We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Burbank and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
To be honest, I don’t believe in the traditional idea of balance. I’ve learned that the concept of “balance” often holds us back more than it helps us. Instead, I prefer to think in terms of harmony. For me, the idea of balance implies that everything in your life should get equal attention, which can create unrealistic expectations and lead to feelings of overwhelm or even failure when things don’t work out that way.
I can only speak from my own experience, but when I tried to pursue “balance” in my life, I felt even more out of balance. The reality is, life isn’t meant to be perfectly balanced. Every season brings different demands, and with that, certain areas of your life will naturally take priority. Whether you’re meeting the love of your life, becoming a new mother, starting a business, or growing your career, these important moments often require most of your energy and focus. And that’s okay.
What I believe in, and what has helped me, is achieving harmony. Harmony means that while one area of your life may take precedence, you can still be present and engaged in the other areas without guilt or overwhelm. It’s about embracing the fact that one part of your life may require more attention, but it doesn’t mean you’re neglecting everything else. You’re flowing with your priorities, not fighting against them.
The shift from seeking balance to embracing harmony has allowed me to release a lot of the guilt and shame I used to feel when I couldn’t give equal attention to everything. Now, I create harmony by getting clear on my top priorities—I typically stick to four key areas at a time. For example, my current priorities are my mental health, my daughter, my work, and my physical health. These are the areas where I focus most of my energy, and when I’m present in those moments, I’m truly present—not worrying about whether I’m perfectly balancing everything else.
In my view, harmony allows for expansion—it gives you the freedom to be fully invested in what matters most without being confined by the pressure of “perfect balance.” It’s a mindset that requires a certain level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence because you have to be in tune with your priorities, know when to shift focus, and give yourself permission to let some things take a backseat when necessary. It’s about trusting that everything has its time and place.
Ultimately, this approach is about letting go of perfectionism and embracing the natural flow of life. I believe this mindset shift lends itself to both growth and inner peace.
What should our readers know about your business?
I feel incredibly blessed to be where I am today. My brand started with a focus on nutrition coaching for women, but over the years it has evolved into something much more expansive—helping women realize their full potential in every aspect of their lives. I truly believe that God placed me on this path to inspire and motivate others through the challenges, hardships, and beautiful moments I’ve experienced in my own journey.
Today, my work is about more than just nutrition—it’s about guiding women and our youth toward growth in all areas, from emotional intelligence and resilience to mental toughness, mindset development, and physical health. I’m passionate about teaching the skills that enable people to create lasting, meaningful change in their lives.
I consider myself a channel for expansion, helping others lean into who they want to become. My mission is to empower women to discover their inner strength and to show them how capable they truly are, both mentally and physically. I believe each of us has a unique gift, and I make it my purpose to ensure that everyone I connect with feels seen for who they truly are. I want to help people embrace their beauty, their potential, and the power within them.
Next to being a mom to a wonderful daughter, I am most proud of the work I get to do in my coaching business. The opportunity to help women and youth grow in self-awareness, develop emotional and mental resilience, and optimize their physical health is far bigger than just me—it’s about creating a ripple effect that inspires lasting transformation in their lives and the lives of others.
Was it easy to get here? No. Motherhood and entrepreneurship will challenge you in ways you can’t always predict. But the lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. The biggest ones I hold close to my heart are: be authentically you, no matter what others think; never give up on yourself; and trust that everything is working for you, not against you. Even in the hardest moments, those lessons have been my guiding light.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s not just about success, it’s about impact. I’m here to help people break through their limitations, step into their most empowered selves, and live a life of purpose and alignment. At the core of my work is the belief that everyone deserves to live their best life, and I’m committed to being the guide who helps them get there.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Scottsdale for a week, I’d make sure we had the ultimate balance of relaxation, adventure, and healthy living! Scottsdale is the perfect blend of wellness and excitement, so we’d definitely dive into that vibe.
Day 1: Spa Day at Joya Spa
We’d kick things off by unwinding at Joya Spa at the Omni Montelucia Resort. A full day of relaxation with massages, facials, and lounging by the pool while sipping on refreshing cucumber water. Afterward, we’d enjoy the calming Hammam ritual—such a peaceful way to start the trip.
Day 2: Camelback Mountain Hike
Now that we’re fully relaxed, we’d get our hearts pumping with an early morning hike up Camelback Mountain. The views at the top are absolutely breathtaking and totally worth the effort! We’d pack a light breakfast and enjoy it at the peak—because is there anything better than eating avocado toast with a view?
Day 3: Exploring Old Town Scottsdale
Next, we’d head to Old Town Scottsdale for a day of fun and exploration. We’d stroll through the cute shops, art galleries, and maybe stop by the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. For lunch, we’d hit up Farm & Craft, a super fun farm-to-table spot with tons of healthy, seasonal options. We’d end the day with some kombucha or a green juice from Kaleidoscope Juice.
Day 4: Paddleboarding at Tempe Town Lake
For something a little different, we’d head over to Tempe Town Lake for a morning of paddleboarding. It’s a great way to stay active while also soaking in the Arizona sun. Plus, there’s something so peaceful about being on the water. We’d grab a refreshing smoothie afterward from Original ChopShop.
Day 5: Sunset Yoga and Dinner
In the evening, we’d head over to McDowell Sonoran Preserve for a sunset yoga class. It’s the perfect spot to ground ourselves after a few days of activities. For dinner, we’d go to True Food Kitchen—the menu is full of fresh, nutrient-dense dishes, and their seasonal offerings are always delicious.
Day 6: Wellness Day
We’d dedicate Day 6 to wellness—starting with a visit to Perspire Sauna Studio for a sweat detox session in an infrared sauna. Then, we’d treat ourselves to an organic facial or body treatment at Civana Wellness Resort. Afterward, we’d nourish ourselves with a healthy lunch at Flower Child—they have amazing bowls, salads, and wraps, perfect for a light, energizing meal.
Day 7: Explore and Celebrate!
For our last day, we’d go all out! We’d start with a peaceful walk through the Desert Botanical Garden to appreciate the beautiful desert flora. Then, to celebrate an amazing week, we’d end with a fun dinner at Diego Pops. They have delicious, healthier spins on Mexican classics, and we’d toast with some spicy margaritas made with fresh ingredients.
And, well… can you tell I’m a planner? 😄
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would definitely be to the book The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest. This book had a profound impact on me during a pivotal time in my life. It helped me recognize how self-sabotage can manifest and showed me how to take ownership of my own transformation. The idea that the “mountain” we face is often our own internal battle resonated deeply, especially as I navigated my personal health journey and began helping others overcome their own limitations.
I believe we are all on a journey of growth, and this book gave me the tools to face some of the hardest challenges in my life with greater resilience and self-awareness. It’s a constant reminder that our greatest transformations come from within, and I’m grateful for how it’s shaped both my personal life and the way I approach my work with clients.
I’d also like to give recognition to Dr. Cameron Khavari of TriMotus. He played a pivotal role in catalyzing my health journey and encouraging my passion for nutrition, which ultimately led to me becoming a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner. Working alongside him as a partner in his business taught me valuable lessons that have helped shape the person and professional I am today.
Website: https://www.nicolemburbank.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.burbank/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-burbank-4b6a19209/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicole.burbank21?mibextid=JRoKGi
Image Credits
The Modern Edit- Megan Duffy