…The idea is that one person’s positive choices — whether it’s eating healthier, moving more, or prioritizing mental health — can ripple out to influence one’s family, friends, and community…
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Lizanne Falsetto. Lizanne Falsetto is a wellness and longevity pioneer, entrepreneur, and founder of thinkThin®, the revolutionary high-protein, low-sugar nutrition bar that transformed the health food industry. Over two decades, she grew thinkThin® into one of the fastest-growing health food brands, leading to its acquisition by Glanbia in 2015. Currently serving as the Chair of YPO’s Health and Wellness Network and Champion of the YPO Women’s Wellness Summit 2026, Lizanne continues to innovate in the wellness space, inspiring others to embrace vitality, holistic health, and mindful living.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Igrew up in a close-knit family where fresh food and hard work were the cornerstones of life. My entrepreneurial journey started at my kitchen table, inspired by my struggle to find protein-rich, low-sugar foods that aligned with my busy lifestyle. Over the years, this passion led me to create thinkThin®, and that experience has shaped how I approach both my personal and professional life: always striving to blend wellness with practicality.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most impactful moments in my career was when I decided to create a high-protein, sugar-free bar for my personal use and labeled it “gluten-free,” long before all three were mainstream concepts. At the time, many people doubted it would resonate, but I trusted my instincts and recognized the growing need for transparency and healthier on-the-go options. The key takeaway from this experience was the power of innovation and the reminder to trust my intuition even when others doubted me, which has been a guiding principle throughout my journey growing a global wellness brand.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first launched thinkThin®, I underestimated the complexity of scaling manufacturing while maintaining quality. There was a moment when an entire batch of bars didn’t meet our standards, and it was heartbreaking to see months of work go to waste. However, quality was our top priority. The lesson? Never compromise on quality, and surround yourself with experts who can help navigate the technical challenges of growth.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
My work focuses on empowering people to prioritize wellness in their everyday lives. Whether it’s creating innovative food products, writing about longevity and vitality hacks, or hosting wellness retreats and other events, my goal is to inspire individuals to take small, sustainable steps toward better health. By blending science, mindfulness, and accessibility, I hope to make wellness less intimidating and more achievable for everyone.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.
- Eat mindfully: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods and avoid processed options. For example, I love starting my day with a protein-packed breakfast to sustain energy.
- Move daily: Whether it’s walking, yoga, or strength training, consistent movement is key. My walking desk has been a game-changer for sneaking in extra steps during work hours.
- Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep is foundational for both mental and physical health. I’ve found that creating a bedtime routine, like turning off all screens early, makes a huge difference.
- Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors, even if it’s just in my garden, helps reduce stress and reconnect with what’s important.
- Stay curious: Always seek to learn and grow, whether it’s through reading, conversations, or new experiences. This mindset keeps life exciting and purposeful.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would start a movement called “The Wellness Ripple Effect,” focused on small, sustainable changes that inspire others to do the same. The idea is that one person’s positive choices — whether it’s eating healthier, moving more, or prioritizing mental health — can ripple out to influence one’s family, friends, and community.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
1 .Failing forward is part of the process: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve.
2. Trust your intuition: No one knows your vision better than you do.
3. Build a strong network: Surrounding yourself with supportive people is invaluable.
4. Take care of yourself: Success without wellness isn’t sustainable.
5. Stay curious: The willingness to adapt and innovate will keep you ahead.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is closest to my heart because it’s foundational to every other aspect of wellness. Without mental clarity and emotional resilience, it’s challenging to sustain efforts in any other area of your life like fitness, nutrition, or sustainability. I believe that prioritizing mental health can create a ripple effect, enabling people to tackle other challenges with greater energy and focus.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
Readers can connect with me on LinkedIn, visit my website at www.lizannefalsetto.com, or reach out to info@lizannefalsetto.com for updates on my latest projects, blogs, and events. I’m always excited to share insights, engage with like-minded individuals, and continue inspiring wellness journeys together.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
