I watched my mom, a nurse trained to care for others, stay strong on the outside while silently carrying the weight of supporting my dad, who had Huntington’s Disease.

When we lost her far too soon, I stepped into that role to help care for him.

I’m on a mission to help the  supporters - the ones who quietly hold everything together for others. I teach them how to protect their energy, restore their strength, and build resilience so they can keep doing what they love — without losing themselves in the process.

It’s not about adding more to their plate. It’s about practical brain-based and receiving the kind of support they’ve always given to others.

Barbara Gustavson is a Brain-Based Leadership & Wellness Educator, author, and speaker who blends neuroscience, psychology, and lived experience. She teaches practical ways to regroup, prevent burnout, and lead with more calm and resilience. She’s the creator of the REGROUP framework and author of Permission to Be Bold.

Credentials / Training:
– B.S. in Business Management
– Enrolled in a Master’s in Psychology Program  (in progress, expected Dec 2025).
– Certified Health Coach (Institute for Integrative Nutrition)

– Certified Brain Health Coach (Amen University)
– ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Certified Presenter
– Trauma-informed Level 1 (Community Resilience Initiative)

Vision
A world where supporters feel seen, uplifted, and no longer running on empty.

Mission
To guide those who quietly care for everyone else – by equipping them with the tools and support they need to stay resilient.

Core Values
Collaboration – We’re stronger together.
Connection – Relationships are the heartbeat of impact.
Restoration – Emotional healing and growth go hand in hand.
Resilience – Strength isn’t about never struggling; it’s about finding your way back renewed strength.
Clarity – When we get clear on what matters, we lead and live from a more grounded place.

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Barbara Gustavson, Founder of Discover Next Step, equips leaders, influencers and decision-makers utilizing a holistic leadership approach.
Vision: To grow a community of individuals and companies who step into their purpose, clarify what matters, collaborate and innovate, and scale their impact for good. 
Mission: To provide people new ways to think, see, respond, engage and lead so they can set their Inner Bold in motion and honor their talents, skills and legacy.
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'Boldness in Motion' isn’t about doing more—it’s about moving with clarity, intention, and purpose.

 

STEP 1: YOUR PURPOSE
• Motivation
• Alignment
• Meaning

STEP 2: YOUR THINKING
• Energy Capacity
• Brain Type
• Mindset

STEP 3: YOUR RESILIENCE
 • Inner Yoda
 • Stories
 • Emotional & Mental Health

 

STEP 4: YOUR BRIDGES
• Relationships
• Support systems
• Boundaries

STEP 5: YOUR IMPACT
• Growth
• Refined Vision
• Influence

Keynote Speaker for FailSafe-ERA Gala 2021

"Barbara is an exceptional coach! Her compassionate curiosity and focused questions allowed me the space to process big decisions. Her ability to probe and guide me as I took risks and made changes was like walking with a trusted friend. I am forever grateful!"  

– Carey Sims, Created Space 

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You don’t need another title or promotion—give yourself permission to lead and make the impact you’re here to make.

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