Better Together:

 A Championship Mindset for Health, Performance, and Life

An Interview by Anthony Bronaugh Sr. for Pursuit Magazine

Success leaves clues.

Whether it's helping individuals transform their health, earning the prestigious title of Mr. America, or building a life centered around purpose and service, Betty and Phil Thomas understand what it takes to pursue excellence. Betty Thomas, founder of Better Together Weight Management, has dedicated her career to helping people create lasting lifestyle changes, while her husband, Phil Thomas, has achieved success as a Men's Physique Pro and Mr. America First Place winner. Together, they exemplify the power of discipline, partnership, resilience, and perspective.

In this conversation with Pursuit Magazine, Betty and Phil share lessons learned from personal transformation, overcoming adversity, maintaining consistency, and creating a legacy that extends beyond trophies and titles. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Betty, Better Together Weight Management focuses on transformation beyond the scale. What inspired you to build the business, and what have you learned about the connection between mindset, habits, and sustainable health?

Betty Thomas:

I've been a health coach for 14 years, including 13 years leading a local hospital's non-surgical weight management program. When I learned the program was ending, I knew I wanted to continue the work because helping people transform their lives is more than a profession—it's my life's work.

I've personally lost 60 pounds and maintained that loss for over 14 years. That experience taught me that sustainable health isn't about quick fixes; it's about accountability, support, and creating habits that can last a lifetime. At Better Together, we help people build those systems so they can improve their health and maintain their success long term. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Phil, earning a Men's Physique Pro Mr. America First Place title requires extraordinary discipline. What principles or daily habits helped carry you to that achievement?

Phil Thomas:

Winning any bodybuilding show is a blessing, but earning the title of Mr. America is truly an honor. One thing I've learned is that success is never guaranteed, but you can absolutely put yourself in the best position to achieve it.

For me, it started with clearly defining what I wanted, studying the most effective ways to reach that goal, and writing down a plan. I never wanted to rely solely on motivation because motivation comes and goes. Instead, I aligned my daily habits and environment around my objective and continually reinforced the belief that I was capable and worthy of achieving it. Those principles helped guide me throughout the journey. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

As husband and wife working in health, wellness, and performance, how do you support one another while pursuing high-level professional goals?

Betty and Phil Thomas:

We understand that great teams succeed when each person is allowed to operate within their strengths. Shaquille O'Neal was one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he wouldn't have been at his best playing point guard.

The same principle applies to us. We recognize each other's strengths, create space for those talents to flourish, and remain focused on our shared goals. That allows us to grow individually while continuing to move forward together as a team. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Many people struggle with consistency. What advice would you give someone who starts strong but struggles to stay committed?

Betty and Phil Thomas:

People often lose sight of their "why."

When life presents challenges, health scares, or major goals, motivation can be high. The problem is that motivation fluctuates. That's why purpose matters more than motivation.

To remain consistent:

• Find an accountability partner, coach, or mentor.

• Schedule regular check-ins with yourself.

• Celebrate small wins and incremental progress.

• Create an environment that supports your goals and removes unnecessary obstacles.

• Remember that meaningful transformation takes time.

Consistency is rarely about perfection. It's about continuing to move forward, even if progress feels slow. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Transformation often involves setbacks. Can you share moments when adversity forced you to adapt, grow, or redefine success?

Betty Thomas:

At the end of my bodybuilding career, I suffered a severe back injury that required surgery. Suddenly, I had to rewrite everything I thought I knew about my future.

I attempted to return to competition twice, but my body simply wouldn't allow it. While that was disappointing, I eventually learned to redirect that energy toward new goals that aligned with my current capabilities. Sometimes growth requires letting go of one dream so another can emerge. 

Phil Thomas:

During college, I earned All-American honors in track and field. The following year, I suffered a devastating knee injury that damaged my ACL, MCL, meniscus, and cartilage.

After surgery, a physician told me I might never walk the same again. Sitting at home during recovery, I felt as though a major part of my identity had been taken away. Then I remembered a quote from Henry Ford that my basketball coach once shared with me: "Whether you think you can or can't, you're probably right."

That perspective changed everything. It fueled my rehabilitation, helped me return to competition within six months, and ultimately shaped how I coach and motivate others today. Success is often about perspective. We must define it for ourselves rather than allowing others to define it for us. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Health and performance continue to evolve. What trends or principles do you believe people should pay more attention to?

Betty Thomas:

I encourage people to pay closer attention to the ingredients in their food—not just calories or fat content. Whenever possible, choose foods with simple ingredients and limit highly processed options.

Many of the most impactful health practices are surprisingly simple: eat vegetables, drink water, get quality sleep, manage stress, take walks, and lift weights. These habits may not be flashy, but they work. 

Phil Thomas:

There are countless programs, diets, and training philosophies available today. What I've learned is that the best program isn't necessarily the most popular one—it's the one you can consistently follow.

The more we simplify things, eat foods closer to their natural form, stay active, and surround ourselves with positive and healthy people, the closer we move toward becoming the best version of ourselves. 

Anthony Bronaugh Sr.:

Pursuit Magazine often explores achievement and purpose. What legacy do you hope your work leaves behind?

Betty and Phil Thomas:

We hope what we leave to those around us is not just a laundry list of awards and accomplishments but a love of the process on how we were able to achieve the accolades.

People are enamored by world records, rockstars, and billionaires. We feel what is more important than what they accomplished is HOW they were able too! What drove them…what motivated them…what mindset did they have to develop to achieve excellence. When we look back some day, we would rather someone be more inspired by the work than the glory.

About the Interviewer

Anthony Bronaugh Sr., M.Ed., BCBA, is the founder of AB Education & Behavior Consulting and a contributor to Pursuit Magazine. Through leadership development, behavioral science, and community engagement, he highlights the stories of individuals whose journeys demonstrate the power of determination, discipline, and purpose…aka an “Instructional Warrior”!