The Career Breakers Show – Details, episodes & analysis

Lea Pandozzi is a Career Breaker.

She’s also my oldest friend—we go way back to 3rd grade!

Lea began her career in higher education before making a bold pivot into big tech. At Amazon, she didn’t just follow a set path—she carved out her own, moving from recruiting into an executive business partner role where she could put her strengths to work.

When the work no longer felt fulfilling, she chose to step away without a job lined up.

That pause created space for new opportunities, including a career pivot into business operations at Boeing. When company-wide layoffs hit—through no fault of her own—Lea once again found herself facing uncertainty and leaned on what she’d learned to choose her next step with intention.

In this episode, Lea shares how embracing both pivots and pauses helped her get clear on what she wants from work and life. We talk about working through the guilt of not having a job, making space for rest and joy during a job search, and staying grounded when plans change.

Lea’s story shows how stepping away can give you the clarity and confidence to move forward on your own terms.

Listen in as she reflects on her career journey and the choices that helped her find a better path—and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers redefining how we work.

Notes:

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠

/ Lea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-pandozzi-1b945531/

/ Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Murillo Sorensen is a Career Breaker.

After working for over a decade in higher education and making a bold leap into the tech world, Murillo was hit with not one, but two unexpected layoffs. What could have been a moment of defeat turned into an opportunity for clarity, creativity, and growth.

In this episode, Murillo shares how his career breaks gave him space to reconnect with his identity beyond work—embracing his lifelong love of storytelling and writing. During his time away from full-time roles, he enrolled in a creative writing course, finished the first draft of a novel, and leaned into a fuller version of himself: writer, educator, gardener, and lifelong learner.

Murillo offers honest insight into navigating layoffs, rebuilding confidence, and redefining success on your own terms. His story is a powerful reminder that we are more than our job titles. And sometimes, a pause is exactly what we need to find what’s next.

Tune in to hear Murillo’s inspiring story of curiosity, resilience, and reinvention. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Murillo.

Notes:

Did you enjoy this episode? Follow along and help others find the show! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Or Buy Me a Coffee I can sip while I produce the next great episode, here: buymeacoffee.com/adrianejones⁠

/ Murillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soranso/

/ Murillo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readingwithmurillo/

/ book: Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://tinyurl.com/47m3cfy5

/ Connect with Adriane | Email: ⁠adriane@adrianeejones.com⁠ or LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianejones/⁠

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Anita Guru is a Career Breaker.

After years of building a successful career in corporate learning and development, Anita found herself facing a personal mental health crisis. Burnout, stress, and exhaustion had taken their toll, forcing her to confront a difficult truth—her career was no longer sustainable.

In this episode, Anita shares how she made the courageous decision to step away, prioritize her well-being, and reimagine what success truly meant. Through deep reflection and healing, she found her way to work that aligns with her values. Now, as an occupational psychologist turned coach, public speaker, and therapist-in-training, Anita is dedicated to helping others navigate their own well-being and career journeys.

Anita offers powerful insights on honoring your own needs, overcoming the fears of leaving corporate life, and embracing a more fulfilling path. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning what really matters, this conversation is for you.

Tune in to hear Anita’s inspiring story of self-discovery, courage, and transformation. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Anita.

Notes:

Anita’s website:https://anitagurumindcoach.com/

Anita on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_themindcoach_

Anita on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitaguru

Connect with Adriane | Email: adriane@adrianeejones.com or on LinkedInhere. 

Did you enjoy this episode? Help others find it! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Or show your support by buying me a coffee ⁠here⁠⁠. Thank you for listening!

Brea Starmer is a Career Breaker.

After being laid off while pregnant, Brea faced a crossroads that ultimately reshaped her career and the future of work for many others. With a background in tech marketing, startups, and consulting, she found herself piecing together short-term projects to fund her own maternity leave—an experience that sparked the idea for her company,Lions + Tigers.

In this episode, Brea shares how her career break became a launchpad for entrepreneurship. She opens up about navigating job loss during pregnancy, embracing flexible work, and foundingLions + Tigers to connect high-caliber talent with meaningful opportunities. Her company is built on the philosophy of “highest and best use,” helping professionals find fulfilling work that aligns with their skills, passions, and life needs.

Brea’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of reimagining work on your own terms. Whether you’re considering a career break, navigating uncertainty, or exploring flexible work, this conversation is full of inspiration and practical insights.

Tune in to hear Brea’s journey and follow for more stories from boldCareer Breakers like her.

Notes

Lions & Tigers

Lions & Tigers Playbook:Playbook for avoiding The All Or Nothing Workplace 

Lions & Tigers on LinkedIn

⁠The Career Breakers Club⁠: peer networking group for people who are reimagining work and reigniting fulfillment *Join the Waitlist Now*

⁠The Career Breakers Show⁠: A hub forThe Career Breakers Show

Connect with Adriane by emailingadriane@adrianeejones.com on Linkedin⁠here⁠. 

Did you enjoy this episode? Help others find it! Subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Or show your support by buying me a coffeehere⁠.

Adriane Jones is a Career Breaker.

In this special season finale of The Career Breakers Show, Adriane, the host and creator of the podcast, takes the guest seat to reflect on her own career break journey. Burnt out and dissatisfied, Adriane made the bold decision to step away from her career in 2024—a move that became a transformative chapter in her life.

Joined by Kim Middleton, a fellow Career Breaker and guest from Episode 2, who steps into the host seat, Adriane dives into her evolving understanding of what it means to be a “career breaker.” She shares key lessons learned about rest, identity, and fulfillment beyond work, offering a fresh perspective on how breaking free from a career doesn’t always mean stepping away completely.

Adriane also reveals exciting plans for The Career Breakers Show and the launch of The Career Breakers Club, a peer networking group designed for those reimagining work and reigniting fulfillment.

Tune in to hear Adriane’s heartfelt conversation about embracing change, redefining success, and creating a career—and a life—that truly serves you. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Adriane.

Notes:

• The Career Breakers Club: peer networking group for people who are reimagining work and reigniting fulfillment *Join the Waitlist Now*
• The Career Breakers Show: A hub for The Career Breakers Show
• Amelia Hruby of Softer Sounds: Podcast advisor
• Tricia Hersey: Author of Rest is Resistance
• This Book Made Me Podcast: Kim Middleton's Podcast on books

Connect with Adriane on Linkedin here or Support the Show by buying me a coffee here.

THANK YOU LISTENERS & GUESTS OF SEASON 1! Can't wait to be back with you all in February 2025!

-A

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Allison Whaley is a Career Breaker.

After spending over a decade in product marketing for VC-funded FinTech startups, Allison rose to a director role and became a sought-after industry speaker. Yet, she reached a point where success, as traditionally defined, no longer resonated.

About a year ago, Allison courageously stepped away from her career without another job lined up to redefine what success looks like and explore her true passions.

In this episode, Allison shares how her career break became a turning point for self-discovery and empowerment. Through thoughtful reflection and a structured framework, she uncovered her entrepreneurial dream: Bothered Stories, a platform for high-quality smutty short fiction designed to bring joy and empowerment to women.

Allison offers practical advice for anyone considering a career break, emphasizing the value of redefining your goals, trusting your inner voice, and taking bold steps toward alignment and joy.

Tune in to hear Allison’s inspiring journey of courage, creativity, and purpose.

And follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Allison.

Learn more about Allison's work at Bothered Stories.

Find Allison on LinkedIn here.

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Avni Shah is a Career Breaker.

After spending 18 years at Google working on iconic products like Search, Chrome, Maps, and Google for Education, Avni made the bold decision to take a career break. Initially planning for a short pause, her time away has stretched into nearly three years of reflection, renewal, and self-discovery.

In this episode, Avni shares how stepping away from her career gave her the space to explore what she truly wants in life, reconnect with her values, and dive into new interests like chronic pain research. She opens up about the fears and uncertainty that came with leaving her identity as a leader at Google, and how tools like the Design Your Life framework helped her focus on health, joy, and connection during her break.

Avni offers practical advice for anyone considering a career break, including the importance of trusting your future self, experimenting with new paths, and pausing regularly to redefine personal success.

Tune in to hear Avni’s inspiring journey of growth and transformation.

Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Avni.

Interested in breaking free from your career? Join The Career Breakers Club community for resources, events, and more! LAUNCHING SOON! Join the waitlist for an exclusive invite at www.thecareerbreakersclub.com.

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Lila Cantor is a Career Breaker.

After navigating a layoff from her role in tech, Lila faced a moment of uncertainty that ultimately became an opportunity for growth. With a background spanning healthcare, tech, and leadership, she chose to take a step back, reflect on her career path, and prioritize her well-being.

In this episode, Lila shares how her break allowed her to grieve the loss of her previous role, focus on self-care, and uncover new possibilities. After her break,  she built a personal brand and launched her own coaching practice to help others navigate their career transitions.

Lila offers powerful insights for anyone considering a career break, emphasizing the importance of trusting your intuition, embracing rest, and finding joy in new beginnings.

Tune in to hear Lila’s inspiring story of resilience and reinvention. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Lila.

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Vale Jokisch is a Career Breaker.

After years of leadership in the social and environmental impact space, Vale found herself facing burnout, personal loss, and a desire to be more present for her family. Encouraged by a friend’s reminder that she’s irreplaceable at home but not at work, Vale made the courageous decision to step away from her executive role and take a break.

In this episode, Vale shares how she structured her break intentionally—focusing on family, local volunteering, creative pursuits, and training for a triathlon. A pivotal Designing Your Life workshop helped her reflect on her strengths and discover a new path in consulting, a career that aligns her skills with a healthier work-life balance.

Vale offers thoughtful advice for anyone considering a career break, emphasizing the importance of reflection, intention, and growth—even in small moments.

Tune in to hear Vale’s inspiring story of transformation and learn how taking a break can lead to a fulfilling and balanced future. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Vale.

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Shannon Kenyon is a Career Breaker.

After realizing that her role no longer aligned with her vision as a leader, Shannon took the courageous step to leave her job and refocus on what truly mattered. During her break, she launched her “coffee project”—a unique approach to networking that allowed her to explore new possibilities and ultimately led her to a rewarding career in learning and development.

In this episode, Shannon shares the highs and lows of her journey, from overcoming anxiety and navigating the “yoga pants phase” of self-doubt, to finding support through mentorship and coaching. Now thriving in a role that aligns with her goals, Shannon reflects on the dreams she’s achieved and offers insights for others seeking a path that aligns with their values.

Tune in to hear Shannon’s story of resilience and rediscovery. Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Shannon.

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