We were lucky to catch up with Liz Bouma recently and have shared our conversation below.

Liz, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

From an early age, my mom taught me the value of working. I had always been provided for, but my mom made very clear that discipline and grit get you far. When I was 8, my mom bought me a horse. She told me if she touched that horse, it’s over. In order to take care of my horse and fulfill my passions of riding, I needed to learn every aspect of that horse to make sure I understood what he and I needed. That discipline and work ethic very much applied to the rest of my life. I was a perfectionist through school and determined to get done what I needed to get done within a given time frame. Every goal I set out for myself at an early age I was able to complete. Anyone can do hard things.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I transitioned from mainstream medicine to dedicate myself to educating and empowering women about their holistic well-being. My journey led me to establish a business that utilizes the DUTCH test, offering objective insights into women’s hormone balance. While my primary focus is on hormones and women’s health, I understand the interconnectedness of hormones with various systems—reproductive health, fertility, weight, mental health, gut health, endocrine health, liver health, musculoskeletal health, and more. My business is rooted in the mission of educating and empowering women about their bodies, guiding them to optimize every facet of their wellness. In addition to the DUTCH test, I provide one-on-one consultations, create educational content through courses and digital products, and actively engage with the community through local events and collaborations with small businesses.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I welcomed my second child merely 18 months after the first, I found myself immersed in the fast-paced life of a working NP while my husband dedicated endless hours as a resident. Together, we clocked in a wild 130 hours a week. It took a vacation amid this chaos to make us realize that, despite being in our dream jobs, the life we envisioned for our children was slipping away. The following week, we both made a bold decision – he switched residencies, and I chose to prioritize staying at home with my kids. During this period, I discovered my passion for educating and empowering women, all while making motherhood my top priority. Establishing my own business has granted me the flexibility to balance and love motherhood and my career.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Being consistently open to learning has been my guiding principle. In the medical field, the prescribed path is often straightforward, leaving little room for decision-making during college or grad school. Transitioning into the business realm disrupted that familiarity and plunged me into uncharted waters. To navigate, I sought guidance from mentors, immersed myself in books and podcasts, and looked up to role models. Embracing a mindset of perpetual openness, I learned and applied various strategies, embracing failures as opportunities for growth. The invaluable lessons from always being receptive and never assuming I know it all have been unparalleled.

Contact Info:

• Website: lizbouma.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbouma/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-bouma-183247197/

Image Credits
Julia Gomez Photography https://www.instagram.com/juliagomez.photo/