Join Amy P Wilkins on Thriving in the Messy Middle as she shares insights on the pressures that come with leadership roles when we find ourselves in the "messy middle" of our careers and lives. This state is typified by transitions, challenges, and complexities that can often lead to confusion and self-doubt. Many individuals report feeling "off" or lost in their roles, yet often struggle to name these sensations explicitly. Most people aren't lacking motivation or capability. They are lacking language. This observation highlights the importance of naming one's experiences without self-judgment, enabling a more accurate understanding of one's current state. By developing this language, leaders can resist the urge to rush through transitions and acknowledge what Amy describes as the Messy Middle Archetype™.

Drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients, Amy introduces the Messy Middle Archetype™ as a framework for naming these seasons of uncertainty and change. Amy guides listeners to recognize where they stand, encouraging identification and fostering self-compassion. She explores six archetypes women often experience: Juggler, Restless Achiever, Quietly Burning Out, Dreamer, Rising Leader, and Seeker. Each archetype represents a unique stage of growth or challenge, offering opportunities for personal reflection and development. Tune into this thought-provoking episode to discover how naming your archetypes provides a burst of clarity and inspiration in your leadership journey and leads to meaningful action.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding your Messy Middle Archetype™ can bring clarity, fostering self-compassion as you navigate life's transitions.
• Whether you are a Juggler, Restless Achiever, or another archetype, recognizing and naming your experience can provide insight into your leadership journey.
• Language matters: Developing a language to express where leaders find themselves can help eliminate judgment.
• Energy focus over intensity: Emphasizing steadiness, presence, and self-trust can empower leaders to make meaningful and sustainable changes in their roles.

Quotes

Thriving isn't about perfection. It's about growth.You may recognize yourself in one archetype. You may hear pieces of yourself in several. You may move between them over time.What would happen if I stopped doing something? And why do I believe I can't? - On the Juggler archetype Confidence doesn't automatically arrive with the title.- On the Rising Leader archetype The Seeker's work is awareness and willingness.- On the Seeker archetypeEach archetype offers an invitation to AWE, awareness of where you are, and willingness to honor what's true without the story we add to it.