Meet Brenda Rowe Plasz | The NOVA Collective Director of Operations & Founder, The Good Karma Place

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenda Rowe Plasz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I believe achieving work-life balance is a goal that most of us aspire to, but it can be challenging. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of climbing the corporate ladder, earning money, and raising children. For many years, I held a senior vice president position in corporate America while being a single mom to a teenage daughter. However, after going through a divorce and facing a serious health scare, I had to reevaluate my priorities and make changes for the well-being of both myself and my daughter. While I knew that practices like meditation, exercise, and healthy eating contributed to my overall well-being and balance, implementing them consistently was not an easy task. It required dedicated effort to carve out time each day to incorporate these healthy habits.
In 1998, I was introduced to Reiki energy healing when I was dealing with a significant neck injury. I was amazed by the physical and mental benefits Reiki provided me. The positive impact it had on my well-being prompted me to train as a Reiki practitioner. Learning Reiki and integrating it into my daily practice has been the most transformative action I’ve taken to improve my health and achieve work-life balance.

Two years ago, I founded The Good Karma Place (www.thegoodkarmaplace.com), where I now devote my time to teaching Reiki, offering guided meditation, and providing holistic life guidance. It’s an honor to assist others in finding their work-life balance and thriving in both their personal and professional lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
During my 30-year career in finance, I held leadership roles in sales, strategy, and process design. When I retired from the finance industry, I knew I wanted to continue sharing my meditation and Reiki practices with others. After practicing Reiki for over 20 years, I traveled to Mt. Kurama, Japan, to obtain my Masters in Reiki and become a certified Reiki teacher. It brings me immense joy to teach others how to achieve balance through meditation and Reiki. Whether I’m teaching in person or online, providing Reiki treatments, guiding meditation, or offering holistic life guidance, I’m dedicated to helping others discover their inner peace and well-being.
Continual learning and personal growth are among my core goals. In March 2023, I attended the Modern Elder Academy in Baja Mexico (www.modernelderacademy.com). Not only did I have the privilege of learning from 25 incredible participants, but Chip Conley, one of the founders, facilitated a week of workshops. Additionally, we had Dan Buettner of the Blue Zones (www.bluezones.com) as a guest presenter for the week, which was truly inspiring. This experience allowed me to connect the dots between my business background, Reiki, meditation, and holistic coaching to improve my own life and guide my clients at The Good Karma Place.

In the fall of 2023, I will be launching The Nova Collective with my business partner, Melissa Bauknight, who is the CEO and founder. The Nova is a new membership community deeply committed to making a positive impact by empowering conscious professional women to thrive in their lives and businesses. As the Operations Director of The Nova, I will utilize my corporate America experience and holistic health knowledge to guide women in achieving their personal and professional goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 We’d start our day at Chatfield State Park to walk the trails and if the weather is nice, put my kayaks in the water. There are blue herons, white pelicans, deer, coyote and the views are amazing. For a late lunch and a glass of exceptional wine, we’ll head to Angelo’s Taverna (www.angelostaverna.com) and Carboy Winery.

Day 2
We would start our day with some yoga and meditation. I love The River Yoga www.weseektheriver.com & Samy Mattei is an amazing yoga instructor and human being. If you are able to catch a Rhythmic Metamorphosis class with Lisa Parente your body and soul will thank you! www.rhythmicmetamorphosis.com In the evening we’d head to listen to live music with Taylor Plasz and Dear Luna band. www.dearlunaband.com

Day 3
We’ll start the day with a hike along the South Platte River in Waterton Canyon, keeping our eyes peeled for majestic bighorn sheep. Afterward, we’ll return to my home for a barbecue and relaxed time by the fire pit.

Day 4
Today, we’ll head to Denver & Union Station. The area shops and restaurants are all amazing. I love the Urban Farmer restaurant. They have a wonderful menu and great atmosphere. Then we would go to the Denver Botanical gardens to stroll through the beautiful gardens.

Day 5
I enjoy taking the back roads to Estes Park. We’ll drive through Golden, Boulder and Lyons taking in all the natural beauty. We’ll hike the beautiful Gem lake trail (a few minutes from The Stanley Hotel) & end with a late lunch or Dinner at Mojo Taqueria in Lyons, Co. Amazing Mexican food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I genuinely believe that navigating through life with peace, happiness, and grace requires the support of a community. My daughter, Taylor, has been a constant source of unconditional love and support. As a grown woman, she successfully manages her corporate job, pursues her artistic and musical talents, and balances her family responsibilities. She has also embraced Reiki and meditation, impressing me daily with her ability to maintain harmony between work, family, and her creative pursuits. She inspires me every day, and I cherish the opportunity to learn and grow alongside her.
In addition to my daughter, my life was profoundly influenced when I met Khen Rinpoche Kachen Lobsang Tsetan, the former Abbot of the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in India. He has been a dear friend for 15 years, and his love, wisdom, and knowledge have shaped the way I engage with the world.

Website: www.thegoodkarmaplace.com

Instagram: thegoodkarmaplace

Linkedin: Brenda Rowe – Plasz

Facebook: The Good Karma Place