Gowri Reddy Rocco, M.D., is double board-certified in Family Medicine and in Regenerative, Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine. Known by her patients as The Wellness Warrior, she’s been practicing medicine for more than 20 years and is the Founder and President of Optimum Wellness & Longevity in Corona, California. Dr. Gowri Rocco has a successful practice alongside her husband, Dr. Robert Rocco, and is the proud mother of three amazing children.
Company: Optimum Wellness & Longevity
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Gowri Rocco, MD: Thank you for the warm welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine. I’m Dr. Gowri Rocco, double board-certified in Family Medicine and Regenerative, Anti-Aging, and Functional Medicine. I also specialize in Cellular and Integrative Medicine. I’ve been practicing medicine for 25 years, CoFounder and Chief Medical Director of Optimum Wellness & Longevity in Corona, California. I am a bestselling author of “GROWING YOUNGER: Restore Your Hormones, Energy and Sex Drive.” I am also a wife and proud mother of 3 amazing children.
At our wellness center, we challenge the traditional notions of aging, addressing symptoms like fatigue, hormone imbalances, poor sleep, low sex drive, depression, weight gain, and brain fog, all diseases and cancers that come with aging, through Bio-Identical Hormone Optimization and high-grade medical supplements. Each treatment plan is meticulously tailored to the individual, embracing a holistic view that integrates balanced hormones, proper nutrition, lifestyle alterations, and regular physical activity.
Our philosophy is centered on the belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. We’re committed to empowering our patients to lead healthier, longer lives by fostering personal transformations that not only rejuvenate the mind, body, and immune system but also the spirit. Our goal is to help you grow younger and more vibrant with each passing year.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Gowri Rocco, MD: During COVID, we faced significant challenges as our practice relied heavily on in-person interactions. Suddenly, we had to shift everything to telemedicine and ship out products that patients used to purchase in-office. It was nerve-wracking because I wasn’t sure if we could continue practicing medicine effectively with all the new restrictions and changes.
To navigate this, I focused on customer service more than ever. I proactively reached out to my patients instead of waiting for them to contact us, letting them know we were there to support them, mentally and physically. Many were nervous about coming in person, so we reassured them by providing a safe environment with extra flexible hours of operation. We accommodated in-person visits or telemedicine urgent calls/visits and offered even more personalized care such as making all callbacks a priority and delivering vitamins and medications. We prioritized patient safety, satisfaction, and continuity of care and wellness. Our efforts paid off, and we actually doubled our income during those years by enhancing our service quality and staying connected with our patients.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Gowri Rocco, MD: Each failure builds confidence and resilience. During COVID, I overestimated my peers’ ability to stay open, leading to an influx of new patients for us. It was overwhelming, especially at a time when it was difficult to grow in staff and team members. I was answering my own phones again, like back in the beginning days of starting our business. It was difficult growing with limited resources, everything took longer to get. Getting access to new medical research and cutting-edge data was challenging, and I had to collaborate with fellow clinicians and join special masterminds and associations to keep abreast of clinical data. There was much fear and uncertainty.
We remained calm, hard-working, focused, and optimistic, providing hope, energy, and service to our patients. This experience taught me that failures and challenges are stepping stones to success, building strength and confidence for our team to work together better for the next big thing.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Gowri Rocco, MD: Building a resilient team requires fostering adaptability and teamwork. We all make mistakes, but the key is to fix them together without blame. I encourage my team to anticipate problems and use each other for support. By creating an environment where challenges are expected and tackled collectively, we build resilience. I look for qualities such as calmness under pressure, the ability to work as a team, and a proactive attitude in my team members.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Gowri Rocco, MD: I maintain personal resilience through optimism, prayer, journaling, brainstorming, and regular exercise. I believe in doing my best and leaving the rest to God. Deep breathing, journaling, and working out help me stay calm and make logical decisions rather than emotional ones. I know that rough seasons occur and I prioritize self-care during good seasons so I can push through those tough times.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Gowri Rocco, MD: During a crisis, I stay focused by not compromising my self-care, maybe even doing more. I maintain my routine of exercising, getting massages, eating healthy, and trying not to compromise sleep, I work harder on brainstorming and journaling. I stay positive, pray more, and remember my previous conquests over adversity. I reach out to my mentors and people I look up to and ask for help if I need it. I think things through slowly when it comes to crises. I try to reflect on what I could do next time to prevent such a crisis. These activities help me make logical decisions and manage stress effectively. I prioritize physical and mental health, ensuring I’m in the best state to lead and support my team and patients.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Gowri Rocco, MD: I prioritize listening to my team during a crisis. Understanding their feelings and concerns is crucial. I ask them what support they need and encourage them to express their ideas for solutions. Empowering my team by valuing their input and providing emotional support through gestures like hugs builds trust and helps us navigate crises together. Kindness, smiles, and thank yous go a long way during difficult times.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Gowri Rocco, MD: Leading by example is key to building resilience. Demonstrate the values you want to nurture in your business. Incentivize and acknowledge your staff’s hard work, offer educational opportunities, and make them feel valued. Providing ownership and bonuses helps retain and motivate your team, fostering a resilient organization.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Gowri Rocco, MD: I maintain a rainy day fund to prepare for potential crises and believe in preparing for the worst and expecting the best. Challenges often open new opportunities. When challenges occur, I look for creative solutions in my industry. This sometimes requires greater risk-taking and investing in new education or skills. Investing in my business and staying financially prepared ensures we can navigate any crisis and turn it into a growth opportunity.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Gowri Rocco, MD: The most important lesson is to provide kindness and practical solutions to overcome fear. Fear can be paralyzing, so addressing it logically and calmly is crucial. It is important to demonstrate Optimism, faith, and hope. Also, share your solutions with your team, support them emotionally, and approach challenges with a positive, solution-oriented mindset. This builds trust and helps everyone navigate crises effectively.
