From Burnout to Breakthrough: This CEO Says It’s as Simple as Breathing
Suze Yalof Schwartz didn’t just pivot—she leapt. For two decades, she was the definition of a powerhouse in fashion media, working at Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, and Glamour, styling iconic shoots, and gracing morning talk shows with her trend insights. If you had told her she’d one day trade fashion week for meditation cushions, she probably would have laughed. But life had other plans.
The Breath That Changed Everything
In 2010, Suze packed up her NYC life and moved to Los Angeles when her husband landed a new job. Suddenly, she found herself in a new city, raising three kids, without her usual fast-paced career to anchor her. Overwhelmed and burnt out, she was drowning in the chaos of transition—until her psychotherapist mother-in-law gave her a simple, no-nonsense directive: “You need to breathe.”
That one moment cracked something open. She started exploring meditation classes but found them to be either too long, too expensive, or too complicated. Where was the place for someone who just wanted to meditate, feel better, and get on with their day? When she couldn’t find it, she built it.
On April 14, 2014, Unplug Meditation was born with a clear vision: simple, effective, and inspiring meditation led by the best teachers in the world. From there, it expanded into an app, a global teacher training program, and a corporate wellness initiative. And Suze? She found herself on a mission to get everyone on the planet to meditate.
Fear? What Fear?
Making such a dramatic career leap could’ve been terrifying, but Suze didn’t leave room for fear. “I was so obsessed with the idea of opening Unplug that I didn’t even give myself the space to feel fear or doubt,” she says. Her mindset? Better to say ‘Oh well’ than ‘What if?’
Of course, success didn’t happen overnight. Building a business—especially in wellness—isn’t all serene chanting and gratitude journals. But seeing the real-world impact of Unplug, from stressed-out professionals finding calm to a woman crediting her meditation practice for her successful IVF journey, reaffirmed that she was on the right path.
Breaking Free from the “What Ifs”
- Start before you’re ready. Fear thrives in hesitation. Take small, actionable steps toward your goal every day.
- Flip the question. Instead of asking “What if I fail?” try “What if I never try?” Regret is often scarier than failure.
- Let momentum work for you. Progress builds confidence. Each small step makes the next one easier.
Meditation: The Ultimate Business Hack
Suze credits meditation with giving her the clarity and confidence to build Unplug. When she started practicing, she realized most people lacked accessible tools to deal with life’s stressors. Her goal was simple: Make meditation as easy and essential as brushing your teeth.
Her advice for anyone looking to break out of a career rut? Start small. “You don’t have to quit your job to start something new—start by following your curiosity.” She suggests paying attention to what excites you, taking small daily actions toward it, and letting momentum take over.
Tiny Steps, Big Shifts
Test the waters. Freelance, take classes, or start a side project before making a major shift.
Follow your curiosity. What are you googling in your free time? Start there.
Dedicate 20 minutes a day. Small, consistent efforts snowball into big changes.
The Behind-the-Scenes Hustle of Building Unplug
Suze’s first step in launching Unplug? Telling her husband. His response? Write a business plan. With the help of a friend, she mapped out every possible scenario, secured a location, and figured out how to turn her vision into a reality. Spoiler alert: nothing went exactly as planned.
Business plans are great for structure, but flexibility is essential. And when it comes to entrepreneurship, Suze learned that success often comes down to one thing: persistence.
The Ripple Effect of a Meditation Movement
Suze didn’t just start a company—she ignited a movement. Unplug isn’t just transforming individuals; it’s creating a ripple effect. When someone starts meditating, they show up differently in their relationships, at work, and in their communities.
And while running a business (even a meditation one) can be all-consuming, Suze stays grounded by using Unplug herself. “Every morning before I even get out of bed, I open the Unplug app and meditate for 10 minutes.”
Simple Meditation Hacks for a Busy Life
- Morning boost: Start with 10 minutes of meditation before reaching for your phone.
- Stress reset: Close your eyes and take five deep breaths before a meeting.
- Evening wind-down: Use guided meditation before bed for better sleep.
Reinventing Success: The Fashion to Mindfulness Pipeline
Leaving a thriving fashion career might seem like an industry jump, but Suze sees it differently. Everything she learned—branding, storytelling, handling high-pressure situations—shaped how she built Unplug. “It’s never too late to pivot,” she insists. Case in point? Her mother, who became an artist in her 80s and sold out her first show.
Suze’s philosophy: Stay excited about life.
What’s Next for Unplug?
With an ever-growing community, a thriving app, and a teacher training program, Unplug is expanding its reach. Suze also has another book in her sights—if she can carve out the time to sit down and write it.
Her message to anyone sitting on a dream? Go for it. It’s better to try and fail than to live with the regret of never trying at all.
And if fear creeps in? Just breathe.