Wondering if it’s time to leave your job, launch your business, or finally take that big leap?

In this powerful episode, I talk with Mary Rombaut, startup founder and working mom of three, about how to overcome fear, escape toxic work environments, and take bold, intentional steps in your career. Within just 12 months, Mary made two major career changes while raising young children—and built her company Recommenda to help entrepreneurs make smarter marketing tech decisions.

We explore how to let go of what’s no longer serving you, how to balance career and personal life, and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or simply at a crossroads in your professional journey, this conversation will challenge you to face your fears—and take action.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to recognize fear and self-doubt as the biggest barriers to career growth
• How to leave a toxic job without guilt—and why job tenure isn’t always a strength
• Mary’s mindset and system for managing time and energy while launching a startup
• Why mission-driven leadership and intentional career moves matter more than ever
• How to ask for help, build your village, and lean into support as a leader
• Advice for new entrepreneurs and leaders considering their next big career step
• The importance of self-belief, personal investment, and strategic decision-making
• How to balance being a parent, professional, and startup founder without burning out
• And more!

“Fall into your fears. You have to own them—you have to acknowledge them. The sooner you start falling into them, the growth and the amazing achievements are really going to start.” – Mary Rombaut

 

 What's Stopping You From Taking the Next Step?

Listen now and start taking action on your next bold move-–and share with a friend who’s stuck in indecision or dreaming about something bigger.

 

**Useful links**

• Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Mary:
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-rombaut-ed-d-363bb621
  • Reommenda: www.yourrecommenda.com
  • R-Squared Solutions: www.r-squaredsolutionsllc.com 
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@yourrecommenda 
• Mary’s current read: The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir
• If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy 
• Catch the show notes, and more details about today's episode here: https://tonicollis.com/episode247
• Check us out on Youtube.
• Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.