Meet Ashely Koff, RD, the founder of The Better Nutrition Program. A 20+ year personalized nutrition & marketing expert, Ashley helps people, practitioners and businesses identify and make better nutrition choices more often for better health outcomes. Read about how Ashely got her start in dietetics and how she created her current role in nutrition. - Katie

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics?

I went through an ordeal to try to help identify and address my own digestive issues. My rock bottom was a 7 day 40 oz/day goat's milk only cleanse (!) and then I met a practitioner who helped me assess and personalize recommendations to restore my digestive health. I learned it actually had nothing to do with what I was eating (or not eating) but that my system needed nutrients to repair prior damage and then I could eat a much wider range of foods - and not have to sip goat's milk EVER AGAIN. immediately pivoted from an advertising career where I did not good stuff (made ads for sugared cereals) to going to school to help others have access to what helped me get and stay healthy.

Company you are with now?

My own - The Better Nutrition Program. I am also a board member and advisor for several companies, organizations and a university. I lead a team of developing cutting-edge personalized nutrition tools and programs for practitioners to attract, retain and optimize patient outcomes.

Your Job Title?

Founder of The Better Nutrition Program & Strategic Nutrition Consultant

Website:

http://https://thebetternutritionprogram.com

https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/free-resources-from-the-better-nutrition-program/

Social Media:

Instagram

@thebetternutritionprogram

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-koff-rd-11b6196

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you?

Nope, can't do it. Literally, I have never had two days that were the same even when I was seeing patients. That's what I love about my career choice - but can be a bit destabilizing if you don't learn to manage prioritization in both personal and professional. Some of my favorite moments in a day are when I get to support a practitioner to see how they can realize their vision for their career. And when I get to teach patients as part of BNP Programs.

How did you get your current job in dietetics?

I built it. My job doesn't exist on any paper and over the years I have followed paths based off my intuition, an awareness of what is needed, and a continuously developing understanding of my Zone of Genius and how to spend more time there professionally.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way?

My sense of humor. Likely an entrepreneur gene. A starter / go-for it. I am learning to listen better. I've learned to ask for help - and take it. I've learned that I enjoy JOMO (joy of missing out) more than FOMO (fear of missing out). I am learning to do less and say no more.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you?

Define Success for you. You won't be fulfilled with someone else's definition of success. And how we define success changes. So regularly check in on that. Make sure the people in your life know how you define your success so they understand better the choices you want to make / do make. Get to know yourself really really well - and find what resources and support you need to complement you for the results you seek.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be?

I love this one. I would SLAY it in a barter society. I wish we could all exchange goods and services without money - it would really help us shift communities to value people differently.

About the Author

Katie Padva, MS, RDN, LDN, is a Registered Dietitian passionate about delivering nutrition education through writing, teaching, and counseling to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. She works in a private practice helping individuals be the best version of theirselves through healthy nutrition. She also works as an adjunct instructor at a University educating students on nutrition concepts. When she is not working, Katie enjoys being outside, running, writing, cooking, doing yoga and hiking! Connect with her on LinkedIn.