Today we’d like to introduce you to Cornelia Coté.
Hi Cornelia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always loved sports. Even as a kid, I tried every one I could. I was usually the only girl on the little league team, or playing kickball with the boys at recess. After college, I moved to Paris to work in sports marketing. I was excited about the adventure, but I quickly realized how difficult it was to start a new life. I was far from my family and friends, navigating a corporate job in a French company, building a new community from scratch, and adjusting to life alone. The stress took a toll on me, leading to insomnia, GI issues, and significant weight loss.
Without much thought, I started running. At first I could only make it from one telephone pole to the next, then two, then a mile, eventually working my way up to 10K races. Running became my outlet. It gave me space to clear my mind, process my thoughts, and regain a sense of balance. As I added strength training, calisthenics, and learned the science of training and nutrition with the help of a personal trainer, I became stronger, more energized, and more grounded. Exercise wasn’t just making me fitter—it was improving every aspect of my life.
I’ve always loved helping others almost as much as I enjoy challenging myself. Coaching, encouraging, and seeing someone else succeed is incredibly rewarding, which led me to become a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
Working as a registered nurse in a pediatric emergency department solidified that passion. I saw coworkers—many of them busy moms—struggling to prioritize their own health while spending their days caring for everyone else. I also cared for patients whose illnesses or injuries might have been prevented through healthier habits and better education around fitness and nutrition.
Seeing these patterns inspired me to create The Catalyst Method. My goal is to help people invest in themselves before burnout takes over, empower them to make choices that benefit their future selves, and demonstrate how one positive change can create a domino effect that transforms every area of life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been relatively smooth. The biggest challenge has been investing time to grow the business, as I still have a full-time nursing job in the Pediatric ER.
As you know, we’re big fans of Catalyst Method Fitness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Catalyst Method is not just a fitness program, it’s a lifestyle. It is a brand that is accepting of all shapes, sizes and athletic or non-athletic levels. I implement a 360 approach with a focus on a holistic healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, hydration, movement, mindset, and time outside. It is not about perfection, but about showing up for yourself. Because there is no such thing as regretting a workout.
I am known to empower individuals not to strive for perfection, but rather to show up and move with purpose. One small behavior change can lead to many additional changes, ultimately leading individuals to live healthier and happier lives. I encourage one change to be the catalyst for many more. I use motivational interviewing with my clients, identifying barriers to change they are struggling with, and find solutions to overcome them. I also help my patients not shame themselves but rather celebrate the small wins each day.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love continuing to learn and grow from others. My favorite way to do that is by listening to podcasts while I’m out on a walk. One of my go-to podcasts is The Mel Robbins Podcast because she has a way of helping me get unstuck. She breaks down problems that can feel overwhelming and makes them seem much more manageable with practical, actionable advice. I also love On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Besides enjoying his British accent, I appreciate the inspiring conversations he has with a wide variety of guests. His episodes often focus on resilience, personal growth, and living with intention.
When I need an extra push or mindset reset, I turn to David Goggins’ interviews. His mental toughness and relentless discipline are incredibly motivating, and his message always reminds me that I’m capable of more than I think.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catalystmethod.co/
- Instagram: @catalyst_method
