Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Badolati.
Hi Barbara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After years of choosing an unhealthy lifestyle, coupled with an imbalance of mindless, physical and emotional states, I found myself suffering in relationships, experiencing sleep deprivation, and my health was spiraling down at a rapid rate. I was unhealthy, unproductive, unhappy and unfulfilled. Then, one night, tossing and turning, I knew I had the power to change. I began to exercise, learn about nutrition, manage my stress, seized polluting my brain and body with substances and developed natural sleep habits. But that wasn’t the whole picture. While my physical self was becoming healthier, I still hit rock bottom from a breakdown of burnout, perfectionism, and exhaustion. I found that practicing yoga, meditation and mindfulness were the remedies for much of life’s stressors.
When I addressed all aspects of my life, I transformed my life into one of vibrant healthy and wholistic well-being. I want this for others and have dedicated my adult career to this mission.
This journey is a long one, full of twists and turns as in many of our lives, but no matter where you are on the path, I believe it is your birth-right to live in good health and to celebrate all aspects of WHO YOU ARE.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is full of obstacles and challenges, personally, interpersonally and professionally. However, I believe and practice as much as possible the approach and attitude I have when obstacles and challenges appear. I also believe whatever my perspective, reaction and mode of operandi is, the basis if for me to learn, grow and overcome.
Probably the biggest challenge was the 2008 U.S. economic “crash” which has taken me years to recovery from. 4 of my 5 corporate accounts ended which financially was a hardship and took strategizing and retooling, Some events can be anticipated, others not as much. It was difficult having to lay off staff too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I began my career in wellness entrepreneurship in 1986 when I founded Alive & Well, Inc., giving me the opportunity to help shape the evolution of worksite wellness consulting across North America. For more than three decades, my work has centered on helping individuals and organizations create healthier, more sustainable ways of living and working. My educational background is rooted in positive psychology, neuroscience, exercise physiology, coaching, yoga, breathwork, and somatic therapies—disciplines I blend with heartfelt intention and intuitive insight to create meaningful, lasting change. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding more than 10,000 individuals toward better health, balanced lifestyles, and restorative sleep.
Today, I’m best known as a wellness expert, sleep specialist, speaker, retreat leader, and #1 Amazon best-selling author of Sleep Blissful: Natural Ways to Fall Asleep, Stay Asleep, and Wake Refreshed. My work spans corporate wellness consulting, keynote speaking, coaching, media, and global retreats. I’ve partnered with organizations ranging from hospitals and corporations to government agencies, and I’ve served as a media spokesperson and television host sharing practical, science-informed strategies for stress management, mindfulness, and well-being. What I love most is helping people translate wellness into real life—offering tools that improve sleep, resilience, energy, and performance in both personal and professional settings.
What I’m most proud of is the ripple effect of this work—the thousands of people who have experienced transformation in their health, mindset, and quality of life. What sets me apart is the way I bridge evidence-based science with heart-centered practices and real-world application. I bring together strategy, compassion, and lived experience to create experiences that are practical, inspiring, and deeply human. My mission has always been simple and enduring: to uplift others, strengthen resilience, and help people feel truly well—inside and out.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Oh my — the list is long and deeply meaningful. It begins with my single mother, who instilled in me optimism, honesty, integrity, and a spirit of service that continues to guide my life and work every day. I’m also incredibly grateful for the teachers who shaped me early on—Mrs. Julie, Mrs. Albertie, and Carol Rosenberg—women I’m still in touch with and proudly celebrate whenever I can. Their belief in me and encouragement to grow laid an important foundation for everything that followed.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve also been fortunate to learn from mentors, senior advisors, colleagues, clients, and collaborators who generously shared their wisdom and support. Building and sustaining a successful business is never a solo endeavor; it truly takes a circle of trusted guides and cheerleaders who offer perspective, accountability, and encouragement along the way.
I’m deeply thankful for the many people who have walked beside me, believed in my work, and contributed to the journey. Their influence is woven into everything I do, and I carry their support with gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barbarabadolati.com/
- Instagram: https://insighttimer.com/barbarabadolati
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badolati
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarabadolati/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/barbarabadolati
- Other: https://insighttimer.com/barbarabadolati
Image Credits
Jennifer Boyle
Sterling Rung
Jenn Marie
