Meet Bodi Burns | Impact Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bodi Burns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bodi, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I am originally from Bulgaria, and I moved to Denver 17 years ago. In Europe we work to live and in the USA my experience has been that people live to work. I have noticed a culture of exhaustion recognition, it`s almost a status symbol to be consumed by work. It helps when you love what you do, like I do. Yet, work takes a lot of your time, impacts your personality and overall uses most of your energy. I have been surrounded by people who spend so many of their waking hours at work, trying to do the best job that they can, trying to show their skills, trying to make an impact. Yet at the end of the day people experience fatigue and at times burnout. It’s important to have a career that brings us satisfaction, allows room for growth, fun, achievement, contribution, and leaves us feeling empowered, capable, and recognized so that we live our best life.

My philosophy has been that work and life are part of the same and there is not a harsh boundary in between. Work is part of life – it is a place where we contribute our talents and connect with others. Life is part of work – we learn and grow professionally and personally while working. I see that having a job that you love is a privilege. Some people know what their passion is from childhood and some people switch several paths in their search for their career. In the meantime, while we are searching for our career path life is happening all around us. With that said, how I balance life and work is by spending my time in alliance with my values. Embracing health, connection and humility in my day-to-day activities brings me happiness. Be the exception – live your values at work!

What should our readers know about your business?
I coach people on how to hone their leadership effectiveness. I have created a solution that helps experienced professionals who struggle to propel their career to the next level. Together we create a plan so they become well-respected leaders who are confident, yet humble and they can be in the spotlight.

My business has been a journey with many turns, some that I can see before they come and some that surprised me. The best part about it has been that the journey continues to unfold. I am a curious person and enjoy learning. Some of the challenges on my way have come from starting a new business during Pandemic. When working from home I unexpectedly built an online network of passionate, talented, and supportive friendships. My business also started in the year when I had to overcome some significant health challenges, I am tremendously grateful for the support I received and the ability to recover and move forward. What has been the most helpful to me has been the kindness of others – my clients who have made so much progress, friends who reached out to encourage and support me, my family who has unconditional faith in me, teachers who patiently taught me new skills, online connections that grew into friendships.

I am passionate about coaching clients how to have an impactful career through confident, bold, and gritty attitude.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy having company and sharing the experience of Colorado. My family and friends from Europe come yearly and there are always new places to visit each time. One of my favorite places to visit in Denver is the Botanic Garden. We have Lights in the Garden during winter – it is a magical fairytale feeling experience. The Garden is unique and has such beauty to show with each season, it is a great place to have a walk and enjoy a picnic. During the summer the Pearl Street Market is a place to find delicious and fresh food, listen to local musicians, pick up a tasty lunch and get a beautiful bouquet of flowers. One of a kind concert venue Red Rocks offers entertainment and has a breathtaking view. Yoga on the Rocks is a special experience there. Some of my favorite places to hike are Maxwell Falls, Castlewood Canyon, and St. Mary Glacier. When you are in Denver you must try Sweet Action ice cream, Moxie Eatery, Sushi Den, The Corner Beet, The Potager, City O`City. Please come back another time because there are so many great places in Denver!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
What a great opportunity to express gratitude on this platform! I have been lucky to have amazing teachers, friends, and mentors on my journey to becoming a coach. Becoming a coach was a process that involved my passion for understanding others, dreaming of solutions, being an artist, always learning, stepping up to challenges, embracing play, and a deep sense of gratitude. I was inspired to pursue art by my middle school teacher Nevena S. she recognized my raw talent and encouraged me to work hard for my dreams. My passion for psychology came from my aunt Mariana S. who always asks questions and then listens, learns, and connects. My husband, my parents, my whole family and friends, my yoga teachers, and my coaches have been a tremendous support while I adjusted to a new language, culture, career, and life in Colorado.

I love to read and here are some of my favorite books:

• The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, I was inspired by the story of pursuit to our Personal Legend.
• Dare to Lead, Brene Brown, I learned about how our vulnerability impacts leadership and how that impacts everything that we do.
• Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell, I was intrigued by the story of success and its many faces.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has been a part of my growth! Thank you for the time you spent with me, the belief in my abilities, even when I couldn’t see them, the love, the care, the advice, and the patience it took to see me in the spotlight!

Website: bodiburns.com

Instagram: bodiburns

Linkedin: Bodi Burns

Image Credits
Kristiana Krasteva