We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cheryl Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cheryl thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

After 11 years as a physical therapist, I made the difficult decision to step away from patient care — a career I truly loved. It wasn’t burnout in the traditional sense, but a quiet exhaustion that came from giving so much of myself to others while missing moments that mattered most at home. I carried a lot of fear about starting something new, and even shame for feeling unfulfilled in a profession I had worked so hard to build. Walking away from stability into the unknown felt reckless to some — especially to my family, who couldn’t understand why I’d leave a secure position for something uncertain and difficult. But deep down, I knew I needed to create something that allowed me to care for others and be present for my own family. That’s how my business was born — out of courage, honesty, and a desire to build a life that aligns with my values.

Cheryl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Brains & Bods actually began as a wellness and informational blog on my website. To be honest, it started as a bit of a COVID project. During that time, I began sharing simple exercises people could do at home with little or no equipment — and I quickly realized how much that resonated. People wanted realistic, time-efficient ways to move their bodies and feel better.

As the interest grew, I started posting short home workout videos on Instagram, and that’s really where things took off. Over time, I developed my own workout series called the 4×4 Program — short, structured mini-circuits designed for daily routines. You can find wellness articles and exercise programs on Brainsandbods.com It’s perfect for anyone who’s short on time but still wants to stay consistent and support healthy, functional aging. Just 20 minutes a day can make a meaningful difference.

Right now, I’m especially focused on midlife fitness and women’s perimenopausal health — helping women navigate this stage with strength, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what their bodies truly need.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

There are a few books that have really helped shape how I approach my business and keep an entrepreneurial mindset, I say. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown was a big one for me. Before starting Brains & Bods, I had never managed a team or been a boss to anyone but myself. Going from an employee in a large healthcare system to being your own boss can feel intimidating. That book helped me understand the kind of leader I want to be — one who leads with courage, honesty, and compassion.

Grit by Angela Duckworth also resonated deeply. It helped me see how passion and perseverance work hand in hand when you’re chasing long-term goals. Building something from the ground up isn’t easy — it requires patience and consistency, and that book reminded me of that.

Another book that really changed my daily approach is Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you’re starting anything new and need a sense of structure, this one is essential. It taught me how to create small, efficient habits that add up over time — allowing me to grow my business while still showing up for my family and taking care of my own well-being.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I first started exploring leadership and entrepreneurship, I realized there was so much personal growth that came with it. I grew up believing that if you did well in school, earned your degrees, and checked all the boxes — higher education, licenses, certifications — you’d land your dream job and feel fulfilled. But I quickly learned that wasn’t necessarily true.

When I decided to pivot my career, I was hit with a wave of imposter syndrome. I didn’t know much about starting a business, and part of me questioned whether I was even qualified to try. I hadn’t gone to school for entrepreneurship, so I felt like I was starting from scratch.

It took me some time to realize that I already had the tools I needed. So many of the skills I rely on now — communication, problem-solving, resilience — came from my years in patient care and from life itself. Once I stopped doubting my background and started trusting my experience, everything began to fall into place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brainsandbods.com
• Instagram: @brainsandbods
• Facebook: Brains and Bods
• Linkedin: Cheryl Walker PT
• Youtube: @brainsandbods

Image Credits

Michelle Smee @michellesmeephotography