Today we’d like to introduce you to Vasheti Quiros.

Vasheti, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I am the founder of Well Balanced CEO, a business dedicated to helping purpose-driven women rediscover self-love and joy while achieving balance and fulfillment in their lives and work. Through trauma-informed leadership coaching and transformational programs, I guide women leaders to prioritize themselves, embrace their worth, and create a ripple effect of positive change in their organizations and communities.

My journey began in the Pacific Northwest, where I was raised by a resilient single mother. As the first in my family to earn a college degree, I developed a deep sense of responsibility to create opportunities for others. After getting married, my husband and I moved to Florida, where I had the honor of starting my career at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Witnessing the joy of children and families there ignited a passion for heart-centered work, which continues to fuel my mission today.

Over the years, I transitioned into nonprofit work to bring that same sense of joy and connection to families and communities. I held leadership roles at the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, Sweet Pea Cottage Preschool of the Arts, the Snohomish County Music Project, and Sound Pathways. These experiences deepened my understanding of the challenges women leaders face as they balance professional demands with personal well-being.

My own hardships played a significant role in shaping my desire to create Well Balanced CEO. After facing life-altering health challenges and navigating the emotional and physical demands of recovery, I experienced firsthand how easy it is to lose yourself in the pursuit of professional success. Those experiences taught me the importance of self-love, resilience, and the need to create space for joy—even in the midst of challenges. It also fueled my passion to help other women leaders navigate their own struggles, rediscover their worth, and prioritize their own well-being without guilt.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges along the way have shaped me into the person and leader I am today. The biggest challenge came in 2018 when I was blindsided by a brain tumor diagnosis. What followed was a craniotomy and a long recovery process that turned my life upside down. While I’m incredibly grateful for my survival, the aftermath introduced a host of struggles I wasn’t prepared for.

Physically, constant fatigue became my new normal, making even daily activities feel unbearable. I also faced cognitive challenges—like brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating—which impacted my ability to work and learn. These changes, paired with the invisible nature of my disability, often led to skepticism from others. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told, “You don’t look sick,” which forced me to constantly advocate for myself, explaining my limitations to healthcare providers, colleagues, and even friends and family.

This journey also placed strain on my personal relationships. It’s not easy to open up about fluctuating energy levels or other limitations, and navigating these dynamics often left me feeling isolated. Adapting my daily routines to accommodate my symptoms required significant lifestyle changes and emotional resilience. There were moments when it felt like everything I had built professionally and personally was slipping through my fingers.

Despite these challenges, I was determined to return to my role as Executive Director at the Snohomish County Music Project. Within just three months of my surgery, I stepped back into leadership, driven by my commitment to the organization and the team I had the honor of leading. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, those leadership skills were put to the test. The nonprofit sector faced unprecedented uncertainty, but I was steadfast in my mission to protect our team. Through creativity, adaptability, and sheer determination, I was able to guide the organization so that all eight staff members maintained their employment—a feat I remain deeply proud of.

These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of advocating not only for myself but also for those I serve. They now inform how I lead and support others, especially nonprofit leaders facing their own challenges. While the road has been rocky, every struggle has shaped me into a leader who understands the value of balance, purpose, and perseverance.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Well Balanced CEO?

At Well Balanced CEO, I offer programs and coaching designed to help women reconnect with their inner strength, rediscover their passions, and embrace joy in their lives. Whether it’s through personalized guidance, innovative training programs, or tailored digital resources, my goal is to empower women leaders to fall back in love with themselves, prioritize their needs, and show up as their best selves for their missions and communities.

I’m also excited to announce that in 2025, I will begin creating amazing immersion retreats! These retreats will provide women with a transformative opportunity to step away from the demands of their daily lives and immerse themselves in an environment of self-discovery, rejuvenation, and joy. My vision is to create safe, inspiring spaces where participants can reconnect with themselves, build community, and leave feeling recharged and empowered to lead with clarity and confidence.

This work is deeply personal to me. I believe that when women lead with clarity, confidence, and joy, they not only transform their own lives but also create a ripple effect of empowerment and inspiration for others. My mission is to help women embrace their unique power, find balance, and step into leadership roles with ease and fulfillment.

What sets Well Balanced CEO apart is the deeply personal approach I bring to the work. At its heart, my brand is about helping women leaders fall in love with themselves again—rediscovering their power, their worth, and their purpose. Leadership often demands everything of us, leaving little room for self-care or personal joy. My mission is to change that by guiding women leaders to prioritize themselves, embrace self-love, and create space for balance and fulfillment in their lives.

What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is the focus on balance and self-love as transformative tools for success. At Well Balanced CEO, balance isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. It’s about breaking free from the narrative that your worth is tied solely to your work and instead embracing the idea that when you prioritize yourself, you can show up as the best version of yourself for your organization and your mission.

My own journey through life-altering challenges taught me the importance of making yourself a priority and reclaiming your joy. That journey inspired the work I do today, helping women leaders to recognize their own value and lead from a place of authenticity and self-compassion. Well Balanced CEO isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about helping women leaders fall back in love with themselves so they can lead their organizations and communities with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

To the readers: If you’re ready to reclaim your energy, rediscover your passion, and lead with ease while falling back in love with yourself along the way, I’d love to guide you on this transformative journey. Together, we can create the balance and impact you deserve.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?

My advice for those just starting out is simple yet profound: prioritize yourself and your well-being from the very beginning. When I first started, I wish I had known the importance of balance—not just in my work, but in my entire life. It’s easy to pour everything into your mission and forget to take care of yourself, but the truth is, you can’t give your best to others if you’re running on empty.

Another key piece of advice is to invest in your personal growth. Seek out mentors, join supportive communities, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. I can’t overstate how transformative mentorship has been for me. Learning from others who’ve walked the path before you can save you time, energy, and unnecessary frustration.

I also wish I had embraced the concept of self-love sooner. It’s so easy to let fear of failure or self-doubt hold you back, but falling in love with yourself—believing in your worth and your abilities—is the foundation of fearless leadership. The sooner you embrace that mindset, the more confidently you’ll be able to navigate challenges.

Lastly, I’d encourage anyone starting out to get clear on your values and align your work with them. It’s tempting to say yes to every opportunity, but the most fulfilling path is one where your work resonates deeply with your passion and purpose. Staying true to that alignment will not only bring you greater satisfaction but will also attract the right opportunities and people to your journey.

Remember: you don’t have to have it all figured out from day one. Growth is a process, and every step, even the missteps, contributes to the leader you’re becoming. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins, and keep moving forward with intention and self-compassion.

Pricing:

• 150/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wellbalancedceo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellbalancedceo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewellbalancedceo
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasheti-quiros/

Image Credits

Athena Llewellyn