Shaping Healthier Workplaces: Dr. Nicole Eull’s Journey from Health Psychologist to Consultant

Dr. Nicole Eull is a health psychologist, speaker, and consultant specializing in creating mentally healthy workplaces. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she is passionate about improving the well-being of healthcare providers, particularly physicians and nurses. Nicole’s journey began with a childhood interest in psychology, which evolved into a full-time consulting and coaching business after years of working within a major healthcare organization. Fluent in Spanish and an avid traveler, Nicole balances her professional pursuits with a deep love for adventure and community-building. Nicole is the author of Well to Do: A Guide to Take Charge, Set Goals and Improve Your Health.

She hosts the podcast Practice on Purpose, offering valuable insights on physician well-being, financial planning, and personal development. A mother of two creative children, Nicole also actively participates in arts advocacy and local initiatives that promote the arts in schools. Through her work, she empowers healthcare professionals to build purposeful, balanced lives and create healthier, more compassionate workplaces.

What are some things that people may not know from your online presence?

I’m a speaker and consultant, but I’m also a mom. I have two children, a 15-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy, both incredibly smart and creative. One thing I’m obsessed with is travel—my passport feels neglected if I don’t use it regularly. I especially love traveling internationally, and I’m fluent in Spanish, so Latin America is a favorite destination. Another fun fact is that I’m a great party hostess. I love bringing together my unique and fascinating friends, throwing big parties, and watching the magic unfold.

Were you a mom the entire time you were building your business?

Yes, I started my business as a side hustle while working full-time for a major healthcare organization. I believe I launched it while I was pregnant with my first child. So, I’ve always balanced business and parenting. For the last two years, I’ve been running my business full-time.

What inspired you to enter this industry?

I’ve wanted to be a psychologist since I was in seventh grade. Initially, it was because people told me I gave good advice, but I quickly learned being a psychologist is more about asking the right questions and being an attentive listener. I became a health psychologist and worked within healthcare for many years. I became passionate about the well-being of healthcare professionals—physicians and nurses in particular. I started offering training on how we treat each others at work and how it contributes to creating mentally healthy workplaces, especially for healthcare providers.

How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been offering training and talks to healthcare professionals for over 15 years now.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Imposter syndrome is actually a good sign—it means you’re leveling up.

Have you experienced imposter syndrome throughout your career?

Oh, definitely! I still experience it regularly—whether it’s being a business owner or hosting a podcast for physicians as a psychologist. I often feel like an outsider. But I’ve come to view imposter syndrome as a sign that I’m pushing myself, growing, and moving in the right direction.

When did you start doing inner work and noticing changes within yourself?

I moved a lot as a child, attending five different grade schools, which meant I was always the new kid. I became very good at making friends and fitting in. As I settled into my personal and professional life, I found myself saying “Yes” to too many things to fit in. I noticed this pattern with many physicians as well—overextending themselves without setting boundaries. That’s when I developed my philosophy, “Every Yes has a No.” Now, when I say yes to an opportunity, I make sure I’m clear on what I’m saying no to, so I can make better decisions.

Are you able to shift and make those decisions faster now?

Yes, but it took years of practice. Unfortunately, I had to go through several instances where I didn’t say “No” when I should have. I learned the hard way how painful that can be.

Is this something you work on with your clients?

Absolutely. I teach this concept in many of my presentations. On my podcast, Practice on Purpose, I focus on helping physicians shape their practices intentionally—connecting with their purpose and being clear about what they want to say yes to and what they need to decline.

Tell us about your current offers.

I offer training, consulting, and coaching focused on well-being in healthcare, specifically interpersonal wellness—how we treat each other at work and its impact on mental health. I also teach applied improv, which is a super fun way to develop communication, teamwork, and mental flexibility. I’ve been trained through Northwestern Medical School and Second City, and I use improv games to help people develop those critical skills.

Can you tell us more about your podcast?

I’ve been working on it for the last six months, and it’s set to launch in mid-October. It’s called Practice on Purpose, and it covers everything from loan repayment to financial planning and finding the right work environment to support your long-term goals. I also want to feature stories of healthcare professionals who have figured out how to thrive despite the challenges of their field. I’m really excited to share these conversations.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m scheduling guests for Season 2 of Practice on Purpose. I’m also looking to merge my love of travel with my work—perhaps hosting workshops in beautiful locations where people can rest and learn important skills. I’m also in the early stages of writing a new book called This Sucks, and Other Positive Affirmations. It’s about reframing life’s challenges with confidence and mental strength.

What are your rules or rituals for maintaining an abundance mindset?

When I turned 40, I took some time to journal and reflect. I was reading The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, and while it’s clearly written for a single man without kids, it got me thinking about what I really need to be happy. I realized that I was spreading myself too thin. So I made a list of the people who invested in me, and I started investing in those relationships. I also prioritize travel and host lots of parties to create spaces where my amazing friends can connect. And I always try to do things that scare me!

How do you claim balance in your life?

For me, it’s essential to carve out time for things that go beyond personal needs—a life of affiliation, I like to call it. I’m a mother and business owner, but I also need to step out of the day-to-day and do something meaningful. For me, that means advocacy work, particularly in the arts.

Tell us about the philanthropic or community initiatives you’re involved with.

I like to call myself a “Drama Mama” because my children are very active in theater and musical theater. I’m involved in their schools and with our local children’s theater. I’m also looking into starting a foundation with my daughter to teach improv in underserved schools. I believe improv can teach compassionate communication skills, and I want to help make that accessible to kids.

What do you hope people take away from your work?

Our family motto is “Find kindness.” Look for people who are kind to you, be kind to yourself, and actively seek out ways to be kind to others.