Testimonials

Chip Conley

Founder and CEO at Modern Elder Academy (MEA), NYT Best-Selling Author

There are not enough superlative adjectives to describe Dr. Aras Erekul when it comes to his humanity and collaborative talent in the workplace.

In his senior role at MEA, he was a role model for compassionate leadership, innovative thinking, and conscious capitalism. Our team loved working with him and he was passionate and loyal to the company’s mission and product. He helped launch our new approach to guest faculty and facilitator cultivation and orientation. If you are a purpose-driven organization who is looking for a leader who can think holistically with a long-term vision, you would be fortunate to bring Aras on your team.

Jeff Hamaoui

Founding Partner Head of Education and Innovation at the Modern Elder Academy

I have enjoyed every minute of working closely together with Aras at MEA. Professionally, he is intelligent, conscientious, diligent and completely reliable.

As a holistic thinker, Aras seamlessly covers for others helping to shine on their strengths and make sure they don’t fall down because of their weaknesses.

Personally Aras is one of the wisest most thoughtful people I have ever met. I will miss working and learning from Aras and would take any opportunity to do so again. He is an outstanding colleague and a joy to be around.

Stephanie Boreale

National Director @ Watermark | Healthcare Strategy

I got the pleasure of working with Aras and he is a true visionary.

His medical and hospitality experience create quite a different view for where the wellbeing industry should be and he is generally several steps ahead in his thinking. Pair that with a kind and generous person and you have a dynamic thought leader.

Thomas Klein

Hotelier I Vistage Peer Advisory Group Chair | Entrepreneur

It is with pleasure that I write this recommendation for Aras Erekul.

I have known and worked with Aras for over 8 years now and professionally, he worked for me while I was Pres/COO for Canyon Ranch (CR). During our time together, Aras was an exceptional leader and professional on every level and truly demonstrated a high level of leadership in the area of program development, establishing the wellness programs for all of CR’s properties and was actively involved in the openings of our resort properties in Kaplankaya, Turkey and Woodside CA.. His specific skills that I would highlight go far beyond the position requirements and his clear strength were in being an active listener, strategic planner, project management, budget planning / management, retreat programming development and execution, coupled with demonstrating strong skills in building a meaningful community with all stakeholders. Post CR, Aras pursued and continued to demonstrate his skills not only in the Destination Wellness Resort space but also in the Senior Living Community space, where his focus continued around the programming implementation functions. Aras is a true leader that thinks on his feet and requires little guidance in driving outcome in the wellness development, training, consulting and implementation phases and further, has a deep understanding of the Workplace and Leader Well-being area through the Be Well Lead Well Pulse assessment.
I would have no hesitation in recommending him to any prospective Client, Employer or Association that is looking for someone that can add significant value in the area of his expertise and would personally be delighted to work with him again in the future.

Molly Anderson

VP of Sales, Canyon Ranch

Aras is a very creative and strategic thinker, well balanced and process driven in everything he works on.

I found Aras to be a self starter, incredibly reliable and always produced great work. With formal education in hospitality and medicine, Aras is uniquely talented and capable of helping to guide business and program development for wellness businesses. Aras is an excellent presenter and very articulate at conveying concepts and techniques.

Mia Kyricos

President and CEO, Kyricos Associates

I’ve known Aras for years as he’s impressively navigated and influenced important work in the global wellness economy.

From wellness resort development to senior living communities, workplace wellbeing to business development, he is truly committed to fostering a well world where people of all walks of life can truly thrive and live well. He is a passionate and dedicated colleague who stands to benefit companies as an advisor or as part of their senior leadership team. Most importantly, he is a pleasure to work with and brings a refreshing, positive perspective to the work at hand.

Renee Moorefield

CEO, Wisdom Works Group, Inc. | Executive Director, Be Well Lead Well®

BIG mind. BIG heart. BIG purpose. BIG action.

All these qualities (and more) describe Aras Erekul, a true wellbeing leader that I’ve had the honor and good fortune to work with now for many years. Aras brings his leadership, along with a deep wisdom about the science and practices of holistic wellbeing, to non-profit and for-profit workplaces. Plus, he plays a pivotal role in the global movement to build resorts and senior living communities that foster greater vitality for their members and guests. I am delighted that he’s part of Wisdom Work Group’s growing network of positive change leaders who advance thriving, resilience, and wellbeing-driven leadership worldwide; our community (and the world) is simply better because of the gifts he brings to everything he does.

Christine Sperber

Co-founder / CXO at Modern Elder Academy

When you find a deeply intelligent, thoroughly credible and thoughtful leader like Aras, you are lucky indeed.

Aras brings balance to all he does — living at the intersection of science and art, gravitas and levity. It’s a potent combination. Highly recommend. Delightful human being. Hire him if you can.

Monique Montoya

Programming and Facilitation Lead, MEA

I highly recommend Aras for any leadership role. Aras embodies the metaphor of a lighthouse in turbulent seas—steadfast, calm, and encouraging.

Like a lighthouse guiding ships through stormy waters, Aras provides stability and guidance to his team. His composed demeanor and unwavering leadership inspire confidence and focus, even in challenging times.

Aras is skilled at maintaining a cohesive work environment, acting as a pillar of support amidst the dynamics of a team. He possesses the intelligence to keep the team united and motivated, navigating through difficulties with grace and determination. Any team would be lucky to have him and his poise.

Zhalisa “Zee” Clarke

Breathwork | Resilience | Well-Being | Author | Keynote Speaker | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

I partnered with Aras to create an inspirational retreat experience.

Aras has the powerful combination of being both strategic and executing the details, while offering an empathetic perspective as it relates to all stakeholders. Strongly recommend him for any projects related to wellness and well-being!

Lori Schwanbeck

Mindfulness based emotional intelligence program designer and facilitator

I have had the pleasure of working with Aras in different projects for the past 6 years.

His ability to connect with a range of stakeholders with professionalism, warmth, encouragement, and reliability creates trust and engagement. I witnessed him stay grounded and efficient in a high stress environment where excellence was expected and delivered… all with a smile and the energy of enthusiasm which kept everyone around him committed and energized. It will be an honor and delight to work together again!

Jennifer Tarkiainen

Senior Business Advisor at Business Finland

Aras is one a million; the type of talent that is rare to come across.

I was lucky enough to get the chance to work with him and watch him lead with compassion. His analytical skills are off-the-charts exceptional. He was the person that everyone wanted to work with- because we all knew he could solve any challenge and do it with grace. Truly a pleasure to work with.

Mike Siemens

Director of Performance Science at Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort RCEP – ACSM

I have had the pleasant opportunity to work with Aras on a Health and Wellness Spa and hotel.

He is an incredibly intelligent, hard working conscientious person. He is always willing to go the extra mile for a team-mate or a customer.
You cannot find a better all around person than Aras.

Jennifer Cabe

Senior Communications Consultant and Speechwriter —
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Aras is skilled in many diverse areas across business and health.

He’s a truly pleasant person to collaborate with on detail-oriented projects, including those that require a lot of discernment and judgment. Aras is also an excellent presenter and educator with a very engaging style.

Catherine Moseley

Organizational and Leadership Development|Cultural Engagement|Change Management|Customer Experience|Human Resources

I had the pleasure of working with Aras at Canyon Ranch in the Corporate Office.

I remember being constantly amazed at his ability to think of new guest experiences. He continues to ask “How can we (I) do this better and before anyone else can do it?” He provides a calm within an organizational storm. Always reading, learning, curious and helpful. I miss working with him as a team member and resource.