If you've always been an overachiever, then it really sucks when you hit a wall. And if you hit that wall in one area of your life, it's likely you'll hit the wall...everywhere. That was Jen. She considers herself a successful person - a go-getter, over-achiever, happy-go-lucky person. She has always raised her hand for big things and that resulted in years of her climbing the corporate ladder. And then something happened (hint: she's not alone.) A crappy convergence of sorts. And one that she figured out how to overcome. Erin Hatzikostas sits down with one of her clients, Jen DeSantis, to discuss her life and her recent transformation. Erin asks who "little Jen" was growing up, and how she landed where she is today. She wanted to be a writer, to tell stories, but she also wanted to be a singer - so she pursued both for a while, before deciding on pursuing marketing and business as a more viable career option. Graduating into a less than ideal work climate, she took a job in local real estate for two years before being approached by a marketing company. From there she travelled the world, learning to market to, and work with, international audiences in a corporate environment. After having her first daughter she decided to take a step back. She cut down on the international travel and started work in a more "comfortable" jobs. But she realized, that wasn't her. Jen knew she could do more; she could raise her daughter and push her career simultaneously. So she took a new role in the organization, had a second child, and tried to battle the job market throughout the Covid Crisis. And she still felt stuck and frustrated. That's when she landed at Erin's doorstep. But, before we get onto that, Erin wants to know more about Jen's short musical ventures, starting in college when she was asked to sing for Julie Andrews. Erin then talks about the similarities she has seen in clients and at what stage of their lives/career they approached her. Which leads her to asking Jen why she approached Erin for advice. (It helps that Erin isn't a robot and actually takes the time to reply in person.) Erin discusses how she knows when a client has "it": the potential and talent she can see in people, and how quickly she saw this in Jen. They talk through Jen's first group coaching session, the up's and downs, and Jen getting real in front of strangers. Jen goes on to explain how she used everything she learned from Erin to go for her dream job and secure it, and how happy she is now. Erin asks Jen whether she has any insights or thoughts for the listeners. Jen explains she wants her daughter to be proud of her, and that really motivates her to keep pushing herself. They end by discussing the importance of having coaching and guidance in life, and how facing challenges with a strong network, friends, and coaches, is key to being successful in what you want to achieve. Linkedin: Jen DeSantis If you like jammin' with us on the podcast, b sure to join us for more fun and inspiration! Here are some options... Check out the b BRILLIANT career coaching program @ b Cause Podcast Facebook group @ We even sare more crazy stuff here (you probably thought that was impossible). Take our simple, fun and insightful "What Kind of Dog Are You At Work?" by going to We have so much fun stuff going on...we wouldn't want you to miss out - join the authenticity movement and our community by adding your email just about anywhere @ Check out our blog for more of our no-BS career advice @ We have fun and inspiring t-shirts @ DISCLAIMER: This episode is not explicit, though contains mild swearing that may be unsustainable for younger audiences. Tweetable Comments: "I kept falling into the shadow of my father." "How do I make my own name, so they remember me?" "I have the same birthday as her, so we are connected no matter what." "Working hard, raising your hand, being bold...those things only take you so far." "It was 10pm on a Friday night, and you replied...so I'm like, ok, she's real." "I could tell you were going to help me vocalize what I was thinking." "If you want to be a leader, you have to get into a role that is 50% uncomfortable." "I hate this. This is not me. This is not what I set out to be." "I truly brought my authentic self to that call." "You said, 'Jen, describe yourself in one word.' And I said, 'Unsupported!' And then I burst into tears." "I've only had three breakdowns in my life. And that was one of them." "Yes! I got the job!" "I wanted my own thing, whatever that would be. But I forgot I could do my own thing." "We've been celebrating change. Like really celebrating change." "I want her to be so proud of me that she want to be like me." "Getting through life, getting through these challenges, cannot be done alone."