About Dr. Susan

Hello and Welcome!

I'm Dr. Susan Lovelle, the “Thrive Architect.” At Balanced Performance, my focus is on equipping you, the executive leader, with the skills you need to achieve holistic well-being.

Then, you’re able to ignite transformative health and vitality within your teams, driving peak performance without sacrificing your own sanity or personal life.

My path has been one of diverse and rich experiences, each shaping the insights and expertise I bring to your leadership journey:

From performing at the NYC Metropolitan Opera at age 9 to becoming a prima ballerina with world-renowned ballet companies, I've always embraced discipline and dedication. Starting college at 16, I balanced a rigorous academic schedule while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in premed courses, even as I toured globally as a professional dancer. This early part of my life taught me the art of balancing high-pressure careers with personal health and well-being – a skill I now bring to you, the corporate executive.

Emergency Surgery in Amman, Jordan

From Dancer to Plastic Surgeon

Following a dream that began at age six, my pursuit of medicine led me to Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons in NY, where I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills. The discipline learned while dancing paid off, and I graduated in AOA, the National Honor Society for medical students, and received the Franklin C. McLean Award as the top minority medical student in the U.S.

Frustrated with the traditional medical approach of, “have an ill, take a pill,” I chose to become a plastic surgeon, where I was able to affect real physical change in the thousands of patients with whom I worked over the years, including during humanitarian operations overseas.

Looking back over that two-decade career as a successful plastic surgeon, I loved the opportunities I had to create real transformation. Throughout, I was recognized for my excellence and awarded for my contributions to the field, even becoming the focus of a global marketing campaign for the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. These experiences in the demanding world of plastic surgery gave me a deep understanding of the physical and psychological stresses that executives face in the pursuit of excellence.

In fact, the physical, mental, and emotional stress I ignored during those years led to the life-threatening health issues I developed, culminating in being admitted to the ICU three times in the space of one year.

Becoming The "Thrive Architect"

Finally recognizing the need to care for myself so that I could continue caring for others, I realized it was time to put down my scalpel. and turned to Lifestyle Medicine to restore my health. This transformative experience led me to a greater purpose: to empower others to achieve holistic well-being. Although I initially toyed with integrating this approach into my plastic surgery practice, it was the profound impact of using lifestyle medicine to heal my gravely ill sister that made it clear where my focus would be.

I began several years of dedicated research and additional training that resulted in the personalized, holistic approach that I use today.

Now, no longer restricted to cosmetic techniques, I help others heal and transform from the inside out, leading to lasting, powerful change.

As an author and featured expert on platforms like DWEN and Forbes, I've shared actionable strategies for optimizing energy, managing stress, and improving overall health. These insights are more than theories; they are practical tools that have proven effective for leaders in the highest echelons of business.

Now, through Balanced Performance, I’m here to guide you, the corporate leader, in mastering your personal health and well-being. As you embrace this journey, you become uniquely positioned to lead by example, imparting this vital knowledge to your teams. Together, we can create a culture of wellness in your organization, enhancing not only personal health but also professional productivity and success.

Let's redefine leadership together. It's about achieving excellence in business while fostering an environment of health and balance. Join me on this journey, and let's elevate not only your well-being but also the performance and health of your entire team.