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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Erica Davis is a Career Breaker. 

After nearly two decades in healthcare leadership, Erica found herself feeling burnt out and unfulfilled, craving a life more centered around family, health, and her own well-being.

She took a brave step back from her corporate role to explore her passions and priorities, embarking on a four-month sabbatical to reconnect with what truly mattered. During her time off, Erica focused on family, mountain biking, and discovering her calling in wellness coaching. This led her to launch Wellness With Erica, where she supports women in achieving healthier, more balanced lives.

By using her paid time off and working part-time, Erica thoughtfully built a financial safety net to ease her transition into her new venture. She now encourages others to consider taking a pause before burnout to find clarity on their own paths.

Tune in to hear Erica’s journey of reflection, resilience, and building a career that aligns with her passions and priorities.

Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories of bold Career Breakers like Erica!

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Alison Tierney is a Career Breaker.

After reaching a leadership role, Alison realized the traditional career path wasn’t bringing her the fulfillment she had envisioned. 

She took a courageous step and embraced a career break to rediscover what truly brings her joy in both work and life. 

During her break, Alison navigated the anxieties and self-doubt that can come with stepping away.

Through community involvement, volunteering, and a focus on patience and self-discovery, Alison gained new clarity on what matters most in her career. Now, as the Director of Inclusive Business Partnerships at WSP, she is deeply engaged in work that aligns with her values and passions.

Tune in to hear Alison’s journey of self-reflection, resilience, and finding a new path that honors her passions and priorities.

Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories of bold Career Breakers like Alison!

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Rebecca Magee is a Career Breaker.

After years working in social impact and corporate social responsibility, Rebecca took not one but two intentional career breaks, each one reshaping how she thought about success, safety, and sustainability in her work.

In this episode, she shares the story of her first break in her twenties, which helped her move from nonprofit work into a dream role in sustainable fashion. Years later, burned out and feeling ready for something new, she made the bold move to ask for a layoff so she could start her own business.

Rebecca talks about what it takes to listen to your gut, how to navigate uncertainty when plans change, and the importance of community and self-trust on the path to entrepreneurship.

Today, she runs Sister Seasons, where she supports changemakers and mission-driven organizations in building healthier, more human ways of working, grounded in the natural cycles of the body and the planet.

Listen in to hear Rebecca’s thoughtful and empowering journey. And follow the show for more stories from bold Career Breakers like her.

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

/Rebecca's website: https://www.sisterseasons.com/

/ Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalmagee/

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Cecile Oreste is a Career Breaker.

With a marketing and communications career spanning non-profit arts organizations in cities across the globe, Cecile has always valued travel and exploration. After reflecting on her career during the pandemic, she made the bold decision to take an extended break—traveling for a year and a half with her partner while working part-time remotely.

Cecile's break led her to embrace a new perspective on work-life balance, challenging the idea that career success is tied to title or salary. By living on a modest budget and working 10-15 hours a week, she discovered the freedom to explore new places while also redefining her relationship with work.

Her story highlights the power of stepping away to gain clarity on your priorities and create a lifestyle that aligns with your values.

Tune in to hear Cecile’s inspiring journey of international travel, self-discovery, and redefining success.

Listen now and follow for more bold Career Breakers like Cecile!

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Colby Nichols is a Career Breaker.

After co-founding and running a successful design studio for 12 years, Colby found himself at a crossroads. Burnt out and no longer connected to his "why," he knew something had to change. Overwhelmed by the challenges of entrepreneurship and the added stress of the pandemic, Colby made the courageous decision to step away from his work for a year-plus-long break.

That decision marked the start of Colby’s journey to slow down, let go of productivity pressures, and embrace the uncertainty of not knowing what was next. During his time off, Colby reconnected with his creativity, allowed himself space to just "be," and found new clarity on his path forward.

Today, Colby is thriving in a role that reignited his passion—Art Director at Magic: The Gathering in the gaming industry. His story is a testament to the power of taking a break, processing burnout, and rediscovering a renewed sense of purpose.

Tune in to hear Colby’s inspiring story of stepping away, navigating uncertainty, and finding his way back to fulfilling work.

Listen now and follow for more bold Career Breakers like Colby!

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Megan Leatherman is a Career Breaker.

After working in a burnout-inducing HR job, Megan knew she needed a change. She left her corporate role in Boston and moved back to Oregon. Though she had no idea what she wanted to do next, she was certain of one thing: she couldn't continue down the same path.

That leap marked the beginning of Megan’s journey to realign her work with nature’s cycles and break away from capitalism’s relentless push for productivity. During a second career break in late 2019/2020, Megan gained even deeper clarity on her purpose after observing all that was going on in the world at the time.

Through these pauses, she not only reassessed her own life but also deepened her understanding of capitalism’s impact on the way we work and live. Now, Megan helps others see that our constant drive to produce isn’t natural, teaching people how to navigate the pressures of capitalism while reclaiming the freedom to step back and breathe.

Tune in to hear Megan’s powerful story and learn how taking a natural pause can lead to the clarity you need to move forward into a more fulfilling career.

Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Megan!

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Chris Coladonato is a Career Breaker.

After years of thriving in corporate talent development, Chris Coladonato felt a growing sense of unfulfillment and knew it was time for a change. Taking a courageous leap, she stepped away from her corporate career to launch her own consulting business, only to find herself replicating the same patterns she sought to escape. It wasn’t until she attended a transformative retreat that Chris discovered her true calling: guiding others to reconnect with themselves through nature.

Now a certified forest bathing guide, Chris leads immersive experiences that help people unplug from the hustle of everyday life and rediscover what truly matters.

Tune in to hear Chris’s inspiring journey and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling career path.

Listen now and follow for more uplifting stories from bold Career Breakers like Chris!

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Kim Middleton is a Career Breaker.

After achieving tenure as a professor early in her career, Kim found herself unfulfilled and ready for a change. She took a bold step by moving across the country for a new role in academic administration, but it wasn’t until she took a sabbatical that she discovered a more meaningful path. Today, Kim works in a museum, where she feels more aligned with her values and purpose.

Tune in to hear Kim’s powerful story and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to a career that truly fulfills you.

Listen now and follow for more inspiring stories from bold Career Breakers like Kim!

SHOW NOTES

• Kim's Podcast: This Book Made Me Podcast
• Martha Beck book: Way of Integrity
• Giving an A story: The Art of Possibility

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Ha Nguyen is a Career Breaker.

She has taken two purposeful career breaks that ultimately led to a more meaningful and fulfilling career. Today, she leads a portfolio career, the result of stepping back and asking herself, "What is the life I want to lead next?" She then visualized that life and took small, intentional steps to make it a reality.

Tune in to hear Ha’s inspiring story and learn how you too can take steps toward creating a career that aligns with the life you want to lead next.

Listen now and follow for more stories of bold Career Breakers like Ha!

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The Career Breakers Show - Coming Soon!

Welcome to The Career Breakers Show trailer! Discover real stories of people who paused their careers and experienced remarkable transformations, inspiring you to reimagine your own career journey.

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Jared Perry is a Career Breaker.

Jared had been thinking about launching his own business for a while. When he was laid off from his role at a tech startup, it became the catalyst to move forward with a plan he’d already been quietly building - the launch of his fractional Chief of Staff business.

In this episode, Jared shares how he navigated that in-between time by validating his business idea through unpaid work, rebuilding confidence, and creating structure - all with a baby on the way. He talks about staying focused on his vision, even when full-time opportunities came his way, and how he's now supporting early-stage founders in a way that aligns with his strengths and values.

Jared’s story offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone exploring a more flexible, intentional path. He reminds us that you don’t need all the answers to begin, you just have to start.

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

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

/ Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejaredperry/

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Lakshmi Narayanee is a Career Breaker.

After a successful career in big tech, including nearly a decade at Amazon, Lakshmi found herself feeling disconnected and uninspired. Despite being on a promising career trajectory, she knew something needed to change. So, she made the bold decision to take what she calls a "slowbatical," an intentional break to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with herself

Her journey began with a one-way flight to Bali, where she embarked on an "Eat, Play, Love" adventure. There, she leaned into rest, creativity, and human connection, and gave herself permission to just be. Eventually, Lakshmi went back to Amazon to see if a break was enough or if she needed a complete shift, and that experiment confirmed it was time to leave.

Now living in Brooklyn, Lakshmi is building something entirely new—a digital movement rooted in creativity and play.

In this episode, Lakshmi opens up about managing anxiety when stepping away from the familiar and how creativity can be a powerful antidote to loneliness. Plus, she leads a playful exercise to help spark wonder and imagination.

Tune in to hear Lakshmi’s inspiring story of curiosity, reinvention, and building a life on her own terms. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Lakshmi.

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

/ Lakshmi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshminarayanee/

/ Lakshmi on Instagram: once.upon.a.grid

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Tiffany LeNoir is a Career Breaker.

After building a successful career in software sales, Tiffany hit a wall of burnout at 30 and realized that even high-paying jobs could feel like dead ends. She took a bold step back, quitting her job and spending the summer scooping ice cream and making greeting cards—giving herself space to reset and explore what truly mattered to her.

In this episode, Tiffany shares how her five-month career break helped her redefine success, embrace failure as a stepping stone, and ultimately find a role that aligns with her values. Now, as the Head of Sales at Keep Company, she’s using her skills in a way that supports working parents and caregivers while making a meaningful impact.

Tiffany also reflects on her experience as a Division I soccer player, drawing parallels between pushing her body in athletics and pushing through career challenges. Her journey is a reminder that taking a break doesn’t mean stepping back—it means stepping into a future that works for you.

Tune in to hear Tiffany’s inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and finding fulfillment beyond the traditional career path. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Tiffany.

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.

/ Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanylenoir/

/Tiffany’s Email: Tiffany@keep-company.com

/Tiffany’s Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mamamadetime/?etsrc=sdt

/Tiffany’s Kickstarter:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mamamadetime/mama-made-time

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Yue Zhao is a Career Breaker.

Yue began her career in management consulting before transitioning into product leadership, first at startups and later at tech giants like Meta and Instagram. From the start, she approached her career as a series of stepping stones, intentionally seeking out experiences that would expand her skills and leadership abilities.

But when her life and priorities shifted, Yue realized it was time to design a career that aligned with what she valued most, time with her family and the vibrancy of living in Barcelona. That decision led her to coaching, where she now helps women and minorities unlock their potential and accelerate growth to executive levels, guiding them through intentional career transitions with the same strategic approach that shaped her own path.

In this episode, Yue shares how she strategically built her career in tech, the mindset shifts that helped her embrace change, and the importance of designing work around what truly matters. Her story is a powerful example of how career breaks don’t always mean stopping, they can be a shift toward something even more fulfilling.

Tune in now to hear Yue’s journey of designing a career on her own terms and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Yue.

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.

/ Yue's website: https://www.yuezhao.coach/

/ Yue on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuezhao/

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Barrett Brooks is a Career Breaker.

After years of helping scale ConvertKit from $3M to $30M in revenue as COO, Barrett found himself at a crossroads where he felt underutilized, overworked, and disconnected from his family. Instead of pushing through, he made a bold decision: to step away without a clear next move, but with the conviction that there had to be something better.

In this episode, Barrett shares how he approached his transition with intention, from open conversations with his wife about stress and finances to the logistics of stepping away from a leadership role. He dives into the career experiments he pursued, the uncertainties he faced, and how he ultimately found his way to coaching creative entrepreneurs.

Barrett’s story is a powerful reminder that leaving a successful career path isn’t failure, it’s an opportunity to redefine success on your own terms.

Tune in to hear Barrett’s journey of reinvention, career exploration, and embracing work that truly aligns with his gifts. Listen now and follow for more stories from bold Career Breakers like Barrett.

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.

Barrett’s website: https://barrettbrooks.com/

The Second Mountain by David Brooks (book): https://tinyurl.com/yypkdb3e

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Janis Vogel is a Career Breaker. 

After navigating the high-stress demands of New York City’s film industry, the challenges of motherhood, and the profound impact of the pandemic, Janis transformed her journey - not by leaving her passion behind, but by reimagining her approach. 

Now, she artfully integrates coaching with film editing, choosing projects that inspire her, like her recent work on AppleTV’s "Severance."

In this episode, Janis shares how she balanced her evolving career, embraced gradual transitions through personal challenges such as divorce and career pivots, and built a coaching practice that honors her creative spirit. 

Tune in now to hear Janis' inspiring story of redefining career success.

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."

Janis’ website: https://www.janisvogel.com/

Janis’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janis-vogel/

Janis on Substack: https://substack.com/@janisvogel

Janis on Insight Timer: https://insighttimer.com/janisvogel

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

Thank you for listening! ❤️

Brittney Van Matre is a Career Breaker.

After spending nearly 12 years at Nike leading consumer and employee experience initiatives, Brittney reached a turning point—climbing the corporate ladder no longer felt fulfilling. The pandemic, along with personal losses, gave her the push she needed to walk away, even without a clear next step.

In this episode, Brittney shares how she embraced uncertainty, giving herself permission to pause, reflect, and even experience boredom as a gift in her transition. Through a period of exploration and experimentation, she launched Rewild Work Strategies, a business that blends systems thinking with human-centric, nature-based leadership approaches. Today, she’s running Rewild Work Strategies while also pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology with a focus on adventure-based therapy and helping others navigate career pivots through coaching and a Maven course.

Brittney offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a major career shift, emphasizing the importance of trusting yourself, stepping off the traditional path, and finding meaning in unexpected places.

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

Notes:

Britney’s website: https://rewild.work/

Brittney’s email: brittney@rewild.work

Brittney’s Maven course: https://maven.com/brittney-van-matre/career-pivots

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

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! ❤️