From Corporate Burnout to Fit Mom with Kaitlin Capek

Update: 2025-10-01

Description

Have you ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains your soul?

In this powerful and relatable episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Kaitlin Capek, who made the courageous leap from a high-stress corporate finance career to becoming a certified nutrition coach and fitness professional.

Kaitlin opens up about her journey as a high-achiever, the intense burnout that led to a breaking point, and the moment she decided to quit her well-paying job to pursue her passion for health and wellness. She shares raw insights into the challenges of being a primary caregiver, the "mom guilt" that comes with chasing a dream, and how she battled imposter syndrome while rebuilding her professional identity.

This is a must-listen for anyone, especially moms, feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their true selves. Kaitlin provides a practical, compassionate, and sustainable framework for making a life-changing pivot without sacrificing your well-being or family.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. The story of Kaitlin’s late-night walk and emotional breakdown that signaled it was time for a change.

2. Kaitlin's honest take on feeling like a "fraud" in a new industry and how "putting in the reps" built her confidence.

3. Why perfectionism is the enemy of progress and how to build lasting habits with an 80/20 mindset.

4. Practical strategies for time-blocking, setting boundaries, and accepting help without guilt.

5. The four key pillars that Kaitlin coaches busy moms to focus on: protein, produce, water, and movement.

6. A simple 3-step process to start moving toward a more passion-driven career.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Passion Must Be Greater Than Your Fear: The drive to become who you want to be can push you through the discomfort of imposter syndrome and change.

2. Perfectionism Guarantees Burnout: Sustainable progress in health, career, or life comes from consistency, not perfection. Aim for 80%, not 100%.

3. You Have to Make Time, Not Find It: Audit your calendar and treat your self-care and goals with the same importance as a doctor's appointment for your child.

4. Accept Help, You're Not a Burden: Leaning on your support system is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move that allows you to be a better parent, partner, and professional.

5. Small, Consistent Wins Create Massive Change: Forget the 28-day extreme challenges. Losing half a pound a week sustainably leads to 25 pounds in a year without the misery.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:30 - Introduction to Kaitlin Capek: From finance to fitness

02:10 - Kaitlin's competitive, busy childhood and background

03:18 - Starting a career in corporate finance and mortgage

05:18 - The pivotal moment of burnout and emotional breakdown

07:10 - The unexpected "sign" and the decision to quit her job

09:53 - The weight of external expectations and people-pleasing

12:02 - The identity shift and mom guilt of a career change

14:20 - Battling imposter syndrome by "putting in the reps"

16:55 - The dramatic improvement in happiness, energy, and health

17:44 - Advice for moms who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unhappy