Conversations with the Inspiring Deborah Galletti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Galletti.

Deborah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have spent nearly half of my life living in France. I moved to Paris, France as a young, ambitious lawyer ready to take on the world nearly 30 years ago. I had a dream of living in Paris but quickly realized how difficult it is to live in another country. I was determined to integrate into an entirely different culture and language so that my experience would be as enriching as possible. Living for so long in another country is an incredible experience – you learn as much about yourself as you do your new “home” country. My ability to integrate into the French culture, start a business, and become completely fluent in the language has made me incredibly strong and tolerant. Recently, I have been able to spend more time in California, and I have devoted more time to fitness which is my passion. In my youth, I was a ballet dancer with The Washington Ballet, and I am also a certified Pilates Instructor. My mission is to inspire everyone and particularly women to get in shape now! My website debofit.com offers short high-intensity workout videos. My Instagram account @debofit has nearly 11,000 followers and is growing by leaps and bounds! I organized a free December Fitness Challenge offering three workouts a week as well as nutritional tips and recipes during the month of December. I want to inspire women to take control of their lives and make health and fitness priorities. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and after surgery and radiation, I am now cancer free. This experience shocked me into realizing how precious life is and that I cannot waste a single minute. I hope that I can inspire others to overcome obstacles and live their best lives.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have encountered many obstacles along the way. With each obstacle, I have learned something positive. As a young lawyer working in Paris, France, I encountered many difficulties in my career. I found it particularly difficult to raise my two children while keeping my career on track. I believe that women can not have it all. You cannot have a great career, perfect children, be in great shape and have the perfect marriage all at the same time. In my case, there were times when I had to take the job which was not the most stimulating so that I could travel less and spend more time with my children. Once my children were older, I was able to start my own business and have much greater job satisfaction. Therefore, I often counsel young women to have patience and make sure that their priorities are in order. A career is long and there are ups and downs. Each bad experience will give you great knowledge for the next job.
Cancer was a big obstacle. It occurred during my daughter’s senior year of high school just before she was to take her Baccalauréat exam. Aside from the horrible experience for me, I chose to not discuss it with my daughter in order to protect her. I did not want her to be distracted from her important exam and high school graduation with my health scare. In hindsight, I should have discussed it in more detail with her as she was blindsided by my method of trying to protect her. So this terrible disease made me realize how much my daughter and family love me!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work has many facets. I have my work as a lawyer and my work as a fitness influencer – Debofit.
I am an intellectual property lawyer, specializing in trademark law. I have one main client and manage their trademark portfolio all over the world.

Debofit is my fitness brand. The mission of Debofit is to inspire everyone, particularly women, to get in shape now! My website debofit.com offers short high-intensity workout videos which can be done at home. What sets me apart from the other 799 million people on Instagram is that there is not another 58-year-old lawyer who is as devoted to inspiring others to be fit as Debofit! Between boxing, circuit training, weight training, spinning, swimming, and calisthenics, there is not another 58-year-old lawyer who accomplishes as many different fitness goals as myself. Recently, I completed a fitness challenge which is also documented on my @debofit Instagram feed and lost 15.7 lbs. and 5.7% body fat in 8 weeks. My transformation inspired many to get in shape.

I was recently featured in StrongFitness Magazine’s August issue as a Woman to Watch: https://www.strongfitnessmag.com/motivation/womentowatch/deborah-galletti

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice is to be confident. If you want to find a mentor, do not hesitate. Contact the person by email and request advice or a meeting, if possible. Being shy or timid never works. You must believe in yourself and seize the opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.debofit.com
• Email: fit@debofit.com
• Instagram: @debofit
• Facebook: @debofit
• Twitter: @debofitparis

Image Credit:
Antoine Didienne for all the photos except for the photo where I am hanging on the rope – that photo is by Jeremy Berumen

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