We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Burbank recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was quite literally walking away from everything to start over. In 2019, I had a profound breathwork and somatic experience that catapulted me onto a path of self-discovery. Up until that point, I thought I knew myself, but in reality, I only knew the version of me that “society” and “culture” had molded. The truth was, I had no idea who I really was at my core.

About a year and a half into this journey of self-discovery, I started to notice some glaring misalignments in my life—one being my marriage, and the other, my business and business partnership. These realizations became even more undeniable during COVID, a time when everything felt amplified. The clarity I gained during that time gave me the courage to take the biggest risk of my life: I chose to walk away from it all—my marriage, my business, and my business partner—all at once.

From the outside looking in, my life seemed picture-perfect. I had financial security, a beautiful daughter, and a thriving business. But inside, I felt lonely, unfulfilled, and desperate to rediscover myself. When I made the decision to leave both partnerships at the same time, I had no plan. No roadmap. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the most strategic move, but I think I needed that “pushed-against-the-wall” feeling to truly leap into the unknown.

At that moment, I asked myself a question I now ask all of my clients: If time and money didn’t exist, what would you do? My answer was simple—coach and teach people while traveling the world. It felt audacious, almost too good to be true. But that vision became my north star.

Fast forward three years, and I’ve built the coaching business of my dreams. It hasn’t been without hardship or struggle, but those challenges were necessary to create something that is authentically mine. There were moments of doubt and times I felt like giving up, but every step taught me resilience, patience, and trust in myself.

Taking that risk taught me the value of alignment—of living a life that is true to who you are, not who the world tells you to be. It’s a lesson I carry into my work every single day, and it’s why I’m so passionate about helping others create lives and businesses that feel aligned, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling.

Nicole, 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?

Hi there! I’m Nicole Burbank, a Peak Performance and Business Growth Strategist, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses break free from limiting patterns, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies to unlock their fullest potential.

I’ve always been passionate—some might say obsessed—about business systems, operations, and growth mindset. My brain naturally sees every situation through the lens of, “How can this be faster, more efficient, and less time-consuming?” This gift has become the foundation of my coaching business, enabling me to help others create streamlined strategies that drive meaningful results.

Through my own journey of transformation, I discovered my passion for empowering others to design purpose-driven lives and businesses. With a professional background rooted in behavioral psychology, functional nutrition, and business operations, I bring a unique set of tools to help my clients—ranging from individuals seeking personal growth to businesses wanting to scale—develop systems, strategies, and mindsets that create lasting change.

What I offer:
I specialize in 1:1 coaching and business consulting, working with clients who want to excel personally and professionally. My approach is holistic, focusing on three key pillars: physical health, emotional resilience, and mental toughness. Whether it’s helping an individual create healthier habits, guiding a business owner through operational challenges, or assisting an executive in developing their leadership skills, I bring a whole-body and operationally driven approach to solving problems.

For businesses, I help streamline operations, build scalable systems, and optimize team dynamics to enhance efficiency and profitability. For individuals, I focus on mindset reprogramming, stress management, and creating sustainable habits that enable them to thrive. My work blends personal development with operational strategy—because I firmly believe that success in both life and business requires harmony between the two.

What sets me apart:
I’m not just a coach or consultant—I’m someone who’s walked the path of transformation myself. My clients work with someone who understands the grit, resilience, and determination required to make meaningful changes. I bring a unique combination of expertise: a degree in behavioral psychology, an MBA, and over a decade of experience in operations and business strategy. This dual perspective—emotional and strategic—allows me to deliver practical, actionable solutions that truly work.

What I’m most proud of:
The ripple effect of my work is what drives me. Whether it’s helping a business increase efficiency and boost profits or guiding an individual toward a more balanced, fulfilling life, seeing my clients thrive is the most rewarding part of what I do. I’m also incredibly proud of creating a business that aligns with my values—one that allows me to travel, connect with inspiring people, and continually grow both personally and professionally.

What I want potential clients and followers to know:
Transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your personal life, looking to scale your business, or striving to achieve high performance across the board, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My approach is deeply personalized, focusing on your unique goals and challenges to create tailored strategies for success.

Ultimately, my mission is to help you live and work in alignment with who you truly are, breaking free from patterns and inefficiencies that hold you back. Together, we’ll build a life and business that feel purposeful, powerful, and fulfilling. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’d be honored to support you on your journey!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy—and this is something I teach in my business coaching—is to align your approach with what feels authentic and true to you. For example, traveling is a huge part of who I am. It gives me a sense of freedom, so building a business that allows me to work from anywhere was key. That’s why I focus on connecting with people online rather than hosting local seminars or workshops.

For anyone looking to grow their clientele, start by asking yourself: What feels most authentic to me? Then, build your strategy around that answer. The biggest takeaway I can offer is to remember that you have the power to create whatever you envision—even if it feels unique or unconventional. I always use Steve Jobs as an example because no one imagined the iPhone until he did. Trust your inner knowing, take that leap, and try it. When your approach aligns with who you truly are, you’ll not only attract the right clients but also build a business that feels both fulfilling and sustainable.

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

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the difference between being kind and being nice. By nature, I’m a giver—I love helping others and see potential in everything, which has been both a blessing and a curse. For years, I thought being “nice” meant saying yes to everything and accommodating others, even when it wasn’t in my best interest. This led to burnout, resentment, and feeling like I was losing myself in the process.

Through many experiences—both personal and professional—I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean sacrificing your own boundaries or values. It means being direct, honest, and compassionate, while staying true to what aligns with your best self. This shift has allowed me to show up authentically in every area of my life, and it’s a lesson I now share with my clients as they navigate their own journeys of self-awareness and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolemburbank.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.burbank/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.burbank21?mibextid=JRoKGi
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-burbank-4b6a19209
• Twitter: https://x.com/NicoleM_Burbank

Image Credits

The Modern Edit Megan Duffy