What happens when life forces you to completely reinvent yourself in your thirties? Leadership coach and former principal ballerina Kerrie Alanen discovered that losing everything she thought defined her was actually the key to finding who she really was.
In this thoughtful conversation, Kerrie shares her journey from the stage to the boardroom, revealing the research-backed practices that helped her transform a devastating career loss into authentic living. Youâll discover why being âunapologetically youâ isnât just feel-good advice; itâs supported by science at a cellular level, helping rewire your brain for long-term well-being.
In this episode, we explore:
(00:00) Why losing your identity can become your greatest gift
(04:10) How success as a high performer nearly cost everything that mattered
(07:31) When a hip replacement becomes the doorway to authentic living
(11:40) Why the most resilient people ask this one powerful question about breaking points
(15:21) How to embrace being weird and wonderful without losing connection
(19:05) The âhot stoveâ moment: recognizing when your values are violated
(22:34) Simple practices that support rewiring your brain for joy (hint: itâs not complicated)
(26:21) What hugging teenage boys teaches us about savouring the good
(27:39) The cellular science behind being unapologetically you
Links mentioned in this episode:
Kerrie Alanen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrie-alanen-27607417/Â
The JOY Journey
The JOY Journey is an online space for women ready to reconnect, reset, and grow â at your own pace or alongside a supportive community.
What you get:
- 10 emails each month with simple, research-backed tools
- Guided meditations, journalling prompts, and practical techniques
- Ongoing support designed to help changes actually stick
- Access to a dedicated app with all content anytime
Community option:
- Live sessions twice a month (1 hour)
- Reflect, write, and connect with others on the same path
- Fridays at 11:30 MT
If something in this episode resonated, this is your next step.
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Connect with Finding Joy:
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Finding Your Joy Spot Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0991707583