In this article, Dr. Michal Waldfogel reflects on building a life and leadership path rooted in alignment, intuition, and freedom. She shares how her choices, from pursuing naturopathic medicine to designing a flexible, values-driven career, have been guided by a commitment to whole-person well-being. Through her perspective, she offers a grounded look at what it means to trust yourself, define success on your own terms, and create a life that truly feels like your own.
The Power of Being Held and Holding Others in Return
Tell me about how community has played a role in your leadership journey and what you’ve created so far.
I try to practice what I teach, and I’m deeply nourished by community. It is something I want to offer because it can be so healing and grounding. I’m part of many communities, and I believe in investing in what you value. For me, that investment is in relationships, whether with friends, neighbors, faith groups, or family. The return on that investment is incredible.
Community has always been a through line in my life. It builds resilience because we are not meant to do life alone. There are times when I have a lot to give, and other times when I need support. It goes both ways. I also think people do not always ask for help. I can be like that too, but asking is important because it allows others to show up and makes it easier for them to ask when they need support.
When I lived in Seattle, I facilitated groups at an addiction and mental health recovery center. I love the group model. I really believe community is medicine. Often, what people say to each other is more powerful than anything I could say.
At the same time, I have learned that community is not always positive for everyone. Some people come from environments where they did not feel safe being themselves. That helped me understand that real community means creating a space where people can show up as they are and grow into who they want to be, without judgment. That is the kind of environment I try to create.
Choosing Freedom Without Letting Go of What Grounds You
When you think about designing a life you love, what does that look like? Are you living it?
For me, it has always been about balancing stability with freedom. Traditional systems can offer security, but often lack flexibility. I have always valued my health, and that guided many of my decisions.
Even during my medical training, I made sure to protect my time and well-being. That was not always common, but it was important to me. It is part of why I chose naturopathic medicine, because I did not feel that the conventional path supported personal health in the same way.
Now, I have created a life with more flexibility. I can work from home, spend time outdoors, and travel to visit communities that matter to me. That freedom allows me to stay aligned with my values and show up for people when it matters.
It is not without challenges. There are moments of uncertainty, especially financially, but overall I feel aligned with how I am living. That feels more important than a traditional idea of success.
Rituals Built Around Connection, Not Just Discipline
What habits have helped you get to where you are?
I have a regular meditation practice most mornings, which helps me stay grounded.
In my work, accountability is key. I tend to follow what feels fun, so having structure with others helps keep me on track. For example, I have a weekly call with a friend where we exchange support, business coaching, and health guidance.
I also build routines around connection. I have a lunch exchange with a colleague each week, which encourages me to cook and stay consistent. Many of my habits are tied to relationships and shared routines, which helps me stay balanced.
Feeling Rich Without Measuring It in Numbers
What is your definition of success today?
Success for me is living in alignment with my values. It means being present in my life and appreciating simple things, like being outside, moving my body, and spending time with people I care about.
There are still moments of financial stress, but overall I feel rich in the things that matter most to me. Being close to family, having flexibility, and being able to travel when I need to all feel like success.
I do not always think of it as success in the traditional sense, but I do feel at peace with where I am.
Learning the Difference Between Fear and Inner Knowing
What keeps women from saying yes to opportunities, and how can they take more risks?
A lot of it comes down to trusting yourself and learning the difference between fear and intuition. That takes practice.
For me, it helped to seek advice from people who were living lives I admired, rather than those who were unhappy. I also spent time alone, which helped me understand my own voice and intuition. Without that, it is hard to know what feels right.
Many people struggle with self-criticism, and that can block intuition. Learning to quiet that voice and trust yourself is key. It is also important to recognize that saying no is just as valuable as saying yes.
Over time, as you act with integrity and build trust in yourself, it becomes easier to take risks and make decisions with confidence.
You Already Know More Than You Think You Do
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust yourself earlier. I often look back at things I wrote in my twenties and realize how much I already knew.
For a long time, I struggled with doubt. If I could go back, I would focus more on trusting my path and accepting that it would look different from others. That would have made things feel a lot simpler.
About Dr. Michal Waldfogel
Michal Waldfogel became a naturopathic doctor because she wanted to provide the kind of care she was looking for herself – whole-person, root-cause and prevention-focused.
After training in naturopathic medicine, practicing integrative primary care and working in holistic mental health recovery on the west coast, she has returned to her hometown to open her practice, Philly Naturopathic. She is passionate about offering shame-free, evidenced-informed care that respects, empowers, and invites people to deepen their intuition for healing and growth.
