From corporate accounting to global wellness leadership, Nadine Dumas has built a brand that merges discipline, strategy, and authenticity. As a former accountant turned fitness entrepreneur, she’s redefined what it means to lead a purpose-driven business, one built on human connection, emotional intelligence, and self-mastery. Speaking from her base in the Cayman Islands, Dumas shares how she transformed risk into opportunity and developed a brand that continues to influence lives across globally.
You were already well-established in corporate accounting by the age of 25. What mindset or turning point pushed you to leave a secure career and take the entrepreneurial leap into fitness?
I was living in the Cayman Islands at the time, working for one of the top accounting firms and finishing my professional designation. I asked if I could go part-time for six to twelve months to complete my studies, but they said no. That moment became a defining point. I left my job, moved back to Canada to finish my courses, and unknowingly began the next chapter of my life.
At the same time, I was training for my second fitness competition, which I won, and it led to my pro status. That victory opened my eyes to how much I loved transformation, not just for myself, but for others as well. I became certified as a fitness trainer and began building a small client base while continuing to work part-time in accounting. My days began at 4 a.m., with training clients from 5 to 10 a.m., followed by work in accounting from noon to 4 p.m., and then returning to the gym until 9 p.m. It was exhausting. However, I eventually realized I had to commit fully. I gave up accounting and jumped into fitness with both feet. It was challenging, but persistence—and belief in what I was building—kept me going.
When you stepped away from a structured profession into entrepreneurship, what personal qualities or habits became essential to your success?
Discipline and consistency were everything. Coming from an accounting background, I understood the importance of structure and accountability, which I carried over into how I ran my business. Entrepreneurship requires self-motivation, especially when there’s no guaranteed paycheck waiting at the end of the month. The drive to keep showing up, even when things are uncertain, is what builds the foundation for long-term success.
Many professionals dream of starting their own ventures, but hesitate due to financial risks. What challenges did you face early on, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was financial instability. In corporate life, you know exactly what to expect each month. When I started my fitness business, I lost that sense of security. There were times I struggled, but I reminded myself that short-term discomfort would lead to long-term fulfillment. I studied everything I could about the industry—what worked, what didn’t, and how others built sustainable brands. I focused on learning from experience rather than chasing perfection. Persistence became my greatest ally.
Building a brand from scratch requires strategic visibility. What methods helped you attract your first clients and establish credibility in a competitive market?
My approach was always rooted in authenticity. I never pushed my services. Instead, I focused on creating tangible results and letting my work speak for itself. Most of my early business came through referrals—clients who were proud of their transformations and wanted to share them with others. On a larger scale, I began sharing client success stories through publications, writing for entrepreneurial platforms, and speaking at events. I discovered that storytelling connects people. When audiences see themselves in your journey, they’re inspired to reach out. That human connection built my reputation more than any paid marketing campaign ever could.
Your business model integrates wellness, psychology, and personal development. How did you develop a system that sets you apart from traditional fitness coaching?
I provide customized health and wellness programs for individuals who want to feel better—physically and mentally. Early on, I realized most people don’t just want a diet or a workout plan. There’s usually something deeper driving their decision to reach out—stress, loss of confidence, or a significant life shift. After becoming certified as an Eating Psychology Coach, I began approaching fitness from the inside out. My programs now focus on mindset, behaviour, and emotional balance as much as physical results. This holistic model fosters lasting change by aligning personal growth with physical transformation.
A digital presence is vital in today’s business world. How did you leverage the internet to expand your global reach from the Caribbean?
The internet completely changed the trajectory of my business. Living in the Cayman Islands, I had to be creative about reaching clients in North America and beyond. I started hosting online transformation challenges about eight years ago, encouraging participants to share their progress on social media. That created organic visibility and community engagement. I utilize digital platforms to publish articles, showcase client success stories, and establish my brand’s global presence. The online space allows me to connect with thousands of people, even across borders. Without it, my brand wouldn’t have scaled the way it has.
Your background in accounting clearly influences your leadership style. How has your corporate experience helped shape your approach as a business owner?
It helped me in more ways than I initially realized. Beyond understanding cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting, my corporate experience taught me about professionalism, time management, and systems. I understand how executives live—their stress, routines, and struggles to balance work with well-being. That insight allows me to design programs that are realistic for people in high-performance roles. I know what it’s like to feel burnt out but still driven to achieve. My corporate past gave me empathy for that mindset.
Over the years, you expanded internationally with proxy coaches in Singapore and Australia. What principles guide your leadership when building a global team?
I believe leadership starts with alignment and trust. Both of my current proxy coaches were once clients, so I knew they embodied the same values I built my brand on. When I look for a coach, I focus on how they treat others. Are they good listeners? Do they genuinely care? Are they motivated to help others succeed? Both of my coaches are educators by profession, which tells me they understand the importance of patience, mentorship, and effective communication. When you lead with empathy, you don’t just build a team—you build advocates for your mission.
Every entrepreneur’s journey includes setbacks. What personal experiences most influenced your leadership style and resilience?
My personal journey has shaped everything about how I lead. When I first moved to the Caribbean, I faced isolation, financial struggles, and eventually, single motherhood. I also experienced the physical toll of extreme fitness competitions—yo-yo dieting, metabolic damage, and body image challenges. Each challenge became a lesson in humility, balance, and empathy. I can relate to my clients on multiple levels because I’ve lived through the same pressures they face. Leadership, to me, isn’t about perfection—it’s about transparency and connection.
As a mother and entrepreneur, how do you manage priorities while maintaining your energy and focus?
Balance is an ongoing practice. My son is my priority, so I structure my workday around his schedule. When he’s at school, I’m fully focused on business. When he’s home, I disconnect from work to spend time with him. I’ve learned that productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most at the right time. I wake up early, use quiet hours efficiently, and often catch up on studies or projects after he’s asleep. It’s not easy, but it’s rewarding. When I travel for work or modelling, my son often joins me. Those experiences are meaningful for both of us—he sees firsthand what hard work and vision can create.
You’ve mentioned wanting to expand your brand to television. What would that look like for you from a business and leadership standpoint?
Television would allow me to amplify what I already do—share real transformation stories and reach more people globally. My mission has always been to help clients achieve results through inner transformation, rather than restrictive diets or punishing workouts. I already help my clients share their stories through publications; television would expand that visibility. If viewers can see authentic journeys and recognize themselves in those stories, it could inspire a new level of awareness around health and self-worth.
Looking twenty years ahead, where do you envision yourself and your company?
I see my brand continuing to evolve into a global wellness enterprise. My goal is to create products and programs that reach millions worldwide—something scalable but still personal. I’ll always stay involved in coaching because that’s where I find purpose, but I also want to build a brand that can operate and grow beyond me. I want to leave a legacy that changes the way people view wellness and leadership.
Is there a particular client story that reminds you why you do this work?
There is one client who stands out. When we met, she had already lost a lot of weight and wanted to refine her progress. She joined one of my transformation challenges and did exceptionally well. During that time, she admitted to being unhappy in her executive job and wanting to pursue her passion for beauty and aesthetics. She eventually left her corporate role to start training as a makeup artist and hairdresser—a significant shift. It disrupted her routine, caused stress, and led to some weight gain. Later, she was diagnosed with PCOS and fertility issues. At that point, our coaching shifted from focusing on food to addressing emotional healing.
Through years of working together, she’s learned to see success differently. Our bodies tell the story of where we are in life. True transformation happens when we stop chasing perfection and start honouring progress.
How did living and working in the Caribbean influence your business perspective?
It changed everything. Living in the Caribbean gave me independence and broadened my worldview. It made me realize how much potential I had beyond traditional career paths. It was the first time I truly saw myself as capable of creating something meaningful on my own. If you hadn’t discovered fitness in Grand Cayman, do you think you would have pursued entrepreneurship in another field? I think so. The entrepreneurial drive was already there—I just hadn’t discovered where to apply it. Fitness became my medium, but my passion has always been helping others grow and thrive. Even if it had taken a different form, I believe I would still be running my own business today.
As both a coach and a businesswoman, what traits do you believe define outstanding leadership in today’s fitness industry?
Integrity, persistence, and adaptability. The fitness industry is evolving rapidly, and while many people rise quickly, not everyone sustains success. Leaders who act with authenticity and stay true to their mission build trust that lasts. It’s not just about being visible—it’s about being valuable. Clients and audiences can tell who’s genuinely invested in their growth. That’s what separates a leader from a trend.
With clients across continents, what have you learned about leadership and human motivation?
No matter where we’re from or what language we speak, people share the same desires—to feel seen, valued, and capable of change. Leadership in this space means meeting people where they are and guiding them forward with empathy and understanding.
For entrepreneurs facing uncertainty or fear of failure, what advice would you give based on your own journey?
Don’t wait for the “perfect” time—it doesn’t exist. I love Marie Forleo’s quote: “If you wait until you’re ready to do anything, you’ll be waiting for the rest of your life.” I’ve made mistakes, pivoted directions, and faced setbacks, but that’s part of growth. Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the pathway to it. Every challenge builds resilience, and every pivot refines your purpose.
Jennifer M Williams | Editor-In-Chief
