Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe: ICYMI - Dr. Barbara Sturm

Release Date: May 23, 2025

In the "ICYMI - Dr. Barbara Sturm" episode of Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe, host Rachel Zoe engages in an intimate and insightful conversation with Dr. Barbara Sturm, the esteemed aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics. This episode delves deep into Barbara's journey of balancing a demanding career with motherhood, her unique approach to skincare, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Early Life and Education

Barbara begins by reflecting on her childhood, contrasting her own spirited nature with the more composed demeanor she maintains today.

• Rachel Zoe [02:45]: "As a child, were you like a pretty little blonde blue-eyed girl with dreams or were you all over the place?"

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [03:58]: "I was more like Pepper. I wasn't like that. I had very strict parents, but I was all over the place, a tomboy, involved in every sport, always striving to be the best."

Barbara emphasizes the importance of having multiple facets and being versatile, traits she believes have been instrumental in her multifaceted career.

Career Beginnings and Transition to Skincare

Initially aspiring to be a children's doctor, Barbara's path took a pivotal turn due to personal experiences and professional challenges.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [06:28]: "I always wanted to be a children's doctor, but working in the children's hospital with really sick children broke my heart. I couldn't continue, so I transitioned into orthopedics."

Her work in orthopedics, particularly her study on professional ski racers, ignited her passion for science and innovation, leading to groundbreaking treatments like the vampire facial.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [08:08]: "The vampire facial originates from orthopedics, using one's own blood and anti-inflammatory medicine applied to the skin."

Barbara critiques traditional dermatological treatments for being overly aggressive and damaging to the skin's microbiome.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [08:20]: "Do we want to destroy our microbiome and skin barrier with treatments that make our skin vulnerable?"

She advocates for a preventative approach to skincare, integrating overall wellness and health.

Balancing Work and Motherhood

Barbara shares her experiences as both a young and older mother, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of raising children while building a successful business.

• Rachel Zoe [15:28]: "You somehow managed to never leave Charlie, right?"

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [15:53]: "With my younger daughter, Charlie, my parents helped immensely. But with Pepper, my older daughter, I traveled frequently, which was incredibly hard."

Barbara discusses the emotional toll of leaving her children for business commitments but underscores the importance of setting a strong example for her kids.

Mentorship and Team Building

The conversation shifts to the significance of mentorship and assembling the right team in entrepreneurship.

• Rachel Zoe [21:08]: "I didn't have a lot of female mentors. I try to be that person for others."

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [21:54]: "My parents taught me the basics—kindness, respect, keeping my feet on the ground. Later, an orthopedic doctor mentored me, empowering me to develop my own treatments."

Barbara underscores the value of authenticity and focusing on one's unique path rather than comparing oneself to others.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [23:03]: "Focus on yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy."

Challenges and Growth

Barbara candidly discusses the hurdles she's faced, particularly in maintaining harmony within her team and handling setbacks.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [28:49]: "The biggest challenge is ensuring you have the right people with the right skill set as your business grows."

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [30:54]: "One doctor left me for the competition. It was devastating, but it pushed me to develop new techniques and stay ahead."

Despite these challenges, Barbara remains optimistic, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Future Dreams and Work-Life Integration

When asked about her dreams, Barbara emphasizes living in the present and fulfilling her aspirations as she progresses.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [31:56]: "My dream is to live in the mountains in Switzerland, skiing in the mornings and running my business seamlessly alongside."

She advocates for pursuing passions without guilt, believing in balancing personal happiness with professional commitments.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [33:30]: "We need to do the things we want to do. The end game is happy children and a fulfilling life."

Conclusion and Personal Reflections

Rachel Zoe wraps up the episode by expressing her admiration and love for Barbara, highlighting the authenticity and dedication Barbara brings to her work and personal life.

• Rachel Zoe [35:44]: "Dr. Barbara Sturm is absolutely one of the sweetest people I know. Her skin is literally glowing 24 hours a day."

Barbara reciprocates the affection, emphasizing the strength of their friendship and mutual support.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [35:07]: "I love you, too."

The episode concludes with recommendations for Barbara's skincare products, underscoring the deep respect and trust Rachel has in her friend's expertise.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [08:08]: "The vampire facial comes from orthopedics, using one's own blood and anti-inflammatory medicine applied to the skin."

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [23:17]: "Focus on yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy."

• Dr. Barbara Sturm [33:30]: "We need to do the things we want to do. Because who knows how we end up?"

This episode of Climbing in Heels with Rachel Zoe offers a heartfelt exploration of Dr. Barbara Sturm's life, emphasizing resilience, authenticity, and the harmonious blend of personal and professional spheres. Listeners gain valuable insights into the mind of a pioneering woman who has successfully navigated the complexities of motherhood and entrepreneurship.