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I couldn’t wait to sit down with Alicia Vivanco for this episode of the Make Space for Growth podcast. Alicia is the founder and CEO of Holos, a wellness company on a mission to bring health, energy, and balance into people’s lives—especially those navigating the demands of work and family.
But more than building a wellness platform, Alicia brings a story of grit, persistence, and clarity. From nearly going bankrupt to building a B2B wellness business operating in two countries and growing —and becoming a mom of twins along the way—Alicia’s story is a reminder that resilience doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, again and again, even when life gets messy.
This episode is about energy—not just the kind Holos promotes through fitness and wellbeing—but the internal energy that powers our decisions, leadership, and persistence.
From Dance Dreams to Engineering Grit
Alicia didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a tech entrepreneur. She wanted to be a professional dancer—and she was well on her way, winning national dance competitions in Peru. But life had other plans.
She chose engineering and built a successful career at IBM, where she developed a deep love for problem solving and continuous learning. Alicia is, at her core, a builder and problem solver. Whether it was fixing systems at IBM or designing new features at Holos, she brings the same energy: curiosity, structure, and action.
I love the feeling of being a beginner and climbing to the next level, and the next, and the next.
That mindset would come in handy later, when things didn’t go according to plan.
Building Holos: From Crisis to Clarity
Holos wasn’t born from a polished business plan. It emerged from personal pain—and a deeply felt need to fix something Alicia couldn’t find in the market.
After years of managing high-stress roles without the tools to care for her well-being, Alicia realised others were struggling too. So she founded Holos to create a hybrid wellness experience: part digital, part in-person, fully human.
But then COVID hit. Without external funding and entirely bootstrapped, Holos struggled. And then something unexpected happened:
“Companies started knocking on our door. They wanted Holos for their employees.”
That moment led to the company’s pivot: shifting from B2C to B2B, from fitness to holistic wellness, and from “app” to corporate wellbeing partner. Alicia had to rebuild almost everything—team, operations, marketing, finance—with one goal: make the company thrive and solve the problem at scale.
Leadership with Grit, Not Drama
When I asked Alicia what kept her going through the hardest moments, her answer was simple:
I can slow down—but I won’t stop.
Her leadership philosophy is anchored in consistency and clarity. She doesn’t pretend to have perfect balance. Instead, she focuses on prioritising what matters: her team, her customers, and keeping the business growing.
As a leader, Alicia is both empathetic and decisive. She listens deeply, but she also knows when the moment calls for direction. One of her most powerful lessons:
“You can’t always be the same kind of leader. The company needs different things at different times.”
And through it all, she stays true to her values: be a good person first.
The Value of Wellness
What makes Holos different isn’t just the tech or the services—it’s the philosophy behind it. For Alicia, wellness isn’t a perk. It’s the fuel.
When people feel better, they work better.
Holos now operates across Peru and Mexico, helping thousands of people feel stronger and more in control of their health. With a mix of fitness, mental health, nutrition, and a thriving peer community, Holos offers real tools for real people—especially those with no time to spare.
And that includes Alicia herself. As a new mom of twins, she’s radically clear about what she needs to function: journaling, movement, and mental clarity. These are non-negotiables, not luxuries.
Alicia’s List
- Advice: Learn more, learn faster, and keep your network very close
- Book: Minimalism, Joshua Fields Millburn
- Quote: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.
- Word of the Year: The best is yet to come
Join the Conversation
Alicia’s story reminded me that persistence isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet, focused, and driven by something deeper. Whether you’re a founder, a leader, or just trying to stay afloat, her journey is proof that progress beats perfection.
What did you take away from this episode? Are you ready to choose your hard and start building something of your own?
Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs it.
Get to Know Alicia
🔗 Explore Holos
🔗 Follow Alicia on LinkedIn
