Nervous System Coach, Speaker, Facilitator

Meet Salim Najjar,
That HRV Guy

Illuminating the Language of HRV

What's your Nervous System saying?
Salim Najjar meditating outdoors in morning light
The person behind the practice

Salim Najjar

Salim Najjar helps founders, CEOs, and high-performing leaders transform their relationship with stress by learning to understand what their body has been telling them, so they can lead with greater clarity and presence.

As a former founder and CEO, Salim understands firsthand the demands of leadership and the breaking points that can come with carrying a vision. Driven by a deeper question of what it truly means to thrive, he spent years studying human performance, consciousness, and wisdom traditions with leading teachers, practitioners, and spiritual masters around the world.

Through that journey, Salim discovered Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation, one that allows people to see, measure, and ultimately change how they relate to stress. This work led him to develop the A.R.T. of the Heart framework, a methodology he has taught to hundreds of leaders worldwide.

Known for his ability to create deep trust, Salim has a rare gift for helping people feel truly seen, understood, and supported. He is on a mission to help people reconnect with the wisdom of their body, and become the fullest expression of who they are.

Salim Najjar, That HRV Guy
The Journey

From building to listening.

Two decades of doing, one shoulder that said enough, and the practice that grew out of the stillness.

The Foundation Years

Salim as a child - born 1987

June 1987

Born

First-generation Lebanese-American. Eldest of three. The journey begins.

Family photo, 1994

October 1994

Father Passes Away

Age 7. The caretaker pattern forms.

High school graduation, 2005

June 2005

Graduated High School

Ready to engineer my way to success.

The Building Years

RPI graduation, 2009

May 2009

Graduated RPI

Dual engineering degree in hand. The analytical mind fully online.

Nuclear power plant, first engineering job

September 2009

Nuclear Power Plant

First engineering job, at a nuclear power plant.

The health awakening, 2009

December 2009

The Health Awakening

An obsession with nutrition begins. I treated my body like a project to manage.

The Entrepreneurial Climb

The biohacking years begin, 2014

March 2014

The Biohacking Years Begin

I experimented with everything, chasing the perfect protocol. The body was a machine to upgrade.

Sound Beverages launch, 2014

August 2014

Launched Sound Beverages

Co-founded an unsweetened sparkling tea company on a mission to bring transparency to the beverage aisle.

Full-time on Sound, New York City

December 2014

Full-Time on Sound

Quit corporate and moved to NYC, all-in on Sound.

Sound billboard in Times Square, 2019

February 2019

NYC Billboard Debut & Knee Injury

A Netflix debut in Times Square. I thought I had made it. A knee injury was the body's first whisper.

The Data Awakening

First Oura ring, 2019

December 2019

First Oura Ring

HRV baseline: 32 to 35. The first time I saw my HRV. I had no idea what it meant.

Reading Becoming Supernatural
Studying HRV, 2020

August 2020

First True Understanding of HRV

Read Becoming Supernatural and learned HRV speaks the language of stress. I set out to make the number go up.

Venice Beach apartment
Venice Beach sunset

November 2020

Venice Beach Move

A dream apartment with sunset views for the Sound expansion.

Hyperbaric oxygen chamber
Inside the HBOT chamber

May 2021

HBOT Purchase

Bought a hyperbaric chamber. Investing in optimization, still forcing outcomes.

The "Peak" Years

Sound birthday launch event
Celebrating the capital raise

June 2022

Birthday Launch Event

Launched Sound's newest flavor and closed a major capital raise.

Launching the thatHRVguy Instagram
Birthday declaration, 2023

June 2023

@thatHRVguy & the Birthday Declaration

Sound was expanding faster than I could raise capital to support it. I asked the universe for "less doing, more being." And I launched @thatHRVguy.

The Breaking Point

The birthday e-bike
Dislocated shoulder

June 21, 2023

The Universe Responds

Gifted an e-bike for my birthday. On the first ride, a dislocated shoulder. The body's intervention begins.

Preparing for shoulder surgery
Post-surgery recovery
Forced stillness

August 19, 2023

Shoulder Surgery

Did all the things to prepare, walked in with an HRV of 150, and came out at 10. Forced stillness, deep listening, and letting go of my beverage company.

The Dissolution & Rebirth

First Bali trip
Bali, 2023

November 2023

First Bali Trip

Seeking something. Finding myself.

Rock bottom, January 2024

January 16, 2024

Personal Bankruptcy

"Rock bottom." Identity death. Soul rebirth.

The Integration

Sacred sites of Greece
Greece expedition group

September 2024

Greece Expedition

Co-led a group of twelve through the sacred sites of Greece.

With masters in Java
Java, Indonesia

November 2024

Java Trip

Eight days with masters in Java, learning their mystical ways.

Workshop in Okinawa, Japan
The Unconventional Life Retreat

December 2024

The Unconventional Life Retreat, Okinawa

Hosted a workshop and activation in the largest Blue Zone in the world.

The Expression

Letting go of the toys
Leaving the Venice oasis

January 2025

Got Light

Let go of all my toys and left the Venice biohacking oasis.

Workshop at the Biohacking Conference
Activation at the Biohacking Conference

May 2025

The Biohacking Conference

Hosted a workshop and activation at Dave Asprey's Biohacking Conference. Teaching listening in the heart of the optimization world.

MUDWTR Gathering HRV workshop
Community activation in Venice

July 2025

MUDWTR Gathering HRV Workshop

My first curated HRV workshop and activation with my community in Venice.

Alegria Festival

January 2026

Alegria Festival

Hosted a workshop at the largest New Year's festival in Bali.

Kayan Festival

February 2026

Kayan Festival

Gave a couple of workshops to the YPO chapter at the largest wellness festival in the Middle East.

Beyond Biohacking Conference

May 2026

Beyond Biohacking Conference

Asked to come back and speak at Dave Asprey's conference.

Salim Najjar on The Dr. Hyman Show

July 2026

The Dr. Hyman Show Podcast Launch

Sat down with Dr. Mark Hyman to bring the language of HRV to one of the biggest stages in health.

Salim in daily practice

Present Day

Daily devotion of listening to my body

In the media
You've been coaching me on my HRV... it's a reflection of your nervous system state, and you need to pay attention to it so you can actually improve your overall well-being, health and longevity.
Dr. Mark Hyman

Stories from those who went deeper

Founders and leaders who came to Salim for nervous system support, and found the work reached into their relationships, their purpose, and most importantly, how they meet themselves.

Andrew Abraham

Salim is a true master of HRV, but more than that, he's one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever worked with. Through his guidance, I improved my HRV by over 50%.As the founder and CEO of Orgain, my life is a nonstop whirlwind of travel, meetings, and high-pressure decision-making. Working with Salim Najjar has been one of the most grounding and impactful decisions I've made for my health and performance. Salim is a true master of HRV, but more than that, he's one of the kindest, most genuine, and thoughtful people I've ever worked with. Through his guidance, I improved my HRV by over 50%. His coaching style is a rare blend of deep expertise and deep empathy. Salim didn't just help me hit a number, he helped me feel better, think clearer, and live more intentionally. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Andrew AbrahamFounder & CEO, Orgain
Tim Gurner

Working with Salim took me to a depth of consciousness and self awareness that I've never experienced, a journey that has profoundly transformed my life.Truly a life-changing experience, on a level I've never accessed before. Working with Salim took me to a depth of consciousness and self awareness that I've never experienced, a journey that has profoundly transformed my life. What began as a seemingly simple mission to elevate my HRV evolved into a complete life shift, impacting not just me, but my wife, my children, my business, and everyone I care about. Salim's true gift is the energy, love, and deep presence he brings. He challenges you, supports you, and expands your view of what's truly possible, not just in performance, but in life itself. I could not more strongly recommend this incredible human to anyone seeking self-mastery, deeper consciousness, and next-level performance in life.

Tim GurnerFounder & CEO, Gurner Group & Saint Haven
Alli Schaper

Incorporating Salim's teachings into my daily life has elevated my energy, joy, and optimism, allowing me to thrive amidst the chaos of running multiple businesses.Salim has been my close friend and coach for three years, guiding me toward a profound understanding of nervous system balance. As a busy startup founder constantly on the move, my HRV averaged in the 40s, but through Salim's guidance it now consistently reaches the 70s and 80s, peaking at 122. His practices have revolutionized how I manage stress, navigate challenges with grace, and regulate my nervous system. Incorporating Salim's teachings into my daily life has elevated my energy levels, joy, and optimism, allowing me to thrive amidst the chaos of running multiple businesses and 90 flights a year. His expertise sets him apart as a world-class healer.

Alli SchaperCo-Founder, SuperMush
Cal Callahan

My bonds with my spouse and children have deepened, and my clarity and passion for my purpose have never been stronger.From our initial meeting, I sensed that Salim truly grasped my essence. As we progressed beyond the fundamentals of HRV and explored the intricate layers of my interpersonal challenges, profound revelations ensued. Through this transformative journey, every facet of my life has aligned with my guiding North Star. My bonds with my spouse and children have deepened, and my clarity and passion for my overarching purpose have never been stronger. I cannot express enough gratitude to Salim for accompanying me on this incredible journey.

Cal CallahanThe Great Unlearn Podcast
Kate Horin

I face high-pressure situations with beauty and appreciation, a crystal-clear mind and calm nervous system. I now intrinsically listen to what my mind and body need.I originally started with Salim hyper-focused on performance optimization, but quickly realized his coaching is far more than that: Salim teaches life optimization. He provided me with real, customized, practical tools and small changes that have had an exponentially large impact. Through working with Salim, I face high-pressure situations with beauty and appreciation, a crystal-clear mind and calm nervous system. I now intrinsically understand and listen to what my mind and body need and am far more in tune with honoring those needs. Salim is a guide and a light in this world. He has had one of the most profound impacts on my life.

Kate HorinPartner, Invisible Technologies
Ross Deutsch

I saw a remarkable increase in my average HRV from 22 to 58 while working with Salim, a testament to the transformative power of his approach.Salim's coaching has been an incredible journey of discovery and transformation. He seamlessly integrates ancient wisdom traditions with cutting-edge scientific research, creating a holistic approach to human health. Through his guidance I gained a deeper understanding of HRV and its role as a crucial indicator of resilience and adaptability. I saw a remarkable increase in my average HRV from 22 to 58 while working with Salim, a testament to the effectiveness of his coaching and the transformative power of his approach. I am deeply grateful for his guidance on this journey toward greater resilience, vitality, and fulfillment.

Ross DeutschFounder, Tiny Galaxy
Rome Shadanloo

Salim has helped me tap into obstacles and alchemize them into opportunities. One of the best investments I have made in myself.Working with Salim has been a game changer. A healthy nervous system is the gateway to true self-actualization. We can get so clouded with programs of fear and scarcity that we keep unwittingly losing opportunities of expansion during trying times. Salim has helped me tap into obstacles and alchemize them into opportunities. There is accountability, caring and wisdom in this container and it's potent. If anyone is looking for the next level of personal and professional success, this may be an invitation. One of the best investments I have made in myself. He's the real deal.

Rome ShadanlooFounder, Mycology Psychology
Jit Balakumar

He immersed himself in techniques from different cultures and transported the relevant teachings to me. Single-handed, this is the most important mentorship and education I've ever had.Salim has given me tools and education at a master's level. He equipped me to enhance my HRV which directly translated to human performance. I became a better husband, friend, son, doctor and human being. As a doctor I was sceptical at the beginning, but my HRV increased dramatically. He has gone around the world and immersed himself in techniques from different cultures and was able to transport the relevant teachings to me. Single-handed, this is the most important mentorship and education I've ever had. My wife and children have all commented on how present I've become, and how I have embodied calmness and love. Thank you my brother Salim.

Jit BalakumarOrthopaedic Surgeon
Adam Greenfeld

I'm calmer, kinder, and more present in every aspect of my life, and the ripple effects are undeniable. My relationships are stronger, and I'm kinder to myself.When people ask what is the one thing I've done that has made the biggest improvement to my health, I say "Salim Najjar". I'm juggling multiple businesses and stress was overtaking me; burnout felt inevitable. Salim is in a league of his own, blending modern technique and ancient wisdom into a personalized roadmap. While I initially sought out Salim to improve my physical health, what I got was so much more. I'm calmer, kinder, and more present in every aspect of my life, and the ripple effects are undeniable. My employees are happier, my relationships are stronger, and most importantly, I'm kinder to myself.

Adam GreenfeldCo-Founder, Thesis & Frij

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