Today’s guest is Hillary Spiritos (Millennial) — a pathfinding coach and founder of Bat Outta Hell, where she helps young adults find the courage, creativity, and resilience to build lives that feel authentic, invigorating, and meaningful.

A former university advisor at Duke, NYU, and Northeastern, Hillary has guided countless students and early professionals through crossroads moments — from choosing a major to choosing themselves. Her work now focuses on helping Millennials and Gen Zers define success on their own terms, navigate anxiety about the future, and trust that their unique paths can lead to purpose.

In this conversation, Yo and Hillary explore how social media, uncertainty, and shifting definitions of success are shaping a new generation — and why trusting yourself might just be the most radical act of all.

✨ In this episode, we cover:

• The challenges today’s young adults face — from cynicism to social media overload

• How to redefine success based on your values, not your title or salary

• How social media can inspire and overwhelm — and how to use it intentionally

• The difference between satisfaction and success

• Why authenticity is the new currency of connection

  
  

⏱️ Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Hillary Spiritos
00:33 – The mission behind Bat Outta Hell
01:59 – From college advising to pathfinding: how it began
03:55 – Empowering Millennials and Gen Z to create change
07:55 – What makes this generation’s challenges unique
09:51 – The role of anxiety and cynicism in today’s world
15:26 – Redefining success through your own values
21:11 – Is social media friend or foe?
27:15 – Why authenticity beats perfection online
30:09 – Navigating a tough job market with resilience
35:27 – Facing fear, failure, and the courage to try

💡 Key Takeaways

• You define success — not your title, salary, or feed.

• Awareness turns social media from a trap into a tool.

• Courage grows through action, not perfection.

• You don’t have to follow the rules — you can write your own.

• The world needs your authentic voice.

  
  

📚 About Hillary Spiritos

Hillary Spiritos, M.A., C.L.C. is a pathfinding coach and founder of Bat Outta Hell, where she helps young adults and early-career professionals overcome fear and self-doubt to create meaningful, sustainable lives. She holds degrees from Duke University and NYU, has lived abroad, and led workshops on resilience, leadership, and thriving through rejection and change.

🌐 batoutahell.net

📸 Instagram & TikTok: @bat.outa_hell

💌 Store Highlight

Hillary’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is “Celebrate — Life’s Too Short to Act Normal.”It’s a joyful reminder to embrace your quirks, follow your own rules, and celebrate the life you’re creating — one bold step at a time.
Explore guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop.

📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host

🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com
📸 Instagram: @yocanny
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny