, sustainability, and holistic well-being as key drivers of success. By offering integrated solutions, we aim to help businesses not only survive but thrive in the future economy.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have a few. Traveling to Prague with my family to learn about our history.

Summer adventures including backpacking through the Pacific Northwest and climbing Mt. Reinier

A summer tennis travel program through Europe.

Lemonade stands in the summer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.abovethegrind.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abovethegrind.co/
• Facebook: AbovetheGrind
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/aimee-reiss
• Twitter: Above the Grind
• Youtube: Above the Grind