What happens when a high-achieving entrepreneur hits burnout, questions everything, and decides to rewrite the rules of success?

On today’s episode of The Grounded Leader, I sit down with Paula Routon—a former co-founder of a thriving packaging prototyping business—who courageously walked away from the boardroom and into the healing world of Ayurveda.

Paula’s journey didn’t begin in balance. At the height of her career, she found herself burnt out, unwell, and disconnected. The turning point? Realizing she was living out of alignment. What followed was a courageous unraveling: stepping away from her company, confronting stereotypes and skepticism, silencing her inner critic, and reimagining success on her own terms.

Today, she’s not only an Ayurvedic practitioner but also the creative force behind Ayu Chocolates—a handcrafted Ayurvedic chocolate line tailored to your unique doshic type.

🌟 Key Takeaways

• Burnout is a wake-up call, not a weakness. Paula’s body signaled that something was off long before she admitted it, reminding us that ignoring symptoms only delays healing.
• Success without alignment isn’t sustainable. Even at the peak of her entrepreneurial career, Paula felt disconnected—showing that external achievement doesn’t always equal inner fulfillment.
• Courage means letting go. Walking away from a thriving business took bravery, but it opened the door to a more meaningful and health-centered life.
• Ayurveda can be a turning point. Discovering Ayurvedic wisdom gave Paula tools to reconnect with herself, restore balance, and redefine her path.
• The “messy middle” is part of the process. Healing isn’t linear; unraveling old patterns and facing doubts is part of transformation.
• Inner critics are often louder than external skeptics. Paula shares how silencing her own doubts was harder than confronting others’ opinions.
• Redefining success creates freedom. Today, Paula’s definition of success is rooted in wellness, creativity, and service—not relentless performance.
• Leadership evolves when grounded. With Ayurveda as her foundation, Paula leads and creates from a place of clarity and balance.
• Healing can be joyful (and delicious!). Through Ayu Chocolates, Paula shows that wellness practices don’t have to be rigid—they can be creative and enjoyable.

✨ Ready to ground yourself in wellness over performance?
Tap follow on The Grounded Leader and share this episode with a friend or colleague who’s ready for a more sustainable way to lead.

🍫 Don’t forget to explore Paula’s handcrafted Ayurvedic chocolates at [Ayu Chocolates]—because healing can be delicious too: https://ayuchocolates.etsy.com/

If you are looking for advice from a trained yogi and Ayurvedic Doctor, contact Sweta here.

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Disclaimer: The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional. If you are nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, please consult with your health care practitioner prior to the use of any of these herbs.