In this inspiring episode of Authentic Achievements, I’m joined by the remarkable Nicole Zapoli — professional fitness and wellness coach, natural bodybuilding Pro athlete, top-ranked CrossFit Games Open competitor, and author of Live FIT From the Inside Out: The 6 SHIFTS to Living Your Strongest, Healthiest, and Happiest Life.

Nicole’s journey began at just eight years old with a dream to coach others. But everything changed at fourteen when she trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and witnessed the hidden struggles behind athletic achievement — including eating disorders among young athletes. That moment reshaped her mission entirely.

Today, Nicole is a global leader in holistic wellness, helping athletes, busy parents, and professionals break free from fad diets, rebuild their self-worth, and create sustainable fitness from the inside out.

• How Nicole overcame anxiety and imposter syndrome as a single mother and gym owner

• Why so many people fail at sustainable fitness — and what actually works

• The SHIFTS Framework she created to help thousands transform their health, mindset, and identity

• The moment she realised fitness had nothing to do with punishment and everything to do with living a happier, more grounded life

• How self-worth shapes every part of our wellbeing, resilience, and performance

• What children’s competitive sport taught her about compassion, identity, and leading with heart

This conversation is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to chase perfection — we just need the courage to take the next shift, the next breath, the next kind step forward.

Website: nicolezapoli.com
Book: nicolezapoli.com/book
Instagram: instagram.com/nicolezapoli

In this episode, we explore:Connect with Nicole