I’m incredibly excited to introduce the first guest of our newly rebranded Nourished CEO Podcast, my friend and powerhouse entrepreneur, Kelly Ruta.

This episode is a raw, honest, and inspiring look at what happens when life and health force even the most driven business owners to hit pause.

Kelly shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with long Covid, navigating relentless health challenges, and ultimately making the brave decision to take a sabbatical from her business—a decision she describes as both “kicking and screaming” and profoundly necessary.

We unpack the internal struggle between ambition and wellbeing, how to set radical boundaries, and why “slowing down is not giving up.” Whether you’ve ever wondered "how do I step back without losing everything?" or you’re seeking a grounded conversation about redefining success as a female CEO, this is a must-listen.

🕰️ Episode Timeline & Highlights

[02:00] – Kelly’s journey through long Covid and her decision to take a sabbatical [06:00] – How chronic illness forced Kelly to stop ignoring red flags and face her limits [09:00] – The messy logistics of taking a sabbatical: finances, team, and boundaries [14:00] – Defining your sabbatical: creating space for reflection and healing [20:00] – The hidden dangers of hyper-independence and burnout [27:00] – Breaking the patriarchal mold of business leadership for women [35:00] – Why women must rethink their definitions of success [42:00] – Kelly’s vision for discovering “the third way” after her sabbatical [46:00] – How to stay connected with Kelly and follow her journey

💬 Direct Quotes from Kelly Ruta

“I’m a very high energy person. I love to work. So taking this break was the hardest decision I’ve made.”

“This was not a fun choice. This was not an easy choice.”

“For some, a sabbatical is traveling Europe. For me, it’s rest, reflection, and healing.”

“I’ve trained people to treat me as strong all the time. That’s not healthy.”

“The systems we’ve been taught were built for men with wives at home. They weren’t built for us.”

“The only helpful comparison is who I am today vs. who I was a year ago.”

“Slowing down felt like giving up... but really, it’s an admission of vulnerability, and they are not the same.”

“I’m not going back to who I was being or what I was doing. There has to be a third way.”

🔗 Links & Resources

• Connect with Kelly Ruta on Instagram: @kellysruta

• Stay tuned for Kelly’s new website relaunch in September 2025!

🙌 Closing Thoughts

I am so grateful to Kelly for choosing The Nourished CEO Podcast as her final interview before fully stepping into her well-deserved sabbatical.

This conversation is for every ambitious woman who has ever wrestled with the tension between chasing big goals and protecting her health, energy, and joy.

As Kelly so beautifully said:

“Slowing down felt like giving up... but really, it’s an admission of vulnerability, and they are not the same.”

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