Not Another Burnout Story: How Dr. Nikia Smith Reclaimed Her Life Outside the OR
When the Hustle Stops Serving You, What Happens Next?
We don’t talk enough about what it feels like to be a high-achieving woman in medicine who’s quietly falling apart.
You keep showing up. You keep saying yes. You keep grinding because that’s what got you here.
But at some point, the cracks start to show—and if you’re lucky, you start paying attention before everything breaks.
This week on The Docs Get Money Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Nikia Smith—an anesthesiologist, coach, and the founder of Fire Forged Coaching—for a raw and real conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a life that actually feels good.
We talked about how burnout snuck up on her during the pandemic, what it was like navigating mid-level dynamics and 24-hour shifts, and why she finally decided to choose herself. Not in a dramatic “quit everything” way—but in the deeply intentional, one-decision-at-a-time kind of way.
Because choosing rest, healing, and community isn’t weak. It’s radical. It’s necessary. And for Black women in medicine, it’s life-saving.
The Pivot That Changed Everything
Dr. Nikia didn’t just leave clinical work behind—she created something new. She started by hosting retreats, building community with other women who were also tired of carrying it all. Then she transitioned into coaching, using her lived experience to help others rediscover their joy, their boundaries, and their power.
Fire Forged isn’t just a name. It’s a whole vibe. It’s about what happens when you go through the heat, but come out refined—not reduced.
We unpacked:
What it looks like to break up with burnout culture
The power of rest that doesn’t come with guilt
The moment she knew she wanted more—even if she didn’t know what that would look like
Why building community is essential for high-achieving women who’ve lost themselves in service to everyone else
You Don’t Need a Breakdown to Choose Freedom
If you’re exhausted but still trying to “push through,” this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to wait until everything falls apart to start rebuilding.
You get to slow down.
You get to reassess.
You get to want something different.
You don’t have to burn out to burn bright.
🎧 Listen to Not Another Burnout Story: How Dr. Nikia Smith Reclaimed Her Life Outside the OR