Discussion Topics: 

About Michael Piña 

• Originally from Jamaica Plain (JP), Boston 
• Recently moved to Los Angeles (LA), CA  
• A career in HR (People & Culture)  
• Dancer  

Transition to LA  

• Moving with fear, but something needed to change 
• Going through it - “I didn't come here to run away”   
• When you're faced with a crossroads, you’re forced to make a decision  

Family - Culture - Food 

• Family is from the Dominican Republic & Guatemala 
• Growing up in the Latino culture  
• Relationship with food - Eating to feel good  
• Culture, Genetics & Mental Health  

 One wish to lose weight  

• The ultimate shift - sick & tired of feeling sick & tired 
• The journey - small goals, big results  
• Goal of feeling healthy, “loving myself” 
• One of the first & youngest people to get the gastric bypass surgery in Mass, in 2007  
• What worked & didn't work  
• Fixing a feeling with a feeling 
• Don't leave before the miracle happens  

NOTE: We are extremely grateful to Mike for his vulnerability and we look forward to having him back! Thank you Mike for being an inspiration to the world and looking forward to being in the audience at one of your speaking engagements!