Burnout to Breakthrough

Sharon Summerfield knows firsthand the toll burnout takes on leaders.

After years working as an executive assistant across various sectors, she found herself worn thin and searching for something different—something that would nourish her body, mind, and spirit all at once.

What began as a personal quest to heal from burnout evolved into a mission: helping others break free from exhaustion through holistic wellbeing.

When Sharon was laid off after a project role ended, she embraced the opportunity to redefine her path.

Enrolling in a Natural Nutrition program opened her eyes to the deep connection between food, mindset, and leadership wellness.

She continued working as an executive assistant on a health transformation project, witnessing the pervasive stress and toxic workplace cultures that left so many leaders drained and disengaged.

Earning her Registered Holistic Nutritionist designation, Sharon launched The Nourished Executive — a business built on the idea that leaders deserve a different way forward, one rooted in balance and resilience rather than burnout and overwhelm.

Her journey, however, was far from linear.

Just as she was gaining momentum, a motorcycle accident resulted in a serious injury, forcing her to confront physical pain alongside emotional challenges.

This disruption became a catalyst, not a setback.

Supported by a dedicated team of practitioners, Sharon learned to work with her limits while amplifying her impact from creating nutrient-dense recipes that connect people through food to coaching executives on new ways to thrive.

Navigating Pain, Inflammation, and Leadership

While Sharon’s injury was a turning point, it wasn’t just emotional recovery that she had to navigate. Chronic pain and inflammation became a daily challenge. To help manage these, Sharon wears a brace to support her healing and prevent further strain.

She recognizes that pain and inflammation are part of her reality, and learning how to work with them rather than against them has been essential to her healing process. She’s developed strategies to navigate these daily hurdles, like listening to her body’s signals, adjusting her tasks accordingly, and setting clear boundaries in both her personal and professional life.

This process of managing her physical limits has not only made her more aware of the importance of self-care, but also reinforced the idea that resilience comes not from pushing through, but from honoring her body’s needs.

Through her work with the Canadian Cancer Society, speaking engagements, and podcast appearances, Sharon champions a culture of care that values wellbeing as a leadership essential.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound growth emerges from our greatest challenges.

Embracing the Gifts of Disruption

Sharon’s injury could have been the end of her professional ambitions, but instead, it sparked a new chapter. “There are many gifts in disruption,” she reflects, having built what she calls “Project Me,” a collaborative rehab journey involving Pilates, physio, lymphatic drainage, and acupuncture.

Each step in recovery illuminated not only the power of resilience but the importance of a supportive community, both in health and in business.

She discovered the balance between doing what she loves and protecting her wellbeing.

While gluten-free baking became a passion and a unique way to nurture clients, Sharon had to say yes to herself by recognizing when certain tasks aggravated her injury.

This honest self-care reshaped her business, highlighting the vital lesson that success doesn’t come from relentless hustle but from thoughtful boundaries and deep listening to one’s body.

Beyond recipes and coaching, Sharon inspires others by sharing her journey openly — encouraging leaders to cultivate cultures where burnout is no longer accepted as the norm, and where communities of care thrive.

Finding New Ways Forward

Navigating the complexities of injury, leadership, and entrepreneurship hasn’t been without challenges.

Sharon’s story reveals the power of perseverance paired with innovative support from virtual coaching tools to joining communities like Aligned AF and The Ledge, where she finds connection and inspiration.

She candidly admits wishing she had learned sooner to trust her inner wisdom and step away from environments where she wasn’t valued.

Now, every choice she makes is guided by self-compassion and a vision of wellbeing as a collective, not just individual, priority.

Her ideal life blends simple joys with meaningful impact: peaceful dog walks with her husband, calm lake days without swelling or pain, and the fulfillment of speaking and writing to inspire others.

Sharon’s commitment to “bite-sized chunks” of progress offers a refreshing roadmap for leaders feeling overwhelmed, reminding us all that healing and growth are journeys, not sprints.

Leading with Heart

At Reignelle, Sharon Summerfield’s story deeply resonates with us — a true example of courage, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to holistic wellbeing.

Through every challenge and breakthrough, Sharon shows how leaders can build lasting resilience by caring for their whole selves and creating communities grounded in compassion.

Her journey inspires us all to rethink the ways we work, rest, and connect, encouraging new paths forward with clarity and kindness.

Follow Sharon’s journey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishedexecutive

Website: www.thenourishedexecutive.com