The Wellness in Hospitality Podcast

127. Exit Route 3 - The Strategic Consultant - High Stakes, Unlimited Impact

Sonal Uberoi

Most wellness directors dream about becoming consultants, but few understand the reality of stepping into the Strategic Consultant role.  

 
It looks glamorous from the outside: freedom, recognition, unlimited earning potential.  

 
But behind the scenes? It’s a high-stakes game that makes or breaks most consultants within 18 months. 

 
In this episode, I share the third and final exit route in my series on how wellness directors can transition into consulting: the Strategic Consultant path. 

It took me 14 years to master this route. 

14 years of mistakes, going back into full-time employment, and surviving the income rollercoaster. But today, I run a global boutique consultancy from Madrid, shaping wellness strategies for hotels and retreats worldwide. 

This episode is both a warning and an invitation: here’s what it really takes to succeed at the highest level of consulting, and how to know if you’re ready. 

 
Here are the 3 things you’ll learn:  

 

1.- What the Strategic Consultant really does 
How it’s completely different from being an operator or even a project-based consultant. 

2.- The pros of this route 
From unlimited income potential and creative freedom to industry recognition and global opportunities. 

3.- The hidden challenges 
Business overwhelm, loneliness, pricing mistakes, the income rollercoaster, and why most consultants fail without the right foundation. 

 
By the end of the episode, you’ll know: 

 
→ Whether you’re truly ready to step into high-stakes consulting. 
→ Why skipping Exit Route 1 (internal consultant) and Exit Route 2 (project-based consultant) often leads to failure. 
→  How to prepare yourself with the right foundation before leaping into full-time consulting. 



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Are you ready to take wellness to the next level?


Here are 2 ways I can help:


1️⃣  WHO: Wellness directors who want to join 1% of wellness leaders


📌 WHAT: The Wellness Asset Academy
A 10-week online group programme where I guide you through my 7-step ESSENCE framework. Achieve higher pay and secure a genuine seat at the hotel’s big table—so wellness is no longer the most neglected area in the hotel.

→  Join the waitlist here.



2️⃣  WHO: Owners of small, independent hotels with a strong wellbeing focus


📌 WHAT: Asset Builder Mentorship
Exclusive 6-month 1:1 mentorship programme to master creating a wellness asset, build a proud team, and deliver transformative experiences for your guests.

→  Become a steward of true hospitality.



💡 Why work with me?

I know what works with wellness and I also know what doesn’t. I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t need to – saving you thousands of dollars on bad decisions.

✅ #1 best-selling author, global wellness expert 
✅ 40+ projects in 20+ countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific 
✅ Top brands: Abadía Retuerta, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Six Senses Resorts & Spas 
✅ Interviewed over 150+ hoteliers worldwide 

People on this episode