Meet Dr. Susan Lovelle | Executive Health Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Susan Lovelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Susan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Let’s just say this: not thinking about balance nearly killed me…literally. Years ago, I found myself in the ICU multiple times due to life-threatening blood clots. I was juggling too much, pushing too hard, and treating my own well-being like it was a choice. That experience was a wake-up call I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Back then, I believed that drive, discipline, and serving my patients meant never stopping. Now I know: peak performance doesn’t rely on pushing through no matter what, because that’s not sustainable.

These days, I define balance as dynamic, not static. It’s less about a perfect 50/50 split and more about alignment, making sure my energy, time, and attention match what matters most in that season. Some weeks, my work gets more of me; other weeks, my family or my own health takes center stage. And yes, even today, my family sometimes gently (and not so gently) reminds me to slow down. But I’m proud to say I’m much better now at listening, both to them and to my body.

Balance, to me, isn’t soft. It’s strategic. It’s how I sustain the impact I want to make in the world without burning out in the process. And it’s exactly what I help my clients, especially high-performing executives and their teams, master in their own lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I didn’t want Balanced Performance to be just another wellness company. I wanted to create a movement that redefines what health and leadership look like in high-stakes environments. I help executives and organizations bridge the gap between peak performance and personal well-being through science-based, personalized strategies that transform their lives from the inside out.

What sets us apart is that we don’t treat stress, fatigue, or burnout like isolated symptoms. We look at the whole system – hormones, mindset, productivity, lifestyle, and yes, even leadership style, to create measurable, lasting change. I bring a rare blend of experience as a former award-winning plastic surgeon, professional ballerina, and now a corporate health strategist. That range gives me a unique lens on both performance, discipline, and healing.

I’m most proud of how far this message has traveled, from one-on-one consults to speaking on international stages. Watching the ripple effect as my clients implement what they’ve learned, improving their energy, leadership, and company culture, is the most rewarding part of what I do. Every time I step onto a stage or host a workshop, I know I have the capability to shift entire ecosystems.

And no, the path here wasn’t easy. Leaving a successful surgical practice to follow a mission I couldn’t ignore came with its fair share of fear, risk, and sacrifice. I’ve had to reinvent myself more than once, navigate unexpected health scares, and build a new kind of credibility outside the operating room. But every challenge sharpened my clarity and deepened my resilience…exactly what I now teach others.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about Balanced Performance, it’s this: You don’t have to sacrifice your health to succeed. You don’t have to settle for feeling “fine” when vibrant, thriving, and energized is possible. My work is proof that high performance and deep well-being aren’t in opposition. You just need the right tools, the right mindset, and someone in your corner who’s been there and can show you the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, we’d have a blast! I love blending movement, meaning, and mouthwatering meals, so here’s how I’d show off the best of the Triangle:

Day 1 – Welcome + Wellness
We’d kick things off with a morning walk on the Durant Nature Preserve trails—lush, peaceful, and the perfect reset from travel. Afterward, a smoothie bowl or fresh juice at Juicekeys. The afternoon would be for catching up, maybe with a relaxing IV drip at my office to hydrate and energize before dinner at Taverna Agora, rooftop Greek vibes and divine lamb.

Day 2 – Museum + Mindset
We’d head to Durham to explore the Nasher Museum of Art. Pro tip: get a guide because their inside stories bring the pieces to life. A light lunch at Guglhupf, with their German bakery goods, then maybe a little boutique shopping on Ninth Street. That evening? Catch a jazz set or spoken word at Beyu Caffè or The Fruit where there’s always a surprise in store.

Day 3 – Global Eats + Local Culture
We’d start at Mill Bridge Nature Trail, an easy, scenic, and perfect for a sunrise stroll and heart-to-heart. From there, it’s a full-on food crawl:

Lunch at Alpaca Chicken for Peruvian rotisserie magic.
Afternoon stop at Transfer Co. Food Hall, where we’d nibble on empanadas and maybe some gelato
End the day wandering through a street fair or seasonal market since there’s almost always one going on with local makers and music

Day 4 – Spa + Soul
Morning yoga or stretch class, followed by a spa treatment at The Umstead Spa (trust me, worth it). Afternoon tea at Fearrington Village, then we’d unwind with a movie at The Rialto or live theater at DPAC…maybe even a last-minute concert!

Day 5 – Farm, Feast, and Fun
We’d visit Raleigh City Farm or a local farmer’s market to handpick produce and baked goodies, then take a cooking class or just play “Chopped” in my kitchen. Fun, music, and laughter guaranteed. We might cap the night with stargazing at Morehead Planetarium or chilling in the backyard if we’re keeping it cozy.

Throughout the week, we’d weave in quiet coffee catch-ups at Sola Coffee or Summer Moon, sunrise journaling on a porch, and spontaneous dance breaks (because yes, even grown women need joy in motion).

The Triangle has this beautiful blend of culture, community, and nature, and with the right friend by your side, it becomes the perfect playground.

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?
Without question, my shoutout goes to my family, the true foundation of everything I’ve built. It started with my parents, who instilled in me the unshakable belief that nothing was beyond my reach. Whether it was ballet, medicine, or starting a family in my mid-thirties, they never blinked when I came to them with a new dream. They simply asked, “How can we help?”

That spirit of support has continued with my own family today. My husband, children, and even my in-laws have been my grounding force and my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve reminded me to rest when I would’ve kept pushing, challenged me to keep growing, and celebrated every milestone, big or small.

Their love and honesty (yes, even the tough love!) keep me aligned with my purpose and help me lead others with both empathy and excellence. I may be the face of Balanced Performance, but they are the heartbeat behind it.

Website: https://www.balancedperformance.pro

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