From Tech to Wellness: How Hiva Monshi Empowers Women

Hiva Monshi’s journey from biomedical engineering and the tech industry to health and wellness coaching is nothing short of inspiring. Driven by her struggles with PCOS and a desire to address the root causes of chronic health issues, Hiva transitioned from working with artificial systems to empowering women to optimize their well-being. Her science-based, holistic approach blends functional medicine with mindful lifestyle changes, helping busy professionals overcome stress, hormonal imbalances, and burnout. Today, Hiva is on a mission to help women prioritize their health, embrace sustainable habits, and thrive—mind, body, and spirit.

What inspired you to transition from biomedical engineering and the tech industry into health and wellness coaching?

My health struggles led me to functional medicine. I always felt there had to be a more holistic way to manage my health, especially with PCOS. When my doctor told me I would need medication for life, I instinctively knew there had to be another way—one that addressed the root cause rather than just masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals.

Discovering functional medicine was a turning point because it aligned with my values and provided the deeper understanding I was looking for. It made me realize the major gap in healthcare: the system is designed for efficiency—seeing more patients, and prescribing quick fixes—but rarely takes the time to explore the root causes of chronic conditions. That’s where I wanted to make a difference.

Although I haven’t fully transitioned out of tech, I see firsthand how burnout, stress, and poor work-life balance impact professionals, especially women. The modern workplace doesn’t honour the cyclical nature of women’s energy—our needs shift throughout the month, yet we’re expected to operate in a constant “work mode.” I want to help bring awareness to this and support women in aligning their health with their biology.

At my core, I’ve always been passionate about science, health, and how the body functions. What fulfils me most is working with life, with human potential, rather than just interacting with artificial systems. While I appreciate technology’s role in improving efficiency, I believe none of it matters if we aren’t well in our minds and bodies. My work in health coaching gives me that deeper sense of purpose.

What initially drew you to biomedical engineering, and how does that scientific background influence your wellness coaching today?

I was always fascinated by science, especially how the human body and brain work. I was drawn to both medicine and engineering—I loved the challenge of math, physics, and electronics—so biomedical engineering was the perfect intersection of those interests.

Although my career path led me into tech, my background in biomedical engineering still plays a role in my coaching. It gave me a deep understanding of human anatomy, metabolism, and how different systems in the body interact. This knowledge helps me not only grasp complex health issues but also explain them to my clients in a way that makes sense to them.

When it comes to blending science with a holistic approach, I see no separation—functional medicine is rooted in science. The difference is that it considers the whole person rather than isolating symptoms. My approach is about connecting the dots, understanding the root causes, and working with the mind, body, and spirit as an integrated system.

How do you help clients integrate wellness strategies into their busy lives, especially those in demanding careers?

One of the biggest challenges busy professionals face is time—especially when juggling work, caregiving, and personal responsibilities. Many people, myself included at times, fall into habits like eating while working, grabbing fast food for convenience, or sitting at a desk for hours without movement.

I help my clients by making small, sustainable shifts. My favourite strategy is using tiny habits—stacking new behaviours onto existing routines. Instead of drastic changes, we find small, manageable steps that fit into their current lifestyle.

Some come to me with the “all-or-nothing” mindset and to combat that, I use analogies to show how small efforts compound over time. For example, walking for just 10 minutes after meals can improve blood sugar regulation, digestion, and even mood. Over a month, that adds up to 300 minutes of extra movement—the equivalent of multiple workout sessions, but without the stress of fitting in dedicated gym time. The goal is to reframe wellness as something achievable rather than overwhelming.

What are some of the biggest obstacles women face when trying to improve their health and well-being?

Many women struggle with hormonal imbalances, chronic stress, and a lack of time to prioritize their health. But beyond the physical challenges, there’s a deeper societal expectation for women to “do it all.”

Women often feel pressured to excel in their careers while also managing households and caregiving responsibilities. If they take time for themselves, it can be perceived as selfish, which makes self-care harder to embrace. Many women also internalize these beliefs, making it even more challenging to prioritize their own needs.

A client once shared that she always remembered to bring water for her toddler when they went out but never thought to bring a bottle for herself. It was a moment of realization—why was her child’s hydration important, but not her own? This mindset is common, and part of my role is helping women recognize and challenge these patterns so they can start prioritizing their well-being.

You’ve studied trauma and nervous system regulation—how do these areas influence your coaching methods?

I’ve always been fascinated by psychology, especially how our early experiences shape our behaviours and nervous system responses. Trauma, in some form, affects almost everyone. Many of our subconscious patterns—whether resistance to change, stress responses, or emotional triggers—stem from past experiences. Understanding this was crucial for me, both personally and professionally.

Studying trauma has also helped me ensure that I don’t re-traumatize clients in the coaching process. If someone has unresolved trauma, I can recognize it and refer them to specialized professionals when needed.

I use mindfulness and journaling as tools to help clients identify stress patterns. I encourage them to track their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations when they feel overwhelmed. This process helps them recognize recurring triggers and develop self-awareness, which is the first step toward change.

What are three small but impactful changes women can make today to improve their overall well-being?

1. Manage stress. Chronic stress is a root cause of many health issues, from hormonal imbalances to blood sugar dysregulation. Developing a stress-reduction practice—whether breathwork, mindfulness, or simply taking breaks—can have a huge impact.
   
2. Regulate blood sugar. Blood sugar balance affects energy, mood, and metabolism. Simple strategies like prioritizing protein, fibre, and healthy fats at meals can help maintain stable levels.
   
3. Improve sleep. Sleep deprivation is widespread, especially among women juggling multiple responsibilities. Getting at least 7–8 hours of quality sleep can improve cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
   

The key to implementing these changes is starting small—choosing one habit at a time and making it part of a daily routine before adding more.

What are some areas of wellness or personal development that you’re currently exploring?

Right now, I’m working on a trauma certification, deepening my understanding of how past experiences shape our nervous system. One area that excites me is vagus nerve regulation—how to restore balance to the nervous system through breathwork, movement, nutrition, and other tools. Many of us have dysregulated nervous systems without realizing it, and I’m eager to explore practical ways to help clients restore balance.

I also apply what I learn to my own life. I’m not perfect, and I’m constantly working through my own patterns and habits. In many of the exercises I teach my clients, I practice myself first to see how they feel and how effective they are.

How can people connect with you and learn more about your coaching programs?

People can reach me via Instagram , or LinkedIn. I also offer a free 15-minute discovery call, where we can see if we’re a good fit to work together.