Most business owners don’t know how to switch off.

We’re constantly grinding away, working behind the scenes to give our all and serve our clients in the best possible way.

But to what end? Is it really success if it comes at the cost of our health and relationships?

Far too often, it’s only when life throws a curve ball that we stop to think about the way we are living our lives and even consider slowing down.

For Kaz, owner of Viva Life Pilates, that curve ball showed up in the form of breast cancer. Now, she’s rebuilding her life and business in an entirely different way.

Before her diagnosis, Kaz was what many would call a success story. She was a powerhouse, juggling life with two children, a rapidly growing Pilates business, and a coveted spot in national advertising campaigns. But beneath that facade was a whirlwind of stress and a life teetering on the edge of burnout. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to bring this important story to light, not just as a tribute to Kaz's courage, but as a vital reminder for all of us hustling in our businesses.

Kaz's discovery of a lump pushed her into a series of investigations, ultimately leading to a devastating diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer, progressing quickly to stage 3. It was a wake-up call no one asks for. The realisation that we often wait for life-altering events to slow down resonates deeply with me.

After her diagnosis, Kaz was forced to confront not only the disease but an overwhelming obligation to her business. Her story is one of resilience, supported by a phenomenal team that kept Viva Life Pilates thriving in her absence. All of us in business fear stepping away and losing what we've built—but Kaz is living proof that sometimes, stepping back is stepping forward.

Navigating through chemo and surgery, Kaz found herself asking life’s crucial questions about priorities and sustainability. The experience taught her that true success wasn't in how hard she was working—it was in how she was taking care of herself and the people around her.

After multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation, Kaz returned to her studio with a renewed mission—not just for her business, but for her personal health. She learned the art of delegation, setting boundaries, and prioritising what matters most. As someone who is pretty much glued to my phone to run my business, I take this lesson to heart. Our businesses should enhance our lives, not overshadow them.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Kaz from Viva Life Pilates

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

Website: https://www.vivalifefitness.com.au/

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