Two weeks before the Chicago Marathon, Maricella was terrified. Not just about the race—about what it would mean if she finished and felt destroyed, ashamed of her pace, not wanting to run again.

In this deeply personal episode, she shares what it's like to show up to something hard while feeling like a fraud. She reads her raw journal entries about training anxiety, works through shame about being "too slow," and tells the story of race day—including the sign that changed everything.

This isn't a story about hitting a time goal (she didn't). It's about discovering you're stronger than you thought. About the tools and reminders we need when we forget we're capable. About hope, shame, and doing hard things scared.

Maricella shares a tattoo on her leg that says "Braver, Stronger, Smarter"—from Winnie the Pooh, gotten after the hardest moments of her life. She talks about the bracelets she wore during the race, her partner who believed in her when she didn't believe in herself, and what it means to find your strength not in the outcome, but in showing up.

This is the final episode of 2025.

In this episode:

- Pre-race anxiety and the bonking pattern during training

- Working through shame about pace and performance

- Reading unfiltered journal entries from two weeks before the race

- The difference between facts and fears

- Hope as fuel vs. tying self-worth to outcomes

- Race day: the sign, the nausea, the finish

- Feeling strong instead of destroyed

- The anchors we carry (bracelets, tattoos, people)

- Feeling like a fraud even after accomplishing hard things

- Using tools (therapy, journaling, friends, AI) to see clearly

- Showing up scared and doing it anyway

Mentioned in this episode:

Win the Inside Game by Steve Magness

SAFE methodology (created by guest Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella)

In this special episode, host Maricella Herrera introduces listener calls to the podcast for the first time. She sits down with Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella to test SAFE—an AI-powered emotional awareness tool—on two real workplace scenarios submitted by listeners.

SAFE is a methodology that helps people pause and reframe in high-stakes emotional moments at work and in life. The framework stands for Set intentions, Acknowledge facts vs emotions, Frame and reframe, and Execute.

In this episode, Maricella and Jackie work through two common workplace challenges:

Scenario 1: Navigating a Company ReorgA listener shares their anxiety about job security after their group is acquired by a larger team. They're unsure whether to update their resume, network with the new team, or wait to see how leadership decisions unfold. Using SAFE, they separate facts from feelings, identify what's within their control, and develop concrete micro-actions like "building bridges, not safety nets."

Scenario 2: Managing Uncertainty with a New BossAnother listener describes the discomfort of having a new manager who meets with the team before direct reports. They want to make a good first impression but don't know how to introduce themselves without overloading or being absent. SAFE helps them reframe the situation, consider the manager's perspective, and create a thoughtful introduction strategy.

Throughout both scenarios, Maricella and Jackie discuss the importance of distinguishing facts from emotions, finding hope and agency in uncertain situations, and taking small, strategic actions rather than waiting passively. They also explore how AI tools like SAFE can augment critical thinking and emotional awareness—not replace human connection.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Next week, Maricella shares her own experience using SAFE to navigate anxiety before running the Chicago Marathon in October 2024.

Topics covered in this episode:

Emotional awareness and workplace stress

AI-powered tools for mental health and emotional regulation

Company reorganizations and job security anxiety

Managing relationships with new managers

Separating facts from feelings in high-stakes situations

Design thinking and AI as augmentation

Evidence-based journaling and reflective practices

Building resilience during workplace uncertainty

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:00] Cold open: The "fuck you" moment[01:00] Thanksgiving intro and gratitude[12:30] Conversation with Jackie begins[15:30] What is SAFE? The framework explained[20:30] Why Jackie created SAFE: personal experiences with workplace challenges[26:00] AI as augmentation vs. shortcut: critical thinking and design thinking[28:00] The future of emotional intelligence in an AI world[33:00] Listener Scenario #1: Company reorg and job security anxiety[35:00] Breaking down facts vs. emotions in the reorg scenario[39:00] Hope and agency: what the listener didn't mention[41:00] Micro-actions: Building bridges, not safety nets[46:00] Listener Scenario #2: New manager meeting the team first[48:00] Setting intentions for a first impression[50:00] Reframing: Could this be about fairness, not hierarchy?[52:00] Micro-actions: Draft an intro note, observe and listen[57:00] Asking SAFE about talking to the team[59:00] What's next for SAFE and closing thoughts

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Try SAFE for yourself (free on ChatGPT): https://chatgpt.com/g/g-68c2e478cba88191b31bf8e906de103f-s-a-f-e-leadership-daily-reflections

Connect with Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaquelineoc/

Previous episode with Jackie: https://maricellaherrera.substack.com/p/sht-i-had-a-midlife-awakening

SUBMIT YOUR SITUATION:Listeners can leave a voice note at (646) 902-1426 or email quitymyjobpod@gmail.com to share workplace challenges for potential future episodes.

GUEST BIO:

Jaqueline Oliveira Cella inspires you to shift discomfort into purpose-driven action. She brings over 15 years of experience in US and global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, specializing in developing client-centric solutions, health equity, and risk management. Jaqueline has a proven track record of empowering employees and enhancing corporate wellness programs

As the founder of wellBe consulting, Jaqueline co-creates and advises healthcare corporations on innovating health and wellbeing solutions for employers, establishing strategic partnerships, and rethinking their go-to-market strategies and key performance indicators. Her recent executive education at Harvard Medical School and her actuarial and business background further empower her to drive meaningful, impactful changes.

Driven by her passion for purpose-driven action, Jaqueline created the 'Health at Work' initiative. Collaborations cover top health risk concerns topics such as Burnout in the Healthcare System, Culture & AI, Diabetes at Work, Busyness & Food, Mindful Inclusion, Menopause at Work, Measurable Inclusion & People Analytics.  ‘Health at Work’ collaborations are promoted through LinkedIn, a social initiative, extending the reach of her work to help employees advocate for their health in the workplace, and build sustable organizations by assisting employers in navigating significant health challenges with data-driven and actionable insights.

KEYWORDS: emotional awareness, workplace anxiety, AI tools for mental health, company reorganization, managing new managers, SAFE framework, emotional intelligence, career transitions, job security, workplace stress, reflective journaling, ChatGPT for emotional awareness, reframing workplace challenges

In this episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, host Maricella Herrera delves into the profound impact of long-term employment on personal development. Joined by Carla Siegel, a graphic designer and hospitality branding expert, they explore the journey of spending years at a single company and how it shapes one's career and life choices. Carla shares her experiences of working at Daniel Boulud's restaurant group for eight years, highlighting the growth, challenges, and eventual decision to pursue a more fulfilling path. Tune in to discover how staying in one place can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Key Highlights:

Carla's early career aspirations and how they evolved over time. The pivotal moments that led Carla to leave a secure job for new opportunities. Insights into balancing creativity with practicality in career decisions. The role of mentorship and networking in Carla's professional growth. Carla's reflections on the importance of patience and self-kindness during transitions.

Guest Bio: Carla Siegel is the Founder of Agentsie, a boutique creative studio offering design and marketing services to clients in the hospitality industry. From establishing restaurant brand identities to crafting creative, on-brand communications in digital and in print, Agentsie provides smart, sustainable communications solutions with an intimate understanding of operational and budgetary constraints unique to the hospitality realm.

Connect with Us:

Email: quitmyjobpod@gmail.com Follow us on social media for updates and more inspiring stories.

Hashtags: #CareerPivot #GraphicDesign #HospitalityBranding #CareerDevelopment #LongTermEmployment #PersonalGrowth

Two years after quitting her job, Maricella Herrera checks in — not with a polished reflection or a big announcement, but with a real-time look at what it means to keep showing up as the version of yourself you worked hard to reclaim. In this solo minisode, she revisits the same postmortem questions she asked at the one-year mark (what she did, what she’s proud of, what didn’t go well, and what she’s learned) — and finds the answers are harder, murkier, and maybe more honest.

This is an episode about integration, pacing, and trying not to lose yourself once the break is over and life picks back up.

In this conversation, Miriam Simon shares her inspiring journey from a creative child dreaming of working in New York to a successful career in transportation and HR. She discusses the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of writing. Miriam reflects on her past traumas and the lessons learned through unlearning negative patterns, emphasizing resilience and self-love. Her story is a testament to the strength of community and the importance of lifting others as we rise.Takeaways

Miriam always dreamed of working in New York, inspired by her childhood.

Her career in transportation led her to HR, showcasing her adaptability.

Balancing motherhood and career was a significant challenge for Miriam.

A pivotal moment for Miriam was realizing the need to unlearn negative patterns.

Trauma from her past shaped her resilience and drive for success.

Survival mode pushed Miriam to prioritize her basic needs and self-care.

Miriam's peak career moment led her to seek new opportunities and growth.

Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Miriam, allowing her to share her story.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Miriam's journey, helping her navigate challenges.

Miriam emphasizes the importance of self-love and resilience in overcoming obstacles.

00:00 Introduction and Host's Personal Reflection

02:32 Introducing Miriam Simon: A Story of Resilience

05:10 Miriam's Early Aspirations and Career Journey

09:51 Challenges and Triumphs in Miriam's Career

15:39 Balancing Motherhood and Career

19:56 Overcoming Personal and Professional Hurdles

32:18 The Turning Point: Prioritizing Self-Care

33:09 Balancing Family and Self: The Struggle of Saying No

33:40 The Weight of Burnout and the Journey to Self-Discovery

34:54 Coaching and Career Transformation

36:20 Reaching the Peak: Career Achievements and Reflections

37:28 Discovering Writing and Embracing Leadership

41:47 The Power of Sharing Your Story

46:47 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Visibility

49:44 Empowering Others and Building Movements

54:08 Reflections and Advice to Younger Self

56:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What happens when the work you love starts to break you? In this episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job, Dr. Miriam Zylberglait—triple-board-certified physician, educator, and advocate—shares her journey of leaving the U.S. healthcare system in order to practice medicine with integrity and compassion.

Dr. Z started her medical career in Peru and rebuilt it from the ground up when she moved to the U.S.—a testament to her passion and purpose. But despite her deep love for medicine, she found herself burned out, exhausted, and emotionally depleted by a healthcare system that prioritized profit over people. With honesty and heart, she talks about what led her to quit the system (not the profession), and how she created a path that allowed her to stay aligned with her values.

This conversation dives into the emotional toll of working in misaligned systems, the difference between empathy and true compassion, the growing mental health crisis among healthcare workers, and the legacy we leave behind when we stop living for everyone else.

If you’ve ever felt like you were sacrificing yourself to succeed, or like your job no longer reflects who you are, this episode will resonate.

Ever wonder what it's like to build a tech startup with zero traditional business background? In this episode, we dive deep with Jereme Holiman, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Urban Stems, who stumbled into the startup world from a fine arts background. Jereme shares his gripping journey from imagining a new floral gifting service with friends to navigating the highs and terrifying lows of running a VC-funded startup. He candidly discusses the humbling experience of failing spectacularly on Valentine's Day and the crucial lessons learned in scaling a business. Whether you're a passionate builder, considering the startup life, or just love a good success story mixed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, adaptability, and the true cost of entrepreneurship.

What if you're not riding the highs or drowning in the lows—but just kind of... here? In this minisode, I talk about a feeling I’ve been sitting with lately: something that looks like calm but sometimes feels like avoidance, something that might be peace but also feels a little weird. I’m calling it neutral.

I’ll walk through how it’s been showing up in my life, why it felt so unfamiliar at first, and what I learned when I went down a rabbit hole of psychology, Buddhism, and my own messy reflections. Spoiler: this might actually be growth.

If you’ve ever been in that quiet in-between, where nothing’s “wrong” but everything feels a little off—or maybe just still—this one’s for you.

Entrepreneur and Navy vet David Franklin joins me to talk about grief, burnout, and what happens when purpose and passion start to drift. We dive into career pivots, mindful leadership, building healthtech with meaning, and the hard work of reconnecting with your why—especially after loss.

Michelle Moffitt spent 25 years as a pastor’s wife in a conservative church, doing everything “right” — until the system she trusted told her to repent for telling the truth. The conversation delves into her battle with spiritual disillusionment, burnout, and the complex process of finding her voice after years of living within an oppressive system. Michelle discusses her book 'Cracked Open,' which combines her personal story with scientific methods to help readers overcome limiting beliefs. The episode also touches on the importance of having a supportive personal board of directors and the journey of self-discovery through small, incremental steps.Lessons learned, full show notes, and bonus content at https://maricellaherrera.substack.com/ — subscribe for weekly extras.

It’s been a minute. In this solo minisode, I talk about what it means to feel stuck, to lose momentum, and to find your way back—imperfectly, honestly, and without a grand plan. From burnout and overwhelm to the tiny, radical act of just trying, this is an unfiltered reflection on showing up when everything feels like too much.

Also: shoutout to my inner critic, lovingly nicknamed “brain bitch.”

Leah Farmer returned from her Christmas break to find herself inexplicably viewed as an outsider—a shift that led her to question her role, her relationships with her colleagues, and what she truly wanted.

In this episode, Leah shares her journey from accounting to a successful career  as a product leader at some of the world’s top companies.  In this episode, Leah opens up about the painful realization that it was time to leave a job she loved (sound familiar?). She shares how that experience lead her to Google—a step she thought would be her redemption, only to find that the path to fulfillment is rarely a straight line. 

We explore the difficult balance between wanting to give it your all and knowing when to go, and the emotional turmoil that follows when you decide it’s time to move on. Leah’s story is a powerful reminder to always ask for what you need—and to never let someone else’s opinion dictate your worth.

About Leah Farmer:

Leah Farmer is a professional coach, product leader, and advocate for well-being in the tech industry. With over 25 years of experience working in startups, scale-ups, and big tech, Leah has held executive roles like VP of Product and CPTO. She is now focused on coaching and mentoring leaders and teams to prevent burnout, improve communication, and build better culture for product growth. Leah is passionate about helping individuals thrive, combining her expertise in product management, leadership, and personal development to create lasting impact.

Key Lessons:

* Ask Boldly for What You Need: Leah’s story reminds us that we can’t assume others know what we need. Sometimes, asking is the only way forward.

* Pursue What Lights You Up: Leah’s journey shows us the power of embracing your strengths and actively seeking roles that excite and challenge you.

* Leave on Your Own Terms: Staying until you’ve given it everything can offer closure, but don’t stay so long that it starts breaking you.

* Lead with Humanity: She reminds us that true leadership goes beyond technical skills—connecting with your team on a human level is just as crucial for success.

* Process the Grief: Even if you’re ready to go, leaving a beloved job brings grief. Give yourself space to process it and move on with a clear mind.

Episode Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction and Maricella’s Updates

[04:35] - Early Career Aspirations

[05:24] - Transition to Product Management

[08:12] - Experience at Amazon

[10:44] - Leaving Amazon and Lessons Learned

[14:56] - Chasing Curiosity in Career

[24:00] - Moving to Europe and Klarna

[25:04] - Startup Experience in Berlin

[29:22] - The Breaking Point

[30:33] - Leaving the Boss, Not the Team

[35:27] - The Slow Burn of Decision Making

[37:13] - The Exhaustion Sets In

[41:49] - A Brief Stint at Google

[48:10] - Embracing Coaching

[51:30] - Finding Meaning in Coaching

[55:29] - Advice to My Past Self 

After 20 years in public child welfare, Angel Rodriguez thought she’d retire there. She was trying to revolutionize the system from the inside—building new programs, fighting bureaucracy, making change however she could. Then, at 40, an epilepsy diagnosis forced a different question: could she even keep going?

In this conversation, we talk about what it’s like to go from trying to fix a broken system to realizing you first have to take care of yourself—and what it takes to start over when you thought you had it all figured out.

Some highlights:

* Her first thought after a grand mal seizure at 40: “I thought I was gonna go back to work the next week”

* The realization that changed everything after applying to many jobs with no luck: “Maybe I’m not getting these jobs because there’s something else. I’m an expert. I should just say that.”

* On untethering from her title after 23 years: “I am me whether I work for someone else, whether I work for myself, whether I am not working at all. I’m just me.”

* What she’d tell herself looking back: “Be kind to yourself. You’re gonna be okay. And this is not everything about who you are.”

✨ About Angel Rodriguez:

Angel Rodriguez, MSSA Co-Founder & CEO, rfc21 Angel Rodriguez is an Expert Social Worker and Innovator with over 20 years of experience transforming public child welfare systems. As Co-Founder and CEO of rfc21, she leads with heart and strategy – offering leadership coaching, curriculum design, grant management support, and expert witness services. A proud Latina and fierce advocate for equity in communities of color, Angel also serves as the Vice President on a nonprofit board in Los Angeles. She is the Director of Circles for Lean In Latinas and finds great joy in serving her community by being a changemaker. Outside of work, she loves practicing Pilates, exploring new cities, eating local cuisine, and cheering on her favorite hockey team. She lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their two adorable dogs.

Do you ever feel that creeping sense of dread on Sunday afternoon, knowing Monday is just around the corner? What if that feeling extended beyond Sundays—what if it filled your whole week? Would you have the courage to walk away, or would you stay, hoping things will improve? My guest today asked herself these very hard questions.

In today’s episode, I chat with Suguna Chunduri, a thought leader, advocate, nonprofit founder and generally great human being.  Suguna walked away from a successful career in big pharma and healthcare, deciding to find out what truly brings her joy. Together, we explore how to stop, reassess, and make changes that honor who you really are, not just who you think you should be.

If you’ve ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, or found yourself checking all the boxes but still feeling unfulfilled, this conversation will resonate. Suguna’s journey of self-discovery, her search for “fit,” and her willingness to ask the hard questions inspired me to rethink my own priorities. You’ll hear about the importance of finding your tribe, whether that’s your family, friends, or colleagues, and the powerful role they play in helping you reclaim your confidence and happiness.

Key Lessons:

* The Power of Fit: Identifying when a role or environment doesn’t align with your values and strengths—and finding the courage to move on.

* Building a Support System: Why family, friends, and mentors are essential to overcoming self-doubt and making meaningful changes.

* Regaining Confidence: Strategies for letting go of negative beliefs and rebuilding your confidence when it’s been shaken by external pressures.

* Finding What Makes You Happy: Steps you can take today to rediscover what truly brings you joy, outside of societal expectations.

About Suguna Chunduri:

Suguna Chunduri is a distinguished thought leader and speaker who passionately advocates for education, innovation and accessibility in healthcare globally. Through her work, she promotes cultural education and insights that inspire and transform communities.

As an accomplished global executive, Suguna boasts over 20 years of leadership experience in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and multinational corporations. She has demonstrated remarkable success in achieving sustained and unprecedented growth across diverse U.S. markets. Suguna excels in P&L leadership, general management, market access, and product launches, consistently driving superior outcomes.

Renowned for her ability to lead cross-cultural teams, Suguna has a proven track record of creating patient-centric programs, forging strategic alliances, and managing medical affairs across various therapeutic areas on a global scale. Her expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in transforming healthcare landscapes.

Suguna is also distinguished for her thought leadership, serving on various boards, engaging in public speaking, and providing advisory roles. She is a champion of strategic partnerships, patient advocacy, and engagement, continuously striving to improve healthcare outcomes and foster a more inclusive and ethical industry.

Episode Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Journey

[02:31] - The Struggle with Job Fit

[04:43] - Personal Reflections and Family Support

[14:35] - The Importance of Managerial Relationships

[29:31] - Strengthening the Empathy Muscle

[30:37] - Embracing Authenticity in Leadership

[31:53] - The Confidence of Age

[33:01] - Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

[34:16] - Living for Yourself

[35:35] - Navigating Career Transitions

[37:11] - Rediscovering Passion and Purpose

[39:06] - The Power of Positive Relationships

[40:52] - Making Difficult Decisions

[42:55] - Reflecting on Personal Well-being

[53:23] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Sh*t Curly Hair Is My Canvas

In this episode, I sit down with Nicolle Lemonds, an incredibly talented hair colorist known for her expertise in working with curls (even if she doesn't have curls herself). After walking into a curly hair salon almost 14 years ago, Nicolle knew she’d found her calling and never looked back. For Nicolle, her work isn’t about having the same experience as her clients; it’s about understanding the power of individuality and helping others bring out their uniqueness.

Nicolle shares how she turned her passion for color and creativity into a thriving career that goes beyond styling—she’s passionate about changing societal beauty standards one curl at a time. We discuss her journey from working in malls in the south to becoming a sought-after colorist in NYC, overcoming client skepticism, building a successful brand on Instagram, and eventually launching her own business after more than a decade in a single salon.

This episode is more than just a discussion about hair and career journey — it’s about identity, community and the freedom that comes with self-acceptance. 

Follow Nicolle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NicolleLovesCurls/

 Key lessons learned:

* How embracing what makes you unique can build confidence and authenticity in both personal and professional life.

* The power of empathy in building connections, even when your experiences differ from others.

* Why creativity, whether through your appearance or career, is a powerful form of self-expression.

* Practical advice on navigating change and uncertainty when taking bold steps or reinventing yourself.

Episode Notes

[00:00] - Introduction and Life Updates

[05:21] - Nicolle's Career Journey

[09:53] - The Importance of Education and Support

[17:05] - Moving to New York and Career Growth

[23:47] - Challenges and Triumphs in the Salon 

[29:16] - Embracing Inclusivity in the Curly Hair Movement

[33:50] - Empathy and Emotional Labor in Hairdressing

[40:31] - Building a Personal Brand

[43:34] - Transition to Entrepreneurship

[46:01] - Challenges During COVID-19

[52:01] - Deciding to Go Solo

[56:46] - The Power of Social Media

[01:01:49] - Future Aspirations 

[01:05:49] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this minisode, Maricella Herrera reflects on the unexpected lessons she learned from spending a week with her two-year-old nephew. What started as a playful getaway turned into a deeper exploration of the importance of play, imagination, and living in the moment. Maricella challenges the conventional wisdom of what adults should teach children and flips the script—what can we learn from them? Drawing from her own experiences and backed by research on the benefits of play, Maricella invites listeners to reconnect with their inner child, embrace simplicity, and find joy in the most unexpected places. Whether you're a parent, a caregiver, or just someone needing a little more fun in your life, this episode is a reminder to play a little more and stress a little less.Resources:Playing for All Kinds of Possibilities: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/science/zeal-for-play-may-have-propelled-human-evolution.htmlDo You Play Enough? Science Says It's Critical to Your Health and Well-Being - Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/2023/07/28/do-you-play-enough-science-says-its-critical-your-health-well-being-1813808.html

Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain - Huberman Lab: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-play-to-rewire-and-improve-your-brain

We all have moments when we question the path we’re on, but how do you know when it’s time to take the leap into something entirely different? Is there a downside to turning a passion into a career? 

This episode dives into that moment of clarity when you realize it's time to pivot, and what happens when you trust your gut to pursue what truly lights you up. Ken Stanek shares his journey of leaving a stable career in design to embrace his passion for art—despite all the uncertainty that comes with such a bold move. We talk about the importance of being absolutely certain in your decisions, trusting your instincts, and embracing the inevitable discomfort that comes with any significant change.

Ken’s story is a testament to the power of following your intuition. He explains how, once he felt that deep, undeniable certainty about his new path, he knew there was no room for doubt or regret. We also explore the balance between being creative and staying focused—using both sides of your brain to drive forward without losing sight of your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with laughs, storytelling, and embracing both the practical and whimsical sides of life.About Ken Stanek:

Dating back to December 2022, Ken has doodled detailed diaries of diners, dives, shops, cafes, and places. Swollen sketchbooks swiftly spilled off shelves, displacing space and ballooning backpacks. A sketchbook goes everywhere he goes. Ken has been a full time artist for only a year, but has been drawing all his life. Watercolor became his medium after finding that his light touch translates terrifically in capturing portraits of the personas of people, pets, homes, animals, and small businesses. Running these figure drawing sessions slingshotted his success and convinced him that there was enough of a support system of superb artists around to encourage a creative community and thrive.Website | Instagram | YouTube | Blog | Book of Illustrations

Key Lessons Learned:

* Trust Your Certainty: Discover how feeling absolutely sure about your decisions can eliminate doubt and regret, empowering you to make bold career changes with confidence.

* Embrace Discomfort: Learn why stepping out of your comfort zone and seeking discomfort can be key to personal growth and finding fulfillment in your career.

* Balance Creativity and Focus: Understand the importance of balancing creative exploration with practical focus to achieve success without losing sight of your dreams.

* Harness Community Support: Find out how building and leaning on a supportive community can be a crucial part of pursuing your passions and navigating major life changes.

Episode Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Update

[00:51] - Guest Introduction: Ken Stanek

[02:02] - Ken's Journey: From Corporate to Art

[05:36] - Early Aspirations and College Experience

[10:57] - The Bike Messenger Adventure

[17:33] - Rediscovering Art and Building a Career

[26:24] - Community Building and Artistic Pursuits

[28:27] - Artistic Freedom and Community

[29:46] - Transitioning to a Full-Time Artist

[31:20] - Navigating Layoffs and New Beginnings

[36:56] - Building a Support System

[37:57] - Exploring New Ventures and Coaching

[43:30] - Focusing on Local Art Projects

[52:02] - Reflecting on Career Choices

[56:04] - Where to Find Ken

An extra treat - I said I loved Ken’s illustrations, and saw this very cute cat that reminded of me of my little Toffee so… couldn’t help myself 😄

In this episode, host Maricella Herrera sits down with Lan Phan, a leadership educator and author, who helps us explore the true meaning of success and purpose. Lan's story is a testament to resilience, discovery, and the transformative power of community. She shares insights from her book Do This Daily: Secrets for Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life, guiding us through the process of identifying and ranking our values, and introducing us to Ikigai—a Japanese concept for finding our reason for being.

Our conversation dives into practical ways to shift your mindset, including the subtle but powerful impact of adding “yet” to your thoughts. Lan’s wisdom challenged me to rethink my goals and redefine success on my own terms. I’m confident her insights will inspire you to do the same.

Oh! And one quick favor 🙏 - could you vote for my South by Southwest Submission? It’s all about the ideas we discuss in this podcast. Learn more and vote here: https://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/153199

About Lan Phan:

Lan Phan is a force in the world of purpose-driven leadership and personal development. As the author of Do This Daily, she’s become a guiding light for executives worldwide, with her strategies featured in The Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Money. Lan’s influence spans from global stages like the United Nations to top universities like Stanford and NYU Law. Her dynamic presence on LinkedIn and YouTube empowers millions annually, solidifying her place among the top 100 LinkedIn creators globally and the top ten in Management and Leadership.Community of Seven: communityofseven.comLinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/lanphanInstagram:Instagram.com/lanphanc7Facebook: facebook.com/communityofseven

Key Lessons Learned:

* Rank Your Values: Identify and prioritize what truly matters to guide your decisions and align your life with your core beliefs.

* Redefine Success: Move beyond traditional metrics and focus on finding fulfillment by aligning your work and life with your values and passions.

* Embrace Ikigai: Discover your purpose by balancing what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

* Shift Your Mindset with "Yet": Transform obstacles into opportunities for growth by adding “yet” to your mindset.

* Leverage Community: Surround yourself with supportive people who remind you of your worth and help you navigate transitions.

Episode Notes:

* 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Update from Spain

* 05:58 - Lan Phan's Journey: From Law Aspirations to Teaching

* 12:01 - Discovering Ikigai: Finding Your Purpose

* 17:18 - Redefining Success: Aligning with Core Values

* 21:46 - Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

* 22:05 - The Power of 'Yet'

* 22:13 - Action Over Visualization

* 23:25 - Change Requires Change

* 24:04 - The Importance of Environment

* 25:30 - Prioritizing Values

* 28:10 - Redefining Productivity

* 32:47 - Navigating Career Transitions

* 40:02 - Lessons from Building a Community

* 42:26 - Embracing the Journey

Quitting your job, starting a business, or making any major life change comes with its fair share of fear and uncertainty. Trust me, I know. As I've been on my journey of self-reflection, one dominant emotion that's continually surfaced is fear. Whether it's fear of failure, fear of being judged, or fear of the unknown, it's something we all face. But how do we manage this fear, and more importantly, how do we distinguish it from that subtle whisper of intuition?

In today's episode, I sit down with world-record-holding skydiver and life coach Melanie Curtis to explore this intricate dance between fear and intuition. Melanie shares her personal journey of overcoming fear, from her early skydiving experiences to her work in peak performance and healing through psychedelic medicine. We delve into the importance of support systems, practical tools for managing fear, and the power of humility and surrender. Whether you're starting a new business, writing a book, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, Melanie's insights offer valuable guidance on navigating fear and intuition effectively.

Melanie's energy, outlook on life, and unapologetic authenticity have always inspired me and I know you’ll get a lot of great insights form this conversation. 

About Melanie Curtis:

Melanie Curtis is a world record pro skydiver, keynote speaker, coach, author and podcaster. She has been tapped as an expert in Forbes, Fast Company, Thrive Global, on CBS Evening News, CBS Sunday Morning, NBC Know Your Value, Masters of Scale, Entrepreneurs on Fire, and many more.

Melanie facilitates genre-busting professional development for companies, helping high-performing teams wield fear and flow into actually fulfilling peak performance. Melanie’s approach softens perfectionism as the armor that becomes our prison if not balanced with deeper healing and hilarity – looking bravely at ourselves while embracing the comedy and ridiculousness of being human at our edges.

She is a teammate for Type A clients willing to look bravely at themselves as a nonnegotiable component to reaching our next levels of peak performance and relational connection, all while embracing the intensity and ridiculousness of being human at our edges. 

Melanie has authored 3 books, including How to Fly, available on Audible.

Melanie co-founded Highlight, an all-female professional demonstration jump team, using skydiving as a vehicle to champion equality and inspire women and girls to live bold brave lives of their own design. 

Melanie co-founded the Trust the Journey podcast, where she shares at length and in depth about her own healing experiences in service to helping others heal deeply. Via the show and her own public platform, Melanie is a passionate advocate for legal, safe and equitable access to transformative healing with psychedelic plant medicines. 

Connect with Melanie at MelanieCurtis.com.

Key Lessons Learned:

* Fear is Universal: Everyone experiences fear, but it's important to learn how to manage it rather than let it paralyze you.

* Distinguishing Fear from Intuition: Intuition often challenges you to step out of your comfort zone. Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness can help you recognize and trust your intuition.

* The Importance of Healing: Personal growth requires facing and working through deep-seated fears and emotional blocks. Healing is a continuous journey.

* Practical Strategies for Managing Fear: Techniques like mindful breathing, building a support system, and continuous skill development can help lower and navigate fear.

* Achieving Peak Performance: True peak performance is not just about talent but involves self-awareness, embracing both fear and intuition, and continuously pushing your boundaries.

Episode Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction and Personal Journey

[04:15] - Melanie's Background and Achievements

[07:55] - Diving into Fear and Motivation

[09:41] - Skydiving and Overcoming Fear

[11:55] - Life Coaching and Personal Growth

[21:07] - Building Support Systems

[24:05] - Melanie's World Record Experience

[29:30] - Discovering Life Coaching

[32:13] - Facing Fear and Trusting Intuition

[33:26] - The Journey to Self-Trust

[33:59] - Practicing Intuition in Daily Life

[35:39] - The Role of Silence and Gut Checks

[38:42] - Personal Growth and Overcoming Pain

[40:55] - The Healing Power of Psychedelics

[47:47] - Preparing for Psychedelic Ceremonies

[53:24] - Integration and Long-Term Healing

[57:10] - Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Resources:

Website: http://melaniecurtis.com/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/melaniecurtis11/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-curtis-74ab3540 

Podcast: http://trustthejourney.today/

YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/melaniecurtiscom/

Confidential information call about psychedelic healing: https://melaniecurtis.com/information-call/ 

People say silence is golden, and it can indeed be a powerful tool. But like many tools, it can be used for harm as much as for good. Have you ever felt like you have to dim your light to accommodate others? That you need to hold your tongue to keep the peace? Or that your opinion doesn’t matter, not because it isn’t valid but because nobody will listen?

Silence. We’ve learned to silence ourselves and others, intentionally or not. The consequences of silence can be deeply harmful—from loneliness to physical illness, silence hurts.

Elaine Lin Hering, author of Unlearning Silence has done something incredibly courageous (yes, calculated, as she would clarify but courageous nonetheless) by writing a whole book inviting us to challenge our assumptions about silence, how we’ve internalized it, and how we’ve been complicit in perpetuating spaces where silence is the norm. Her book is not just thought-provoking but filled with practical examples, tips, reflection questions, and suggestions on how to do better.

In this episode, Elaine and I explore some of the ideas in her book, having to leave her the firm because she couldn't stand the inequities she faced, and how she has reevaluated her definitions of success, team, and productivity.

About Elaine Lin Hering:

Elaine Lin Hering is a facilitator, speaker, and writer. She works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. Elaine has worked on six continents and with a wide range of corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. 

She has trained mental health professionals, political officials, religious communities, and leaders at companies including American Express, Capital One, Google, Nike, Novartis, Shell, Pixar, and the Red Cross. 

Elaine is a former Managing Partner of Triad Consulting Group and Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, specializing in dispute resolution, mediation, and negotiation.

Key Lessons from the Interview:

* The Insidious Nature of Silence: Elaine defines silence as more than just the absence of noise—it's the absence of voice, opinion, and life. She discusses how silence can start subtly, making us withdraw our true thoughts and replace them with what we think others want to hear.

* The Emotional and Physical Toll: Silence isn't just a social issue; it has deep emotional and physical impacts. Elaine shares how staying silent can lead to stress, health problems, and a sense of isolation.

* Systemic Silencing: Elaine addresses the broader implications of silence in society, particularly how it affects marginalized groups and perpetuates systemic inequities.

* Personal Sacrifices for Justice: Elaine opens up about her difficult decision to leave her job, illustrating the personal cost of standing up against injustice and the importance of aligning actions with values.

* Redefining Success: The conversation also delves into redefining success, emphasizing that true success is living in alignment with one's values and fostering environments where all voices can be heard.

Episode Notes with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] – Introduction and meeting Elaine Lin Hering

[00:02:00] – Definition of silence and its profound impact

[00:10:00] – Elaine’s journey: From aspiring lawyer to author and advocate

[00:17:00] – The emotional and physical toll of staying silent

[00:23:00] – The concept of double pain and the importance of conversation

[00:30:00] – Writing "Unlearning Silence" and the challenges faced

[00:34:00] – Redefining success and the importance of living aligned with one's values

[00:41:00] – The privilege of choice and staying true to oneself

[00:54:00] – Final reflections and the ongoing journey of unlearning silence

Resources:

Elaine Lin Hering - Website, LinkedIn

Unlearning Silence - Amazon, Bookshop.org

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua - Amazon, NYT Excerpt

Women Don’t Ask by Linda C. Babcock - Amazon, Bookshop.org

The First, the Few, the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America by Deepa Purushothaman - Amazon, Bookshop.org, Deepa’s website

In this episode, host Maricella Herrera sits down with Lesley Jane Seymour, former editor-in-chief of More Magazine and founder of Covey Club. Lesley shares her journey of reinventing herself after the magazine's closure and her passion for helping women navigate midlife transitions. They discuss the challenges of working in a rapidly changing industry, the importance of having a reinvention plan, and the necessity for women to invest in themselves. Lesley highlights how communities like Covey Club provide vital support for women looking to evolve and reinvent themselves. Together, they explore mindset shifts, the value of continuous learning, and the power of forming new connections to achieve personal growth.About Lesley Jane Seymour:

Lesley Jane Seymour is a media entrepreneur and founder of CoveyClub, a club for life-long learners launched in February 2017. (A covey is a small flock of birds). CoveyClub holds a space for women 40+ while they figure out what is next for them. Women learn about reinvention through the virtual CoveyClub classes and the CoveyClub blog which is written by the best journalists around the world. CoveyClub also offers a weekly podcast called Reinvent Yourself with Lesley Jane Seymour highlighting women who have done it, tight one-on-one networking groups called Covey PODs, a private social app (CoveyConnect), 30-Day Challenges, and a yearly live bash in NOLA. Seymour is a certified Tiny Habits coach.

From 2008 to 2016, Seymour served as Editor-In-Chief of More Magazine, the leading lifestyle magazine for women over forty with a readership of 1.5 million and Editor-in-Chief and Social Media director of More.com. In July of 2015, Seymour created history by having the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, guest edit an entire issue—leading to 8.5 billion media impressions worldwide. In 2008, Seymour led More to its first National Magazine Award nomination. In 2012, Seymour was named Executive Director of Meredith’s Beauty Center of Excellence; in 2009 she was named number four on the 2009 Most Powerful Fashion Editors List by Forbes magazine. In 2024, Seymour was the winner of the ANA’s SeeHer Award honoring advocates for Gender Equality.

Before taking over More, Seymour served as the Editor-in-Chief for Marie Claire magazine, Redbook magazine, and teen book YM. She was Beauty Director of Glamour, and senior editor at Vogue. She is the author of two books: On the Edge, 100 Years of Vogue and I Wish My Parents Understood. In 2013 she was named Chair of the Editorial Advisory Board for Duke Magazine and a Global Ambassador for Vital Voices. She is a former trustee at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Key Lessons:

* Embrace Reinvention: Lesley emphasizes the importance of having a reinvention plan in your back pocket. The modern work environment is rapidly changing, and being adaptable and prepared for these changes is crucial.

* Importance of Mindset: A positive and open mindset is essential for success. People who are successful at reinventing themselves maintain a mindset that embraces challenges and opportunities.

* Learning to Adapt: Lesley speaks about the perseverance needed in entrepreneurship, especially in creating and sustaining a community-focused business like Covey Club. Continuous learning and adaptation are key.

* Value of Community: Reinventing oneself is easier with the support of a community, and surprisingly it is easier when this community is not your usual circle of friends. 

Episode Notes:

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates

03:14 - Introducing Lesley Jane Seymour

03:52 - Lesley's Career in Print Media

04:08 - The Birth of Covey Club

05:54 - Challenges in Print Media

16:08 - Reinvention and Career Advice

18:21 - The Changing Business Landscape

27:17 - Building Covey Club

30:46 - Reflecting on Life Choices

32:18 - The Daily Hamster Wheel

33:09 - The Power of Community

37:45 - Investing in Yourself

42:51 - Mindset and Reinvention

47:40 - Learning and Adapting

51:53 - The Value of Strangers in Reinvention

55:24 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Remember during COVID when everyone kept saying, “Shakespeare wrote King Lear during the plague” or “now’s the time to start that new hobby!”? If you were, like me, more focused on maintaining your sanity rather than creating a masterpiece, those comments might have been a bit annoying but not quite motivating.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit of déjà vu. Now that I don’t have a job, I keep telling myself that I should be using my time wisely and productively. But what does that even mean?

I’ve become a little obsessed with productivity—or more specifically, the paradox of it. If you've ever felt caught between the urge to be super productive and the need to just chill and enjoy life, this one's for you.

In this minisode, I'm getting real about the irony of pushing myself to finish an episode about productivity while completely ignoring my own advice. The struggle is real! I’ll share my personal journey with productivity, why it seems to dominate our self-worth, and how I’m trying to redefine it.

Host Maricella Herrera introduces her podcast, 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job,' where she shares meaningful and inspiring conversations to help navigate career transitions. In this episode, Maricella talks with Jacqueline Oliveira Cella, who shares her 'midlife awakening' journey. Jacqueline, with over 15 years of experience in global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, discusses how she realigned her life and career purpose. They cover topics such as imposter syndrome, authenticity in leadership, building trust within teams, and transitioning careers across cultures. Jacqueline shares insights from her consultancy, Health at Work initiative, and continuous learning journey, emphasizing the importance of aligning work with personal values to achieve a fulfilling life.

About Jacqueline Oliveira-Cella:

Jaqueline Oliveira Cella inspires you to shift discomfort into purpose-driven action. She brings over 15 years of experience in US and global health, wealth, and wellbeing sectors, specializing in developing client-centric solutions, health equity, and risk management. Jaqueline has a proven track record of empowering employees and enhancing corporate wellness programs

As the founder of wellBe consulting, Jaqueline co-creates and advises healthcare corporations on innovating health and wellbeing solutions for employers, establishing strategic partnerships, and rethinking their go-to-market strategies and key performance indicators. Her recent executive education at Harvard Medical School and her actuarial and business background further empower her to drive meaningful, impactful changes.

Driven by her passion for purpose-driven action, Jaqueline created the 'Health at Work' initiative. Collaborations cover top health risk concerns topics such as Burnout in the Healthcare System, Culture & AI, Diabetes at Work, Busyness & Food, Mindful Inclusion, Menopause at Work, Measurable Inclusion & People Analytics.  ‘Health at Work’ collaborations are promoted through LinkedIn, a social initiative, extending the reach of her work to help employees advocate for their health in the workplace, and build sustable organizations by assisting employers in navigating significant health challenges with data-driven and actionable insights.

Key Lessons:

* Pause to Reassess Happiness: take intentional breaks to journal and engage in practices that can help you reflect on your current path and determine if it truly brings you joy.

* Authenticity with Self-Awareness: Authenticity is valuable, but it must be balanced with self-awareness and compassion. Being true to yourself while considering the impact on others fosters better relationships and a healthier work environment.

* Reframing Imposter Syndrome: It’s really a fear of not belonging, and it’s natural to go through it in uncertainty.

* Aligning Work with Purpose: Aligning your career with your core values and purpose is essential for long-term satisfaction and impact.

Episode Notes

00:00:00 - Introduction and the concept of midlife awakening

00:03:00 - Jaqueline Oliveira-Cella's background and career in global health and insurance

00:05:00 - The importance of finding joy and excitement in your work

00:09:00 - Balancing authenticity with compassion and self-awareness

00:13:00 - Building trust within teams and creating psychological safety

00:17:00 - Managing career transitions and embracing change

00:22:00 - The role of continuous learning and curiosity

00:25:00 - Overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of the unknown

00:30:00 - Creating environments that foster diversity of thought and innovation

00:34:00 - The power of pause and taking intentional breaks

00:39:00 - Addressing mental health and well-being in the workplace

00:43:00 - Aligning your work with your purpose and values

00:48:00 - Practical advice for finding mentors and building a supportive network

00:53:00 - Final thoughts and reflections on creating a fulfilling career and life

Resources:

Health at Work - LinkedIn

Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown - Bookshop.org

In this minisode, host Maricella Herrera explores the emotional aftermath of completing the Chicago Marathon and discusses the 'post-marathon blues'—a period of feeling lost and empty after achieving a big goal. She reflects on how training for the marathon served as an excuse to avoid various life decisions and commitments. As she questions her future and the direction of her career, Maricella turns to the book 'The Alchemist' by Paolo Coelho for inspiration on finding one's life purpose. She shares her inner conflict about multiple job roles, particularly her involvement with a startup, and how a pivotal decision sparked a realization about self-trust. Ultimately, Maricella emphasizes the importance of tuning into one's intuition and emotions as a guide for future decisions, encouraging listeners to do the same.

00:00 Introduction: Rethinking Life Choices

01:03 Post-Marathon Blues

04:05 The Alchemist and Personal Legends

07:15 Struggling with Busyness and Overwhelm

12:22 Deciding on the Startup

16:55 Trusting Your Intuition

25:13 Conclusion: Listening to Your Heart

In this episode of 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job?', host Maricella Herrera talks about the emotional and practical aspects of taking a career break. She reflects on her breakiversary and discusses her journey with career coach Katrina McGhee, author of 'Taking a Career Break for Dummies.' Maricella asks listeners to share their own career change stories and emphasizes the importance of community in navigating job transitions. Katrina shares her own experience of leaving corporate life, overcoming financial and emotional challenges, and finding her true path. The episode touches on themes like reclaiming one's life, setting personal goals, and redefining success.

About Katrina McGhee:

Katrina McGhee is a career break and sabbatical coach, speaker and author of the bestselling book, Taking a Career Break for Dummies. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Katrina helps mid-career professionals design transformative life breaks that lead to happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Katrina developed the Break Blueprint©️, a guiding framework she's used to help nearly 100 clients rejuvenate their lives by taking a break to travel the world, launch a business, write a novel, change careers and more.

Katrina's work was inspired by her own 20-month career break where she saved $40,000 in just 18 months to quit her corporate job to travel the world. As an avid world traveler and digital nomad, her expertise on career breaks and travel has been featured in prestigious outlets such as NBC, ABC, Forbes, Smarter Travel, Thrive Global, and Yahoo.

Key Lessons:

* Plan Thoroughly: Assess your financial situation, budget carefully, and prepare emotionally before taking a career break.

* Clarify Your Purpose: Define your "why" to stay motivated and focused during your break. Include three to four themes that you can come back to.

* Reframing Productivity and Overcoming Guilt: Learn to value rest and self-care as essential components of personal growth and redefine what productivity means to you.

* Embracing and Explaining Your Break: Transform your break into a compelling narrative of growth and self-discovery, making you stand out to future employees.

Episode Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Community Involvement and Listener Stories

01:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Katrina McGhee

03:40 Katrina's Career Break Journey

07:08 Navigating Corporate Life and Realizing the Need for a Break

10:05 Planning and Taking the Career Break

19:06 Reframing Productivity and Self-Worth

25:57 Transitioning to a Career Break Coach

31:01 The Importance of Reentry Periods

31:10 Reflecting on Personal Growth

31:45 Embracing Breaks and Self-Improvement

32:42 Sharing Your Break Experience

34:20 Extending the Break

35:11 Financial Management During Breaks

36:33 Unexpected Breaks and Self-Discovery

43:54 The Power of Permission

51:29 Maintaining Break Benefits Post-Reentry

57:29 Advice for Aspiring Break-Takers

Resources:

Katrina’s Website: https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/

Taking a Career Break for Dummies: Bookshop.org, Amazon

The Sabbatical Project: https://thesabbaticalproject.org/

In this episode of 'Sh*t I Just Quit My Job,' host Maricella Herrera converses with Minette Norman, a leadership coach and consultant, focusing on psychological safety in the workplace. Maricella, who has a deep-rooted passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, discusses how leadership and organizational culture are pivotal for fostering environments where employees feel safe to express themselves. Minette shares her extensive 30-year journey in tech, the politics that led her to leave her corporate role, and her transition into consulting. They delve into the importance of listening, creating inclusive meetings, and the critical role of first-time managers in shaping workplace culture. Minette offers practical advice for leaders seeking to build psychologically safe work environments and underscores the importance of self-awareness and resilience in leadership. The episode ends with Minette reflecting on the valuable experiences and skills she brought into her new career path.

About Minette Norman:

Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the Silicon Valley software industry.

Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her own consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.

As the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook: Lead More Powerfully by Being More Human, Minette is committed to helping leaders unleash the full potential of the people in their organizations.

Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective.

Minette holds degrees in Drama and French from Tufts University and studied at the Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris.

Key Lessons:

* Psychological Safety: Learn what it means and why it's essential for team success.

* Office Politics: Understand the impact of workplace politics and how to navigate them effectively.

* Building Confidence: Hear Minette's personal story of overcoming self-doubt and rebuilding confidence after a challenging career transition.

* Inclusive Leadership: Practical advice on creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and heard.

Episode Notes:

[00:02:00] - Introduction to Minette Norman: Background and career journey.

[00:06:00] - The Path to Tech: How Minette transitioned from acting to tech.

[00:13:00] - Defining Psychological Safety: What it is and why it matters.

[00:20:00] - Practical Steps for Inclusive Meetings: Tips and techniques to foster inclusion.

[00:28:00] - The Role of Middle Management: The critical influence of first-line managers on workplace culture.

[00:33:00] - Personal Stories of Overcoming Adversity: Minette's experience with workplace bullying and career change.

[00:39:00] - Starting Her Own Business: Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

[00:45:00] - Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Key takeaways for anyone looking to improve their leadership skills.

Resources

What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team - New York Times

The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmonson

The Psychological Safety Playbook by Minette Norman and Karolin Helbig

The Boldly Inclusive Leader by Minette Norman - Bookshop Link

Unlearning Silence by Elaine Lin Hering

The Strengths, Weaknesses and Blind Spots of Managers - Gallup

Reflecting on a Year-Long Career Break: Insights and Lessons Learned

In this special mini-sode, host Maricella Herrera marks her one-year 'Breakiversary' since leaving her job. She shares personal reflections on taking a career break without a clear purpose, the challenges she faced, and the realizations she came to during this period. Maricella explores themes of creativity, joy, and reconnection, and discusses the importance of giving oneself grace and having regular self-check-ins. She expresses gratitude for her support system and contemplates the possibility of extending her break as she continues to seek clarity on her next chapter.

00:00 Introduction and Special Occasion

00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Break

01:14 The Retrospective Process

02:49 Acknowledging Privilege

03:41 Discovering Purpose

05:21 Challenges and Realizations

08:57 Themes and Proud Moments

14:25 Struggles and Mental Battles

18:18 Lessons Learned

24:29 Future Plans and Uncertainty

26:36 Conclusion and Gratitude

Entrepreneurship is more than just a career choice; it's a spiritual journey that demands vulnerability, resilience, and a complete shift in mindset. In this episode, I sit down with Deb Boulanger, the inspiring CEO of Life After Corporate and founder of The Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs. Together, we dive deep into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly women transitioning from corporate life.

Deb’s story, takes us from her beginnings as a special education teacher to smashing glass ceilings at Gartner and ultimately becoming a powerhouse entrepreneur. We dive deep into the importance of investing in entrepreneurial education, the psychological hurdles of success, fear of failure, and the transformative power of community and mentorship.

This conversation is not just about business strategies; it's about embracing a holistic approach that intertwines professional growth with spiritual and personal development.

About Deb Boulanger:

Debra Boulanger is the CEO of Life After Corporate and the founder of The Launch Lab for women entrepreneurs, the Reliable Revenue Mastermind, and host of the Life After Corporate podcast. She helps smart, accomplished women leaders make the leap from Corporate to entrepreneurship.  

Over the last 20 years, Deb has launched dozens of services that generated hundreds of millions in revenue for her clients and launched and grew a single division at Gartner, Inc. from 0 to $32 Million in 30 months. She has taught and advised hundreds of new and aspiring women entrepreneurs to use these proven strategies to test their business ideas and validate their money-making model. 

Key Takeaways:

* Overcoming Guilt and Shame in Entrepreneurship

* The Pitfalls of Fake Progress

* Understanding the Worthiness Wound

* Fear of Success

* Balancing Spirituality and Analytical Thinking

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

02:19 Guest Introduction: Deb Boulanger

05:30 Deb's Early Career and Challenges

11:01 Transition to Entrepreneurship

13:38 The Role of Meditation and Self-Discovery

18:27 Building a Business and Overcoming Fears

23:58 The Number One Mistake Women Make in Entrepreneurship

24:37 The Importance of Setting Realistic Expectations

25:55 The Dangers of Corporate Trauma in Entrepreneurship

26:15 Avoiding Fake Progress in Your Business

32:43 The Psychological Challenges of Pricing

35:11 The Great Boomerang: Returning to Corporate

39:54 Overcoming Fear of Success

45:44 Balancing Spirituality and Analytics in Business

47:51 Final Thoughts and Resources

Referenced:

* Life After Corporate Podcast: https://lifeaftercorporatepodcast.com/

* The Launch Lab for Women Entrepreneurs: https://thegreatdoover.com/launch-lab/

* Lean In and McKinsey, Women in the Workplace Report 2022: The Great Breakup: https://leanin.org/women-in-the-workplace/2022

* Women in the workplace: Breaking up to break through (McKinsey): https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace-breaking-up-to-break-through

* The Artist’s Way: https://juliacameronlive.com/the-artists-way/

Ever feel like you’re running out of time, or maybe just not using it the best way? That’s been on my mind a lot lately. This week, I sit down with Aubria Ralph, a phenomenal woman whose relationship with time and planning left me both inspired (so much so that I decided to make this one a video) and a bit in awe. Aubria, who has worn many hats from professor to lawyer, and even author of seven children’s books, shares her unique approach to life, planning, and dreaming big. Our conversation dives deep into the importance of strategic planning, the powerful way Aubria manages her time, and why embracing our accomplishments is essential. Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right mindset, anything is achievable.

Tune in to learn how Aubria navigates her ambitious goals, maintains a scrappy attitude, and balances multiple careers without losing sight of her dreams. If you’ve ever felt stuck or questioned your direction, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights that will help you rethink your relationship with time and planning.

About Aubria Ralph, Founder and CEO of Scrappy Girl Project:

Aubria Ralph is a polymath who recently transitioned from her role as a banking and finance attorney to business owner, consultant and author. Sitting comfortably at the helm, Aubria boasts a wide range of experience including 15+ years in Retail Management, Human Resources and Training and Development, 10 years as a Professor of English, 20+ years community outreach and support through several nonprofit organizations and ~5 years in the legal industry. Aubria’s wealth of knowledge and experience across the marketplace has given her the expertise necessary to advise executive leadership teams and board members at every stage of their career and business development. She works with organizations and senior executives to elevate their leadership strategy and people management by reinforcing their commitment and implementation of transformative wellness programming.

Key Lessons:

* The Power of Strategic Planning: Aubria emphasizes the importance of having a detailed plan and constantly updating it to stay on track.

* Relationship with Time: How Aubria maximizes her 24 hours and uses hyper-focus to accomplish multiple goals.

* Embracing Accomplishments: Understanding the significance of recognizing and celebrating your achievements.

* Trusting Your Track Record: Learning to trust your past experiences and skills when navigating transitions.

* The Scrappy Attitude: How adopting a scrappy, resilient mindset can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams.

Episode Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Evolution

01:20 Meet Aubria Ralph: A Multifaceted Achiever

03:55 Aubria's Early Aspirations and Family Influence

06:14 Academic Journey and Career Pivot

13:12 Balancing Multiple Roles and Realizations

20:20 The Five-Year Plan and Mentorship

22:49 A Wake-Up Call: Reflecting on Life Goals

24:03 Pursuing a New Path: From Nonprofit to Law School

25:22 The Journey to Law School

26:10 Balancing Ambitions and Life

27:42 Accountability and Public Declarations

30:26 Hyper-Focus and Maximizing Time

39:21 The Scrappy Girl Project: Origins and Vision

43:04 Advice for Navigating Transitions

Ever felt like you wanted to walk away but there was something holding you back? Almost like if you were frozen? In this episode, I chat with Carla Matero, who has navigated a fascinating career journey from academia to government to her own consulting practice. We dive into the challenge of staying too long in situations that don’t serve us and the importance of recognizing when it’s time to move on.

Carla’s story highlights how fear and obligation can hold us back, eroding our confidence and well-being. She shares insights on the signs it’s time to leave and strategies for rebuilding confidence.

We also discuss the impact of empathy and self-awareness in leadership roles, and how curiosity can lead to unexpected and rewarding career paths. Whether you’re considering a career change or reevaluating your current path, Carla’s journey offers valuable lessons and actionable advice.About Carla Matero:

Carla Matero is Founder & CEO of Honor Bound LLC, a premier strategic advisory firm that pioneers tailored, progressive growth strategies for a diverse set of clients fostering equity and excellence in leadership, team development, and infrastructure design. 

Her work has focused on creating collaborative efforts across sectors for transformative and innovative outcomes in the arts, academia, private corporations, social justice campaigns, nonprofits, and the government. She has held senior leadership positions at Columbia University, Girl Scouts of the USA (HQ), City of New York, and government relations firm Kasirer. 

At Columbia, Carla played an instrumental role in launching its global centers, building an international series of fora to explore the inherent mandates of free press and speech, and collaborating on a $5 billion development campaign. As Executive Director of New York City’s Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Community Events, she created initiatives that built sustainable partnerships and community engagement. Carla was a 2021 City & State Honoree - “The leaders who made New York” and a 2023 Public Relations Power Player for amNY Metro and Politics NY. 

Carla is a US-UK Fulbright Commissioner and serves on the boards of LearningSpring School and Dancing Classrooms. She holds an MS in Strategic Communications from Columbia University and an MFA from Penn State University.

Key Lessons:

* Understanding the signs that it’s time to move on from a job.

* The impact of staying too long in a detrimental work environment.

* Strategies for rebuilding confidence after a career transition.

* Embracing uncertainty and using it as a growth opportunity.

* The importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership roles.

Episode Notes:

* 0:07 – Introduction.

* 2:02 – Insights into Carla’s early aspirations and how her performing arts background influenced her career transitions.

* 5:00 – How life events like Hurricane Katrina can catalyze career changes and shift priorities.

* 12:09 – The importance of global free speech and press, and lessons learned from working with international leaders.

* 20:11 – Change management challenges at the Girl Scouts and how to navigate large-scale organizational shifts.

* 27:07 – Lessons from transitioning from government to corporate roles, and the importance of continuous learning.

* 33:12 – Reflections on the emotional toll of staying too long in the wrong job and recognizing when it’s time to move on.

* 37:23 – Practical strategies for rebuilding confidence, including the use of meditation and therapy.

* 42:33 – How to navigate career regrets and the power of maintaining curiosity and openness to new opportunities.

* 45:09 – The significance of women supporting women, fostering meaningful networks, and closing the pay gap.

* 46:50 – Showcasing experience of non-linear career paths.

* 48:36 – Embracing opportunities you couldn’t have imagined.

* 56:11 – Final thoughts on embracing change and staying true to your core values.

I’ve always considered myself an ambitious person, constantly chasing more recognition, more education, more success. But what happens when you get everything you thought you wanted and it still doesn’t feel right? This past year, I’ve been re-evaluating my relationship with ambition and success, and I’ve found that I’m not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with Sheela Subramanian, who landed her dream job in 2020 but realized it wasn’t enough. She embarked on a "year of no," a period of introspection to find what truly makes her feel alive. Our conversation dives deep into redefining ambition, the concept of "enough," and balancing relevance with happiness. Sheela shares her journey of stepping away from the traditional path to focus on what truly matters. Whether you're considering a "year of no" yourself or simply curious about the journey, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice from both Sheela's personal experience and her extensive research on the future of work.

About Sheela Subramanian:Sheela Subramanian is a business owner, investor, author, and speaker. Most recently, she was Vice President at Slack and co-founder of Future Forum, a research consortium dedicated to studying the future of work. She holds over 20 years of experience building and leading global teams at Google, Slack, Salesforce, and startup organizations. As a champion for workplace equity, her work is cited in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and others. She is also co-author of "How the Future Works", a WSJ and USA Today bestselling book.

Sheela earned her BA from Stanford and MBA from Harvard Business School and is the mother to two magical daughters.

Key Lessons:

* Redefining ambition and understanding that it’s not just about saying yes to everything.

* The importance of setting boundaries and focusing on what makes you feel alive.

* Balancing the need for relevance with personal happiness.

* The concept of "enough" and how to find contentment in being rather than just doing.

Episode Notes:

* Introduction and Background (0:07)

* The Evolution of Ambition (1:04)

* Sheela's Dream Job and the Year of No (2:25)

* The Concept of "Enough" (3:34)

* Setting Boundaries and Redefining Success (18:23)

* Relevance vs. Happiness (18:44)

* Living a Life on Your Terms (21:35)

* Overcoming Fear, Shame, and Guilt (30:44)

* Finding Courage and Contentment (35:10)

* Insights on Productivity and Personal Growth (41:53)

Tune in and join us as we explore what it means to live authentically and find joy in the journey, not just the destination.

Have you ever wondered why, despite ticking off every self-care task on your list, you still feel like you're barely scratching the surface of feeling good? Maybe it’s time to change your self-care routine for a dose of self-compassion.

In today’s episode I sit down with Esther Boykin, we dive deep into the transformative power of self-compassion—a vital tool that might just be the missing piece in your mental wellness puzzle. Esther not only defines self-compassion but also breaks down actionable steps to integrate it into our daily lives. She emphasizes that self-compassion isn’t just about being kind to ourselves in thought but also involves a radical shift in how we engage with ourselves and the world around us.

Join us as we explore actionable ways to cultivate a kinder internal dialogue and learn why treating yourself with compassion could be the key to unlocking a more fulfilled, resilient life.

About Esther Boykin:

Esther Boykin is a licensed marriage and family therapist, speaker, author, CEO of Group Therapy Associates, and founder of the Compassion Collective. With more than two decades of expertise in systemic and relationally based therapy and a deep dedication to inclusivity, innovation, and culturally relevant mental health, Esther guides organizations, celebrities, fellow therapists, and everyday individuals toward a more compassionate and connected existence.

Esther is currently President of the Board of Directors for NAMI DC. 

Learn more about her work at www.estherboykin.com and get in touch with her private practice at www.grouptherapyassociates.com.  She can also be found on Instagram and Linkedin @estherbmft.

Ever found yourself caught in the gap between wanting to act and taking the actual step? You're not alone. This episode tackles that very struggle.

After my routine got thrown off a couple of months ago, I’ve been feeling frozen. I was a lot clearer on my goals, but I was stuck in the mud not moving toward them. So, I started asking myself: Why can’t I just get out of my own way?

Turns out, fear has been quietly driving a lot of what I do (or don’t do). But what exactly am I scared of?

In this episode, we dive into some pretty deep stuff:

* Facing up to fears: I’m talking about what scares me and trying to figure out why.

* Meeting my Inner Critic: She’s loud, she’s persistent, and she’s got opinions. Learning to live with her hasn’t been easy, but it’s been eye-opening.

* Why ‘work’ feels like a dirty word: I’ve been rethinking what work means to me and finding joy in calling it ‘play’ instead.

—

Resources:

On Fear by Mary Ruefle | Poetry Magazine

How to Overcome Your Fear of the Unknown | Harvard Business Review

Negative capability: how to embrace intellectual uncertainty | Ness Labs

Tim Ferriss: Why you should define your fears instead of your goals | TED Talk

In a world that tells us to walk straight lines, Dr. Elijah Nicholas' story is a powerful testament to the beauty of the paths less trodden. From aspiring lawyer influenced by Malcolm X, through the disciplined ranks of the military, to the embrace of religion and a spiritual life as a trans man, Elijah's journey isn’t one story, but many.

This episode isn’t just about one man's transitions; it’s about the transformative power of acceptance—of oneself, by others, and within a community.

In this episode, we dive into Elijah's life, where every turn led to new discoveries. He shows us that tests don't decide our future—they're just the beginning of a bigger adventure. We also talk about mental health, not as something to battle, but something that makes us stronger, especially when we're learning to be ourselves.

Elijah's life isn't just his own story, it's a lesson in being true to who you are. If you're wondering what you should be doing with your life, his story might just have the answers you're looking for.

About Dr. Elijah Nicholas:

Dr. Elijah Nicholas, Founder of 100 Black Trans Men, Inc. is a visionary leader, retired senior military officer, and spiritual gem. Dr. Elijah has over 20 years of leadership experience and over a decade of executive leadership experience. With multiple degrees and a certificate from Harvard Divinity, 13 publications, and an ordained Pastor at Spirit and Truth Sanctuary, Dr. Elijah is dedicated to educating leaders and organizations on the importance of conscious love, conscious living, and conscious leadership.

A 25 year US veteran, Dr. Nicholas combines his expertise in healthcare administration, research and evaluation, and conscious-driven leadership style to drive change and advocate for health equity, access, and justice for all. His commitment to compassion, inclusion, and impactful leadership shines through in all his endeavors, from advancing economic mobility and stability to promoting holistic health equity. Dr. Nicholas is a transformative force, leading the charge toward a more equitable and inclusive future for all. He resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his fur babies King Duke and Queen Tillie.

This week I’m back with my first repeat guest, author, speaker, and DEI advocate Hady Mendez. We’re talking about her new book Calladita No More. The title flips the saying “calladita te ves más bonita” (you’re prettier when you’re quiet), and so does our conversation.

We get into Hady’s journey from leading DEI inside corporate America to carving her own entrepreneurial path, what it really means to advocate for yourself, and why ERGs and cultural identity matter more than ever. Hady also pulls back the curtain on writing and hybrid publishing her book, building a Latina-powered team to make it happen, and the refranes and stories that shaped her voice.

With personal anecdotes, refranes, and heartfelt conversations, this episode offers a deep dive into rethinking identity and the power of speaking out.

00:00 Intro clip

01:03 Introducing Hady Menez

01:36 Hady's Book: Calladita No More

04:16 Understanding DEI and ERGs

06:23 Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth

10:50 Hady's Journey as an Author

16:40 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

17:32 The Evolution of DEI and ERGs

21:43 Navigating Business and Personal Identity

26:39 Power Sessions for Mujeres

30:30 The Book: Calladita No More

31:09 Sharing Stories and Wisdom

32:00 Cultural Identity and Refranes

32:41 The Book's Structure and Purpose

35:35 Navigating Naysayers and Staying True

42:56 Hybrid Publishing Journey

48:09 Building a Supportive Team

50:46 Personal Reflections and Challenges

53:29 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

About Hady Mendez:Hady Mendez is a NY-based bestselling author, Latina speaker, and ERG coach. She currently serves as the Director of Programs for Lean In Latinas. She is also the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, a company that is transforming the professional experiences of underestimated professionals by providing them with the skills to rise and thrive in the corporate world or in whatever path they choose. With a diverse career spanning over twenty-five years, Hady has served as head of equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader and advisor across various ERGs, dedicated two years to working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women internationally, and served as Community School Director at an elementary school in the South Bronx. Hady’s essays have been featured in Business Insider and #WeAllGrow Latina and her thought leadership has been leveraged by organizations such as Lean In Latinas, Power To Fly, Prospanica, and many others. Hady is a Latinas in Tech Luminarias 2022 honoree, a Women of ALPFA 2023 Latinas to Watch, a 2024 LinkedIn Top Coaching & Mentoring Voice, and the recipient of HACE’s 2025 Mujer Maravilla Award.

People say rest is revolutionary, but how often do you take time for yourself? And in the rare case you do stop to take a breath, do you (like me) feel guilty? 

The world is rigged for us to do, do and do. We’ve been told that to get ahead we must  aim higher and work harder than anybody else. The problem starts when our health - physical, mental and emotional - suffers from all of this doing. 

Enter Erayna Sargent, my guest today. 

Erayna is a burnout expert, an author and a speaker. Her company, Hooky Wellness, is focused on bringing much needed relief for people who are in danger of burning out. After a successful career in marketing and innovation for consumer goods and tech companies, Erayna found herself blindsided by burnout. She realized her playbook - the one that told her to work harder - wasn’t working anymore.  What she was doing wasn’t fulfilling her and she didn’t know what was next. So, after a much needed break, she jumped down the entrepreneurship route to help people who, like her, were finding that they needed a better way to manage stress and prevent burnout. 

I sit down with Erayna to talk about her journey, the pillars of mental wellness, tactics for figuring out what’s next and what we can do to take better care of ourselves.

About Erayna Sargent:

Erayna is a dynamic speaker, author, and founder of Hooky Wellness. As a seasoned marketing and innovation leader across diverse industries, including workspace design, consumer goods, and tech, Erayna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

Her commitment lies in empowering high-achieving professionals to proactively identify and address burnout through her program, Navigating Burnout™. This pioneering approach fuses design thinking with mental wellness, establishing a relatable space for self-reflection and connection. Participants emerge equipped to craft personalized burnout relief strategies

Erayna’s expertise has supported thousands of lives across renowned companies including Microsoft, LinkedIn, Google, Netflix, Deloitte, and more. She holds an MBA from Indiana University and is a contributor for Well+Good and has been featured in NPR LifeKit, Thrive Global, Change Catalyst, Architectural Digest, and Balanced Black Girl Podcast. 

Website:

* www.eraynasargent.com

* www.hookywellness.com

Social media:

* LinkedIn

* Instagram: @_ChillSargent

Instagram: @Hookywellness 

Ever found yourself behind the wheel of a car that wasn't yours, metaphorically speaking? It's a ride down a road paved with expectations, signposts pointing towards someone else's dreams, and a destination that feels oddly unsatisfying. That's where Mahdi Davenport found himself, in the driver's seat of a life that was more about pleasing his father than fulfilling his own soul's desires. This week, we peel away the layers of societal shoulds and familial expectations to uncover the raw, unfiltered journey to true soul happiness.

Many of us are driving cars that aren’t meant for us. And it’s hard to realize it but it can also be liberating because — as it happens most times when it comes to personal growth —  once you see it, you can never unsee it. Join me as Mahdi, an enigmatic "Agent of Soul Happiness," shares his transformative story from living a life that was never truly his to discovering his authentic path—his own car, in his own lane. It's a tale of dreams deferred, ego battles, and the ultimate quest for inner peace. 

Mahdi's insights are a beacon for anyone feeling stuck, lost, or disillusioned on their personal or professional journey. He doesn't just share his story; he invites us into a world where the pursuit of happiness is not just a pursuit but a joyful, playful exploration of our deepest selves.

About Mahdi Davenport:

Berwick Mahdi Davenport aka ‘M’ is an Agent of Soul-Happiness on assignment playing the role of the CEO and Co-founder of both the Soul-Focused Group and the Human Solidarity Project.  ‘M’ is the father of three powerful Goddesses that he joyously refers to as his daughters. In short, ‘M’ has been on the job empowering both socially and spiritually conscious leaders to find their way back to soul-happiness. He’s been playing with this for over thirty-three years now. He knows exactly how to transform your work into play. 

You can find Berwick Mahdi Davenport ‘M’ on facebook, LinkedIn and on instagram as soulfocusedM.

My guest today is Karyn Parsons - author, film producer, and the founder of Sweet Blackberry, an award-winning series of children’s animated films and books sharing stories of unsung black heroes in history.  However, you might know her better as the one and only Hilary Banks, the character she played on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

Karyn's leap from the world of acting to becoming an author and the brains behind Sweet Blackberry wasn't something she'd always planned. And that's exactly what we dove into  in our conversation – the beauty and chaos of finding yourself on a path you never expected but realizing it's where you were meant to be all along.

I sit down with Karyn to talk about her journey - a testament to the unexpected paths that open up when we embrace opportunities with an open heart. What struck me the most was how Karyn didn't even consider herself an author until much later in life. It's a powerful reminder that we're not bound by the labels we start with; we can redefine ourselves at any moment. 

In this episode we discuss the grieving period Karyn went through after something as big as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air came to an end; how a friend urged her to sign up for writing classes - something which would eventually change her life; the importance of staying curious and exploring, and how we should all embrace our creativity and not be concerned about what other people think about what we create. 

About Karyn Parsons:

Karyn Parsons is best known as the character “Hilary Banks” on the long-running television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Today, she is the founder of Sweet Blackberry, an award-winning series of children’s animated films and books sharing stories of unsung black heroes in history. The films feature narration from such notable talents as Alfre Woodard, Queen Latifah, Chris Rock, and Laurence Fishburne. They have been screened on HBO and Netflix and are enjoyed by schools and libraries across the country. Karyn has also authored the Sweet Blackberry picture books Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight and Saving The Day, which tells the story of how Garrett Morgan invented the traffic signal. Karyn’s debut novel, How High The Moon, was released in March 2019, her latest novel, Clouds Over California, hit bookshelves in July 2023, and Little, Brown recently acquired Parsons’ new novel, Blue Beach – her YA debut - and is scheduled for a summer 2025 release.

Ever wondered what drives someone to dive into the whirlwind world of politics? I sure have. Personally, I'm all about making a difference from the sidelines. Politics? Not my cup of tea. But I deeply admire those who can juggle the pressures and the puzzles that come with holding office.

Today, I’m chatting with Rafael Espinal. He's one of those brave souls who not only ventured into public service straight out of college but also embraced it wholeheartedly. When the chance to run for City Council popped up, Rafael made a quick decision to go for it. It felt right, a chance to sprinkle a bit of his creative magic on the community he's always called home. However, partway through his second term, a new opportunity presented itself, leading Rafael to transition from his council role to become the Executive Director of the Freelancers Union. This move allowed him to step away from the political fray while continuing to drive impactful work.

In this conversation, we're going to explore Rafael's transition from political life to advocating for freelancers. We'll discuss the importance of self-reflection, the experiences of facing and embracing new challenges, the journey of evolving one's identity, and how creativity plays a crucial role in effective leadership.

About Rafael Espinal:

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Rafael Espinal became New York’s youngest elected official when he joined the State Assembly at age 26. The son of Dominican immigrants who were union members as well as freelancers, Rafael quickly became a leader fighting on behalf of workers, small businesses, artists, low-income communities, and the environment. In 2013, he was elected to the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn’s diverse 37th District.Rafael has been a steadfast advocate for freelancer rights throughout his career. On the City Council, he was an early supporter and a co-sponsor of the first-of-its-kind Freelance Isn’t Free legislation that passed in New York City in 2016, giving freelancers unprecedented protection from nonpayment and late payment. He co-sponsored a bill passed in 2019 to extend protections against harassment and discrimination to independent workers under the City’s Human Rights Law.Rafael’s efforts to ensure worker rights included co-sponsorship of the nation’s first “Right to Disconnect” bill, introduced in New York City in 2019, which would give workers at companies with more than 10 employees the right to not respond to electronic work communications after business hours. As chair of the City Council’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing, he oversaw the implementation of NYC’s successful Paid Sick Leave Law.Rafael’s other legislative accomplishments on the City Council include negotiating a $250 million comprehensive investment plan for his district, one of New York’s most underserved. The New York Times Editorial Board said in 2019, “In a 51-member body, Mr. Espinal has been a standout.” Time Out magazine named him a New Yorker of the Year in 2017 for leading the repeal of New York’s “no dancing” Cabaret Law—which had been used to target black-owned clubs, gay bars, and underground establishments since the Prohibition Era—and the establishment of the city’s new Office of Nightlife.Rafael attended public schools and graduated from Queens College with a degree in English.He served as an adult literacy teacher and as chief of staff for New York City Councilman Erik Martin Dilan before running for elective office.As only the third leader of Freelancers Union since its founding in 1995, Rafael is committed to engaging with freelancers across the country, listening to their concerns, amplifying their voices in important policy debates, and continuing to strengthen and expand a movement that serves a broad spectrum of independent workers and helps them thrive in a fast-changing economy.

“Am I fooling everyone? When will they realize I am not as good as they think, or I don’t know anything, or I’m not good enough?” If these thoughts are familiar then you, like many of us, also suffer from impostor syndrome. 

Now, I’ve talked about impostor syndrome a lot of times in my lifetime. There is so much research behind this phenomenon - everything from how society has created it and why women suffer from it more than men to how it is not a “syndrome” and we should stop pathologizing it. 

The truth is, whatever it is - lack of confidence, a feeling of not belonging, or just plain self-doubt - it is a very common experience. 

I have known this week’s guest for a long time, and if you had told me she had at any point felt these things, I would have been very surprised. Jennefer Witter is a public relations professional and entrepreneur. She’s had a long career and I’ve always known her to be confident, comfortable in any setting, and always ready to help or give advice. She’s certainly been a huge support for me throughout the years. 

And yet, during our conversation Jennefer openly shared her experience with impostor syndrome. For many years after starting her career, Jennefer had to navigate the feeling of not belonging. She did it by working harder than anyone else, taking the clients nobody else wanted to work with and in the end, burning herself out.

I sit down with Jennefer to talk about her experience. We go into burning bridges, reputation, the importance of “fuck you funds” and what you have to think about when you’re considering starting your own business. 

About Jennefer:

Jennefer Witter is the chief executive officer and founder of The Boreland Group Inc., a 21-year-old boutique public relations firm headquartered in New York City. The agency specializes in women-led and minority owned businesses. It was selected by TheStreet.com as one of five Black-owned businesses “making a buzz” nationally.

Jennefer was named one of the country’s“10 most successful Black CEOS and entrepreneurs” by Madame Noire Magazine, and her company was recognized a Black-owned businesses to be “loved by its community and beyond” by ThriveGlobal.

Jennefer is an active public speaker, with presentations to military, trade and academic organizations on implicit bias; inclusive leadership; gender-based workplace conversation; personal branding; inclusive and thought leadership; public speaking; and networking. Venues include: TedX Albany; Tishman Speyer; The Pentagon; The Brookings Institution; Pennsylvania Conference for Women among others. Jennefer has also presented at York Correctional Facility on personal branding to incarcerated women to assist them in business opportunities upon their release.

Jennefer is the author of “The Little Book of Big PR: 100+ Quick Tips to Get Your Small Business Noticed,” published by Amacom/HarperCollins. Her opinion piece on name bias has received, to-date, over 21,000 views on social media platforms. She has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , MTV News , the Associated Press, Bloomberg Radio, MarketWatch Radio Network, Fox5 DC , and WJLA . Her op-ed and articles have appeared in Forbes, Business Insider, New Thinking, Medium, HuffPost and numerous small business publications. Previously, she was the public relations expert for Inc.com TV and a contributor to AOL Small Business. Jennefer is an active member of Ellevate Network, a global networking organization for professional women, and serves as the co-president for the NYC Chapter. She sits on the advisory board for Women inPower, a 92 nd Street Y led venture that seeks to support and promote senior level professional women to C-level positions. She is a mentor to many women in various professional fields. She recently joined the board of directors for Women Owned Law, a non-profit for legal professionals.

Jennefer was formerly a vice president at Ketchum, an award-winning global communications firm. There, she launched a sub-practice that generated one million dollars in revenue in its first year. She represented numerous corporations from Silicon Valley start-ups to Fortune 500 companies such as IBM and FedEx.

Jennefer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Print Journalism) from New York City’s Fordham University. She received a Regents Diploma from Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the country’s premier STEM schools, graduating with an A average. Jennefer holds certificates in DEI and racial equity from, respectively, Cornell University and Northwestern University.

In today’s hustle culture, where we’re always going and busyness is glorified, daring to hit the pause button feels like a rebellious act. Yet, this pause might be exactly what we need in order to show up better for ourselves and others and to unlock the most beautiful and true path for our future selves.

Personally, I’ve been riding a rollercoaster of emotions regarding my own career hiatus and period of introspection. Some days I feel like I deserve this time and enjoy every second of it, others I feel like I’ve thrown my life away. On good days I feel proud to have put myself first, but on bad days I feel guilt and shame for needing this break in the first place.

Enter Daisy Auger-Dominguez, my guest today, who has been on her own journey of reflection, healing and regrouping for the last six months. Unlike my somewhat nebulous idea of what a career break was going to be like, Daisy’s was a meticulous and intentional planned time off.

Daisy spent many years in the corporate world furthering diversity, equity and inclusion at some of the world’s most prestigious companies. Her last role was as the Chief People Officer at Vice Media, a role that left her burnt out and which lead her to what she called her radical sabbatical.

I sit down with Daisy to talk about career breaks, decoding the business world, her book Inclusion Revolution, and the importance of owning your narrative and the impact it can have if you share it with others.

Daisy Auger-Domínguez is a global leader recognized for her expertise in building high-performance cultures and guiding global organizations through business transformations at the leading edge of people and culture. She is the author of Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace and forthcoming book Burned Out to Lit Up: How to Rekindle The Joy of Leading People, and has been featured in Harvard Business Review and IDEAS.TED. A sought-after speaker, Daisy’s TEDX talk, ‘Inclusion Revolution’, inspires and equips audiences to achieve a meaningful and lasting impact. Daisy has led human capital practices at Vice Media, Moody’s Investors Service, The Walt Disney Company, Google, and Viacom.  Her contributions have earned her prestigious honors, including Hispanic Executive's Top 10 Leaders, ADCOLOR Legend award, and the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband and daughter, is a board member of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and also sits on the Board of Trustees at Bucknell University, her alma mater.

To dream big is scary. What if you don’t make it? What if you never get what you yearn for? I know for me, this is a constant struggle - I can’t seem to get out of my own way.

My guest today - Dawn Kelly - did. Once a celebrated PR executive, Dawn's world turned upside down when her role was unceremoniously scrapped. But rather than bowing down to defeat, she channeled her resilience into founding The Nourish Spot, a haven for healthy food in her community.

Dawn's story isn't just about entrepreneurship; it's about reclaiming one's identity and purpose in the face of unforeseen challenges. It's about creating a legacy of health and wellness in a neighborhood starved of fresh, wholesome food options, and in doing so, creating generational wealth for her family. This episode isn't just about leaving a job; it's about confronting fears, embracing new beginnings, and the relentless pursuit of one's passions against all odds.

Dawn Kelly opened the first location of her healthy food and beverage haven in Jamaica, Queens with her two young adult children in September 2017 after a 35+ year public relations and marketing communications career. In February 2024, Kelly and her daughter Jade Duncan joined forces with Radio Hall of Famer Angela Yee to establish The Nourish Spot BK in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn.

In 2019, during Small Business Week, The Nourish Spot, which offers customers the opportunity to customize fresh produce into smoothies, salads, cold pressed juices, sandwich wraps and more was recognized by the Small Business Administration as Microbusiness of the Year, NY District. Kelly, a small business advocate, has received numerous awards for her recent retail business success and community service including recognition by New York State Senator Leroy Comrie as 2020 Distinguished Women of the Year and selection as 1 of 6, statewide, Entrepreneur of the Year by Empire State Development and the Queens Economic Development Corporation.

A graduate of the Interise and Goldman Sachs 10kSB programs, Kelly and her family also partners with non-profit organizations to serve as a culinary and hospitality internship training ground for community youth and neighborhood fair wage employer.

Before taking the entrepreneurial leap, Kelly spent nearly 16 years with Fortune 500 firm,Prudential Financial, where she served in several leadership roles within the Global Communications department.

Hi friends -

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning, "What the heck am I doing with my life?" or pondering the vast expanse of your dreams, only to be paralyzed by the fear of never achieving them — you’re not alone.

After a friend (and past podcast guest) shared with me the documentary Finding Joe, I found myself fascinated by Joseph Campbell’s concepts of the Hero’s Journey and following your bliss. The question of bliss — of finding that thing that makes me get into the flow, that makes me so excited that time becomes eternal — felt incredibly crucial to me at this point in my exploration.

A couple of weeks ago I shared my conversation with Patrice Tanaka, former PR badass turned consultant, whose life purpose is to choose joy in her life every day, to be mindful of that joy and to share that joy with others. So, I figured Patrice was the right person to ask for a little help in this department.

Patrice kindly offered to guide me through crafting my life purpose statement, a process that involved answering some of the most challenging questions I've ever faced. These questions forced me to dig deep, confronting my fears, aspirations, and the essence of who I am. It was an introspective journey that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it was also incredibly rewarding.

Sharing this experience on this minisode is a step towards living my purpose. I hope my story inspires you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and to fearlessly pursue your bliss, whatever that may be.

Sending you hugs, M.

My guest today is Petra Vujaskovic and she is one of my people - she quit her job without a plan. 

After starting her recruiting career in New York at JP Morgan, Petra took a detour and went to Miami. She had plans of working there for a while but in her heart, she knew she should go closer to family, to the place where her parents had come from: Croatia. But, COVID hit so her plans changed for a bit. She had a baby and soon after quit her job and moved half-way around the world.

This conversation was pretty significant for me. Not only do I get to talk  to someone who is going through the “messy middle”  like me, but I also got to hear the truth about motherhood from someone who wants to tell it like it is: it’s thankless, it’s the hardest thing she’s ever had to do, and there is absolutely no performance review in motherhood (which, for someone who thrives on feedback, is a very scary thought.) 

Petra and I dove into everything from the scary thought of "Am I ever going to be hireable again?" to the liberating realization that it's okay not to have all the answers. This episode is for anyone looking for a genuine, down-to-earth talk about the twists and turns of life changes.  So if you're in need of some honest conversation and a few laughs (and don't mind my cold-affected voice), this one's for you.

Patrice Tanaka is on a mission to make the planet more joyful.  I met Patrice through our shared passion of empowering women and girls, and her story has always been one I’ve looked up to because it’s a masterclass in crafting a life that’s not just successful on paper, but also rich in joy and purpose.

Patrice's transition from the fast-paced world of public relations to founding a consultancy dedicated to cultivating joy and purpose is a bold testament to following one's passion. Through our conversation, we explore the essence of finding joy in the mundane and how aligning your work with your core values can transform not just your career, but your overall outlook on life.

This episode isn't just about career changes; it's a deeper dive into the philosophy of living a life that resonates with your innermost desires. We delve into Patrice's journey, her embrace of ballroom dancing as a metaphor for life, and how creating a nurturing work environment can lead to profound personal and professional fulfillment.

Patrice Tanaka is a best-selling author, public speaker on business and life purpose, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of three award-winning, PR & Marketing agencies, and the consultancy, Joyful Planet, focused on building purpose-driven individuals and organizations to help them unleash greater success, fulfillment and joy in their personal lives, workplaces, and communities.   

She is the co-author of the best-selling books, Beat the Curve and Performance360, where she writes about life and organizational purpose.  She is also the author of Becoming Ginger Rogers…How Ballroom Dancing Made Me a Happier Woman, Better Partner and Smarter CEO, a book about her late-life passion for ballroom dancing that resulted from her discovering and actively living her purpose, “To choose joy, be mindful of that joy and share that joy with others.”    

Patrice has been honored by many organizations, including PRWeek (Hall of Fame inductee), Public Relations Society of America (“Paul M. Lund Award for Public Service”), New York Women in Communications (“Matrix” Award), The Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations (“Legacy Award for Mentoring”), PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards (“Excellence in Mentoring” Award), Asian Women in Business (“Entrepreneurial Leadership Award”), Working Mother magazine (“Mothering that Works” Award), Girl Scouts of Greater New York (“Women of Distinction” Award and “Gold Achievement” Gala Honoree), University of Hawaii (“Distinguished Alumni” Award), among others.     

She is Past Co-Chair and now an Advisory Council member of the Diversity Action Alliance, a PR industry-wide coalition of 15 influential organizations committed to action on diversity, equity and inclusion. Patrice has also served as a trustee and volunteer for many organizations committed to serving youth, girl- and women’s leadership development, economic empowerment, gender equity, and social justice.  She is a co-founder of the Asian Pacific American Women’s Leadership Institute in 1995, which is now part of the Center for Asian Pacific American Women where she works with emerging leaders.  Patrice is a vocal advocate for the AANHPI community and co-organizer of the Museum of Public Relations first-ever AAPI Heritage Month celebration, which is now part of its ongoing “Diversity Series.”  

Patrice has lived in New York City for most of her adult life but calls Hawaii “home” and she is committed to living her life with the “Aloha Spirit.”  

Is your self-worth tied to the job you hold, the craft you practice, or the results you deliver?

In this episode, Maricella Herrera sits down with Kira Shishkin, serial entrepreneur and founder of informed, to explore how we measure who we are through our work, why outcomes don’t always equal worth, and what happens in the messy middle of building something new. We also dive into the mental health cost of “trigger news” and how informed is rethinking the way we consume information.

Key Topics:

* The difference between a “job” and a “craft,” and why that distinction matters for self-worth

* How growing up in Ukraine, Israel, and the US shaped Kira’s perspective on truth, trust, and information warfare

* The journey from high finance to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned along the way

* Frameworks for thinking about identity, self-worth, and the risks of tying them to career outcomes

* The “messy middle” of building a company: pivots, doubt, and the blackout moments no one talks about

* The origin story of Informed: why Kira set out to create a bias-free, minimalist news service

* The impact of “trigger news” and clickbait on mental health and polarization

* How Informed curates world-shaping news for everyday people, and the philosophy behind their editorial choices

* The evolution of success: from personal achievement to empowering others

Notable Quotes:

* “You date the solution, you marry the problem.”

* “It’s not about you. It’s about your end customer, your end user, and how you can make their life better.”

* “Trigger news corrupts the mind. It’s not just about information, it’s about how it’s delivered.”

Connect with Us:

* Instagram: @quitmyjobpod

* Email: quitmyjobpod@gmail.com

* Subscribe on Substack for updates and extras

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review!

Last week I shared the beginning of my conversation with Kristy Wallace, former CEO of Ellevate Network. Kristy and I worked together for years, and when she left her role I was the person who stepped into it. 

In last week’s episode we talked a lot about Kristy’s time before the two of us met, how we started our work together and how we survived through COVID.  In this episode we cover Kristy’s time after leaving the job, the team and the company she loved; how she dealt with the change and how she’s figuring out her next steps. 

I hope you enjoy this conversation - there’s lots here. We talk about the importance of acknowledging the humanity in business, navigating your own expectations of yourself, and the beauty and privilege it is to be able to take time to process, get to know yourself and be with your family.

Kristy Wallace and I worked together for almost a decade at Ellevate Network. She was the CEO and I worked with her side by side to bring the company vision to life. We had so much fun building a great team and a great company. Oh, and did I mention we used to co-host a podcast? When Kristy left, I was promoted to CEO, the job I quit a year later and which led me to start this podcast.

Part one of this conversation takes us on a deep dive into the first part of Kristy's career, from finance to tech and the dynamic startup ecosystem. Kristy's experiences in these intense industries, balancing her role as a mother of three (amazing) kids while still looking for career growth and challenges, will certainly resonate with you if you’re  juggling the myth of "having it all."

This episode is a trip down memory lane for me, but it’s also a candid exploration of our mutual decisions to leave the same job. It delves into the nuances of our roles, the unique challenges we faced, and the unspoken truths of female leadership in high-pressure environments.

At its core, this conversation is about the power of trust, respect, and genuine connection in the workplace.

Part two will be out next week!

Hey there, welcome back to another episode of Sh*t I Just Quit My Job!

Today's chat is all about the age-old saying, "It's not personal, it's business." But let's be real, when did we all turn into emotionless robots?

In this episode, we're diving into why blending the personal with the professional is okay, and sometimes it’s actually just what you need. It's the genuine, heartfelt relationships that not only bring joy and fulfillment but also open new doors in our careers. Mixing the personal with the professional can, in fact, be a strategic move. And let’s be honest, have work and life actually been separated since the pandemic? Once you have stared into your colleague’s home through a Zoom window, all bets are off.

Joining me today is the incredible Deena Baikowitz. She's a networking coach, comedian, consultant, and a dancer with a personality that's larger than life. Deena lives by the mantra of having almost no boundaries, openly sharing her dating escapades as part of her brand. But it's not all just fun and games. What really makes Deena stand out is how genuine, authentic, and vulnerable she is.

I sit down with Deena to talk about her journey from being timid and shy to embracing her identity as an extrovert and a 'fireball'. We explore how understanding and owning your strengths can transform your career and personal life. She offers practical advice on personal branding and connecting with people, all wrapped up in her unique, vibrant energy.

Like this interview, and her life, Deena's career has crossed a lot of boundaries. 

Her jobs may seem as eclectic and diverse as the men she dates, but there is one constant theme throughout her work and her life: Empowering People and Creating Strategic Relationships.  (That's two themes, but math isn't Deena's thing.)

Deena's work focuses on and intersects three core areas: The Arts, Business, and Health Care.

From social worker to social butterfly, from pharmaceutical marketing to marketing Broadway shows; from launching health care conferences to launching corporate comedy programs; from coaching and training to comparing networking to dating and sex.

Deena is the director who says "Hey kids, let's get together in the backyard and put on a show!" Except the kids are professionals on business retreats, committee co-chairs,  association members, and her global network of friends and fireballs.

Deena has a gift for developing  and producing mission-driven projects that harness the unique talents of everyone involved. 

She creates experiences that build community, business and career opportunities, and deep friendships.

An extreme extrovert, she talks to strangers in 4.5 languages.

As a self-described power user of dating apps, an extrovert in exile, and diagnosed with ADHD at 52, Deena is not shy about sharing her personal and professional stories to inspire, empower, and entertain. She's not shy about much - and she's a dynamic, hilarious speaker.

In 'boring' business terms, Deena is an established networking coach, branding  and marketing consultant, and strategic partnerships expert. A testimonial from her favorite boss describes her best: "She is a little fireball of energy. Hire her!"

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deenabaikowitz/

Since the moment I left my job I’ve had different moments of high anxiety when I ask myself - how am I going to do this? 

Yes, I left my job knowing I had resources and a way to support myself for a while. I took an intentional break, but I am not naive. I know that at some point I need to get back to the grind. As the months pass, I keep getting more and more nervous. 

My guest today, Tirza Barnes, shook me when she asked me “who told you you need to work to make money?” How’s that for a question. 

Tirza is a a dynamic force in people development, employee training, and leadership development. After a long career in nonprofits,  she left the 9-5 to do her own thing full time. Since then she has found herself stepping out of the box in many aspects of her life - from relationships, to her approach to her health. 

I sit down with Tirza to talk about the importance of breaking free from limiting beliefs, making empowered decisions, and getting rid of the need to listen to others’ opinions. 

Tirza Barnes is the CEO of Tirza Motivates, LLC., a people development, employee training, and leadership consulting company that partners with individuals, corporations, and nonprofits across diverse industries to provide training, development programs, coaching, interactive workshops, and keynote speaking.

With over 28 years of experience, Tirza has trained, consulted, and coached thousands of for-profit and nonprofit professionals. She performs organizational change initiatives and develops strategies to strengthen program design and services. She also creates and conducts workshops on various topics that improve employee performance and increase engagement, including group dynamics, wellness in the workplace, DEI, unconscious racial bias, and its effects.

Before the launch of her business, Tirza served in a leadership capacity as the Director of Training at Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI) and the Senior Professional Development Trainer at the Grace Institute. She also held the Director of Training and Employee Development position at the Goodwill of NY & NJ, where she oversaw training initiatives for over 10,000 employees across the organization.